If you’re looking for an easy weekday or weekend meal that the whole family will love, look no further than this Italian Beef and Shells Casserole. It’s hearty, comforting, and made with simple ingredients that come together into one cozy, satisfying dinner.
This is a recipe I grew up eating. My grandma made it often, and while she always called it “pizza casserole,” it’s really more of a classic Italian-style pasta bake. Nothing fancy, just shell noodles, seasoned ground beef, tomato sauce, melty mozzarella, and a italian pantry spices that make the whole kitchen smell amazing while it bakes.
It takes a little prep to get everything ready, but once it’s in the oven, it’s hands-off. And the payoff is worth it as you now have a warm, cheesy casserole that feeds a crowd and gives you leftovers for days.
Why This Italian Beef and Shells Casserole Recipe Works
- Uses simple, affordable ingredients
- Kid-friendly flavors the whole family loves
- Easy to prep ahead for busy weeknights
- Makes great leftovers (sometimes even better the next day)
Italian Beef and Shells Casserole
A hearty Italian spiced, ground beef, and shell noodle casserole that the entire family will love.
Equipment
- 1 10x14 inch baking dish
- 1 Non-stick Spray
Ingredients
- 3 C Medium Shell Noodles
- 2 ½ lbs Ground Beef
- 2 Diced Onions
- 1 tbsp Fennel Seed
- ⅛ tsp Garlic Powder
- ⅛ tsp Salt
- ½ tps Oregano
- 45 oz Tomato Sauce
- ½ C Parmesan Cheese
- 1 lb Grated Mozzerella Cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Boil the shell noodles according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Brown and drain the ground beef.
- After you drain the grease from the ground beef, add the diced onions and sauté with the beef until the onions are soft.
- Mix in the fennel and salt, and sauté for another minute or so.
- Remove from the heat, then mix in garlic powder, oregano, tomato sauce, and Parmesan cheese, and stir until thoroughly combined.
- Add the shell noodles to the meat mixture and combine thoroughly.
- Spray the bottom of your 10x14-inch baking dish with nonstick spray, then toss a handful of mozzarella to cover the bottom.
- Add a thick layer of the noodle/meat mixture to the baking dish.
- Add a layer of mozzarella.
- Then add the rest of the noodle/meat mixture on top of the mozzarella.
- Top with the remaining mozzarella and bake in the oven at 350 dgrees for 35- 40 minutes.
- Enjoy.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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