Taco Stuffed Shells

INTRODUCTION

Taco Stuffed Shells are a fun and delicious twist on classic pasta. Combining the flavors of tacos with the comfort of pasta shells, this recipe brings together ground beef, creamy cheese, and spicy taco sauce. It’s an easy meal for any family dinner or even for parties. These stuffed shells are not only filling but also create a colorful dish that everyone will enjoy. Plus, they are easy to prepare and can be ready in less than an hour. Let’s dive into why you will love this recipe and how to make it at home.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

There are many reasons to love Taco Stuffed Shells. First, they are a great way to enjoy two favorite meals in one. You get the hearty pasta and the bold flavors of tacos all at the same time. This meal is perfect for busy nights since it does not take too long to prepare. It is also a fantastic dish for families; you can even get the kids involved in preparing the meal. Everyone can help stuff the shells with the tasty filling.

They are also very customizable. You can add your favorite toppings, switch out ingredients, or even make it vegetarian. It’s fun to play with flavors and create a dish that suits your taste. Finally, Taco Stuffed Shells are perfect for leftovers. If there are any shells left after dinner, they reheat nicely for another meal.

HOW TO MAKE Taco Stuffed Shells

Making Taco Stuffed Shells is simple, and you can follow these steps to create a flavorful dish your family will love.

Equipment Needed

Before you start, make sure you have the following equipment:

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large skillet for cooking beef
• Baking dish (11×7 inches)
• Cooking spray
• Strainer for draining pasta
• Spoon for stuffing shells

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make Taco Stuffed Shells, gather the following ingredients:

• 18 uncooked jumbo pasta shells
• 1 and 1/2 pounds lean ground beef (90 percent lean)
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 3 ounces fat-free cream cheese, cubed
• 1 bottle (16 ounces) taco sauce, divided
• 3/4 cup shredded reduced-fat Mexican cheese blend, divided
• 20 baked tortilla chip scoops, coarsely crushed

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. This ensures it’s hot and ready for the stuffed shells once they are filled.

2. Cook the pasta according to the package directions. This usually takes around 8 to 10 minutes. Be careful not to overcook the shells. Drain them and rinse in cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain again and set aside.

3. Meanwhile, take a large skillet and place it on medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook it. Use a spatula to crumble the beef as it cooks. Stir until it is no longer pink, which takes about 6 to 8 minutes.

4. Once the beef is cooked, stir in the chili powder, cream cheese, and 1/2 cup of the taco sauce. Mix until everything is blended well and creamy.

5. Now, add 1/4 cup of the shredded cheese to the beef mixture. Stir to combine.

6. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the filling into each pasta shell. Fill them generously, but do not overstuff.

7. Place the filled shells in an 11×7 inch baking dish that you coated with cooking spray. This prevents sticking.

8. Pour the remaining taco sauce over the stuffed shells so that they are covered.

9. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. This will heat everything through.

10. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Bake uncovered for about 5 minutes more, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

11. Once melted, remove the baking dish from the oven and sprinkle the crushed tortilla chips on top for added crunch.

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HOW TO SERVE Taco Stuffed Shells

Once the Taco Stuffed Shells are out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish is best served warm, and you can pair it with a side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal. You can also offer additional toppings, such as sour cream, chopped lettuce, fresh diced tomatoes, or slices of avocado. Each person can add what they like on their plate.

STORAGE & FREEZING: Taco Stuffed Shells

If you have leftovers, you can store Taco Stuffed Shells easily. Place them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days. If you want to freeze them, wrap the baking dish tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. They can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply bake in the oven until heated through or microwave individual portions until warm.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

Taco Stuffed Shells can be a complete meal on their own, but you can enhance your dinner experience by serving them with a few side dishes. Consider a fresh green salad, including lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light dressing. You can also serve some Mexican rice or beans on the side for a heartier meal. For those who love a little spice, jalapeños or a side of hot salsa can be great additions.

VARIATIONS

There are many ways to make Taco Stuffed Shells unique. Here are a few variations:

• Vegetarian Option: Replace ground beef with cooked lentils or black beans. You can also add vegetables, such as corn, diced bell peppers, or chopped spinach for added nutrition.

• Different Proteins: Try using turkey instead of beef for a lighter option. You can also use shredded chicken that has been seasoned with taco spices.

• Change the Cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese. Feta or pepper jack can add different flavors or spiciness to the dish.

• Add Spices: If you love spicy food, you can add jalapeños to the beef mixture or some hot sauce to the taco sauce before baking the shells.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular pasta instead of jumbo shells?

Yes, you can use regular pasta, but the stuffing process will be different. You can mix the filling with the pasta and bake it as a casserole.

2. How can I make this dish spicier?

Add more chili powder or mix in jalapeños or hot sauce into the beef filling for an extra kick.

3. Can I prepare Taco Stuffed Shells ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare them and store in the fridge before baking. Just cover the baking dish with foil and bake when ready to eat.

4. How do I reheat the Taco Stuffed Shells?

You can reheat them in the oven covered with foil or in the microwave until warm. If using the oven, it is best to bake at 350 degrees F until heated through.

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MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Taco Stuffed Shells

To save time, you can prepare the stuffed shells ahead of time. Cook the pasta and the beef filling. Let everything cool before stuffing the shells. After stuffing, store the shells in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking. Just remember to cover them well to keep them fresh. When ready to serve, simply bake them as directed for a delicious meal without the extra work on cooking day. Enjoy your Taco Stuffed Shells!

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