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.