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April 29, 2025

11 Ingredients
EASY

This hearty beef and pasta casserole uses a secret pantry ingredient for extra flavor.

Hamburger and Shells Casserole
Hamburger and Shells Casserole cover
From the Cook
1/2

Hamburger and Shells Casserole

Ingredients

Servings
Milk and 5 other allergens identified

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
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Allow the casserole to cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Smart Nutrition

My Calorie Intake

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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Tips & Tricks (5)

  • Soup Secret Weapon 🥫
    Use the condensed tomato soup as a flavor-packed sauce base by whisking it with water to create a rich, creamy coating for the pasta and beef.
  • Cheese Layering Technique 🧀
    Mix both mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, creating a more complex flavor profile and achieving a perfectly melted, golden-brown top.
  • Shell Pasta Pro Tip 🐚
    Cook pasta shells just shy of al dente, as they'll continue cooking in the casserole and absorb the flavorful sauce without becoming mushy.
  • Ground Beef Browning Hack 🥩
    Use a potato masher while cooking ground beef to create uniform, small crumbles that distribute evenly throughout the casserole.
  • Seasoning Balance Trick 🌶️
    Start with a light hand on salt due to the sodium in the condensed soup, and adjust garlic powder and black pepper to enhance overall flavor complexity.

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