Are you looking for a delightful dinner that combines comfort with health? Look no further than this Creamy Beef Shells Casserole! This dish is not only easy to make but also loaded with flavors that your whole family will love. Filled with pasta shells that cradle a creamy beef mixture, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners. Plus, it takes just a short time to prepare and bake, making it the ultimate time-saver for busy cooks. Packed with protein and nutrients, this casserole stands out as a delicious and healthy option that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Packed with protein from ground beef, keeping you full and satisfied.
- Kid-friendly and appealing to even the pickiest eaters.
- Customizable for various dietary needs with simple ingredient swaps.
Creamy Beef Shells Casserole Ingredients
- 12 oz jumbo pasta shells
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Chopped parsley for garnish
Substitutions & Variations
When it comes to making this Creamy Beef Shells Casserole, there are numerous ways to tailor it to fit various dietary preferences or ingredient availability. For a healthier option, consider substituting ground turkey or chicken for the beef, which will lower the fat content while still providing a hearty texture. Additionally, whole wheat pasta shells can replace regular shells to increase fiber intake.
For a vegetarian version, replace ground beef with a mix of sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or even quinoa for an equally satisfying dish. To make it dairy-free, you can use vegan cheese alternatives and swap cottage cheese for tofu blended with nutritional yeast, giving it a creamy texture without dairy. These variations not only cater to different diets but also allow for creativity in the kitchen.
How to Make Creamy Beef Shells Casserole Step by Step
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once the water is at a rolling boil, add the jumbo pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. This creates the perfect shell for holding the creamy beef mixture, ensuring each bite is delicious.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess fat to keep the casserole lean. This step creates a flavorful base that complements the pasta shells.
Step 3: Mix Cottage Cheese and Marinara
In a separate bowl, combine the cottage cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything until well combined. This creamy mixture will be the heart of your casserole, bringing richness and flavor to the beef and pasta.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Once the beef is fully cooked, remove it from the heat and add it to the cheese and marinara mixture. Stir well to coat the beef in the creamy blend. This ensures that each bite is bursting with flavor, making for a satisfying casserole.
Step 5: Stuff the Pasta Shells
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take each cooked pasta shell and carefully stuff it with the creamy beef and cheese mixture. Place the stuffed shells seam-side up in a greased baking dish. This helps to trap the moisture and flavors within the shells as they bake.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
Once all the shells are stuffed, pour any remaining marinara sauce over the top. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly across the surface. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. This step creates a beautiful golden crust that will elevate your dish to the next level. Let it cool slightly before serving!
Expert Tips
- To enhance the flavor of the creamy sauce, consider adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce or mustard for an umami boost.
- For extra creaminess, combine different cheeses such as cream cheese and cheddar as part of the sauce.
- Pre-cooked pasta shells work best as they heat through more evenly, ensuring the filling and cheese meld beautifully.
- Experiment with different ground meats or plant-based proteins to customize the dish to your preference.
Serving Suggestions
Creamy Beef Shells Casserole is best served hot, fresh from the oven, allowing the flavors to shine through and the cheese to be perfectly melted and bubbly. Consider garnishing with freshly chopped parsley or chives to add a burst of color and freshness. This comforting dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, where it can serve as a hearty main course. Pair it with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the casserole. For a cozy meal, serve it alongside garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce. Leftover casserole can be portioned into individual servings for an easy lunch option, making it versatile for any occasion.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 360
- Protein: 32g
- Carbs: 5g
- Fat: 22g
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Up to 3 days
- Freezer: Up to 2 months
- Reheat: Oven or microwave
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it until ready to cook.
Can I freeze Creamy Beef Shells Casserole?
Absolutely. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
How do I reheat it properly?
Reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10–12 minutes, or use a microwave for 1–2 minutes.
Can I make it vegan or vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute animal-based ingredients with plant-based alternatives and still get great results.
How can I make it spicier?
Add crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne, or a dash of hot sauce to the seasoning mix or marinade.
Conclusion: Final Thoughts on Creamy Beef Shells Casserole
Creamy Beef Shells Casserole is a delightful comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to any family meal. Its blend of flavors and textures makes it a hit with both kids and adults alike. Don’t hesitate to try making this dish; it’s not only straightforward but also incredibly rewarding when you see everyone enjoying their plates. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser! Give it a try, and you’ll likely find yourself making it regularly.
Pin For Later
Delicious Creamy Beef Shells Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A hearty and creamy casserole featuring jumbo pasta shells filled with seasoned ground beef and rich cheese, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 12 oz jumbo pasta shells
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta shells until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef and drain excess fat.
- In a bowl, mix cottage cheese, half the mozzarella, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Add the cooked beef to the cheese mixture and stir well.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Stuff each shell with the beef mixture and place in a greased baking dish.
- Top with remaining marinara and mozzarella cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Notes
For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or cayenne to the beef mixture. Can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
1 thought on “Delicious Creamy Beef Shells Casserole Recipe”