Description
This Taco Stuffed Shells recipe is a delicious twist on traditional pasta, blending the bold flavors of seasoned ground beef with melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses inside jumbo pasta shells. Baked to perfection and topped with fresh sour cream, green onions, and cilantro, it makes for a hearty and crowd-pleasing Mexican-inspired main course perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Shells and Filling
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup salsa, divided
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Cook Pasta: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the jumbo pasta shells until al dente. Drain well and set aside to cool slightly, so they are easier to handle.
- Prepare Taco Beef Mixture: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat. Stir in taco seasoning and water, mixing well. Allow to simmer for 3–4 minutes until the mixture thickens. Stir in half a cup of salsa, then remove the skillet from heat.
- Assemble Dish: Spread the remaining 1/2 cup of salsa evenly on the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the taco beef mixture and arrange them side by side in the baking dish.
- Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the stuffed shells. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the baked shells from the oven and let them cool slightly. Before serving, top with sour cream, chopped green onions, and fresh cilantro if using. Serve warm and enjoy your flavorful taco stuffed shells.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef for a leaner option.
- Add a few spoonfuls of refried beans or black beans into the beef mixture for extra texture and protein.
- This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad or savory Mexican rice for a complete meal.
