1️⃣ Cook the pasta:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta shells and cook according to package instructions (8–10 minutes) until al dente.

Drain the pasta and set aside.

2️⃣ Preheat the oven:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.

3️⃣ Cook the ground beef:

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.

Cook, breaking it into small pieces, until browned and fully cooked (6–8 minutes). Drain any excess fat.

4️⃣ Combine the ingredients:

Lower the skillet heat to medium-low. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the beef, stirring to combine.

Pour in the tomato soup and ½ cup of water, stirring well to mix.

Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar and ½ cup of shredded mozzarella, stirring until the cheese is melted and evenly incorporated.

5️⃣ Assemble the casserole:

Transfer the pasta and beef mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

Sprinkle the remaining cheddar (1 cup) and mozzarella (½ cup) on top for a cheesy topping.

6️⃣ Bake the casserole:

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly. For a crispy topping, broil for 2–3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.

7️⃣ Serve:

Allow the casserole to cool slightly for 5 minutes before serving.

Enjoy on its own, or pair with a fresh side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.