Description
This creamy beef shells casserole is a comforting and delicious dish that combines tender pasta shells, savory ground beef, and a rich, creamy sauce. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that’s both hearty and satisfying, loved by both kids and adults alike!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 12 oz jumbo pasta shells
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside. - Cook the Beef:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed. - Add the Aromatics:
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef, cooking until softened (about 3-4 minutes). - Prepare the Sauce:
Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce over low heat for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine. Stir in the heavy cream, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. - Stuff the Shells:
While the sauce simmers, carefully stuff the cooked pasta shells with a mixture of ricotta cheese (about 1-2 tablespoons per shell). - Assemble the Casserole:
In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the creamy beef sauce on the bottom. Arrange the stuffed pasta shells on top of the sauce. Pour the remaining beef sauce over the top, spreading it evenly. - Bake:
Cover the casserole with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the top to get golden and bubbly. - Serve:
Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Make-Ahead: You can assemble this casserole the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it when ready to serve.
- Add Veggies: Feel free to add some spinach or mushrooms to the beef mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Cheese Options: You can substitute the mozzarella and Parmesan with other cheeses like cheddar or provolone for a different flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8th of casserole
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg