Creamy Beef Shells Casserole

When you think of comfort food, what comes to mind? Juicy, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying, Creamy Beef Shells Casserole is the answer to your cravings for a hearty, family-approved dinner. This dish combines tender pasta shells stuffed with a savory beef and sour cream mixture, smothered in marinara, and finished with gooey, golden cheese. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone rush to the table.

Fun fact: casseroles have been around since the 18th century, earning a spot as one of the most beloved family staples. And with good reason—they’re easy, filling, and perfect for feeding a crowd. If you’ve tried our Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole, you’ll love this beefy version just as much!

What is Creamy Beef Shells Casserole?

Think of it as a cross between stuffed shells and a baked pasta casserole. Each large pasta shell is filled with a creamy, cheesy beef mixture, nestled in rich marinara, and baked until bubbling. It’s basically a hug in a dish—warm, comforting, and full of flavor. Whether you call it a pasta bake or a casserole, one thing’s for sure: it’s bound to become a new family favorite.

Why You’ll Love It

• Creamy & cheesy goodness in every bite.

• Quick & cost-effective—way cheaper than takeout, but just as satisfying.

• Family-friendly—even picky eaters will be asking for seconds.

• Versatile—easy to swap in your favorite cheeses or seasonings.

Compared to lasagna, which can take hours, this casserole delivers the same comfort food vibes in a fraction of the time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 12 large pasta shells

• 1 lb ground beef

• ½ cup diced onion

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• 1 cup sour cream

• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)

• 1 jar marinara sauce (about 24 oz)

• Salt & pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Cook pasta shells in salted water until al dente (8–10 minutes). Drain and set aside.

3. Prepare beef filling: In a skillet, cook ground beef with onion and garlic until browned. Drain excess fat. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

4. Mix filling: In a bowl, combine beef mixture with sour cream and 1 cup shredded cheese.

5. Stuff shells: Fill each pasta shell with beef mixture and place in a greased baking dish.

6. Add sauce & cheese: Pour marinara over shells and sprinkle with remaining cheese.

7. Bake: Cover with foil and bake 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.

8. Cool & serve: Let rest for a few minutes before serving.

What to Serve With Creamy Beef Shells Casserole

• Garlic bread for the perfect scoop-and-dip combo.

• Fresh salad with vinaigrette to balance the richness.

• Iced tea or lemonade for a refreshing pairing.

Tips for the Best Casserole

1. Cook pasta al dente—they’ll soften more in the oven.

2. Mix cheeses—try cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan together.

3. Make ahead: Assemble in the morning, bake at night.

4. Taste and adjust seasoning before stuffing shells.

Storing & Reheating

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days.

• Freezer: Freeze unbaked casserole (tightly wrapped) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking.

• Reheat: Best reheated in the oven to keep it cheesy and fresh—avoid the microwave if possible.

 Cozy, creamy, and full of flavor, Creamy Beef Shells Casserole is everything you want in a comfort food dish. Perfect for weeknights, weekends, and every craving in between.

Creamy Beef Shells Casserole

A creamy and hearty casserole filled with tender pasta shells and a savory beef mixture, perfect for family dinners.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Pasta and Beef Mixture

• 12 pieces large pasta shells
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded cheese cheddar or a cheese blend
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 jar marinara sauce about 24 oz
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta shells for about 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain, rinse, and set aside.
3. In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, onion, and garlic. Cook until the meat is browned and the onions are translucent. Drain any excess fat, then season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture with sour cream and 1 cup of shredded cheese. Mix well until combined.
5. Spoon the beef mixture into each pasta shell and place them in a greased baking dish. Repeat until all shells are filled.

Baking

1. Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
2. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
3. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Make ahead by assembling in the morning and bake at dinner time. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze unbaked for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for best results.