Nothing beats a warm, creamy, and cheesy pasta dish, and this Creamy Beef Shells Casserole is the ultimate comfort food.

It’s packed with tender pasta shells, seasoned ground beef, and a rich, velvety cheese sauce that coats every bite.

This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner, potluck, or meal prep, bringing together simple ingredients to create a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Easy to make and full of creamy, beefy goodness, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite.

Here’s Why You’ll Love My Creamy Beef Shells Casserole

This casserole is the perfect blend of savory, creamy, and cheesy goodness. The ground beef is perfectly seasoned, while the creamy sauce coats the pasta for a rich and hearty bite.

It’s an easy, one-pot meal that’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s a great recipe for leftovers, as the flavors continue to meld and deepen overnight.

If you love simple, family-friendly meals that are comforting and delicious, this is the dish for you!

What To Serve With Creamy Beef Shells Casserole

This dish pairs well with garlic bread or a side salad to balance its richness. A light, crisp green salad with balsamic vinaigrette provides a fresh contrast.

For extra comfort, serve it with steamed broccoli, roasted vegetables, or sautéed green beans. If you want a heartier meal, buttery dinner rolls or a side of mashed potatoes work beautifully.

Tips for the Best Creamy Beef Shells Casserole

To make this dish extra delicious, use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded cheese for a smoother sauce.

Cook the pasta al dente so it holds up in the creamy sauce without becoming mushy. For an extra boost of flavor, add a dash of Worcestershire sauce or smoked paprika to the beef while cooking.

Finally, let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving to help the sauce thicken and coat the pasta perfectly.

Creamy Beef Shells Casserole
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Creamy Beef Shells Casserole

Recipe by JoanneCourse: MainCuisine: American Comfort FoodDifficulty: Easy
Servings

6

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

25

minutes
Calories per serving

620

kcal

Ingredients

  • 12 ounce medium pasta shells

  • 1 pound ground beef

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

  • 1/2 cup onion, diced

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cheddar cheese soup

  • 1 1/2 cups milk

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

  • 1 tablespoon butter

  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley (for garnish)

Directions

  • Cook the Pasta:
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente.
  • Drain and set aside.
  • Cook the Ground Beef:
  • In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until browned.
  • Drain excess grease, then stir in garlic, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and Worcestershire sauce.
  • Cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Make the Creamy Sauce:
  • Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar cheese soup, milk, and heavy cream.
  • Stir until well combined and the sauce starts to thicken, about 3-5 minutes.
  • Add shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
  • Stir in the butter for extra richness.
  • Combine Everything:
  • Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet and toss gently until fully coated in the creamy sauce.
  • Cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb the sauce.
  • Serve:
  • Garnish with dried parsley and serve hot.
  • Optional: Sprinkle with additional shredded cheese for an extra cheesy finish.

Notes

  • Substitute ground turkey or sausage for a different protein variation.
  • For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
  • To make it extra creamy, add an extra 1/4 cup of heavy cream before serving.

Storage and Warming Leftovers

  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
    .
  • Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
    .
  • Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of milk, or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

Nutritional Information

NutrientAmount per Serving% Daily Value
Calories620 kcal–
Carbohydrates55g18%
Protein35g70%
Fat38g49%
Saturated Fat18g90%
Cholesterol110mg37%
Sodium900mg39%