Layered Shell Casserole

February is a popular month for shell casseroles. These dishes are typically comfort foods cooked in deep pans in the oven. Since consumer sentiment over grocery store prices lingers, casseroles are generally desired as they are economical and easy to make. Not only are they quick to assemble, but they can also feed a crowd. Plus, leftovers can be easily reheated and enjoyed. Enjoy another favorite casserole recipes:

Recipe for layered shell casserole

Serves 8 Ingredients:

• 3 cups uncooked medium-size shell pasta
• 1 lb. lean ground beef or lean ground turkey or lean ground sausage (pick one)
• 2 cans (8 oz. each) tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon garlic salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 carton (8 oz.) sour cream
• 1 package (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup whole milk or cream (pick one)
• ⅓ cup chopped onion
• 1 package (10 oz.) frozen chopped spinach, cooked and well-drained
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 2-quart casserole; set aside. Cook shells per package directions to al dente. Drain and set aside. In a large skillet, cook meat over medium heat until nicely brown. Drain off fat if needed. Then add the tomato sauce, basil, sugar, garlic salt, and pepper.  Bring to a boil. Immediately reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for five minutes. Meanwhile, in a medium size mixing bowl, beat together the sour cream and cream cheese using an electric mixer. Beat on medium speed until smooth. Stir in the milk and onion until creamy. In the prepared casserole, layer half the shells, half the meat mixture, half the cream cheese mixture, and all the spinach. Top with the remaining shells and meat mixture. (Reserve, cover, and chill the remaining cream cheese mixture until needed later.) Cover casserole with nonstick foil. Bake at 350 degrees F. for 45 minutes or until heated through. Remove casserole from oven. Spread the remaining cream cheese mixture over top. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese. Return casserole to oven. Bake, uncovered, for about 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted. Serve hot. For a similar tasty tomato-based casserole recipe, enjoy our recipe for spaghetti casserole.

Recommendation

Serve with a garden salad, sometimes called a tossed salad, and a fresh loaf of bread.