Hearty Creamy Beef Shells Casserole Recipe: Comfort in a Dish

Shells packed with ground beef create a hearty meal that whispers comfort on chilly nights.

Melted cheese stretches between tender pasta pockets, inviting warm memories of home-cooked dinners.

Robust flavors mingle through each creamy bite, promising satisfaction in every forkful.

My grandmother’s secret technique makes this casserole sing with rich, deep notes of deliciousness.

Simple ingredients combine into something magical that feels like a culinary hug.

Weeknight dinners demand delicious solutions, and these cheesy shells answer that call perfectly.

You’ll want to savor every single spoonful of this soul-warming dish.

What Makes Rich and Comforting Beef Shells Casserole a Go-To

• Perfect weeknight dinner that comes together effortlessly with minimal cooking skills required.
• Delivers rich, creamy textures and hearty beef flavors that satisfy everyone from kids to adults.
• Works brilliantly for casual family dinners, potlucks, and gatherings where you need a reliable, delicious main course.
• Easily prepared in advance and reheats wonderfully, making meal planning and busy schedules much simpler.

Pantry Items Needed for Rich and Comforting Beef Shells Casserole

• Pasta Shells: Soft, curved pasta that catches the creamy sauce perfectly. Large shells work best for holding the beef mixture.

• Ground Beef, Beef Broth: Rich meat base that provides hearty flavor and protein. Choose ground beef with moderate fat content for juiciness.

• Sour Cream, Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy elements that add richness and smooth texture. Full-fat versions recommended for best flavor.

• Onion, Garlic: Classic flavor enhancers that build depth in the dish. Fresh ingredients provide more robust taste.

• Italian Seasoning, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Spice mixture that creates complex flavor profile. Dried herbs work well in this recipe.

• Diced Tomatoes, Cream of Mushroom Soup: Liquid components that help create sauce consistency. Canned tomatoes with no added salt are preferable.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright green herb that adds final fresh touch and visual appeal. Optional but recommended for serving.

How to Bring Together Rich and Comforting Beef Shells Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Heat the oven to 375F (190C). Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook Pasta Shells

Boil pasta shells in salted water following package directions until tender but still firm. Drain completely and set aside.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

• Ground beef
• Diced onion

Cook and break up the meat until it turns golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Drain any excess grease from the pan.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

• Diced tomatoes
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Beef broth
• Sour cream
• Italian seasoning
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Simmer the sauce for 5-7 minutes, allowing flavors to blend and develop.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Beef

Add cooked pasta shells to the beef mixture. Stir thoroughly to ensure every shell is coated with the rich, creamy sauce.

Step 6: Assemble the Casserole

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Shredded mozzarella cheese

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese melts completely and turns golden and bubbly.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately while hot and cheese is gooey.

Cooking Tips for Rich and Comforting Beef Shells Casserole Success

• Choose Quality Meat: Select lean ground beef with 80/20 or 85/15 fat content for optimal flavor and texture without excessive grease.
• Avoid Overcooking Pasta: Cook shells just until al dente to prevent mushy texture, ensuring they'll hold their shape when mixed with the beef sauce.
• Layer Cheese Strategically: Blend different cheese types like sharp cheddar and mozzarella for a more complex, rich melting experience that adds depth to the casserole.
• Control Moisture Levels: If sauce seems too thin, add a tablespoon of cornstarch or reduce liquid slightly to achieve perfect creamy consistency.
• Make It Healthier: Substitute ground beef with lean ground turkey and use low-fat cream of mushroom soup to create a lighter version without sacrificing taste.

Best Way to Store Rich and Comforting Beef Shells Casserole

• Store leftover casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and keep fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap casserole portions in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Label with date and contents. Freeze up to 2 months for best quality. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Add splash of beef broth to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Warm covered casserole at 350F for 15-20 minutes. Sprinkle extra cheese on top for renewed flavor and creamy texture. Remove cover last 5 minutes to crisp cheese topping.

Great Sides to Serve With Rich and Comforting Beef Shells Casserole

• Select a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to complement the rich, hearty beef and creamy cheese flavors, cutting through the casserole's richness with its tannic structure.
• Create a light, refreshing side of mixed greens with a zesty vinaigrette to balance the dish's heavy texture, adding brightness and cutting through the creamy sauce.
• Prepare roasted broccoli or Brussels sprouts with garlic and olive oil to provide a savory, caramelized accompaniment that adds nutritional depth and contrasting texture to the comforting casserole.
• Include a warm, crusty French baguette or artisan sourdough to soak up the delicious sauce, offering a crunchy element that complements the soft pasta and meat.

Delicious Spins on Rich and Comforting Beef Shells Casserole

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Shell Swap: Replace pasta shells with riced cauliflower to create a keto-friendly version that reduces carbohydrates while maintaining the rich, creamy texture.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and replace regular pasta shells with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles to accommodate those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegetarian Protein Alternative: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles, lentils, or mushrooms to create a meat-free version that still provides protein and satisfying flavor.
• Greek-Inspired Modification: Add crumbled feta cheese, diced kalamata olives, and fresh oregano to transform the classic recipe into a Mediterranean-style casserole with a tangy twist.

Rich And Comforting Creamy Beef Shells Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy beef shells casserole brings comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen to your dinner table. Hearty pasta shells nestled with seasoned ground beef and melted cheese create a satisfying meal perfect for hungry families seeking delicious homecooked warmth.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (450g) ground beef
• 2 cups (200g) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese

Pasta and Vegetables:

• 12 ounces (340g) medium pasta shells
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• ½ cup (120ml) beef broth
• ½ cup (120g) sour cream
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the culinary workspace by heating the oven to 375F (190C) and lightly coating a 9×13-inch baking vessel with a thin layer of cooking spray.
2. Submerge pasta shells in rapidly boiling water, cooking until they reach a tender yet firm consistency. Carefully drain and reserve for subsequent steps.
3. Select a spacious skillet and activate medium-high thermal settings. Introduce ground beef and fragmented onion, continuously stirring and breaking meat into delicate crumbles until brownish hues develop, approximately 5-7 minutes.
4. Infuse the sizzling mixture with minced garlic, allowing aromatics to permeate for an additional 1-2 minutes. Eliminate excess lipid accumulation through strategic draining.
5. Construct a robust sauce by incorporating diced tomatoes, cream of mushroom soup, savory beef broth, tangy sour cream, herbaceous Italian seasoning, warm paprika, nuanced salt, and cracked pepper. Allow ingredients to harmonize through gentle simmering for 5-7 minutes.
6. Tenderly fold cooked pasta shells into the rich beef concoction, ensuring each morsel becomes thoroughly embraced by the flavorful sauce.
7. Elegantly transfer the unified mixture into the prepared baking dish, creating an even landscape of comfort.
8. Cascade shredded cheddar and mozzarella across the surface, creating a molten cheese blanket.
9. Slide the assembled casserole into the preheated oven, transforming ingredients through 20-25 minutes of radiant heat until cheese achieves a gloriously melted, slightly golden complexion.
10. Conclude by adorning with freshly chopped parsley, then serve immediately while temperature and flavors remain at peak deliciousness.

Notes

• Boost protein content by adding extra lean ground beef or swapping with ground turkey for a healthier twist.
• Reduce dairy by using low-fat cheese and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter version.
• Create a gluten-free option by substituting regular pasta shells with gluten-free pasta shells or zucchini noodles.
• Enhance vegetable intake by mixing in chopped spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms during the beef cooking stage for added nutrition and flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 487
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 830mg
• Fat: 27g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 37g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 90mg