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Rich And Comforting Creamy Beef Shells Casserole

Rich And Comforting Creamy Beef Shells Casserole

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  • Author: Maria
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Contains dairy and beef; variations available for vegetarian and dairy-free diets

Description

Indulge in a rich and comforting creamy beef shells casserole that combines tender large pasta shells with savory ground beef in a smooth, cheesy sauce. This hearty one-dish meal features gooey melted cheese, aromatic herbs, and a velvety texture that makes it the perfect comfort food for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Easy to prepare and full of protein and calcium, itโ€™s a wholesome dish that warms the soul and pleases the whole family.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Pasta

  • 12 oz large pasta shells

Protein & Aromatics

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Sauces & Dairy

  • 8 oz cream cheese, full-fat
  • 1 cup milk or cream
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste or 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or choice of cheese)

Seasonings & Herbs

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp Italian herbs (basil, oregano)

Optional Variations

  • Chopped bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms (for vegetable boost)
  • Red pepper flakes or diced jalapeรฑos (for spicy kick)
  • Substitute mozzarella or pepper jack cheese
  • Ground turkey or chicken instead of beef
  • Plant-based cheese and coconut or almond milk for dairy-free version

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta shells: Begin by boiling large pasta shells in salted water until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside to prevent them from becoming mushy when combined with the sauce.
  2. Brown the ground beef: Heat a little oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the ground beef until browned and crumbly. Drain any excess fat. Add diced onions and minced garlic, sautรฉing until fragrant and onions turn translucent.
  3. Prepare the creamy sauce: Stir in the cream cheese and milk (or cream) to the beef mixture. Allow the cream cheese to melt completely to form a silky, rich sauce. Add tomato paste or diced tomatoes along with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavors.
  4. Combine pasta and sauce: Gently fold the cooked pasta shells into the creamy beef sauce, ensuring each shell is fully coated. Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish, evenly spreading it out.
  5. Top with shredded cheese and bake: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or your preferred cheese evenly over the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) for about 20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.

Notes

  • Donโ€™t overcook the pasta shells; slightly undercook to maintain texture after baking.
  • Drain excess fat after browning the beef to keep the casserole rich but not greasy.
  • Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest sauce.
  • Mix cheeses such as cheddar and mozzarella for added depth and meltiness.
  • Let the casserole cool 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and cheese to firm up.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg