Description
Delicious taco stuffed pasta shells filled with savory beef and topped with melted cheese for a comforting family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 20 jumbo pasta shells (about 6 oz)
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade taco seasoning)
- 2/3 cup water
- 1 cup salsa (mild or medium)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or Mexican blend)
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (drained)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional, for garnish)
- 2 green onions (sliced for garnish)
- Fresh cilantro (chopped, optional)
- Nonstick spray or a drizzle of oil for the baking dish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the jumbo shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and lay them on a baking sheet to prevent sticking.
- Cook the ground beef and chopped onion in a skillet over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease.
- Add taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
- Stir in the drained diced tomatoes with chilies and 1/2 cup of the salsa. Remove from heat.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the remaining salsa (about 1/2 cup) across the bottom.
- Spoon the taco meat mixture into each shell (about 1–2 tablespoons per shell) and arrange them in the baking dish.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the stuffed shells.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 5 minutes, or until cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Let cool for 5 minutes. Top with sour cream, green onions, and chopped cilantro, if desired. Serve warm!
Notes
Customize seasonings and toppings for personal preferences. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: main course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 50mg