Rich and Comforting Creamy Beef Shells Casserole

 

This hearty casserole combines tender pasta shells with savory ground beef in a creamy, cheesy sauce, making it a perfect comfort meal for any occasion.

 

Ingredients:

 

12 ounces medium pasta shells

1 pound ground beef

1 small onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 cups beef broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup marinara or tomato sauce

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

 

Instructions:

 

Preheat Oven:

 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Cook Pasta:

 

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Brown Ground Beef:

 

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Break up the meat with a spoon as it cooks.

Sauté Aromatics:

 

Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

Add Seasonings:

 

Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture and stir well to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.

Stir in the Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

Prepare Sauce:

 

Gradually pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.

Add the marinara or tomato sauce and bring the mixture to a simmer.

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Combine Pasta and Sauce:

 

Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet and stir to coat them evenly with the sauce.

Assemble Casserole:

 

Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.

Bake:

 

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Garnish and Serve:

 

Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.

Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

This creamy beef shells casserole is a comforting dish that’s sure to please the whole family. Serve it with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.