Rich and Comforting Creamy Beef Shells Casserole

$- 12 jumbo pasta shells - 1 lb ground beef - 1 small onion, finely diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided - 1 cup sour cream - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped When I make my creamy beef shells casserole, I gather all the key ingredients first. The jumbo pasta shells are crucial for holding that rich filling. I choose high-quality ground beef for great flavor. Diced onion and minced garlic bring a savory base to the dish. For the cheese and seasonings, I mix ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan. This blend gives the casserole a creamy texture. I add the herbs, oregano, and basil for aroma. A pinch of salt and pepper ties everything together. If you want a fresh finish, chop some parsley for garnish. It adds color and a hint of brightness. You can find the full recipe to guide you through each step. Enjoy the process of creating this comforting meal! - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). - Cook jumbo pasta shells until al dente. Drain and set aside. - Brown ground beef and drain excess fat. - Sauté diced onion and minced garlic until translucent. - Prepare cheese mixture and layer the casserole. - Stuff shells, cover, and bake until cheesy and golden. Let's dive deeper into each step. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature ensures that your casserole cooks evenly and the cheese melts perfectly. While the oven heats, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until they are al dente, which usually takes about 9-11 minutes. Drain the shells and set them aside to cool slightly. Next, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it, breaking it apart with a spatula. This process takes about 5-7 minutes until the meat turns brown. After that, drain any excess fat from the skillet. Then, add your diced onion and minced garlic to the ground beef. Sauté until the onion looks translucent, which should take around 3-4 minutes. Now, let’s bring all these flavors together. Stir in the tomato sauce, oregano, basil, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Let this mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. While this simmers, prepare your cheese mixture. In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, sour cream, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well until everything is smooth and creamy. Now comes the fun part: assembling the casserole. In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the beef mixture across the bottom. Carefully stuff each cooked pasta shell with the cheese mixture. Arrange these stuffed shells in a single layer over the beef layer in the baking dish. Pour the remaining beef mixture over the stuffed shells. Ensure every shell is well covered. For the final touch, sprinkle the rest of the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese becomes bubbly and golden brown. Once it’s done baking, let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. If you like, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy the rich and creamy goodness of this beef shells casserole! You can find the Full Recipe for all the details and tips to make this dish shine. To make perfect pasta shells, focus on al dente cooking. Al dente means the pasta is firm but not hard. Cook the shells in a large pot of boiling, salted water. Salting the water helps the pasta absorb flavor. Use about 1 tablespoon of salt per gallon of water. Stir the shells gently as they cook. This keeps them from sticking together. Follow the package instructions for timing. Drain them when they are just tender. For added flavor, consider fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. You can also use spices like red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. If you want to change up the cheese, try using goat cheese or feta. These will give the dish a unique taste. Mixing different cheeses can also enhance the creaminess. Just ensure that the flavors blend well with the beef mixture. To make your casserole look appealing, serve it in individual portions. Use bright plates to contrast with the rich colors of the dish. Garnish each serving with fresh parsley for a pop of color. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan on top adds a nice touch too. This not only looks great but also adds extra flavor to each bite. For more ideas, check out the Full Recipe for serving suggestions. {{image_4}} To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free jumbo pasta shells. Many brands offer these in stores. You can also substitute regular pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a low-carb option. If you want a low-fat version, use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. For a vegetarian twist, replace the meat with mushrooms or lentils. You can change the flavor by using different sauces. Try adding salsa for a Mexican kick or marinara for an Italian touch. Mix in spices like cumin or paprika for a unique twist. Adding veggies boosts nutrition and flavor. Spinach, bell peppers, or broccoli work well in this dish. You can sauté them with the beef for a tasty blend. To make a one-pot version, cook the beef, onion, and garlic in a large pot. After browning the meat, stir in the tomato sauce and seasonings. Add uncooked pasta and enough water or broth to cover everything. Cover the pot and cook until the pasta is tender. Mix in the cheese and bake briefly for a creamy top. This method saves time and cleanup for busy cooks. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. To keep your creamy beef shells casserole fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure to cool the casserole before sealing it. This dish tastes best when eaten within 3-4 days. If you want to freeze the casserole, it’s best to do so before baking. Wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap, then cover with foil. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight before baking it at 350°F. You can reheat this casserole in the microwave or the oven. The microwave is faster but may not keep the creamy texture as well. The oven reheating takes longer but keeps the dish nice and creamy. To reheat in the oven, cover it with foil to retain moisture. Yes, you can prepare this casserole ahead of time. Cook the pasta shells and brown the beef first. Then, layer the casserole in a baking dish. Cover it tightly with foil and store it in the fridge. You can bake it the next day. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time. If you want a different protein, try ground turkey or chicken. You can also use plant-based meat if you prefer a vegetarian option. Lentils or black beans work well too. Each option will give you a unique flavor. This casserole can last in the fridge for about three to four days. Make sure it is in an airtight container. If you keep it covered well, it will taste great when reheated. Absolutely! You can add veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Just sauté them with the onion and garlic. This adds flavor and nutrition to your dish. For sides, consider a simple green salad or garlic bread. You can also serve steamed broccoli or green beans for a fresh touch. These sides will balance the rich flavors. You can find the full recipe for Creamy Beef Shells Casserole in the earlier section. It has all the details you need to make this dish. In this blog post, we explored how to make delicious jumbo pasta shells filled with creamy beef and cheese. We outlined the main ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips for various tastes. We also discussed storage options and answered common questions to make the process easy for you. Now you can create a tasty, comforting dish that everyone will love. Remember, cooking should be fun and creative. Enjoy your time in the kitchen!$

Rich and Comforting Creamy Beef Shells Casserole

Indulge in a deliciously comforting Creamy Beef Shells Casserole that will please the whole family! This easy recipe combines jumbo pasta shells stuffed with a delightful mixture of ricotta, mozzarella, and ground beef, all topped with bubbling cheese. Perfect for dinner any night of the week, it's a hearty meal in just 50 minutes. Don't miss out on making this crowd-pleaser! Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your loved ones tonight!

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Ingredients

12 jumbo pasta shells

1 lb ground beef

1 small onion, finely diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 cup ricotta cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

1 cup sour cream

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Cook Pasta Shells: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Once cooked, drain the shells and set them aside to cool slightly.

Brown the Beef: In a large skillet set over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook it, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it is browned and cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.

Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté these ingredients until the onion becomes translucent, which should take around 3-4 minutes.

Add Sauce and Seasoning: Stir in the tomato sauce, oregano, basil, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Allow this mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is heated through.

Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a separate mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, sour cream, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.

Layer the Casserole: In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the beef mixture evenly across the bottom.

Stuff the Shells: Carefully stuff each cooked pasta shell with the cheese mixture. Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer over the beef layer in the baking dish.

Add Remaining Beef: Pour the remaining beef mixture over the stuffed shells, ensuring each shell is well covered.

Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the rest of the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole for a delightful cheesy finish.

Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes.

Finishing Touch: After 25 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is beautifully bubbly and golden brown on top.

Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. If desired, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Prep Time: 20 mins | Total Time: 50 mins | Servings: 6

- Presentation Tips: For an added touch, serve the casserole in individual portions on plates, garnished with extra parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an elegant finish.