Craving a hearty and comforting meal? This Cheesy Beef and Shell Pasta Bake is the answer. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone together, whether it’s a family dinner or a cozy night in with friends. Packed with flavors, this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser and is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
Imagine tender pasta shells filled with seasoned ground beef and smothered in a rich, creamy cheese sauce. The aroma alone will have your taste buds tingling and your stomach growling. What makes this dish even better is how easy it is to prepare! You can whip it up in no time and have a delicious meal ready to go.
Deliciously Cheesy Beef and Shell Pasta Bake
This Cheesy Beef and Shell Pasta Bake is a delightful combination of tender pasta shells, seasoned ground beef, and a melty cheese topping. It’s rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor, making it a perfect comfort food option for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 12 oz large pasta shells
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the 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 the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until translucent. Add the ground beef, cooking until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes.
- Mix the Cheese: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
- Fill the Shells: Carefully stuff each pasta shell with the beef mixture and place them in a greased baking dish.
- Top with Sauce: Pour the remaining beef sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Let it cool for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley. Serve warm.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: 450kcal
- Fat: 25g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
