Description
Scrumptious cheesy taco stuffed shells combine Mexican and Italian cuisine in one delightful dish. Pasta shells packed with seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and zesty toppings create a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 12 ounces (340 grams) jumbo pasta shells
- 1 packet taco seasoning
Cheese and Salsa:
- 1 cup (225 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters) jarred salsa
Liquid:
- 2/3 cup (160 milliliters) water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring rack is positioned in the center.
- Boil jumbo pasta shells in salted water according to package instructions until al dente, then carefully drain and allow to cool slightly.
- In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking meat into small crumbles until no pink remains.
- Drain excess fat from beef, then return skillet to stovetop and sprinkle taco seasoning over meat.
- Pour water into skillet, stirring thoroughly to combine seasoning with beef, and simmer until liquid completely reduces.
- Remove beef mixture from heat and fold in salsa and shredded cheddar cheese, creating a cohesive filling.
- Arrange pasta shells in a greased baking dish, methodically filling each shell with seasoned beef mixture.
- Generously spread remaining salsa across stuffed shells and evenly distribute additional cheese on top.
- Carefully cover baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until cheese melts completely and edges become slightly golden and bubbly.
Notes
- Choose lean ground beef or turkey for a healthier protein option that reduces overall fat content while maintaining delicious flavor.
- Customize taco seasoning intensity by adjusting store-bought mix or creating homemade blend to control sodium and spice levels.
- Consider preparing shells slightly firmer during initial boiling to prevent potential mushiness after baking and stuffing.
- Experiment with alternative cheese varieties like pepper jack or Mexican blend for enhanced taste complexity and different flavor profiles.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg