Primary Day Casserole
A hearty old-fashioned casserole that shows up at potlucks, church gatherings, and busy weeknight dinners. Ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, tomato sauce, pasta shells, and melted cheddar come together into a warm and filling baked casserole that feeds a crowd and brings back memories of family tables and shared meals.

Prep
20 min
Cook
15–30 min
Temp
350°F
Yield
6 servings
Ingredients
- 2½–3 pounds ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cans cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can tomato sauce (15 ounces)
- 3–4 cups small shell macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Water, as needed
Instructions
1Prepare the casserole dish. Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a large casserole dish.
2Cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the small shell macaroni according to package directions until tender, then drain and set aside.
3Brown the beef and onion. In a large skillet or pot, brown the ground beef and diced onion together over medium heat until the meat is fully cooked and the onion is soft. Drain excess grease.
4Add the soups and sauce. Add the cream of mushroom soup and tomato sauce to the beef mixture. Fill each empty can with a little water, swirl to rinse, and add the liquid to the mixture. Stir well to combine.
5Stir in the pasta. Add the cooked shell macaroni to the beef mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.
6Transfer to the dish. Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread evenly.
7Top and bake. Top evenly with the shredded cheddar cheese and bake for 15–30 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips & Variations
- Add garlic powder or Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
- Try mixing in a little mozzarella with the cheddar for a cheesier casserole.
- This recipe reheats very well for leftovers the next day.
- Medium shells or elbow macaroni can be substituted if needed.
- Serve with rolls or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
