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Rich And Comforting Creamy Beef Shells Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food

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  • Author: Amy
  • 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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

Find it online: https://amytasty.com/rich-and-comforting-creamy-beef-shells-casserole/