Rich and Comforting Creamy Beef Shells Casserole

If you’re looking for a hearty and satisfying meal that the whole family will love, look no further than this Creamy Beef Shells Casserole. This dish combines tender pasta shells with a rich and creamy beef filling, topped with melted cheese for a delightful dinner experience. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser that can be prepared in advance and baked to perfection.

Ingredients

To make this comforting casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) large pasta shells
• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
• 1 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta Shells

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

Step 2: Cook the Beef Filling

2. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
3. Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
4. Combine the Ingredients: Stir in the tomato sauce, sour cream, cream cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

5. Stuff the Shells: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take each cooked pasta shell and stuff it with the creamy beef mixture. Arrange the stuffed shells in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
6. Top with Cheese: Once all shells are filled, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the top.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole

7. Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 5: Serve

8. Garnish and Enjoy: Remove from the oven, let it cool slightly, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy this rich and comforting casserole with a side salad or garlic bread.

Tips for the Perfect Casserole

• Make Ahead: This casserole can be prepared in advance. Assemble it, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
• Variations: Feel free to mix in vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms into the beef filling for added nutrition and flavor.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Conclusion

This Creamy Beef Shells Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining the rich flavors of beef, creamy cheese, and pasta into one delicious dish. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, it’s a recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Try this comforting casserole today and enjoy the smiles it brings to your table!

Here are some Serving and Storage Tips for your Creamy Beef Shells Casserole to ensure it stays delicious and fresh:

Serving Tips

1. Portion Control: Serve the casserole in individual portions to make it easier for guests to help themselves. A large spoon or spatula works well for scooping out the shells without breaking them.
2. Garnish: Enhance the presentation by garnishing each serving with fresh parsley or basil. This adds a pop of color and freshness that complements the rich flavors of the casserole.
3. Pairing Suggestions:

• Salads: Serve with a simple green salad or a Caesar salad for a refreshing contrast to the creamy casserole.
• Bread: Garlic bread or a warm baguette pairs wonderfully, allowing guests to soak up the creamy sauce.
• Vegetable Sides: Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans can add nutritional balance and color to the meal.

1. Temperature: This casserole can be enjoyed hot straight out of the oven, but it can also be served warm. If serving at a gathering, consider keeping it in a slow cooker on the warm setting to maintain its temperature.

Storage Tips

1. Cooling: Allow the casserole to cool completely at room temperature before storing it. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the dish watery when reheating.
2. Refrigeration:

• In the Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Be sure to seal it tightly to prevent the casserole from absorbing other odors in the fridge.

1. Freezing:

• For Longer Storage: If you want to store it for longer, you can freeze the casserole. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or use a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to three months.
• Thawing: To reheat, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight before baking. If cooking from frozen, you can bake it straight in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 50-60 minutes, covered, then remove the cover for the last 10-15 minutes.

1. Reheating:

• Oven Method: Reheat individual servings in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Cover with foil to prevent the top from browning too much.
• Microwave Method: For quicker reheating, individual portions can be microwaved. Heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until hot.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your Creamy Beef Shells Casserole over several meals while maintaining its creamy goodness and delicious flavors!

FAQ 1: Can I use a different type of meat in the casserole?

Answer: Absolutely! While ground beef is commonly used, you can easily substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian option. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time if necessary, as leaner meats may cook faster.

FAQ 2: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Answer: Yes, you can prepare this casserole in advance! Simply assemble it, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. If you prefer to freeze it, wrap it securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge or freezer.

FAQ 3: What can I serve with Creamy Beef Shells Casserole?

Answer: This casserole pairs well with a variety of sides! Consider serving it with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. These sides provide a nice contrast to the rich and creamy casserole.

FAQ 4: How should I store leftovers?

Answer: Leftovers should be cooled completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

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