Description
Taco Beef Stuffed Shells with Cheddar combines the mouthwatering flavors of taco beef with the satisfying heartiness of pasta shells, all topped off with gooey cheddar cheese. This dish is a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients
- Jumbo Pasta Shells
- Ground Beef
- Taco Seasoning
- Cheddar Cheese
- Black Beans
- Tomato Sauce
- Sour Cream
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula until fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in the taco seasoning and a splash of water (about 1/4 cup). Allow it to simmer for 5 minutes until combined and flavorful. Mix in the black beans if using.
- Using a spoon, fill each pasta shell with the beef mixture. Don’t be shy; pack them well for a hearty bite!
- Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Place the stuffed shells in the dish, open side up, and pour the remaining tomato sauce over the top. Sprinkle generously with cheddar cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Once out of the oven, let the dish rest for a few minutes. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and sprinkle with fresh cilantro if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 shell
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: You can prepare the stuffed shells up to a day in advance. For a vegetarian version, swap the beef for a mix of sautéed vegetables or use lentils for a protein-packed filling.