Taco Stuffed Shells Recipe
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 it to cool off completely after cooking.
- Prepare the Pasta Shells:
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta shells as per the instructions on their package. After cooking, drain them 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 this, 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, you can add crushed tortilla chips on top for extra crunch.
Enjoy this delightful and creative take on tacos with your Taco Stuffed Shells, perfect for a fun and satisfying meal!
