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
Scale
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.
