Creamy Beef Shells Casserole

When you’re looking for a satisfying dish that the entire family will love, look no further than Creamy Beef Shells Casserole. This hearty meal combines the savory richness of ground beef with the creamy delight of a cheese-infused sauce, all enveloped in tender pasta shells. Imagine digging into a warm, bubbling casserole, the aroma wafting through the air, making everyone at the dinner table instantly hungry. It’s a meal that checks all the boxes: creamy, comforting, and downright delicious!

I still vividly remember the first time I made this for my family, and let’s just say, it disappeared faster than I could take a photo! If you’re a fan of creamy casseroles like our popular Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake, you’ll adore this dish. It’s simple to prepare and perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners.

What is Creamy Beef Shells Casserole?

So, you might be wondering, what exactly is a Creamy Beef Shells Casserole? The name says it all, right? You kick off with hearty pasta shells—those adorable little “cups” that hold all the goodness. Add in a rich, creamy beef filling, topped with melted cheese. It’s like a warm hug in a dish! They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, and with this casserole, you’re bound to win over everyone at the table. So why not give this comforting delight a try and see why it’s becoming a staple in homes everywhere?

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Beef Shells Casserole

First up, let’s talk about the sheer delight of this dish as your main course. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, it satisfies your hunger and provides a comforting texture that feels like a warm blanket on a chilly evening. Now, let’s not forget about the cost benefits of cooking at home! Imagine creating this comforting meal for your loved ones without burning a hole in your pocket—win-win!

And what’s more? You can elevate your Creamy Beef Shells Casserole with a variety of toppings like crispy onions, fresh herbs, or a sprinkle of paprika for that added zing. Comparatively, while lasagna is a popular choice for family dinners, this casserole offers an ease of preparation that makes it the star of your meal. Try it yourself and prepare to be amazed!

How to Make Creamy Beef Shells Casserole

This Creamy Beef Shells Casserole is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make! With a sensational mix of textures from the creamy filling and tender pasta, it’s a dish that brings joy with every bite. Preparation time is about 30 minutes, and in just under an hour, you have a hearty meal that serves your family with love.

Key Ingredients for Creamy Beef Shells Casserole

Here is what you’ll need for this delightful dish:

• 1 lb ground beef (or halal ground lamb)
• 12 large pasta shells
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to dive in? Here’s how to make your delicious Creamy Beef Shells Casserole:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the Pasta Shells: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. Prepare the Beef Filling: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef (or lamb) and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
4. Add Flavors: Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onions are soft. Add in the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for a few minutes.
5. Mix the Cheese: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
6. Stuff the Pasta: Take each shell and fill it generously with the cheese mixture. Place them in a greased baking dish.
7. Layer & Bake: Pour the beef mixture over the stuffed shells and top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
8. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
9. Serve & Enjoy: Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm!

Top Tips for Perfecting Creamy Beef Shells Casserole

To ensure a perfect Creamy Beef Shells Casserole every time, consider the following tips:

• Substitutions: If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
• Timing: Keep an eye on the baking time to avoid overly browned cheese. Every oven is slightly different!
• Avoiding Mistakes: Be sure to fully drain the cooked pasta shells to prevent excess water in your casserole.

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers (which is likely because this casserole is so good!), you can refrigerate it for up to 3 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, which usually takes about 20-25 minutes. This way, you’ll preserve that delightful cheesy flavor and comforting texture.

Now that you have all the tips and tricks, it’s time to treat your family to this delicious Creamy Beef Shells Casserole. Enjoy!

Creamy Beef Shells Casserole

A hearty and comforting dish featuring creamy beef filling stuffed into tender pasta shells and topped with melted cheese.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

  

Meat and Filling

• 1 lb ground beef (or halal ground lamb)
• 1/2 cup onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can 15 oz tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Pasta and Cheese

• 12 pieces large pasta shells
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish

• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
• In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef (or lamb) and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
• Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onions are soft. Add in the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for a few minutes.
• In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
• Take each shell and fill it generously with the cheese mixture. Place them in a greased baking dish.
• Pour the beef mixture over the stuffed shells and top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Baking

• Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
• Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm.

Notes

To lighten the dish, ground turkey or chicken may be used instead of beef. Ensure to monitor baking time to avoid overly browned cheese. Fully drain the pasta shells to prevent excess water in the casserole. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes.

Keyword Beef Shells, Casserole, Creamy Casserole, Family Meal, Pasta