Introduction
This creamy beef and shell pasta casserole is a comforting and satisfying dish that combines lean ground beef with a medley of vegetables and rich cheeses. Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy gathering, it’s a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1 pound lean ground beef
1 medium yellow onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
8 ounces medium shell pasta
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
½ cup sour cream
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
This flavorful casserole is simple to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. Follow the steps carefully, and you will be rewarded with a delectable dish that everyone will love.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Sauté Vegetables
Add the diced onion and red bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Combine Sauces and Seasonings
Add the diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato paste, Italian seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes.
Cook the Pasta
While the sauce is simmering, cook the shell pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and return to the pot.
Mix Cream Cheese, Sour Cream, and Butter
In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and melted butter until smooth.
Combine Pasta with Cream Cheese Mixture
Add the cream cheese mixture to the cooked pasta and stir until the pasta is well coated.
First Layer of Pasta
Spread half of the pasta mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
First Layer of Beef Sauce
Top with half of the beef and tomato sauce mixture.
Add Cheeses
Sprinkle with half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.
Repeat Layers
Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, beef sauce, and cheeses.
Bake Covered
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
Bake Uncovered
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cool Before Serving
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Variations
Feel free to add other vegetables such as mushrooms or spinach for added nutrition.
Storage
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing
This dish can be assembled ahead of time and frozen before baking. Just add extra baking time when cooking from frozen.
Cook techniques
Brown the Meat
Cooking ground beef until it is browned is essential for flavor development. It helps to create a good base for the sauce by enhancing the meat’s taste through the Maillard reaction.
Sautéing Vegetables
Sautéing the onions and bell peppers until they are softened helps release their natural sweetness, which adds depth to the overall flavor of the dish.
Minced Garlic
Adding minced garlic at the end of the vegetable sauté allows the garlic to release its aroma and flavor without becoming bitter from overcooking.
Simmering
Allowing the sauce to simmer helps blend the flavors of the ingredients, creating a rich and cohesive sauce that pairs well with the pasta.
Cooking Pasta
Cooking the shell pasta until al dente ensures that it has the right texture and will hold up well in the baking process without becoming mushy.
Mixing Cream Cheese
Combining softened cream cheese, sour cream, and melted butter creates a creamy, rich mixture that beautifully coats the pasta, adding a luscious texture.
Layering
Layering the pasta, sauce, and cheeses enhances the presentation and ensures an even distribution of flavors and textures in every bite.
Baking
Covering the dish with foil during the initial baking phase helps to retain moisture, while removing it later promotes bubbling and browning of the cheese.
FAQ
Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute with your favorite cheeses like Gouda, Monterey Jack, or even feta for a unique flavor.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to enhance nutritional value and flavor.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You may also freeze it for longer storage.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole ahead of time, assemble it, and store it in the fridge before baking.
What can I serve this casserole with?
This casserole pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Conclusion
This creamy beef and shell pasta casserole is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that is sure to please any crowd. The layered richness of the beef, cheese, and pasta creates a comforting dish that pairs well with a variety of sides.
Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake
Substitute the ground beef with cooked shredded chicken and combine with the same sauce and pasta for a lighter twist on the casserole.
Vegetable Loaded Pasta Bake
Incorporate diced zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach into the beef mixture for a nutritious boost and to add more vibrant flavors.
Spicy Taco Pasta Casserole
Add taco seasoning and black beans to the beef mixture, top with jalapeños before baking, and use pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick.
BBQ Beef Mac and Cheese
Mix in barbecue sauce with the beef mixture and swap cheddar for smoked gouda to give a BBQ-inspired twist to the dish.
Italian Sausage and Spinach Pasta Bake
Use Italian sausage instead of ground beef and add fresh spinach for a delicious and hearty alternative, topped with provolone cheese.
