Creamy Beef Shells Casserole
A delightful and comforting casserole with creamy ricotta, savory ground beef, and tender pasta shells, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 1 lb ground beef Choose high-quality ground beef for a rich flavor.
- 1.5 cups ricotta cheese Makes the filling creamy.
- 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided A melty cheese that binds everything together.
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese Adds a sharp, nutty flavor.
- 1 cup heavy cream Adds rich creaminess to the cheese mixture.
For the Pasta and Sauce
- 12 oz large pasta shells Perfect for stuffing.
- 1 medium onion, diced Provides a sweet base flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Adds fragrant aroma.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes Adds acidity and sweetness.
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce Flavorful base for the dish.
- 1 tbsp tomato paste For extra tomato flavor.
- 1 tsp dried basil Adds depth of flavor.
- 1 tsp dried oregano Enhances flavor complexity.
- 0.5 tsp salt Enhances overall flavor.
- 0.25 tsp black pepper Essential seasoning.
For Garnish
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped Adds freshness and color.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Bring salted water to a boil in a large pot. Cook the pasta shells until al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic; sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Cooking
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes.
- In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream. Mix until smooth.
- Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the cheese mixture.
- Spread a thin layer of the beef mixture on the bottom of the baking dish. Arrange the stuffed pasta shells on top.
- Pour the remaining beef mixture over the top and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil in the last 5 minutes to brown the cheese.
- Remove from the oven and allow to sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley.
Notes
For deeper flavor, caramelize the onions and garlic. Add red pepper flakes for spice. Swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter recipe.