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Rich And Comforting Creamy Beef Shells Casserole

Rich And Comforting Creamy Beef Shells Casserole

  • Author: Anna
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Contains dairy and meat

Description

Rich And Comforting Creamy Beef Shells Casserole is a hearty and cozy one-dish meal featuring tender pasta shells enveloped in a velvety beef and cheese sauce. Infused with warm herbs, diced tomatoes, and savory flavors, this casserole offers a perfect blend of creamy, savory, and cheesy textures ideal for family dinners or relaxed weekend meals.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 12 oz medium pasta shells

Beef Mixture

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Creamy Sauce

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Topping

  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese blend (mozzarella, cheddar, or your choice)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta Shells: Boil the pasta shells in salted water until just al dente, about 8-10 minutes, ensuring they hold their shape during baking without becoming mushy. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
  2. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the ground beef with chopped onions and minced garlic until the beef is fully browned and fragrant. Drain any excess fat to keep the casserole rich but not greasy.
  3. Prepare the Creamy Sauce: Lower the heat and stir in cream cheese and sour cream with the cooked beef mixture until smooth and creamy. Add diced tomatoes and Italian seasoning, then season well with salt and pepper to balance the flavors.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Gently fold the cooked pasta shells into the creamy beef sauce, ensuring every shell is generously coated with the mixture.
  5. Assemble and Bake: Transfer the pasta and beef mixture into a baking dish, sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese on top, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook the pasta; slightly undercooked shells bake better and hold their shape.
  • Drain beef thoroughly to keep the casserole creamy, not oily.
  • Add fresh herbs like parsley or basil on top after baking for extra flavor.
  • Use whole milk dairy products for the best creamy texture and taste.
  • Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle and the sauce to thicken.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg

Keywords: creamy beef casserole, beef pasta bake, comfort food, cheesy casserole, dinner recipe, baked pasta shells

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