Description
Hearty Creamy Beef Shells Casserole brings together tender pasta shells and savory ground beef in a creamy, cheesy sauce. Warm and satisfying, this classic comfort dish delivers a delicious meal perfect for family dinners you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 2 cups (200g) cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup (100g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 12 oz (340g) pasta shells, medium
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) tomatoes, diced, undrained
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup, condensed
- ½ cup (120 ml) beef broth
- ½ cup (120g) sour cream
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsps parsley, fresh, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat oven to 375F (190C) and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray for optimal non-stick performance.
- Pasta Foundation: Cook pasta shells in rapidly boiling water until al dente, then drain thoroughly, setting aside for subsequent layering.
- Meat Transformation: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown ground beef with onions, meticulously breaking meat into fine crumbles. Introduce minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, then drain excess fat to ensure a clean, robust flavor profile.
- Sauce Symphony: Blend diced tomatoes, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, sour cream, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper into a harmonious sauce. Simmer the mixture for 5-7 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.
- Casserole Assembly: Gently combine cooked pasta shells with the beef sauce, ensuring complete flavor integration. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, creating an even, inviting landscape.
- Cheese Crescendo: Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella across the top, creating a luxurious molten cheese canopy.
- Baking Finale: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until cheese melts into a golden, bubbling masterpiece. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve piping hot, capturing the essence of comfort cuisine.
Notes
- Pasta Perfection: Slightly undercook shells by 1-2 minutes to prevent mushiness during baking, ensuring a delightful al dente texture.
- Fat Management: Drain beef thoroughly to prevent excess grease, which could make the casserole soggy and heavy.
- Cheese Melting Technique: Let cheese rest for 5 minutes after baking to achieve optimal melt and prevent immediate separation.
- Dietary Flexibility: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option, or use plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg