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Cheesy Taco Stuffed Pasta Shells Recipe

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4 from 6 reviews

Delicious and cheesy taco stuffed pasta shells, combining seasoned ground beef, creamy cheese, and enchilada sauce baked to perfection. This easy dinner recipe is a fun twist on classic tacos, perfect for family meals or casual gatherings.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 22-24 jumbo pasta shells (a little more than half a box)

Filling

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 cup mild salsa
  • 4 ounces cream cheese

Sauce & Topping

  • 1 (10 oz) can red enchilada sauce
  • 2 cups Mexican cheese blend (or cheese of choice)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350° F (175° C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
  2. Cook Pasta Shells: Boil the jumbo pasta shells according to package directions until just al dente. It’s okay if they are slightly firm since they will finish cooking in the oven. Drain and lay them out individually to prevent sticking.
  3. Cook Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook and chop the ground beef until browned completely. Drain any excess grease to keep the dish from being greasy.
  4. Add Seasonings and Salsa: Stir in the mild salsa and taco seasoning into the cooked beef until evenly combined, infusing the filling with classic taco flavors.
  5. Melt Cream Cheese: Cut the cream cheese into small pieces and add to the beef mixture. Stir continuously until the cream cheese has melted fully and the mixture is creamy and smooth.
  6. Prepare Baking Dish: Pour about half of the enchilada sauce onto the bottom of your prepared baking dish, creating a flavorful base for the shells.
  7. Stuff Shells: Fill each cooked pasta shell generously with the beef and cream cheese mixture and arrange them in the baking dish on top of the sauce.
  8. Add Sauce and Cheese: Drizzle the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the stuffed shells. Top generously with the Mexican cheese blend, ensuring every shell gets a delicious cheesy finish.
  9. Bake: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
  10. Serve: Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your cheesy taco stuffed pasta shells warm!

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner filling.
  • If you prefer a spicier dish, use hot salsa or add jalapeños to the beef mixture.
  • For a vegetarian option, replace ground beef with cooked lentils or a plant-based meat alternative.
  • Use a gluten-free pasta shell to make this recipe gluten-free.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican-American

Find it online: https://iamstarved.com/cheesy-taco-stuffed-pasta-shells-recipe/