Looking for an easy, hearty dinner that the whole family will love? This Cheesy Tomato Beef Shells Casserole combines tender pasta shells, savory ground beef, rich tomato soup, and a generous layer of melted cheddar cheese. It’s a simple, budget-friendly comfort food recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 lb medium pasta shells
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cans condensed tomato soup (10.5 oz each)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, if needed
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small crumbles.
- Drain excess grease from the beef. Season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder if desired.
- Stir the condensed tomato soup into the cooked beef until evenly combined.
- Add the cooked pasta shells and mix gently until the shells are coated with the beef and tomato mixture.
- Transfer everything to a lightly greased baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, or until the casserole is hot throughout and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips for the Best Results
- Cook the pasta just until al dente to prevent it from becoming too soft in the oven.
- Drain the ground beef well to avoid a greasy casserole.
- For a smoother consistency, follow the tomato soup label instructions if the soup needs to be diluted.
- Let the casserole rest briefly before serving so the sauce settles.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American-inspired comfort food
SEO Title
Cheesy Tomato Beef Shells Casserole – Easy Family Dinner
Meta Description
Make this easy cheesy tomato beef shells casserole with tender pasta, savory ground beef, tomato soup, and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a comforting family dinner!