Description

When it comes to irresistible comfort food, these indulgent stuffed casseroles top the list. They're hearty, satisfying, and loaded with flavors that feel like a warm hug in every bite. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, these are the kind of dishes that disappear fast. My husband can easily devour four in one sitting, and once you try them, you'll see why!

This recipe is a fantastic blend of savory ingredients baked to perfection. The creamy, cheesy filling combined with a golden, slightly crispy top layer creates a texture and flavor explosion. Plus, it’s incredibly simple to make, requiring minimal prep and delivering maximum satisfaction.

Ingredients

• For the Filling:
• 1 pound (450g) ground beef
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• For the Sauce:
• 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• For the Topping:
• 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• For the Casserole Base:
• 8 large shells of pasta or tortillas (depending on your preference)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil for greasing

Preparation Method

Prepare the Filling:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s browned and fully cooked. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, letting them sauté with the beef for about 3–5 minutes until they turn fragrant and translucent. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika, stirring well to combine. Remove from heat and set aside.

Make the Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, combine the tomato sauce and heavy cream, stirring until smooth. Add Italian seasoning and a touch of sugar if the tomato sauce is particularly tangy. Let the sauce simmer over low heat for 5–7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Assemble the Casseroles:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish with olive oil. Lay out your pasta shells or tortillas and evenly distribute the ground beef filling in the center of each. Roll them up tightly (if using tortillas) or stuff them neatly (if using shells). Place the filled items seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.

Add the Sauce and Toppings:
Pour the creamy tomato sauce generously over the filled casseroles, ensuring every piece is well coated. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly on top, creating a luscious layer of cheesy goodness.

Bake to Perfection:
Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden around the edges. For an extra crispy topping, switch the oven to broil for the last 2–3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

Garnish and Serve:
Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness.

Tips and Conclusion

For added variety, consider swapping the ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives. You can also mix in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to boost the flavor and nutritional value. Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to three days and reheated in the oven or microwave for a quick and delicious meal.
These stuffed casseroles are a hit every time, thanks to their rich, cheesy, and hearty profile. The combination of tender filling, creamy sauce, and melted cheese is undeniably comforting and perfect for any occasion. Once you’ve mastered this recipe, try experimenting with other fillings or sauces for endless variations.

Looking for more crowd-pleasing casseroles? Check out our Chicken Alfredo Bake or Loaded Veggie Lasagna. Don’t forget to share your creations and explore the rest of our recipes for even more culinary inspiration!