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