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.

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:25 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

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)

Directions

Step 1

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.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

Roll the meat mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and set them aside on a plate or tray.

Step 5

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.

Step 6

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.

Step 7

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.

Step 8

Add the remaining pasta shells on top, followed by the remaining marinara sauce. Spread the sauce evenly to cover all the pasta.

Step 9

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.

Step 10

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.

Step 11

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1969.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3970.9

Total Fat 184.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 76.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.3g
Cholesterol 721.2mg	0%
Sodium 7590.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 365.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 21.0g	0%
Total Sugars 31.2g
Protein 218.9g	0%

Vitamin D 53.8IU	0%
Calcium 2315.3mg	0%
Iron 19.0mg	0%
Potassium 1679.2mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 41.6%

Protein: 21.9%

Carbs: 36.5%