Creamy Beef Shells Casserole

Get ready to fall in love with this Creamy Beef Shells Casserole—it’s comfort food at its finest. Think of it as a warm, cheesy embrace that wraps around perfectly cooked pasta, savory ground beef, and a creamy sauce that ties everything together. Each bite is packed with flavor, and the melted cheese on top? It’s the cherry on top of this satisfying dish. Trust me, this casserole is going to be a regular in your dinner rotation. It’s easy to make, wonderfully filling, and absolutely delicious!

Why You’ll Love Creamy Beef Shells Casserole

This dish has everything you want in a comforting meal, and here’s why it’s sure to become a family favorite:

• Rich and Creamy: The creamy sauce that envelops the beef and pasta makes every bite feel indulgent. It’s comforting and filling, but not too heavy.
• Packed with Flavor: With savory ground beef, garlic, and a perfect blend of seasonings, every bite is bursting with deliciousness. The cheese on top adds a perfectly melted finish that takes it to the next level.
• Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: You don’t need to go hunting for fancy ingredients—everything you need is probably already in your pantry and fridge. It’s a great way to create something amazing with minimal effort.
• Quick and Easy: This casserole is perfect for busy nights when you want a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s mostly hands-off once you assemble it.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this hearty dish. Plus, it’s easily customizable—add extra veggies or swap out the beef for turkey or chicken if you like!

Ingredients for Creamy Beef Shells Casserole

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this cozy, cheesy casserole that’s packed with flavor.

• Large Pasta Shells: The perfect vessel for soaking up that creamy sauce! Jumbo shells are ideal for this dish, but you could also use other pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni.
• Ground Beef: The base of the dish. Ground beef gives you that rich, meaty flavor that’s comforting and satisfying.
• Onion and Garlic: Essential aromatics that bring flavor depth to the beef.
• Cream Cheese: This is what makes the sauce extra creamy and rich. It’s the magic ingredient that gives the casserole that luscious, velvety texture.
• Sour Cream: Adds a slight tanginess to balance the richness of the cream cheese and beef.
• Tomato Sauce: Provides a nice base for the sauce and a little acidity to round out the flavors.
• Cheddar Cheese: The star of the topping! You can’t go wrong with a generous sprinkle of cheddar that melts beautifully over the casserole.
• Seasonings: You’ll need salt, pepper, and dried oregano to flavor the sauce. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a little kick, if desired.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements can be found in the recipe card above!)

Instructions

Ready to get this casserole into your belly? Let’s dive in!

Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking the pasta shells according to the package instructions. Make sure to cook them al dente, since they’ll continue to cook in the casserole. Once they’re done, drain them and set them aside.

Brown the Beef

In a large skillet, heat a bit of oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Once the beef is browned, remove any excess fat and set it aside.

Make the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, add the diced onion and garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant—about 2-3 minutes. Add the cream cheese and sour cream to the pan, stirring until the cream cheese melts and everything combines into a smooth sauce. Pour in the tomato sauce and stir everything together. Season with salt, pepper, and oregano (and red pepper flakes if using). Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors together.

Combine Beef and Sauce

Once the sauce is ready, return the cooked ground beef to the skillet and stir it into the sauce. Let everything simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend together.

Stuff the Shells

Now for the fun part—stuffing the shells! Take each cooked shell and spoon a generous amount of the beef and sauce mixture into each one. Place the stuffed shells into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Continue until all the shells are filled and arranged in the dish.

Top with Cheese

Once the shells are stuffed, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top. Don’t be shy—more cheese equals more deliciousness.

Bake

Pop the casserole into a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.

Serve and Enjoy

Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This casserole is perfect on its own or served with a side of crispy garlic bread and a fresh green salad.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 6
• Calories per serving: 450
• Total Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Cholesterol: 65mg
• Sodium: 750mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 40g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 6g
• Protein: 24g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

How to Serve Creamy Beef Shells Casserole

This casserole is a hearty meal on its own, but here are a few ideas for serving it:

• With a Salad: Pair it with a fresh, crisp green salad for a lighter balance to the richness of the casserole.
• Garlic Bread: Serve alongside some warm, buttery garlic bread to mop up any leftover creamy sauce. You can never go wrong with more bread!
• Roasted Veggies: Add some roasted veggies like broccoli, carrots, or zucchini to round out the meal and bring in some extra nutrients.

Additional Tips

• Add Veggies: You can sneak in some veggies into the beef mixture if you want to make it even more nutritious. Spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers would all be great additions.
• Make Ahead: This casserole can be made ahead of time! Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. You may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it’s chilled.
• Freezer-Friendly: This dish also freezes well. Assemble the casserole, wrap it tightly in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, bake from frozen (adding about 45 minutes to the cooking time) or thaw it overnight and bake as usual.
• Swap the Meat: If you prefer turkey or chicken, feel free to use ground turkey or chicken in place of the beef for a leaner option.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use regular pasta instead of shell pasta?
A1: Yes, you can use any pasta shape you like—penne, rigatoni, or even macaroni would work great in this casserole.

Q2: Can I use a different cheese besides cheddar?
A1: Absolutely! Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of your favorite cheeses would all work well in this dish.

Q3: Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
A3: Yes! Simply swap the ground beef for something like lentils, mushrooms, or a meat alternative. Add extra veggies for even more flavor.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until warmed through.

Q5: Can I freeze the casserole?
A5: Yes! This casserole freezes beautifully. After assembling, cover it tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

Q6: Can I add more spices to the sauce?
A6: Of course! Feel free to add a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian seasoning to the sauce for extra depth of flavor.

Q7: Can I use ricotta cheese in this recipe?
A7: Yes, you can use ricotta if you prefer. You could even mix ricotta with a little bit of mozzarella for a cheesy filling, though the cream cheese gives the sauce a special richness.

Q8: Can I make this without sour cream?
A8: You can swap the sour cream with Greek yogurt or even a bit of heavy cream if you want to keep it creamy without the tang.

Q9: How do I make this casserole spicier?
A9: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce to give it a nice spicy kick!

Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Absolutely! Just use a larger baking dish and adjust the baking time as needed. It’s easy to make a larger batch for a crowd.

Conclusion

This Creamy Beef Shells Casserole is everything you need in a comforting, hearty meal. With its rich, creamy sauce, tender pasta, and savory beef, it’s sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re cooking for your family or prepping a dish for a gathering, this casserole will be the star of the show. Warm, cheesy, and full of flavor—it’s comfort food at its best!

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