Unstuffed Shells Casserole
User Reviews
4.5
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
40 mins
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Total Time
1 hr
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Servings
8 servings
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Italian
Unstuffed Shells Casserole
Description
Unstuffed Shells Casserole blends cooked medium or large pasta shells with a creamy mixture of cream cheese, ricotta, Parmesan, fresh basil, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. The filling is juxtaposed between layers of meat sauce made from browned ground beef cooked with diced onion, garlic, and simmered in marinara sauce. The assembled casserole is topped with shredded mozzarella cheese and baked covered, then uncovered to brown the cheese.
The result is a layered pasta bake combining tender pasta, rich cheeses, and savory meat sauce. The soft, creamy texture of the cheese mixture contrasts with the meat sauce's robust flavor. Fresh basil adds herbaceous brightness on finishing. The casserole offers all the comforting elements of traditional stuffed shells simplified by mixing the filling directly into the pasta.
This dish can be prepared a day ahead and baked when needed, making it convenient for family meals. It pairs well with a green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness. Leftovers reheat well, maintaining the creamy texture.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 /2 onion diced finely
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 4 cups pasta shells uncooked, medium or large
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese softened
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 /2 cup Parmesan Cheese grated
- 1/4 /4 cup basil chopped, fresh
- 1 egg
- 1/2 /2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 /2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 /2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 /2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
Instructions
- Cook pasta al dente according to package directions.
- In a large skillet, brown the beef. Drain. Add the onion and cook for a couple of minutes until soft. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add the marinara sauce and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- In a large bowl, add the cream cheese, ricotta, parmesan cheese, basil, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. mix until combined well. Stir in the cooked pasta shells.
- Spray a 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray. Spread half of the meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Layer the pasta shell mixture on top followed with a layer of the remaining meat sauce.
- Sprinkle with the mozzarella cheese and cover with foil.
- Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Bake for 40-45 minutes removing the foil for the last 10 minutes of cooking. Sprinkle fresh basil on top for garnish if desired.
Notes
- This casserole can be assembled a day ahead and refrigerated before baking to enhance flavor melding.
- Inspired by a Kraft recipe, the filling sandwiches the pasta shells instead of individually stuffing them for ease.
- Garnish with additional fresh basil after baking for color and fresh herb flavor.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.5
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