There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, hearty bake after a long day. One of my absolute favorites is this Beef And Shell Bake. It’s a dish that I grew up with and has a special place in my heart. This dish is a beautiful medley of beef, tomatoes, and cheese, baked to perfection. It’s a staple in American households and is known for its rich flavors and simplicity. The dish has an interesting history as well. It’s believed to have originated from Italian-American immigrants who adapted their traditional recipes to suit the ingredients available in their new homeland. The addition of American cheese gives it a unique twist, making it all the more delicious. What I love about this recipe is its simplicity. The ingredients are easy to find, and the cooking process is straightforward. Plus, you can make it ahead of time and simply pop it into the oven when you’re ready to eat. It’s a perfect dish for those busy weeknights or when you have guests over. It’s also a great way to sneak in some vegetables if you have picky eaters at home. Now, let’s get cooking and create some delicious memories!
Ingredients
- 1/2 pkg. Creamette shells
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 1/2 c. celery, diced
- 1 c. onion, chopped
- 1 (28 oz.) can whole tomatoes
- 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste
- 2 tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. oregano
- 1/4 tsp. pepper
- 1 c. American cheese, grated
Baking Instructions
- Prepare Creamette shells according to package directions. Drain.
- Cook ground beef, celery and onion.
- Drain excess fat. Add tomatoes with liquid (breaking up with spoon), tomato paste, salt, oregano and pepper.
- Simmer 5 minutes.
- Combine meat mixture with shells and pour into a 3-quart casserole.
- Top with cheese. Bake in a 350° oven for 25 to 30 minutes.
Calorie: 600
Total cooking time: 1 hour
Difficulty level: Easy
The Saga of the Beef and Shell Bake
Hello there, fellow food enthusiasts! I’m here to regale you with the tale of my journey into the realm of the Beef and Shell Bake. And no, this isn’t some sort of maritime expedition involving shell collecting and grilling beef on a beach, although that sounds like a story for another day.
Ingredient Gathering: The Beginning of a Culinary Epic
Everything starts with the right ingredients, doesn’t it? For this exquisite dish, we’ll need the following: 1/2 pkg. of Creamette shells, 1 lb. of ground beef, 1 1/2 c. celery, diced (because who doesn’t love a good crunch?), 1 c. onion, chopped (tears are part of the process, trust me!), 1 (28 oz.) can whole tomatoes, 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste (the more tomato, the merrier), 2 tsp. salt, 1 tsp. oregano (a little Italian flair, anyone?), 1/4 tsp. pepper, and 1 c. American cheese, grated (because everything’s better with cheese, right?).
Preparation: A Dance with the Creamette Shells
First off, you’ll need to prepare the Creamette shells according to package directions. Sounds easy, right? Well, it’s only the first step on our culinary journey. So, don your apron and let’s get cooking!
The Beef-Celery-Onion Trifecta
Next up, we’re cooking the ground beef, celery, and onion. It’s like an aromatic symphony, with the savory ground beef playing the bass notes, the celery providing the crunchy percussion, and the onion bringing the tear-jerking solo. Once everything’s cooked to perfection, drain the excess fat. Because we don’t want our masterpiece to be, well, too greasy.
The Tomato Tango
Now, it’s time for the tomatoes and tomato paste to join the party. Add them to the pan with the beef and veggies, breaking up the tomatoes with a spoon. Add salt, oregano, and pepper. Let it all simmer for 5 minutes. It’s a tango of flavors that could make any taste bud do the cha-cha!
The Big Mix-Up and the Grand Finale
Now, it’s time to combine the meat mixture with the shells. It’s like a culinary marriage made in heaven. Pour everything into a 3-quart casserole. Top it all off with the American cheese, because remember: cheese is life.
Bake in a 350° oven for 25 to 30 minutes. And voila! Your Beef and Shell Bake is ready.
Reflections: The Aftermath of a Culinary Masterpiece
So, there you have it, folks! My journey into the world of Beef and Shell Bake. It was a rollercoaster of flavors and emotions, with tears (curse you, onions!), laughter (because who doesn’t chuckle when they see a hunk of cheese?), and an aroma that would make anyone’s mouth water.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this little narrative and that it inspires you to try your hand at this delicious dish. Remember, cooking is a journey, not a destination. So, put on that apron, gather your ingredients, and get ready to embark on your own culinary quest!
