Description
Rich And Comforting Creamy Beef Shells Casserole is a cozy, satisfying dish featuring tender large pasta shells stuffed with a flavorful ground beef filling, all enveloped in a creamy, cheesy sauce. Perfect for family dinners, this casserole combines rich textures and aromatic spices for warmth and fulfillment, making it a beloved classic comfort food.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- Large pasta shells (about 20-25 shells)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup diced onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta Shells: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the large pasta shells until just al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse briefly under cold water to stop cooking, then set aside to cool for easier stuffing.
- Prepare the Beef Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté diced onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Remove from heat once fully cooked and let it cool slightly.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, tomato paste, and half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Mix until smooth and creamy. Add the cooked ground beef mixture and stir well to evenly combine all elements.
- 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. Once all shells are filled, spoon any remaining filling over the top.
- 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 it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Don’t overcook pasta to prevent shells from breaking during stuffing and baking.
- Drain beef well to reduce excess grease and avoid an oily casserole.
- Use full-fat cream cheese and sour cream for the creamiest texture.
- Allow casserole to rest after baking to improve texture and ease slicing.
- Customize cheese blend by adding other cheeses like cheddar or ricotta for varied flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg