If you are craving a comforting, cheesy meal that brings everyone to the table with smiles, then this Cheesy Beef and Shells Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a delightful medley of tender pasta shells, savory ground beef, and rich tomato soup, all topped with a luscious blanket of melted cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Each bite offers an irresistible balance of creamy, hearty, and cheesy goodness that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re making a weeknight dinner or feeding a hungry crowd, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite that you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple ingredients for this recipe is all it takes to create a dish bursting with flavor and texture. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the pasta shells that hold the sauce, to the combination of cheeses that create a gooey, golden topping you’ll love.
- 1 lb box medium pasta shells: Perfectly shaped to trap sauce and deliver flavor in every bite.
- 1 lb ground beef: Provides rich, meaty depth and satisfying protein to the casserole.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances and balances all the other ingredients’ flavors.
- 1/4 tsp pepper: Brings a subtle, warming spice without overpowering the dish.
- 1/2 medium sweet onion (diced): Adds a delicate sweetness and texture contrast.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Imparts savory aroma and irresistible taste.
- 1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that infuses herbaceous notes throughout.
- 20 oz tomato soup (about 2 cans): Creates a creamy, comforting sauce that ties everything together.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar: Sharp and melty, it brings bold flavor and gooey texture.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella: Mild and stretchy, perfect for that irresistible cheese pull.
- 1/2 cup beef broth: Adds moisture and deep savory richness.
How to Make Cheesy Beef and Shells Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling the medium pasta shells according to the package instructions. Once perfectly tender, drain them carefully to keep their lovely shape intact—this will help hold all the fantastic sauce later on.
Step 2: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
While the pasta cooks, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Give your 9×13-inch baking dish a good coat of grease, so the casserole doesn’t stick and comes out clean and pristine after baking.
Step 3: Brown the Beef with Aromatics
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with diced sweet onion and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper as it cooks. Breaking up the beef into small pieces helps it cook evenly, and the onions and garlic add a naturally sweet and flavorful base for your sauce.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
After your beef is perfectly browned, add the cooked pasta shells, tomato soup, Italian seasoning, and beef broth into the skillet. Stir in half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Cook this mixture over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, allowing everything to meld into a creamy, savory sauce that clings to each shell.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the savory mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, laying down a rich, golden blanket of cheddar and mozzarella that will melt beautifully in the oven.
Step 6: Bake to Cheesy Perfection
Cover your baking dish with foil and slide it into the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes to heat through and meld the flavors. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese topping is bubbly and golden, creating a perfect crust.
How to Serve Cheesy Beef and Shells Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your casserole from delicious to dazzling, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil on top right before serving. The fresh herb brightness contrasts beautifully with the savory richness. If you like a little heat, a light dusting of crushed red pepper flakes adds an exciting kick without overwhelming the dish.
Side Dishes
This hearty casserole pairs wonderfully with simple green salads dressed lightly in vinaigrette, or roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or green beans. A crusty garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are perfect to mop up every last bit of cheesy goodness on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this dish in individual ramekins for personal portions that look fancy but are super easy to make. You can also layer in extra vegetables like spinach or mushrooms right into the mixture to sneak in some greens. No matter how you present it, this casserole shines.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your meal, cover any leftovers tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen after resting, making for irresistibly tasty next-day bites. Just be sure to cool before sealing to maintain freshness.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this casserole freezes beautifully. Place cooled leftovers in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. For best texture, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers covered with foil in a preheated 350-degree oven until warmed through and the cheese is melty, about 15 to 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions on medium power, stirring halfway to keep the cheese smooth and gooey.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta in this Cheesy Beef and Shells Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! While medium shells are ideal for holding the sauce, you can swap in other shapes like elbow macaroni, rotini, or penne. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure the pasta is al dente before mixing everything together.
Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute, or use sautéed mushrooms and lentils for a hearty vegetarian version. You might want to use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to keep the flavor profile balanced.
What type of cheese works best for this recipe?
The combination of cheddar and mozzarella is fantastic for both flavor and meltability. You can experiment by adding Parmesan for an extra savory punch or even pepper jack if you want a bit of spice.
Can I prepare the casserole ahead and bake it later?
Definitely. Assemble the dish, cover it with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to ensure it heats through evenly.
How do I prevent the casserole from being too watery?
Be sure to drain your cooked pasta well and use the beef broth sparingly. Also, simmering the sauce mixture for those few minutes before baking helps reduce excess liquid, giving you a perfectly creamy and firm casserole.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so comforting about a warm, cheesy, and meaty casserole that fills your kitchen with amazing aromas and makes everyone feel at home. I truly hope you give this Cheesy Beef and Shells Casserole Recipe a try soon because it’s one of those dishes everyone loves, and it’s so easy to make with everyday ingredients. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
Print
Cheesy Beef and Shells Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Beef and Shells Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish combining tender pasta shells, savory ground beef, and rich tomato soup, all topped with a generous layer of melted cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Perfect for family dinners, this easy-to-make casserole is baked to perfection, delivering a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful meal everyone will love.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 lb medium pasta shells
Beef Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 medium sweet onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 20 oz tomato soup (about 2 cans)
- 1/2 cup beef broth
Cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook and drain the pasta shells according to the package directions until al dente. Set aside.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Brown Beef and Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown and chop the ground beef along with the diced sweet onion and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper as it cooks until the beef is fully cooked and onions are softened.
- Combine Ingredients: To the skillet with the browned beef, add the cooked pasta, tomato soup, Italian seasoning, beef broth, and half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Stir well and cook for 2-3 minutes over medium heat to blend the flavors and warm the mixture.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the beef and pasta mixture into the greased baking dish evenly. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the top to create a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then, uncover and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese topping is melted and bubbly, and slightly golden.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes when browning the beef.
- Using a mixture of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses gives a good balance of sharpness and gooey meltiness.
- To make this dish ahead, prepare up to assembly, cover tightly with foil, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- Ensure pasta is cooked al dente to avoid mushy texture after baking.
