Description
Creamy cheese-laden shells embrace zesty Mexican flavors in this irresistible Taco Stuffed Shells recipe. Perfectly blended spices and melted cheese create a mouthwatering fusion that brings comfort and excitement to your dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 (12 ounces/340 grams) package jumbo pasta shells
Flavor Enhancers:
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 (1.25 ounces/35 grams) package taco seasoning mix
Liquid Ingredients:
- 1 (8 ounces/227 grams) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup water (240 milliliters)
Instructions
- Prepare a large pot of salted water and cook jumbo shells until they reach a tender al dente texture. Carefully drain and set shells aside to cool slightly.
- Heat a large skillet over medium flame and brown ground beef with finely chopped onions until meat is completely cooked and onions are translucent.
- Eliminate excess grease from the skillet, then incorporate taco seasoning, tomato sauce, and water. Allow the mixture to simmer and thicken for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Select each cooked shell and generously fill with the seasoned meat mixture, ensuring an even distribution of filling throughout each pasta pocket.
- Arrange the stuffed shells in a spacious 9×13-inch baking dish, positioning them close together but not overcrowded.
- Drizzle any remaining sauce over the arranged shells, creating a moist environment for baking.
- Distribute shredded cheddar cheese across the top of the shells, covering them with a light blanket of melty goodness.
- Transfer the baking dish to a preheated 350°F oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling surface.
- Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes. Garnish with optional taco toppings like fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, sour cream, or sliced jalapeños before serving.
Notes
- Optimize shell cooking by removing them from water just before fully done to prevent overcooking during baking.
- Experiment with lean ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for healthier protein options that maintain delicious taco flavor.
- Drain beef thoroughly to reduce excess grease and create a cleaner, more concentrated filling texture.
- Customize heat levels by selecting mild, medium, or spicy taco seasoning to match personal preference or dietary needs.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg