Ingredients
- 24 jumbo shells, cooked according to package directions
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 cup finely diced sweet yellow onion
- 1 tablespoon fresh minced garlic
- 2 ounces mild taco seasoning
- ¾ cup water
- 16 ounces mild salsa (your favorite brand)
- 2 ½ cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
- Taco sauce, optional garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the jumbo shells according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray and set it aside.
- Cook the Beef Mixture: In a 3 to 4-quart saucepan, add the ground beef, onion, and garlic. Cook uncovered over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until the beef is browned and no longer pink. If there is excess grease, drain it off.
- Season the Meat: Lower the heat to medium-low, then add the taco seasoning, water, and salsa. Stir well to combine and let the mixture simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stuff the Shells: Carefully spoon 3 tablespoons of the beef mixture into each cooked shell. Place the stuffed shells into the prepared baking dish, lining them 5 across and 4 down. You will likely have a few empty shells leftover.
- Bake the Shells: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Final Bake: Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the shredded Colby Jack cheese evenly over the stuffed shells. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with taco sauce, if desired. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra heat, use spicy salsa or add some diced jalapeños to the beef mixture.
- You can make these shells ahead of time and refrigerate them before baking, or even freeze them for later use.
- Feel free to use other types of cheese, such as cheddar or Mexican blend, if you prefer.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican / Italian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
