Description
A delightful twist on classic Mexican cuisine, featuring large pasta shells filled with seasoned beef, creamy cheese, and zesty salsa.
Ingredients
Scale
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning or 2 tablespoons homemade
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend, divided
- 1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)
- Sour cream for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta shells until al dente, about 9–10 minutes. Drain and rinse with cool water. Set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and sauté onions until softened. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Stir in garlic, taco seasoning, and water. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- In a bowl, mix together the cooked taco meat, 3/4 cup shredded cheese, ricotta (or cottage cheese), and half of the salsa. Add cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread a layer of diced tomatoes and tomato sauce on the bottom.
- Fill each shell with the taco mixture and place open side up in the baking dish.
- Spoon remaining salsa over the shells and sprinkle with the remaining cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Uncover and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with cilantro or parsley and serve with sour cream if desired.
Notes
Ensure pasta shells are cooked al dente to avoid breaking. Customize the filling with beans or vegetables for added nutrition. Can be prepped ahead of time and refrigerated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: taco, pasta, stuffed shells, Mexican, comfort food