Taco Stuffed Shells combine the flavors of tacos with a pasta twist. These delicious stuffed shells are filled with a seasoned ground beef mixture and then baked with cheese and taco sauce. Here’s a recipe for Taco Stuffed Shells:
Ingredients:
For the Stuffed Shells:
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet (1.25 oz) taco seasoning mix
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup salsa
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Taco Sauce:
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning mix
For Garnish (optional):
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Sliced green onions
- Sour cream
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta Shells:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until they are al dente.
- Drain and rinse the cooked shells with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until it’s browned and cooked through.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the onion is softened.
- Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Stir in the taco seasoning mix and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, ensuring the meat is well-coated with the seasoning.
- Remove the skillet from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Prepare the Taco Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, combine the tomato sauce and 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning mix. Heat over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the Stuffed Shells:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and seasoned ground beef mixture, shredded cheddar cheese, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, sour cream, and salsa. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
- Stuff each cooked pasta shell with a generous portion of the beef and cheese mixture.
- Bake the Stuffed Shells:
- Spread a thin layer of the taco sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Arrange the stuffed shells in the baking dish.
- Pour the remaining taco sauce over the stuffed shells.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
- **Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the shells are heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve and Garnish:
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
- Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, and sour cream if desired.
Enjoy your Taco Stuffed Shells with your favorite taco toppings for a delicious and comforting meal!
