Taco Stuffed Shells
Ingredients:
– 1 box (12 oz or 340 g) jumbo pasta shells
– 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or ground turkey)
– 1 small onion, diced
– 1 packet (1 oz or 28 g) taco seasoning
– 1 can (14.5 oz or 410 g) diced tomatoes (drained)
– 1 cup (240 ml) salsa
– 1 1/2 cups (170 g) shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend cheese)
– 1 can (10 oz or 283 g) enchilada sauce (or your favorite taco sauce)
– 1/2 cup (120 g) sour cream (optional)
– Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. **Cook the Pasta Shells:**
– Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente.
– Drain and rinse the shells with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set them aside.
2. **Prepare the Filling:**
– In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks.
– Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
– Stir in the taco seasoning and diced tomatoes. Simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
3. **Stuff the Shells:**
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
– In a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish, spread 1/2 cup of salsa evenly on the bottom.
– Fill each cooked shell with a spoonful of the taco meat mixture and place them in the baking dish.
4. **Add Sauce and Cheese:**
– Pour the enchilada sauce or taco sauce over the stuffed shells.
– Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top.
5. **Bake the Shells:**
– Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
– Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. **Serve:**
– Remove the shells from the oven and let them cool slightly.
– Garnish with sour cream, fresh cilantro, or green onions, if desired.
– Serve with a side of salsa, guacamole, or rice for a complete meal.
Tips:
– **Make Ahead:** You can prepare the stuffed shells ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
– **Customize:** Feel free to add black beans, corn, or jalapeños to the meat mixture for added texture and flavor.
Enjoy!
These **Taco Stuffed Shells** are a fun and tasty twist on taco night. The cheesy, meaty filling combined with the soft pasta shells makes this dish a crowd-pleaser perfect for family dinners or gatherings.