Introduction
This recipe for stuffed jumbo pasta shells takes your traditional taco flavors and transforms them into a fun and filling dish. Combining seasoned ground beef or turkey with cheesy goodness and zesty salsa, these stuffed shells are sure to please a crowd. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, this dish is as delightful to prepare as it is to serve.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the filling:
– 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
– 1 packet taco seasoning
– 1/2 cup water
– 1 cup salsa (mild, medium, or hot)
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup sour cream
For the shells:
– 20 jumbo pasta shells
– 1 cup enchilada sauce or additional salsa
– Extra shredded cheese for topping
Optional toppings:
– Chopped green onions
– Sliced jalapeños
– Cilantro
– Diced tomatoes
– Crushed tortilla chips
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
25 minutes
Total Time
40 minutes
Yield
Serves 4-6 people
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Boil the Pasta Shells
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook until just shy of al dente. Drain and let them cool slightly. To prevent sticking, drizzle with a bit of olive oil.
Prepare the Taco Filling
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease. Stir in the taco seasoning and 1/2 cup of water. Simmer for a few minutes until the mixture thickens. Add the salsa, sour cream, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the mixture is creamy and well combined.
Stuff the Shells
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the enchilada sauce or additional salsa evenly over the bottom of a baking dish. Fill each cooked pasta shell with the taco meat mixture and arrange them in the prepared baking dish.
Add Cheese and Bake
Sprinkle extra shredded cheese over the stuffed shells. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and starting to brown around the edges.
Serve
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with optional toppings such as chopped green onions, sliced jalapeños, cilantro, diced tomatoes, or crushed tortilla chips before serving.
Notes
Substitutions
Feel free to use ground turkey instead of ground beef for a leaner option.
Adjusting Spice Levels
Select salsa and taco seasoning according to your preferred spice level. Mild for less heat, hot for more.
Storage
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
Vegetarian Option
Replace the ground meat with beans or a meat substitute for a vegetarian version.
Additional Toppings
Customize the dish with your favorite toppings for added texture and flavor.
Cook techniques
Boiling Pasta
Boil the jumbo pasta shells in salted water until just shy of al dente. This ensures that they won’t turn mushy during baking.
Cooking Ground Meat
Brown the ground beef or turkey in a skillet over medium heat. Make sure to drain excess grease for a leaner filling.
Simmering
Simmer the meat mixture with taco seasoning and water until it thickens. This step allows the flavors to meld together effectively.
Stuffing Shells
Fill each cooked pasta shell with the taco filling mixture. Be generous but ensure the shells are not overstuffed to prevent them from breaking.
Baking
Bake the stuffed shells in a preheated oven until the cheese is bubbly and golden. This enhances flavor and texture for a delicious finish.
Garnishing
Add optional toppings such as green onions, jalapeños, cilantro, diced tomatoes, or crushed tortilla chips. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds color to the dish.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based alternative for a healthier option.
What if I don’t have enchilada sauce?
If you don’t have enchilada sauce, you can use additional salsa or any other preferred sauce to keep the dish flavorful.
Can I prepare these in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed shells ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Just add more time to the baking if cooking from cold.
What can I use as a vegetarian filling?
For a vegetarian option, consider using black beans, lentils, or sautéed vegetables combined with the same seasonings.
How can I make it spicier?
To enhance the spiciness, use hot salsa, add jalapeños to the filling, or top the dish with crushed red pepper flakes.
Conclusion
This delicious taco-stuffed pasta dish brings together the bold flavors of tacos and the comforting texture of pasta. It’s a fun and satisfying meal that can be easily customized to match your taste preferences. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, it’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Taco Pizza
Use a pizza crust as the base, then layer with taco seasoned ground meat, salsa, cheddar cheese, and your favorite toppings like diced tomatoes and jalapeños before baking.
Tex-Mex Stuffed Peppers
Fill halved bell peppers with the taco filling and top with cheese. Bake until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melty.
Nacho Casserole
Layer tortilla chips with the taco filling, cheese, and any toppings of your choice in a baking dish. Bake until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Mexican Quesadillas
Use the taco filling to make quesadillas by placing it between two tortillas, adding cheese, and grilling until crispy.
Taco Salad
Combine the taco filling with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and crushed tortilla chips for a refreshing salad. Drizzle with ranch or salsa for dressing.
