Taco Stuffed Shells

2. Prepare the Taco Filling:

While the pasta shells are cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if needed.

Add the taco seasoning (and a little water, as per package instructions) and stir to combine. For extra creaminess and flavor, you can mix in refried beans at this point, making the filling a little richer. Once everything is mixed together, remove from heat and set aside.

3. Assemble the Stuffed Shells:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of salsa or tomato sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. This will help keep the stuffed shells from sticking.

Carefully stuff each pasta shell with a generous spoonful of the taco filling, making sure to pack them in well. Place the stuffed shells seam side down in the baking dish.

4. Add Cheese and Sauce:

Once all the shells are stuffed, top them with the remaining salsa or tomato sauce. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the top. For extra flavor, you can also sprinkle some diced tomatoes on top before baking.

5. Bake:

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for about 20-25 minutes. After this, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is slightly golden.

6. Garnish and Serve:

Once out of the oven, sprinkle the Taco Stuffed Shells with fresh cilantro, green onions, or any of your favorite taco toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or extra salsa. Serve hot and enjoy!

Why You’ll Love Taco Stuffed Shells:

• Family-Friendly: This recipe is a hit with both kids and adults! The familiar taco flavors combined with pasta make it a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for family dinners.
• Versatile: Taco Stuffed Shells can be customized with different proteins such as ground turkey or chicken, or made vegetarian with black beans, corn, and more. You can also switch up the cheese or add different spices to suit your taste.
• Make-Ahead: This dish is perfect for meal prep. You can assemble the stuffed shells the night before and bake them when you’re ready to serve, saving you time on busy nights.
• Comforting and Hearty: With its combination of pasta, cheese, and taco filling, this dish is both comforting and filling – the perfect meal for any occasion.

Tips for the Best Taco Stuffed Shells:

• Don’t overcook the pasta shells: You want the shells to be al dente to avoid them falling apart when stuffing them. Slightly undercook them if needed, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
• Feel free to adjust the heat level: If you like a little kick, add some diced jalapeños or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes on top.
• Add veggies: For a more colorful and nutritious twist, consider adding sautéed vegetables like onions, bell peppers, and corn to the taco filling.

Conclusion:

Taco Stuffed Shells are a fun and tasty fusion dish that brings together the best of Italian and Mexican flavors. With a crunchy taco-inspired filling, gooey cheese, and a touch of salsa, these stuffed shells are guaranteed to become a family favorite. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to serve at your next gathering, Taco Stuffed Shells are sure to impress!