Description: Jumbo pasta shells overflowing with a savory taco-seasoned ground beef and refried bean filling, smothered in salsa, and topped with melted cheese. This dish combines the comforting familiarity of pasta with the bold flavors of a classic taco.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Easy to Make: This recipe is incredibly simple to put together, perfect for a weeknight meal.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves tacos, and everyone loves pasta! This dish is sure to be a hit with family and friends.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable to your preferences – add your favorite taco toppings, swap out the protein, or use different types of cheese.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the filling and stuff the shells in advance, then bake when you’re ready to eat.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, readily available ingredients that won’t break the bank.
- Comfort Food with a Twist: This is a fun and unexpected way to enjoy taco flavors!
Introduction
Taco Stuffed Shells are a delightful fusion of two beloved cuisines: Italian and Mexican. This recipe takes the comforting, familiar shape of jumbo pasta shells and fills them with all the flavors of a delicious taco. The result is a satisfying, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, a casual get-together, or any occasion where you want to serve something crowd-pleasing and a little bit different.
Imagine biting into a tender pasta shell, bursting with seasoned ground beef, creamy refried beans, and melted cheddar cheese, all swimming in a vibrant salsa. It’s a flavor explosion that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more. This recipe is not only incredibly delicious but also surprisingly easy to make, making it a great option for busy weeknights or when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize it to suit your preferences and dietary needs. Want to add a little heat? Use a spicy salsa or stir in some diced jalapeños. Prefer a different type of protein? Ground turkey or chicken work just as well. Looking for a vegetarian option? Substitute the ground beef with black beans or lentils.
The possibilities are endless! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, toppings, and seasonings to create your own signature version of Taco Stuffed Shells. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to be a success. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will transport you to a fiesta of flavor!
Ingredients:
- 16 jumbo pasta shells: Choose good quality, large shells that will hold the filling well.
- 1 pound ground beef: Lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15) is recommended to avoid excessive grease. Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted.
- 1 (1.25-ounce) package taco seasoning mix: Use your favorite brand or make your own taco seasoning for a more customized flavor.
- 1 cup water: This helps to create a flavorful sauce and ensures the filling is moist.
- 1 (16-ounce) can refried beans: Choose your preferred type of refried beans (plain, vegetarian, or with spices).
- ¾ cup shredded Cheddar cheese (for filling): Adds cheesy goodness to the filling. Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a Mexican blend cheese can also be used.
- 1 (16-ounce) jar salsa, divided: Use your favorite salsa, from mild to hot, depending on your spice preference.
- ¼ cup sliced green onions: Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
- ¼ cup shredded Cheddar cheese (for topping): Creates a melted cheese topping.
- ½ cup sour cream (optional): For serving; adds a creamy, tangy element. You can also use Greek yogurt.
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the shells will bake evenly and the cheese will melt properly. Make sure your oven is fully preheated before putting the dish in to bake.
Step 2: Cook Pasta
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Adding a pinch of salt to the water can help enhance the flavor of the pasta. Once boiling, add the jumbo pasta shells and cook according to the package directions, usually about 13 minutes, or until they are slightly firm to the bite (al dente). Be careful not to overcook the shells, as they will become mushy and difficult to fill. Drain the shells thoroughly and set them aside. To prevent them from sticking together, you can drizzle them with a little olive oil or toss them gently.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it is fully cooked. Use a spatula to break up the meat into small pieces as it cooks. Once the beef is cooked, drain off any excess fat. This step is important to prevent the dish from becoming greasy. Then, stir in the taco seasoning and water. Reduce the heat to low and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the mixture thickens slightly. This allows the flavors of the taco seasoning to meld with the beef. Next, mix in the refried beans and ¾ cup of shredded Cheddar cheese until everything is well combined and the cheese is melted. This creates a creamy, flavorful filling that will hold the shells together.
Step 4: Fill the Shells
Spoon the taco meat mixture generously into the cooked pasta shells, filling them to the brim. You can use a spoon or a piping bag to make this process easier. Be sure to pack the filling in tightly so that the shells are fully loaded.
Step 5: Assemble the Dish
Spread ¼ cup of salsa evenly over the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. This creates a flavorful base for the shells and prevents them from sticking to the bottom of the dish. Arrange the filled shells on top of the salsa, placing them close together in a single layer. Spoon the remaining salsa over the shells, ensuring that they are well coated.
Step 6: Bake
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This helps to trap moisture and prevent the shells from drying out. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. After 40 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the shells with the remaining ¼ cup of shredded Cheddar cheese and the sliced green onions. Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 7: Serve
Remove the Taco Stuffed Shells from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Serve hot with a dollop of sour cream (if desired) and any other taco toppings you enjoy, such as guacamole, chopped tomatoes, or shredded lettuce.
COOKING Rating:
- Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of Mexican rice and black beans.
- Garnish with your favorite taco toppings, such as guacamole, chopped tomatoes, sour cream, shredded lettuce, or a sprinkle of cilantro.
- Serve with tortilla chips and your favorite dips, such as salsa, guacamole, or queso.
- Offer a variety of hot sauces for those who like a little extra heat.
Tips:
- To prevent the shells from sticking together after cooking, toss them with a little olive oil.
- If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked ground beef or canned taco meat.
- For a spicier dish, use a hot salsa or add some diced jalapeños to the filling.
- To make this dish ahead of time, assemble the shells and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Add about 10 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
Prep Time:
- 20 minutes
Cook Time:
- 50 minutes
Total Time:
- 1 hour 10 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)
- Calories: Approximately 450-550 per serving
- Protein: Approximately 25-35 grams per serving
- Sodium: Approximately 800-1000 mg per serving
Conclusion
Taco Stuffed Shells are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. With its combination of familiar flavors and customizable ingredients, this recipe is a winner for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your oven, and get ready to enjoy a fiesta of flavor in every bite! This dish is proof that sometimes, the best culinary creations are born from unexpected combinations.
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! To make Taco Stuffed Shells vegetarian, simply replace the ground beef with a vegetarian alternative such as lentils, black beans, or crumbled plant-based meat substitute. Ensure the taco seasoning you use is also vegetarian-friendly. You can also add vegetables like corn, bell peppers, and zucchini to the filling for extra flavor and nutrition.
Q2: Can I freeze Taco Stuffed Shells?
A: Yes, you can freeze Taco Stuffed Shells for future enjoyment. Assemble the shells as directed, but do not bake them. Instead, place the filled shells in a freezer-safe dish and wrap tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to bake, thaw the shells in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed in the recipe, adding about 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure they are heated through.
Q3: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Of course! While the recipe calls for Cheddar cheese, you can easily substitute it with other cheeses that melt well, such as Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican blend cheese. For a creamier texture, you can also add a layer of cream cheese to the filling. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite cheese combination.
Q4: How can I add more flavor to the filling?
A: There are many ways to enhance the flavor of the taco filling. Consider adding ingredients like diced onions, garlic, bell peppers, jalapeños, or corn. You can also add spices like cumin, chili powder, paprika, or oregano. A squeeze of lime juice or a dash of hot sauce can also add a burst of flavor. Don’t be afraid to get creative and customize the filling to your liking.
Q5: Can I use a different type of salsa?
A: Yes, you can use any type of salsa you prefer, from mild to hot, chunky to smooth. The choice is yours! If you’re looking for a smoky flavor, try using a roasted tomato salsa. For a sweeter flavor, consider using a fruit salsa made with mango or pineapple. You can even make your own homemade salsa for a truly customized experience.
