Baked Shells and Meatball Casserole
Indulge in the comforting flavors of this Baked Shells and Meatball Casserole, a hearty dish that's perfect for family dinners or potlucks. Featuring tender pasta shells layered with juicy homemade meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and a generous topping of gooey mozzarella cheese, this casserole delivers classic Italian-inspired comfort in every bite. The meatballs are expertly seasoned with garlic, Parmesan, and Italian herbs, then lightly browned to seal in their flavor before baking to perfection. Simple to prepare yet unbelievably satisfying, this dish is ready in just one hour and serves up to six. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and elevate your dinner table with this bubbling, cheesy masterpiece. Perfect for pasta lovers searching for cozy casserole recipes or baked pasta dishes.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces Pasta shells (medium size)
- 1 pound Ground beef
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs
- 1 large Egg
- 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 Garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 3 cups Marinara sauce
- 2 cups Shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a small amount of olive oil.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing as it can make the meatballs tough.
Roll the meat mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and set them aside on a plate or tray.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. They do not need to be fully cooked through, as they will finish cooking in the oven. Remove the browned meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer half of the cooked pasta shells on top of the sauce.
Place the meatballs over the pasta shells in an even layer. Pour 1 1/2 cups of marinara sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they're well-coated.
Add the remaining pasta shells on top, followed by the remaining marinara sauce. Spread the sauce evenly to cover all the pasta.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve warm.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3971 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 184.7 g | 237% | |
| Saturated Fat | 76.2 g | 381% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 721 mg | 240% | |
| Sodium | 7591 mg | 330% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 365.2 g | 133% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 21.0 g | 75% | |
| Total Sugars | 31.2 g | ||
| Protein | 218.9 g | 438% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.3 mcg | 7% | |
| Calcium | 2315 mg | 178% | |
| Iron | 19.0 mg | 106% | |
| Potassium | 1679 mg | 36% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
