Italian Basil Beef and Shells

This scrumptious Italian Basil Beef and Shells Casserole is the kind of comforting, family-friendly meal that brings everyone to the table. Tender shell pasta is tossed with Italian-seasoned ground beef and smothered in a rich, flavorful basil pesto cream sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or a casual get-together with friends, this hearty pasta casserole can be assembled ahead of time and baked when you’re ready to serve. It’s an easy, delicious way to bring a little Italian-inspired goodness to your dinner table!

Easy Italian Basil Beef and Shells Recipe

This recipe starts with medium pasta shells, which are perfect for catching all that creamy basil pesto sauce. For the best texture, be careful not to overcook the pasta before baking. Cook the shells in salted water according to the package directions until just al dente, then drain and set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the flavorful beef and cream sauce. This hearty casserole is ideal for busy weeknight dinners, Sunday family suppers, or casual entertaining when you want a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that can be assembled ahead of time and baked just before serving.

Key ingredients to make Italian Basil Beef and Shells: (Scroll down for full recipe and quantities.)

• Pasta – One pound box of medium-size shells for the pasta layer.
• Beef – Lean ground beef for a beefy flavor.
• Onion – Onion enhances the flavor.
• Oil – Olive oil to saute the ground beef and onion.
• Spices – Dry Italian seasoning, garlic salt, red pepper flakes for a hint of spice.
• Cream Cheese – Chive and onion cream cheese for a creamy texture.
• Liquid – Half and half adds moisture.
• Butter – Three tablespoons melted butter for richness.
• Cheese – Shredded mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese for a salty bite.
• Pesto – Store-bought basil pesto amps up the flavor.
• Tomatoes – Sundried tomatoes for texture.
• Fresh Herbs – Fresh Italian parsley.

How to Make Italian Basil Beef and Shells Recipe

• Boil Pasta – Cook the pasta shells in salted water per the package instructions until al dente. Drain well.
• Beef – In a large pot over medium-high heat cook the diced onion in a few drizzles of olive oil with the ground beef. Cook until no pink remains. add the ground beef.
• Mix-ins – To the ground beef add the cream cheese, half and half, and butter. Stir until the cream cheese has completely melted.
• Combine – Remove from the heat and add 2 cups shredded cheese, basil pesto, sundried tomatoes, Parmesan and cooked pasta. Stir well.
• Assemble the Dish – Pour 1/2 of the pasta mixture in the bottom of a prepared baking dish and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Top with the remaining pasta and cheese.
• Oven – Bake in a preheated 350°F oven per the recipe until bubbly and golden brown.
• Serve – Let stand for 5 minutes then garnish with chopped parsley just before serving.

Kitchen Equipment to Make Italian Basil Ground Beef Casserole

• 13×9-inch baking dish or pan.
• Measuring cups and measuring spoons.
• Chef’s knife and cutting board.
• Large pot and large skillet.
• Cheese grater.
• Small bowl.

Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

• Pesto – Thanks to prepared pesto, the dreamy sauce for this dish just couldn’t be any simpler to make. Keep in mind, different brands of basil pesto vary in intensity of flavor as well as sodium content. So, be prepared to adjust the amount when adding the pesto to make the sauce. If your preferred brand has a super strong flavor then adjust the amount according to your personal preference. Add it in small amounts and taste as you go.
• Protein – You can make this casserole using ground turkey, ground chicken or Italian sausage  in place of 1 1/2 pound ground beef.
• Tomatoes – You can substitute Italian seasoned diced tomatoes in place of the sun dried tomatoes minus the juice of course, so drain them well. Changing ingredients in recipes always changes the flavor a bit, but sometimes cooking is about improvising and using what you have on hand. Rest assured, it will still be very tasty.
• Cheese – You can use a combination of mozzarella cheese and provolone cheese, sharp cheddar cheese or monterey jack cheese.
• Red Pepper Flakes – You can use black pepper in place of crushed red pepper flakes for a milder flavor.
• Fresh Basil – You can replace the fresh parsley with fresh basil or rosemary.
• Garlic Cloves – In place of garlic salt use 1 1/2 teaspoon salt and 2 medium garlic cloves finely minced.
• Serving Options – Serve with a tossed salad and a big basket of homestyle garlic-herb  bread or a loaf of mozzarella cheese garlic bread and it’s a meal filled with Italian comfort.

Storage and Leftovers

• Make-Ahead Tip – You can fully assemble this Italian basil beef casserole one day in advance, cover with plastic wrap and chill until baking. When doing so, allow 15-20 minutes on the counter to bring to room temperature before baking or adjust the baking time so it has time to heat thoroughly.
• Leftovers – You can store Basil Beef and Shells in an airtight container or covered with foiul chilled in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating – Reheat individual servings in the microwave or in a preheated 350 degree f with a piece of foil on top. Bake for 20-25 minutes or just until heated through.
• Freezer – You can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat just before serving.

More Easy Pasta Recipes to Make

Looking to up your pasta game this week? Other pasta recipes you might like to try for dinner:

• These Chicken and Broccoli Stuffed Shells. that are packed with flavor.
• This easy Crockpot Pasta Casserole features Italian sausage and plenty of cheese.
• Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is family approved.
• Kicked up Cowboy Pasta Salad.
• Saucy Baked Penne is a family pleasing meal.
• Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad doubles as a side dish or an entree.
• Unstuffed Shells Casserole from the Girl Who Ate Everything.

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Helpful Kitchen Items:

• Baking Dish
• Measuring Set
• Kitchen Utensils
• Knives and Chopping Board