Servings
Font
Back
0 from 183 votes

Unstuffed Shells Casserole

This Unstuffed Shells Casserole is all the flavors of stuffed shells without all the work. This can be made ahead of time and even frozen for an easy dinner. 

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
1 hr
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

  • 1 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 1/2 onion diced finely
  • 1 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
  • 4 4 cups medium or large pasta shells uncooked
  • 1 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese softened
  • 1 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped
  • 1 1 egg
  • 1/2 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 1/2 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Cook pasta al dente according to package directions.
  2. 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. 
  3. Add the marinara sauce and simmer for 2-3 minutes. 
  4. 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.
  5. 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. 
  6. Sprinkle with the mozzarella cheese and cover with foil. 
  7. 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 can be prepared a day ahead of time and baked the next day.
  • Source: idea inspired from Kraft. Shell filling and sauce from me!