A delightful fusion of Italian and Mexican cuisine, these taco-stuffed shells are easy to make and perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
- Main Ingredients:
- 12 ounces jumbo pasta shells
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 2/3 cup water
- 1 1/2 cups jarred salsa, divided
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). - Cook the Pasta:
Prepare the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside. - Prepare the Filling:
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat.
- Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the taco seasoning and water, cooking until the liquid evaporates.
- Mix in 1 cup of salsa and 3/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Stuff the Shells:
Spoon the beef mixture into each cooked pasta shell, filling generously. - Assemble the Dish:
- Arrange the stuffed shells in a baking dish.
- Top them with the remaining salsa and sprinkle with the rest of the shredded cheese.
- Bake:
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- Variations: You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based alternative.
- Additions: Consider adding black beans, corn, or diced jalapeños to the beef mixture for extra flavor.
- Toppings: Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, sour cream, or guacamole before serving.
These taco-stuffed shells combine the flavors of a classic taco with the comfort of a baked pasta dish, making them a sure hit at the dinner table!