Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here’s why Creamy Beef Shells Casserole will become a staple in your home:
- Ultimate Comfort – This casserole is rich, creamy, and comforting, offering a warm and satisfying meal for any night of the week.
- Family-Friendly – With a blend of beef, pasta, and cheese, this dish is sure to please both kids and adults.
- Perfect for Leftovers – The casserole reheats wonderfully, making it ideal for meal prep or enjoying the next day.
- Customizable – You can easily modify the ingredients, swapping in different cheeses or adding extra veggies to suit your family’s preferences.
- Easy to Make – With just a few simple steps, this casserole comes together quickly, making it a great choice for busy evenings.
This dish will quickly become your go-to comfort food when you’re craving something hearty and flavorful!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Main Ingredients:
- 20-25 large pasta shells
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup diced onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
1. Cook the Pasta Shells:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the large pasta shells until just al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
- Drain and rinse the shells briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool for easier stuffing.
2. Prepare the Beef Filling:
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce:
- In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, tomato paste, and half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Mix until smooth.
- Add the cooked ground beef mixture and stir to combine all elements evenly.
4. Stuff the Shells:
- Gently fill each pasta shell with the creamy beef filling using a spoon or small spatula.
- Place the stuffed shells snugly into a greased baking dish. If you have any leftover filling, spoon it over the top of the shells.
5. Bake to Perfection:
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the casserole.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
- After letting the casserole cool slightly, slice it up and serve. The creamy, cheesy beef filling is perfect alongside a simple salad or roasted vegetables.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6 servings (1 medium casserole)
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
This hearty casserole is quick to prepare and perfect for a cozy family dinner.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings for 1-2 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! You can use any type of large pasta, such as jumbo rigatoni or manicotti, in place of the shells.
2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and bake until bubbly and golden.
3. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken will work great in this recipe and offer a lighter alternative.
4. How do I prevent the pasta from breaking while stuffing?
Be gentle when handling the pasta, and make sure the shells are only slightly al dente. If the pasta cools too much and becomes brittle, briefly warm them in the microwave with a damp towel over them to soften.
5. Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Yes, you can add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to the beef mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
6. Can I use non-dairy cream cheese and sour cream?
Yes! Non-dairy cream cheese and sour cream can be substituted to make the dish dairy-free.
7. Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled casserole. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. To bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as instructed.
8. Can I add more cheese to the filling?
Yes, you can add more mozzarella, ricotta, or cheddar cheese to the filling for extra creaminess and flavor.
9. Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the beef mixture to give it a spicy kick.
10. How do I prevent the casserole from getting soggy?
Make sure to drain the ground beef well to remove any excess grease. Also, avoid overcooking the pasta to keep the shells intact and prevent excess moisture from forming.
Conclusion
Rich and Comforting Creamy Beef Shells Casserole is the ultimate cozy meal that’s perfect for a family dinner or meal prep. The tender pasta shells stuffed with a creamy, flavorful beef filling are topped with gooey, melted cheese and baked to perfection. This dish is easy to make, packed with flavor, and sure to become a beloved favorite. Enjoy the comfort and warmth that this casserole brings to your table!
Rich And Comforting Creamy Beef Shells Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Description
Rich and Comforting Creamy Beef Shells Casserole is a delicious and hearty dish made by stuffing tender pasta shells with a flavorful ground beef filling, smothering it with a creamy sauce, and baking it to golden, bubbly perfection. This comforting casserole is ideal for family dinners or meal prep, offering a balance of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
20–25 large pasta shells
1 lb ground beef
1 cup diced onions
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta Shells: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta shells until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Beef Filling: In a skillet, sauté diced onions and garlic until translucent. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In a bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, tomato paste, half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, and mix until smooth. Add the beef mixture and stir to combine.
- Stuff the Shells: Fill each pasta shell with the creamy beef filling. Place the stuffed shells into a greased baking dish. Spoon any leftover filling over the shells.
- Bake to Perfection: Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the casserole. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm alongside a simple salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
Make ahead by assembling the casserole and refrigerating it before baking.
For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef.
Add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
For a dairy-free version, swap cream cheese and sour cream for non-dairy alternatives.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
