Looking for a fun and flavorful twist on taco night? Taco Stuffed Shells bring together the best of both worlds—creamy, cheesy stuffed pasta shells filled with taco-seasoned beef, topped with melted cheese and served with all your favorite taco fixings. This dish is sure to be a hit with the whole family!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 package (1.25 oz) taco seasoning (low-sodium recommended)
- 1 package (4 oz) cream cheese
- 14-16 large pasta shells
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup taco sauce (not enchilada sauce)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1.5 cups crushed tortilla chips (optional for topping)
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 1 cup sour cream
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven:
- Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a large frying pan, brown the ground beef over medium heat.
- Mix in the taco seasoning according to the package directions.
- Add the cream cheese, cover the pan, and let it simmer until the cheese melts completely and the mixture is thoroughly combined.
- Allow the beef mixture to cool completely after cooking.
Prepare the Pasta Shells:
- Cook the pasta shells as per the instructions on their package.
- After cooking, drain the shells and lay them out on a baking sheet to prevent sticking.
Assemble the Dish:
- Spread the salsa evenly on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the cooled beef mixture and arrange them in the dish, open side up.
- Drizzle the taco sauce over the stuffed shells.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
Bake:
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, remove the foil, sprinkle both types of cheese over the shells, and continue to bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Final Touches and Serve:
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve each portion with a dollop of sour cream.
- Optionally, add crushed tortilla chips on top for extra crunch.
Enjoy this fun and satisfying meal with your family! The cheesy, savory filling paired with taco toppings will make this Taco Stuffed Shells recipe a new favorite!