Sure, let’s dive into the flavorful world of Taco Stuffed Pasta Shells! 🌮🍝
Taco Stuffed Pasta Shells
Overview:
Taco Stuffed Pasta Shells is a delightful fusion dish that combines the beloved flavors of tacos with the comforting appeal of stuffed pasta shells. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this recipe offers a tantalizing blend of seasoned ground beef, creamy cheese, zesty salsa, and crunchy tortilla chips, all nestled within tender pasta shells and baked to golden perfection. With its easy preparation and customizable ingredients, it’s no wonder this dish has become a household favorite for many!
Recipe Information:
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Varies
- Category: Pasta Shells
- Keywords: Cheese, Meat, Mexican, < 60 Mins, Oven, Easy
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese (feel free to add a bit more if you love creaminess)
- 12 large pasta shells
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup crushed tortilla chips
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 bunch green onions, chopped
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 617.5
- Total Fat: 46.7g
- Saturated Fat: 24.3g
- Cholesterol: 154.4mg
- Sodium: 1192.4mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 18.1g
- Dietary Fiber: 1.5g
- Sugar: 7.6g
- Protein: 31.9g
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until browned. |
| 2 | Add taco seasoning to the cooked beef, following the package directions. |
| 3 | Stir in the cream cheese until melted and well combined with the beef mixture. Cover and simmer until the cream cheese is fully melted. |
| 4 | Optional: Chill the meat mixture to make it easier to stuff the pasta shells later. |
| 5 | Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. |
| 6 | Spread salsa evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. |
| 7 | While the beef is cooking, cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions. Drain and toss with butter to prevent sticking. |
| 8 | Fill each cooked pasta shell with the beef and cream cheese mixture. |
| 9 | Arrange the stuffed shells in the baking dish on top of the salsa layer. |
| 10 | Pour additional taco sauce over the stuffed shells. |
| 11 | Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. |
| 12 | After 30 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the top of the shells. |
| 13 | Scatter the crushed tortilla chips over the cheese layer. |
| 14 | Return the baking dish to the oven and bake, uncovered, for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. |
| 15 | Garnish with chopped green onions before serving. |
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the Taco Stuffed Pasta Shells hot, straight from the oven.
- Accompany with a dollop of sour cream, extra salsa, or any other toppings you enjoy with tacos.
- Pair with a crisp green salad or Mexican rice for a complete meal.
Storage and Freezing:
- While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To freeze, assemble the dish but do not bake it. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking according to the instructions.
Recipe Notes:
- Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your preferences. You can adjust the spice level by using mild or hot salsa, or adding additional taco seasoning.
- If you’re a fan of extra cheese, sprinkle more shredded cheese over the top before baking.
- For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the ground beef with cooked black beans or lentils.
- Don’t forget to share your feedback and any modifications you make to the recipe! Your experience could inspire new variations for others to enjoy. 🌟
Now, get ready to savor every cheesy, flavorful bite of these Taco Stuffed Pasta Shells. Enjoy! 🎉🍽️
