Unstuffed Shells Casserole

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 white onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
• 4 cups medium or large pasta shells, uncooked
• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, grated
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil, shopped, for garnish (optional)

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
2. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, brown the beef over medium-high heat. Drain fat, if needed.
4. Add onion and cook until soft, 3-5 minutes. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
5. Add marinara and let simmer 2-3 minutes.
6. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, ricotta, sour cream, parmesan, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper and stir to combine. Add pasta shells and stir.
7. Spread half of the meat sauce in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange pasta mixture on top, followed by remaining meat sauce.
8. Top with mozzarella cheese and cover with a piece of aluminum foil.
9. Bake 30 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking until bubbly and golden brown, 10-15 minutes more. Garnish with fresh basil if desired and enjoy!