Sure thing! Let’s dive into crafting a delectable Cheesy Pasta Shell Casserole together! 🧀🍝 This savory dish combines tender pasta shells, flavorful ground beef, aromatic onions and green peppers, creamy cheeses, and earthy portabella mushrooms, all baked to golden perfection in a comforting casserole. With a prep time of just 20 minutes and a total cook time of 1 hour, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings.
Here’s everything you need to create this mouthwatering Cheesy Pasta Shell Casserole:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Medium pasta shells | 1 box |
| Ground beef | 1 pound |
| Onion | 1, diced |
| Green pepper | 1, diced |
| Provolone cheese | 6 slices |
| Mozzarella cheese | 12 ounces |
| Sour cream | 16 ounces |
| Portabella mushroom | 1, sliced |
Now, let’s embark on the culinary journey step by step:
Instructions:
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Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, combine the ground beef, diced onion, diced green pepper, and your favorite pasta sauce. 🥩🧅🫑 Stir well to incorporate all the flavors.
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Simmer: Place the skillet over low heat and let the sauce simmer gently for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the beef to cook through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Preheat the Oven: While the sauce simmers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your casserole will bake evenly and efficiently.
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Layer the Casserole: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, start by creating the first layer. Spread half of the cooked pasta shells evenly across the bottom of the dish.
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Add the Sauce: Next, pour half of the prepared sauce mixture over the pasta shells, spreading it out evenly to cover them completely.
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Cheese Layer: Now, it’s time to add the first layer of cheesy goodness! Lay 6 slices of provolone cheese over the sauce, creating a cheesy barrier that will melt beautifully into the dish.
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Mushroom Layer: Arrange the sliced portabella mushrooms on top of the provolone cheese, creating a hearty layer of earthy flavor.
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Creamy Touch: Generously spread the sour cream over the layer of mushrooms, adding a creamy richness to the casserole.
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Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering process with the remaining ingredients. Start with the remaining pasta shells, followed by the remaining sauce, ensuring even distribution.
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Final Cheese Topping: Finish off your masterpiece by covering the casserole with a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese, creating a gooey, cheesy topping that will bubble and brown beautifully in the oven.
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Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake the casserole for about 40 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together and the cheese to melt into a golden, bubbling perfection.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Slice into generous portions and serve hot, savoring the irresistible combination of flavors and textures in every bite. 🍽️🤤
This Cheesy Pasta Shell Casserole is sure to be a hit with family and friends alike, earning rave reviews for its comforting flavors and cheesy goodness. Whether you’re serving it up for a cozy dinner at home or bringing it to a potluck or gathering, this hearty casserole is guaranteed to satisfy even the heartiest appetites. So go ahead, indulge in a taste of comfort with this irresistible pasta dish!
