Meatloaf and Cheddar Shells Casserole
Some of the best meals are those that take two beloved comfort foods and combine them into one incredible dish. This Meatloaf and Cheddar Shells Casserole is the perfect example. It’s a hearty, nostalgic, and deeply satisfying meal that brings together a savory meatloaf base with a creamy, cheesy pasta shell topping. The result is a complete, all-in-one casserole that feels like a warm hug. It’s the ideal meal for a cozy family dinner on a chilly evening and is guaranteed to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.
Why I love This Recipe
I’m a huge fan of recipes that deliver big on flavor and small on cleanup. What I love most about this casserole is its ingenious two-in-one concept. The meatloaf isn’t made into a separate loaf; it’s pressed directly into the bottom of the baking dish, where it becomes a savory, flavorful base for the cheesy pasta layer. As it bakes, the meatloaf cooks to perfection, and the cheesy shells become a rich and creamy topping. The flavors are classic and familiar, which makes it an instant hit with both kids and adults. Plus, the fact that it all comes together in a single baking dish is a dream come true for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.75 oz) condensed tomato soup
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 oz medium pasta shells, cooked and drained
Swaps and Notes
- Ground Meat: While ground beef is a classic choice, you can easily swap it for ground turkey, pork, or a mix of beef and pork for a different flavor profile.
- Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese is a perfect choice for its sharp, savory flavor and melting ability. You could also use a Mexican blend, Monterey Jack, or even some shredded Gruyère for a more complex taste.
- Pasta: Medium pasta shells are perfect for this dish as they hold the cheesy sauce beautifully. You can also use other pasta shapes like elbow macaroni, penne, or rotini.
- Tomato Soup: The condensed tomato soup and milk mixture creates a simple, creamy, and flavorful sauce that is a staple in many classic casserole recipes. You can add a pinch of dried oregano or basil to the sauce for an extra touch of flavor.
- Add-ins: This is a great recipe for adding in some vegetables. You can mix in a few handfuls of frozen peas or corn to the pasta mixture for extra color and nutrients. You can also add some diced carrots or green bell peppers to the meatloaf layer.
List of Steps for the Recipe
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or butter.
- Prepare the Meatloaf Layer: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix everything together until it’s well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf tough.
- Press into the Dish: Press the meatloaf mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a firm and even layer.
- Prepare the Cheddar Shells Layer: In a separate bowl, mix together the cooked and drained pasta shells, shredded cheddar cheese, condensed tomato soup, and milk until everything is well combined.
- Spread over Meatloaf: Spread the cheddar shells mixture evenly over the meatloaf layer in the baking dish.
- Bake the Casserole: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes.
- Finish Baking: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10−15 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese on top is melted.
- Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes it much easier to scoop out clean portions.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overmix the Meat: When combining the meatloaf ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can result in a tough, dense meatloaf.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Make sure you cook your pasta to al dente. Since it will continue to cook in the oven, you don’t want it to become mushy.
- Grease the Dish: Greasing the baking dish well is a simple but important step. It will prevent the meatloaf layer from sticking to the bottom.
- Cover to Prevent Drying: Covering the casserole with foil for the first 30 minutes of baking helps to trap steam and moisture, which keeps the meatloaf and pasta from drying out.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This hearty casserole is a complete meal on its own. The combination of meat, pasta, and cheese is incredibly satisfying. To add some freshness to the meal, serve it with a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette. Some warm, crusty bread would also be a perfect addition for soaking up any extra sauce.
For a drink pairing, a light-bodied red wine or a simple apple juice would be a great complement to the savory and cheesy flavors.
Nutritional Information
(Please note that this is an estimate and will vary based on specific brands and portion sizes)
This is a rich, hearty, and indulgent meal. It’s a great source of protein from the ground beef and cheese, and it provides carbohydrates from the pasta. While it is higher in calories, it’s a wonderfully satisfying meal that is perfect for a weekend treat or a cozy family dinner.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Leftovers of this casserole are fantastic and often taste even better the next day! Store any remaining portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can place a serving in a microwave-safe dish and warm it up, or for a better texture, place it in a covered oven-safe dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Final Thoughts
This Meatloaf and Cheddar Shells Casserole is a recipe that is sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. It’s a comforting, delicious, and easy meal that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of classic meatloaf and cheesy pasta is simply irresistible. Give this recipe a try and let me know in the comments how you and your family enjoyed this cozy meal!
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