Description
Cheesy taco stuffed shells bring Mexican-inspired comfort to classic Italian pasta, blending zesty flavors in one irresistible dish. Packed with seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and tangy salsa, this crowd-pleasing recipe invites you to savor a delightful culinary crossover.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 20–24 jumbo shell pasta
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 jalapeno or serrano pepper, finely minced
Cheese Ingredients:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 cup salsa or salsa style tomatoes
- 1 (10 ounce / 284 grams) can Rotel tomatoes, drained (or diced tomatoes)
- Green onions, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the cooking environment by heating the oven to 350F (175C) and coating a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Boil water in a large pot and cook jumbo shells until perfectly tender. Drain and allow to cool slightly.
- Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Midway through cooking, incorporate diced onions and continue until meat is fully cooked and onions become translucent. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Infuse the meat mixture with taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and liquid to reduce. Mix in salsa and remove from heat, letting the mixture cool briefly.
- Fold half of the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses into the cooled beef mixture, creating a rich, creamy filling.
- Carefully fill each pasta shell with the seasoned beef mixture, arranging them in a single layer within the prepared baking dish.
- Distribute remaining cheese over the stuffed shells. Scatter drained Rotel tomatoes and minced jalapeno across the top. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes until cheese melts and develops a light golden color.
- Optional: Garnish with extra minced jalapeno or chopped green onions. Serve immediately to enjoy maximum flavor and texture.
Notes
- Choose lean ground beef or turkey for a lighter version, reducing overall fat content while maintaining robust flavor.
- Drain meat thoroughly to prevent excess grease, ensuring a cleaner and more appetizing dish.
- Try low-sodium taco seasoning to control salt intake without compromising taste.
- For gluten-free adaptation, use gluten-free pasta shells and verify taco seasoning ingredients.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg