When hunger calls for something truly satisfying, a good casserole is often the answer. Our Rich and Comforting Creamy Beef Shells Casserole is a true culinary hug, offering a delightful combination of perfectly cooked pasta shells, a savory ground beef filling, and a velvety cheese sauce, all baked until golden and bubbling. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone gather around the table, eager for a taste of homemade comfort.
This recipe is designed to bring maximum flavor with minimal fuss, making it ideal for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend dinner. You'll love how easily simple ingredients come together to create such a profound and delicious experience.
Why You'll Adore This Creamy Beef & Shells Casserole
- Effortless Preparation: Simple steps mean less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal.
- Deep, Satisfying Flavors: The blend of seasoned beef, tangy tomato, and rich cheeses creates a truly irresistible taste.
- Family-Approved: This classic combination is a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.
- Wonderful Leftovers: It reheats beautifully, making it perfect for lunch the next day or a convenient future meal.
Key Ingredients for Your Hearty Casserole
Here’s what you’ll need to create this incredibly comforting dish:
- 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, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
For precise chopping and efficient meal prep, consider investing in a Quality Chef's Knife.
Crafting Your Rich & Creamy Beef Shells Casserole: Step-by-Step
Follow these straightforward steps to create a truly memorable meal.
Step 1: Cook the Jumbo Pasta Shells
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook them according to the package instructions until they are perfectly al dente. This firm-but-tender texture is crucial as they will continue to cook in the oven. Drain the shells thoroughly and set them aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Prepare the Flavorful Beef Filling
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Once it’s mostly cooked, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Continue to cook until the beef is fully browned and the onion is softened, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let this delicious mixture simmer for approximately 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. If you enjoy rich, beefy dishes, you might also love our The Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili.
Step 3: Assemble the Creamy Layers
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with half of the shredded mozzarella and half of the grated Parmesan. Mix well. Now, carefully fill each cooked jumbo shell with a generous spoonful of the seasoned beef mixture. Arrange the stuffed shells snugly in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Pour any remaining beef sauce evenly over the shells.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the entire casserole. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. After this time, remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted, bubbly, and golden brown. For another cheesy pasta bake, be sure to check out our Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole.
Step 5: Rest, Garnish, and Serve
Once your casserole emerges from the oven, let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This crucial resting period allows the sauces and cheeses to set, making for cleaner serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired, to add a touch of vibrant color and freshness. Serve warm and savor every comforting bite!
Tips for an Even Better Casserole
- Don't Overcook Pasta: Al dente pasta is key. Overcooked shells will become mushy and won't hold their shape well when stuffed. For more tips on pasta perfection, check out this guide from Food Network.
- Adjust Seasoning: Always taste your beef filling before stuffing the shells. Adjust salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning as needed. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a subtle warmth.
- Freshly Grated Cheese: While pre-shredded cheese works, freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella melt more smoothly and offer superior flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is a hearty meal on its own, but here are a few ideas to round out your dinner:
- A simple side salad with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette.
- Warm, crusty bread or garlic knots for soaking up all the delicious sauce.
- A side of roasted asparagus or steamed green beans for a fresh vegetable complement.
Storage & Make-Ahead Instructions
Leftovers of this creamy beef shells casserole are fantastic! Store any uneaten portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual servings or cover the entire casserole with foil and warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through.
Conclusion
Our Rich and Comforting Creamy Beef Shells Casserole is truly a dish that speaks to the soul. Its layers of tender pasta, savory beef, and creamy cheese create an unparalleled comfort food experience that’s easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy. We hope this recipe becomes a cherished favorite in your home, bringing warmth and happiness to your family meals. Happy cooking!
FAQs
What kind of pasta shells are best for this casserole?
Jumbo pasta shells are ideal for this recipe as they are large enough to hold a generous amount of the creamy beef filling without breaking apart during baking. Ensure they are cooked al dente before stuffing.
Can I prepare this creamy beef shells casserole ahead of time?
Yes, this casserole is excellent for meal prep! You can assemble the entire dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. If baking from cold, add an additional 10-15 minutes to the initial baking time.
How can I make the cheese topping extra golden and bubbly?
For a beautifully golden and bubbly cheese topping, uncover the casserole for the last 10-15 minutes of baking. If you want a slightly crispier finish, you can also broil it for 1-2 minutes at the very end, watching carefully to prevent burning.
What are some good side dishes to serve with creamy beef shells casserole?
This hearty casserole pairs wonderfully with a fresh, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette, some warm garlic bread, or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans to balance the richness.
Rich and Comforting Creamy Beef Shells Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
A delightful casserole featuring jumbo pasta shells filled with savory ground beef and a creamy cheese sauce, baked until bubbly and golden.
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, to taste
Pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the beef is fully cooked and the onion softens (5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat. Stir in the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently for 5 minutes.
Step 3: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with half of the mozzarella and half of the Parmesan. Fill each cooked pasta shell with a generous spoonful of the seasoned beef mixture. Arrange the stuffed shells snugly in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Pour any leftover beef sauce over the shells.
Step 4: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the assembled casserole. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
Step 5: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
For an extra layer of flavor, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture. Leftovers are fantastic and can be reheated in the microwave or oven.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
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