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Creamy Beef Shells Casserole

A delightful dish combining comfort and indulgence, perfect for cozy evenings or special gatherings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 475
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meat and base ingredients
  • 1 lb ground beef Lean, juicy, perfect for a hearty filling.
  • 1 medium onion, diced Adds a sweet, aromatic base.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Infuses with deep, savory flavor.
Pasta and sauce
  • 12 oz large pasta shells Ideal for stuffing.
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes Adds freshness and acidity.
  • 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce Rich tomato flavor.
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste Intensifies tomato flavor.
  • 1 tsp dried basil Enhances overall taste.
  • 1 tsp dried oregano Adds Italian flair.
  • 1/2 tsp salt Essential for seasoning.
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper Essential for seasoning.
Cheese and cream mixture
  • 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese Creamy and slightly sweet.
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided Melts beautifully.
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Adds nutty flavor.
  • 1 cup heavy cream Ensures rich, creamy sauce.
For garnish
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped Provides a fresh finish.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add pasta shells and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Cooking
  1. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
  2. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream. Mix until smooth.
  4. Stuff each pasta shell with the cheese mixture. Spread a layer of the beef mixture on the bottom of the dish and arrange stuffed shells on top.
  5. Pour remaining beef mixture over stuffed shells and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella.
  6. Cover with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. Remove foil during last 5 minutes to brown the cheese.
  7. Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley.

Notes

For added flavor, consider adding spinach or mushrooms to the beef mixture. You can prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Adjust baking time accordingly if starting from cold.