“Got this recipe from my mother-in-law when I was just married.”

 

A Heirloom Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef and Shells Casserole Passed Down with Love

"Got this recipe from my mother-in-law when I was just married."
It’s a simple sentence, but it holds a world of meaning. Recipes like this one aren't just meals — they’re memories. They’re family traditions passed down across generations, shared over kitchen tables, holiday gatherings, and busy weeknight dinners. And this Slow Cooker Creamy Ground Beef and Shells Casserole is one of those special dishes.

I still remember the first time I had it. I had only been married a few weeks, and my mother-in-law brought over a warm, bubbling casserole of creamy pasta, tender beef, and gooey cheese. It was comforting, hearty, and made with that unmistakable touch of love. I immediately asked for the recipe, and it’s been in my regular rotation ever since.

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🧡 Why This Recipe Is So Special

• It’s simple, but soulful – nothing fancy, just good, honest ingredients.

• It brings people together – perfect for family dinners or potlucks.

• It’s foolproof – great for beginner cooks (like I was when I first made it).

• It carries tradition – a reminder that some of the best recipes come from the people we love.

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🍲 Creamy Ground Beef and Shells Casserole (Slow Cooker Recipe)

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of cheddar)

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained

• 1 cup beef broth

• 1 ½ cups uncooked medium pasta shells

• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

• ½ cup sour cream

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions:

1. Brown the Beef:
   In a skillet, cook ground beef with chopped onion over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat. Add garlic and Italian seasoning, and cook for 1 more minute.

2. Mix the Base:
   Add the beef mixture to your slow cooker. Stir in soup, diced tomatoes (with juice), and beef broth.

3. Cook:
   Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours.

4. Add Pasta:
   Stir in the uncooked pasta shells 30 minutes before serving. Re-cover and continue cooking until pasta is tender.

5. Stir in the Creamy Goodness:
   Once the pasta is fully cooked, mix in cheddar cheese and sour cream until everything is melted and smooth.

6. Serve:
   Garnish with parsley if you like, and serve hot!

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🌿 A Few Tips from My Mother-in-Law (and Now Me!):

• Use what you have: No shells? Use elbows, penne, or rotini.

• Want extra veggies? Toss in some frozen peas or spinach when you add the pasta.

• Need it quicker? You can adapt this to a stovetop version — cook everything in one big pot and simmer the pasta right in the sauce.

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💬 A Final Word

This recipe isn’t just about creamy beef and pasta. It’s about those small moments — a mother-in-law sharing her favorite recipe with a new daughter-in-law, a cozy evening around the dinner table, a familiar smell wafting through the house that tells you: you’re home.

So if you're looking for a meal that’s as heartwarming as it is hearty, give this Slow Cooker Creamy Ground Beef and Shells Casserole a try. Maybe one day, you’ll pass it down too.