Introduction
A delicious fusion of Italian and Mexican cuisines, these Taco Stuffed Shells are perfect for a family dinner. The spicy beef filling wrapped in a jumbo pasta shell and topped with melty cheese will surely be a crowd-pleaser.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the Shells:
12 jumbo pasta shells
225g ground beef
120ml taco sauce
100g shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
120ml sour cream
15g chopped fresh cilantro
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Directions
Prepare the Shells:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
Cook the jumbo pasta shells in salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Stir in the taco sauce and let it simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
Assemble and Bake:
Stuff each cooked pasta shell with a spoonful of the beef mixture and place them in a baking dish, open side up.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve:
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Top each shell with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
Serve hot and enjoy every cheesy, taco-loaded bite!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Shells
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the jumbo pasta shells in the boiling water according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Once cooked, drain the shells and set them aside to cool slightly.
Cook the Filling
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until it’s browned and fully cooked, breaking it into crumbles with a spatula. Season the meat with a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance its flavor. Pour in the taco sauce and stir, allowing it to simmer for about 2 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens. After simmering, remove the skillet from the heat.
Assemble and Bake
Carefully stuff each cooked pasta shell with a generous spoonful of the beef mixture. Place the stuffed shells in a baking dish with the open side facing up. Once all shells are filled and arranged, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly, filling your kitchen with a wonderful aroma.
Serve
After baking, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. To add a fresh touch, top each shell with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro. Serve the taco stuffed shells hot, and enjoy the delightful blend of flavors and textures in every cheesy, taco-loaded bite!
Notes
Cooking Tip
Make sure not to overcook the pasta shells; you want them firm enough to hold the filling.
Storage Advice
Leftover stuffed shells can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Flavor Variations
Feel free to customize the filling by adding black beans, corn, or diced peppers for an extra burst of flavor and nutrition.
Cheese Options
If you prefer, you can swap out cheddar cheese for Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a blend of your favorites for a varied taste.
Cook techniques
Boiling Pasta
Ensure you cook the jumbo pasta shells in salted boiling water until they reach an al dente texture. This prevents them from becoming too soft and falling apart when stuffed.
Ground Beef Cooking
Cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up with a spatula until it is fully browned. Seasoning with salt and pepper enhances the flavor, while simmering with taco sauce adds a spicy kick.
Stuffing Shells
Carefully spoon the beef mixture into the cooked pasta shells, ensuring they are filled generously but not overflowing, making for easier handling and baking.
Baking
Arrange the stuffed shells in a baking dish with the open side facing up. Top generously with shredded cheese and bake in a preheated oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly, approximately 15-20 minutes.
Serving
Allow the baked shells to cool slightly before serving. Topping with sour cream and fresh cilantro not only adds flavor but also a fresh presentation.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of meat for the filling?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives to suit your dietary preferences.
Can I prepare the Taco Stuffed Shells in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffed shells ahead of time, cover them, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they’re straight from the fridge.
What can I serve with Taco Stuffed Shells?
These stuffed shells pair well with a side salad, Mexican rice, or tortilla chips with salsa for a complete meal.
Can I freeze leftover Taco Stuffed Shells?
Yes, you can freeze leftover stuffed shells. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container and reheat thoroughly when ready to eat.
Are there any vegetarian options for this recipe?
Yes, you can use black beans or lentils along with vegetables like corn and bell peppers for a delicious vegetarian filling.
Conclusion
The Taco Stuffed Shells offer a delightful blend of flavors that will liven up any meal. Their unique combination of Italian pasta and Mexican spices makes them a fantastic option for a family dinner. Easy to prepare and delicious to eat, these shells are guaranteed to satisfy both kids and adults alike. Enjoy this comforting dish that brings two favorite cuisines together!
More recipes suggestions and combination
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Quick and simple, these quesadillas filled with cheese, beans, and your choice of meat make for a delightful side dish or snack.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Use the same taco filling to stuff bell peppers for a colorful, hearty meal that’s packed with nutrients.
Taco Pizza
Transform the flavors of tacos into a delicious pizza topped with ground beef, taco sauce, cheese, and your favorite toppings.
Enchilada Pasta Bake
Combine pasta with enchilada sauce, cheese, and any meat or beans for a comforting casserole that blends the best of both worlds.
Mexican Lasagna
Layer tortillas with taco filling, cheese, and sauce to create a flavorful lasagna that will quickly become a family favorite.
