Description
Taco Stuffed Shells combine the bold flavors of seasoned ground beef with creamy cheese and crunchy Fritos, all baked inside tender jumbo pasta shells. This comforting dish layers salsa, enchilada sauce, and Colby Jack cheese for a delicious Tex-Mex twist on stuffed pasta, perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Filling
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 envelope taco seasoning
- ¾ cup water
- 4 ounces cream cheese
Pasta and Toppings
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- ½ cup salsa
- ½ cup green enchilada sauce
- 1 cup Colby Jack cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Fritos, crushed
- ½ cup sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the stuffed shells.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large pan over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s no longer pink. Drain any excess grease to keep the dish from becoming too oily.
- Add Seasoning and Cream Cheese: Stir in the taco seasoning and ¾ cup water, bringing the mixture to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer for about 5 minutes while adding the cream cheese. Stir until the cream cheese is melted and the mixture is creamy and well combined.
- Cool Meat Mixture: Transfer the meat mixture to a bowl and allow it to cool slightly, making it easier to fill the pasta shells.
- Cook Pasta Shells: Boil the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and toss them gently in the melted butter to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Spread the salsa evenly over the bottom of an 11×7 inch baking dish. Carefully fill each buttered pasta shell with a scoop of the meat mixture and arrange them in the dish on top of the salsa.
- Add Sauce and Bake: Drizzle the green enchilada sauce over the stuffed shells. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and the shells to heat through.
- Add Cheese and Continue Baking: Sprinkle the shredded Colby Jack cheese evenly over the shells. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Top and Serve: Before serving, sprinkle the crushed Fritos on top of the shells for a crunchy texture, and add dollops of sour cream for creaminess. Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful taco stuffed shells!
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- For extra heat, add chopped jalapeños to the meat mixture or use spicy enchilada sauce.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta shells to avoid them becoming mushy after baking.
- Can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; just add baking time if baking from cold.
- Gluten-free pasta shells can be used to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Keywords: taco stuffed shells, baked pasta shells, Tex-Mex pasta, ground beef stuffed shells, creamy taco pasta, easy family dinner
