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Cheesy Stuffed Shells Casserole
This hearty homemade Cheesy Stuffed Shells Casserole from deesviral is loaded with seasoned ground beef, colorful bell peppers, fluffy rice, tender pasta shells, and layers of bubbling mozzarella cheese. It’s the perfect family-friendly baked dinner that combines comfort food flavors into one easy casserole.
If you’re looking for a satisfying weeknight meal that feeds a crowd and delivers plenty of flavor, this recipe is a guaranteed winner. The combination of savory beef, rich tomato sauce, tender pasta, and melted cheese creates a comforting dish that’s both filling and delicious.
Best of all, everything comes together in a single baking dish, making cleanup easy while delivering a hearty homemade meal the whole family will love.
Recipe Information
- Author: deesviral
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 12 oz medium pasta shells
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a large baking dish.
- Cook the pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion and bell peppers and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Season with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and cooked rice. Mix well and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add the cooked pasta shells and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Top with mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with garlic bread or warm dinner rolls.
- Pair with a fresh green salad.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in the oven until heated through. This casserole can also be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.
Why This Recipe Works
The combination of pasta shells, seasoned beef, rice, vegetables, and tomato sauce creates a hearty and balanced casserole. The mozzarella and Parmesan melt into a rich cheesy topping while the vegetables add sweetness and texture, making every bite flavorful and satisfying.
