Creamy Beef and Pasta Casserole Recipe 🌟

🌟 Creamy Beef and Pasta Casserole Recipe 🌟

🥘 Introduction

The creamy beef and pasta casserole is a heartwarming comfort food, perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights. Combining tender pasta shells, seasoned ground beef, and a rich, cheesy cream sauce, this dish offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures. It is loved across cultures for its simplicity, affordability, and satisfying nature.

🧾 Ingredients

1 lb (450 g) ground beef

12 oz (340 g) pasta shells (medium or large)

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups beef broth

1 ½ cups heavy cream

1 can (10 oz) cream of mushroom soup (optional for thickness)

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella blend)

½ cup sour cream

2 tbsp butter

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp paprika

1 tsp dried oregano

Salt and black pepper to taste

Fresh parsley (for garnish)

📝 Instructions & Methods

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

1. Boil pasta shells in salted water until al dente.
2. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Beef

1. In a skillet, heat olive oil and butter.
2. Add onion and garlic; sauté until fragrant.
3. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned.
4. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. In the same skillet, stir in heavy cream, beef broth, and mushroom soup.
2. Let it simmer gently until thickened.
3. Add shredded cheese and stir until smooth.

Step 4: Combine & Bake

1. Mix cooked pasta shells with the creamy beef sauce.
2. Transfer mixture to a casserole dish or slow cooker.
3. Top with more cheese.
4. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 20 minutes or cook in a slow cooker on low for 2–3 hours until bubbly.

Step 5: Serve

1. Remove from oven, let rest 5 minutes.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley.
3. Serve hot with bread or salad.

📜 History

Casseroles became popular in the 20th century in America, when home cooks looked for convenient, hearty meals. Influenced by European baked pasta traditions (like Italian pasta al forno), this dish combines the American love of creamy sauces with the convenience of one-pot meals.

💡 Benefits

Comfort food: Warm, creamy, and filling.

Affordable: Uses simple pantry ingredients.

Customizable: Swap beef for chicken, turkey, or vegetables.

Protein-rich: Good source of energy and muscle-building nutrients.

Family-friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike.

🏗 Formation

• Base: Pasta shells
• Protein: Ground beef
• Sauce: Cream, cheese, mushroom soup
• Seasoning: Herbs and spices
• Final Touch: Baking for a golden, cheesy crust

❤️ Lovers of this Dish

• Cheese lovers: Extra melty cheese on top makes it irresistible.
• Pasta lovers: Shells absorb the creamy sauce beautifully.
• Busy parents: Easy to prepare and reheat for kids.
• Comfort food seekers: Perfect for cold nights or family gatherings.

🔬 Nutrition (per serving – approx. 1 cup)

Calories: 420 kcal

Protein: 22 g

Fat: 24 g

Carbohydrates: 32 g

Fiber: 2 g

Calcium: 18% DV

Iron: 15% DV

🎯 Conclusion

The creamy beef and pasta casserole is more than just a dish—it’s a memory-making meal. Its creamy texture, savory flavor, and cheesy goodness bring people together around the table. Whether served for family dinner, shared at potlucks, or enjoyed as leftovers, it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

💕 For the Lovers

This dish is best enjoyed with:

• A fresh green salad
• Garlic bread or crusty rolls
• A cozy blanket on a rainy evening
• The company of family and friends who love comfort food