Sure, let’s dive into the tantalizing world of Tacos in Pasta Shells! 🌮🍝
Tacos in Pasta Shells Recipe
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: Makes about 18 stuffed pasta shells
Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 pounds ground beef
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese with chives
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 18 jumbo pasta shells
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 8 ounces tortilla chips
- Sour cream, for serving
- Green onions, chopped, for garnish
For Topping:
- Lettuce, shredded
- Tomatoes, diced
- Sliced black olives
For Serving:
- Green salad
- Crusty bread
- Your choice of wine
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Beef Mixture: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned, stirring occasionally to break up the meat. Once cooked, drain off any excess fat.
-
Add Creamy Flavor: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the cream cheese with chives, salt, and chili powder to the cooked beef. Stir well to combine, allowing the cream cheese to melt and blend with the beef mixture. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
-
Prepare the Pasta Shells: While the beef mixture simmers, cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain them well.
-
Fill the Shells: Toss the cooked pasta shells with the melted butter to prevent them from sticking together. Then, spoon the beef mixture into each shell, ensuring they are evenly filled.
-
Assemble in a Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a 13×9-inch baking dish and lightly grease it with a cooking spray, such as Pam. Arrange the filled pasta shells in the prepared baking dish.
-
Add Taco Sauce: Pour taco sauce over each stuffed shell, ensuring they are generously coated.
-
Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the pasta to cook through.
-
Top with Cheesy Crunch: After 15 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the stuffed shells. Crush the tortilla chips and sprinkle them on top as well.
-
Final Bake: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake, uncovered, for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
-
Garnish and Serve: Once done, remove the dish from the oven. Garnish the Tacos in Pasta Shells with dollops of sour cream and chopped green onions. For an extra touch, add shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and sliced black olives on top.
-
Enjoy!: Serve these delicious Tacos in Pasta Shells hot, alongside a refreshing green salad, some crusty bread, and your favorite bottle of wine.
With its creamy, savory filling encased in tender pasta shells and topped with melted cheese and crunchy tortilla chips, these Tacos in Pasta Shells are sure to be a hit at your dinner table. Plus, they’re versatile enough to customize with your favorite taco toppings! So gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and get ready to enjoy a fiesta in every bite! 🎉
