Seashell-Provolone Casserole
A cheesy, hearty casserole with seashell pasta, savory beef, rich tomato sauce, and melted provolone and mozzarella, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 3 medium onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup margarine, melted ⓘ
- 1 1/2 to 2 pounds ground beef ⓘ
- 1 (15 1/2 oz.) jar plain spaghetti sauce
- 1 (16 oz.) can stewed tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can mushroom stems and pieces, drained ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 (8 oz.) package seashell macaroni ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) package Provolone cheese, sliced ⓘ
- 3 cups sour cream ⓘ
- 1 cup (4 oz.) shredded Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute chopped onions in melted margarine in a large skillet until tender.
- Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, stirring to crumble the meat.
- Add spaghetti sauce, stewed tomatoes, drained mushrooms, and garlic salt to the meat mixture.
- Stir well and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Cook macaroni according to package directions, reducing salt to 1 1/2 teaspoons, then drain.
- Layer cooked macaroni, meat sauce, sliced Provolone cheese, and shredded Mozzarella cheese in a casserole dish.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider adding vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to the meat mixture for extra nutrition. If you're short on time, use pre-cooked ground beef or substitute with turkey for a leaner option. You can also replace Provolone with another cheese like mozzarella or cheddar if preferred. Make sure to taste and adjust the garlic salt based on your preference.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is hearty enough on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. You can also serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a side of steamed broccoli for a nutritious addition. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, it’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover to retain moisture, heating in short intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated thoroughly, about 15-20 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Seashell-Provolone Casserole contains roughly 1063 calories, with 49g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 85g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (98% of the Daily Value), calcium (58% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1262mg per serving (55% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble it without baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, simply remove it from the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it's cold from the refrigerator.
Can I freeze the Seashell-Provolone Casserole?
Absolutely! Prepare the casserole, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or bake directly from frozen, increasing the baking time.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
If you're looking for a substitute for sour cream, Greek yogurt works well and adds a similar tangy flavor. You can also use cream cheese mixed with a bit of milk to achieve a similar consistency. For a dairy-free option, try using cashew cream or a plant-based sour cream alternative.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).