This Unstuffed Shells Casserole is all the flavors of stuffed shells without all the work. This pasta can be made ahead of time and even frozen for an easy dinner. Great for feeding a crowd!

This Unstuffed Shells Casserole is all the flavors of stuffed shells without all the work. This can be made ahead of time and even frozen for an easy dinner. the-girl-who-ate-everything.com

UNSTUFFED SHELLS CASSEROLE

I grew up on casseroles and although sometimes there’s a bad association with them, they have their time and place.

This Unstuffed Shells Casserole is all the flavors of stuffed shells without all the work. This can be made ahead of time and even frozen for an easy dinner. the-girl-who-ate-everything.com

I personally love casseroles (hello, I’m feeding an army and the neighborhood) and especially if they can be made ahead of time.

Have you ever made stuffed shells? I love them. I love these Pizza Stuffed Shells and these Chicken and Spinach Stuffed Shells.

But you know what’s way better than stuffed shells? Unstuffed shells. Yep, half the work, all the flavor. You basically just stir the creamy filling together with the shells and then layer pasta sauce. Soooo easy. Love, love, love.

OTHER PASTA RECIPES

This Unstuffed Shells Casserole is all the flavors of stuffed shells without all the work. This can be made ahead of time and even frozen for an easy dinner. the-girl-who-ate-everything.com

Unstuffed Shells Casserole

4.45 from 52 votes
This Unstuffed Shells Casserole is all the flavors of stuffed shells without all the work. This can be made ahead of time and even frozen for an easy dinner. 
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 onion, diced finely
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
  • 4 cups medium or large pasta shells, uncooked
  • 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella

Instructions
 

  • Cook pasta al dente according to package directions.
  • In a large skillet, brown the beef. Drain. Add the onion and cook for a couple of minutes until soft. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. 
  • Add the marinara sauce and simmer for 2-3 minutes. 
  • In a large bowl, add the cream cheese, ricotta, parmesan cheese, basil, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. mix until combined well. Stir in the cooked pasta shells.
  • Spray a 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray. Spread half of the meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Layer the pasta shell mixture on top followed with a layer of the remaining meat sauce. 
  • Sprinkle with the mozzarella cheese and cover with foil. 
  • Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Bake for 40-45 minutes removing the foil for the last 10 minutes of cooking. Sprinkle fresh basil on top for garnish if desired.

Notes

This can be prepared a day ahead of time and baked the next day.
Source: idea inspired from Kraft. Shell filling and sauce from me!
Cuisine: Italian
Course: Main Course
This Unstuffed Shells Casserole is all the flavors of stuffed shells without all the work. This can be made ahead of time and even frozen for an easy dinner. #unstuffed #shells #casserole #pasta #recipe #dinner