Taco-Stuffed Pasta Shells ๐ฎ๐
Overview:
Indulge in the delightful fusion of Mexican and Italian flavors with these mouthwatering Taco-Stuffed Pasta Shells! Combining the comforting essence of pasta shells with savory taco filling, this recipe is perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends and family. Bursting with cheesy goodness and zesty spices, every bite promises a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Let’s dive into the culinary adventure of creating this delectable dish!
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Preparation Time: 7 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories: 387.9 per serving
- Rating: โญโญโญโญโญ (based on 2 reviews)
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 1/4 | Ground beef |
| 3 | Cream cheese |
| 1 | Chili powder |
| 18 | Pasta shells |
| 2 | Butter |
| 1 | Margarine |
| 4 | Sour cream |
Instructions:
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Prepare the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it’s thoroughly cooked. Drain any excess fat if necessary to ensure a lighter texture for your dish.
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Add Creaminess and Flavor: Once the beef is browned, incorporate the cream cheese and chili powder into the skillet. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. The cream cheese adds a creamy richness while the chili powder infuses a delightful kick of spice.
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Cook the Pasta Shells: While the beef mixture is simmering, cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Drain them well, ensuring they are ready to be filled with the delicious taco-inspired filling.
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Coat the Shells: After draining the pasta, toss the shells with melted butter. This step not only adds a rich buttery flavor but also prevents the shells from sticking together, ensuring a perfectly plated presentation.
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Fill the Shells: Take each pasta shell and generously fill it with the prepared meat mixture. The creamy and savory filling will perfectly complement the tender pasta shells, creating a satisfying bite in every mouthful.
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Arrange in a Baking Pan: Place the filled pasta shells in a 9×13″ baking pan, arranging them neatly to ensure even cooking and a beautiful presentation.
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Drizzle with Taco Sauce: Pour taco sauce generously over each stuffed shell, ensuring that every bite is infused with the irresistible flavors of traditional taco seasoning. The tanginess of the taco sauce adds a vibrant dimension to the dish, enhancing its overall appeal.
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Bake to Perfection: Cover the baking pan with foil and bake the stuffed shells at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together while the pasta shells absorb the delicious sauce, resulting in a perfectly cooked dish.
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Add Cheesy Topping: After 15 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle shredded cheese over the top of the stuffed shells. Return the baking pan to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the shells are lightly golden brown.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once baked to perfection, remove the taco-stuffed pasta shells from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Serve them hot, garnished with a dollop of sour cream for a creamy finish. Each bite offers a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more!
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 387.9
- Fat Content: 31.2g
- Saturated Fat Content: 16.1g
- Cholesterol Content: 106.9mg
- Sodium Content: 435.8mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 5.8g
- Fiber Content: 0.4g
- Sugar Content: 2.8g
- Protein Content: 20.5g
Tips:
- Customize the filling according to your preference by adding ingredients like diced onions, bell peppers, or black beans for extra flavor and texture.
- For a lighter version, you can use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- Experiment with different types of cheese for the topping, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend, to add even more depth of flavor.
- Serve the taco-stuffed pasta shells alongside a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
Conclusion:
With its irresistible combination of tender pasta shells, savory taco filling, gooey cheese, and zesty taco sauce, these Taco-Stuffed Pasta Shells are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or simply indulging in a cozy night in, this dish promises to satisfy your cravings and delight your senses with every delicious bite. Give it a try and embark on a culinary journey filled with flavor and fun!
