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Hamburger and Shells Casserole
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
2
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta. Cook until al dente, 7-8 minutes. Drain the pasta, then return it to the pot and set aside. While the pasta boils, cook the meat.
3
Spray an extra-large skillet with nonstick cooking spray and set over medium-high heat. Add the beef, salt, pepper, and garlic powder, and saute, breaking up the meat with a rubber spatula as it cooks, until it is browned, 7-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
4
Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the tomato soup and water to the beef. Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, and cook until the liquid is slightly reduced, about 5 minutes.
5
Pour the beef mixture into the pot of pasta and stir to combine. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
6
Sprinkle the shredded cheeses evenly over the casserole.
7
Bake the casserole on middle rack of oven until bubbling at the edges and cheese is melted and lightly browned, 25-28 minutes.
8
Check to see that casserole is done. Remove from oven or add time as needed.
9
Allow the casserole to cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.
My Calorie Intake
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Tips & Tricks (5)
- Brown the Beef Properly for Depth 🍖Don't skip browning the ground beef—break it into small crumbles and let it sit undisturbed for 2-3 minutes per side to develop a flavorful crust that elevates the entire casserole.
- Undercook Your Pasta Slightly 🍝Cook the shells 1-2 minutes less than the box suggests since they'll continue cooking in the oven—this prevents mushy, overcooked pasta in the final dish.
- Layer Cheese Strategically 🧀Mix most of the cheese into the sauce for creamy richness, then reserve some shredded cheddar for the top to create an irresistible golden, melted crust.
- Boost the Tomato Soup Base 🥣Stir in a splash of beef broth or water to thin the condensed soup slightly—this creates a silkier sauce that coats the pasta evenly instead of clumping.
- Rest Before Serving for Structure 🕐Let the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes after baking before cutting—this allows the cheese and sauce to set, preventing a soupy, falling-apart texture.
Recipe Facts
Diet at a Glance
High Protein
My Calorie Intake
Smart Nutrition 
Nutrition Per Serving
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Glycemic Analysis
Glycemic Index
Glycemic Load
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