Description
Cheesy Mexican-inspired taco stuffed shells bring zesty flavors dancing across pasta and ground beef. Melted queso and seasoned meat create a delightful fusion you cannot resist, promising a quick and satisfying dinner perfect for family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1.5 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 ounce (28 grams) taco seasoning
- 1/3 cup water
Pasta and Cheese:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) jumbo shell pasta
- 1.5 cups queso (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated
Herbs and Garnish:
- 1/3 cup cilantro, chopped
- Green onions, for garnish
- Taco sauce, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare a welcoming cooking environment by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C), creating the perfect warm backdrop for this culinary adventure.
- Cook jumbo pasta shells in rapidly boiling water until they reach a tender yet firm consistency, ensuring they can hold the robust filling without falling apart.
- Transform ground beef in a sizzling skillet, breaking it into crumbly pieces and cooking until no trace of pink remains, then carefully drain away excess fat.
- Infuse the meat with zesty taco seasoning and a splash of water, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken into a rich, aromatic mixture.
- Enhance the meat filling with freshly chopped cilantro, introducing a vibrant herbaceous note that elevates the entire dish.
- Generously coat a baking dish with non-stick spray, creating a smooth surface for the upcoming flavor-packed arrangement.
- Carefully stuff each pasta shell with the seasoned meat mixture, positioning them strategically in the prepared baking dish to create a visually appealing and delicious presentation.
- Lavish the stuffed shells with a generous pour of creamy queso, ensuring complete coverage, then crown with a blanket of shredded Cheddar cheese.
- Slide the assembled dish into the preheated oven, allowing the cheese to transform into a bubbling, golden masterpiece over 20-25 minutes.
- Complete the culinary creation by garnishing with freshly sliced green onions and a artful drizzle of tangy taco sauce, ready to delight eager diners.
Notes
- Perfectly Cook Pasta: Boil shells just until al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking, which helps maintain their shape and texture for stuffing.
- Lean Meat Option: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter, lower-fat version that still delivers delicious taco flavors.
- Customize Spice Levels: Adjust taco seasoning or add extra chili powder for those who love heat, or reduce for milder palates without compromising the overall taste.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the dish completely, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining guests with minimal last-minute effort.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 46 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg