If you’re in search of a dish that embodies comfort and warmth, look no further than Rich and Comforting Creamy Beef Shells Casserole! This delightful casserole features jumbo pasta shells filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, creamy sauce, and melted cheese, all baked to perfection. It’s the ultimate comfort food that will leave everyone at the table feeling satisfied and happy.
Imagine digging into a hearty serving of tender pasta shells, generously stuffed with a rich beef filling, and topped with a luscious creamy sauce. Each bite is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will have you coming back for seconds. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights in, this Creamy Beef Shells Casserole is sure to become a beloved staple in your home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This casserole comes together quickly and is perfect for weeknight meals.
- Rich and Flavorful: The combination of beef, cheese, and creamy sauce creates a mouthwatering dish.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it in advance and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat.
- Kid-Approved: A fun and delicious way to get kids excited about dinner!
Ingredients List
To create your Rich and Comforting Creamy Beef Shells Casserole, gather the following ingredients:
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
For precise measurements, please refer to the recipe card.
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Boil Water: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil.
- Cook Shells: Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Beef Filling
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Add Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix until well combined.
- Stuff the Shells: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Using a spoon, fill each cooked pasta shell with the beef mixture, then place them in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Top with Sauce: Pour any remaining beef sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring they are well covered.
Step 4: Bake the Casserole
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top of the casserole.
- Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Step 5: Serve
- Garnish and Enjoy: Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Variations & Substitutions
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate chopped spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms into the beef mixture for added nutrition.
- Spicy Twist: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the beef filling for a spicy kick in your Creamy Beef Shells Casserole.
- Cheese Lovers: Substitute different cheeses like cheddar or gouda for a unique flavor profile.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or use the microwave for individual portions.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta?
While jumbo shells are ideal for this recipe, you can use any large pasta shape, such as cannelloni or even large elbow macaroni.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the ground beef with lentils or a meat substitute, and add extra vegetables to create a delicious vegetarian version of Creamy Beef Shells Casserole.
How can I make this casserole ahead of time?
You can assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it.
What can I serve with this dish?
This casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Rich and Comforting Creamy Beef Shells Casserole! This easy-to-make dish combines the deliciousness of beef and cheese with the heartiness of pasta, making it a perfect meal for any occasion. With its creamy sauce and satisfying filling, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household.
We’d love to hear how your Creamy Beef Shells Casserole turns out! Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let us know if you tried any variations. For more delicious recipes and culinary inspiration, visit https://eldralys.com/ and keep exploring the joys of cooking! Enjoy every rich, comforting bite of your Creamy Beef Shells Casserole!
Print
Rich and Comforting Creamy Beef Shells Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Creamy Beef Shells Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, featuring jumbo pasta shells stuffed with a savory beef and cheese filling, topped with a creamy tomato sauce and baked to bubbly perfection.
Ingredients
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot. Cook shells until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare Filling: In a skillet, sauté ground beef with diced onion and garlic until browned. Drain excess fat. Add tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Mix Cheese: In a bowl, combine ricotta, 1/2 cup mozzarella, and 1/4 cup Parmesan. Mix well.
- Assemble: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spoon beef mixture into each shell, place in a greased 9x13" baking dish. Pour remaining sauce over shells.
- Add Cheese & Bake: Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Cool slightly, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
Customize by adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms, or swap in your favorite cheeses like gouda or cheddar. Assemble ahead and refrigerate before baking. Serve with garlic bread or salad.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
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