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Creamy Beef Shells Casserole

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Creamy Beef Shells Casserole

This Creamy Beef Shells Casserole is the ultimate comfort food. With tender pasta shells filled with a rich, cheesy, and savory beef mixture, it’s the perfect dish for a cozy family dinner. Serve it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal everyone will love!

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 12 oz large pasta shells
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • Cooking spray or oil (for greasing)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or oil.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

  1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil.
  2. Add the pasta shells and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
  3. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef

  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef.
  2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent.
  3. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.

Step 4: Mix the Filling

  1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.

Step 5: Stuff the Shells

  1. Carefully fill each cooked pasta shell with the beef mixture and place them in the prepared baking dish with the opening side up.
  2. Pour the beef broth evenly over the stuffed shells, adding extra moisture and flavor.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

  1. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes.
  2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the casserole is heated through and bubbly.
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Step 7: Serve

  • Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving.
  • Enjoy this comforting Creamy Beef Shells Casserole with a fresh side salad or garlic bread!

Recipe Details

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Servings: 6 servings
  • Calories: 450 kcal per serving

Tips

  • Make It Creamier: For an even creamier texture, add an extra ½ cup of sour cream or a few tablespoons of cream cheese.
  • Vegetable Add-ins: Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for more veggies in your casserole.
  • Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

FAQs

1. Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute the large pasta shells with other types of pasta like rigatoni, penne, or fusilli. Just mix the beef filling into the pasta before baking.

2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover it with foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready, simply bake as directed.

3. Can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup?
If you prefer, you can use cream of chicken or cream of celery soup as an alternative, or make your own homemade creamy sauce.

4. How do I reheat leftovers?
To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven until heated through, or microwave individual portions.

5. Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Assemble it, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking as directed.

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