Cheesy Beef & Shell Pasta Bake

Cheesy Beef & Shell Pasta Bake

Nothing says cozy and satisfying quite like a bubbling dish of Cheesy Beef & Shell Pasta Bake. It’s the perfect comfort food that brings together tender pasta shells, seasoned ground beef, colorful bell peppers, and a blanket of melted cheese in every bite. This casserole is not only filling and flavorful but also incredibly easy to make, making it a go-to dish for busy weeknights or when you’re feeding a hungry crowd. With a hearty, savory base and a gooey, cheesy topping, it’s guaranteed to become a favorite at your table. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies while keeping things delicious!

📝 Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) medium pasta shells

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 pound (450g) ground beef

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• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 1 green bell pepper, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

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• Salt to taste

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra flavor)

• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:

   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

   • Cook the pasta shells according to the package directions until al dente.

   • Drain and set aside.

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2. Prepare the Beef Mixture:

   • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.

   • Add chopped onions and bell pepper, sauté for 3–4 minutes until slightly softened.

   • Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.

   • Stir in ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.

   • Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

   • Add drained diced tomatoes and stir to combine. Simmer for 5 minutes.

3. Combine and Assemble:

   • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

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   • In a large mixing bowl or in the skillet (if oven-safe), combine the cooked pasta with the beef mixture.

   • Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

   • Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the top.

4. Bake:

   • Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

   • If you like a golden top, broil for an additional 2–3 minutes, keeping a close eye.

5. Serve:

   • Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes.

   • Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve warm.

🍽️ Conclusion

This Cheesy Beef & Shell Pasta Bake is the kind of heartwarming, satisfying dish that brings people together. It’s filling, flavorful, and packed with comforting ingredients you likely already have on hand. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or as a make-ahead meal to reheat later—this dish ticks all the boxes. Customize it by adding mushrooms, using spicy sausage, or even tossing in spinach for an extra veggie boost. However you serve it, one thing is for sure: every bite will be rich with melted cheese, tender pasta, and savory beef—just the way comfort food should be.