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Creamy Taco Stuffed Shells Recipe

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4.9 from 84 reviews

Creamy Taco Stuffed Shells are jumbo pasta shells filled with seasoned ground beef, layered with creamy queso and grated Cheddar cheese, then baked to a bubbly, golden perfection. This comforting Tex-Mex inspired casserole makes a delicious and hearty meal, topped with fresh green onions and a drizzle of zesty taco sauce for an extra kick.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 12 ounces jumbo shell pasta

Beef Filling

  • 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
  • 1 ounce taco seasoning
  • ⅓ cup water
  • ⅓ cup cilantro, chopped

Toppings

  • 1 ½ cups queso (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 cup Cheddar cheese, grated
  • Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
  • Taco sauce (for drizzling)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the stuffed shells.
  2. Cook Pasta Shells: Boil the jumbo shells according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Once cooked, drain, rinse with cold water to stop cooking, and let them cool so they are easy to handle.
  3. Prepare Beef Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the lean ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat. Add in the taco seasoning along with ⅓ cup of water, stirring until the seasoning is well combined and the water is absorbed. Finally, mix in the chopped cilantro to add fresh flavor.
  4. Prepare Baking Dish: Spray a 13×9 inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  5. Stuff Shells: Spoon 1 to 1 ½ tablespoons of the seasoned beef mixture into each cooled jumbo shell. Arrange the stuffed shells evenly in the prepared casserole dish.
  6. Add Cheese Layers: Evenly spread 1 ½ cups of queso sauce over the stuffed shells. Then sprinkle 1 cup of grated Cheddar cheese on top to create a cheesy crust when baked.
  7. Bake: Place the casserole dish in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and drizzle taco sauce over the shells. Sprinkle chopped green onions on top for a fresh, bright finish. Serve warm.
  9. Make-Ahead Tip: This casserole can be prepared in advance by assembling and thawing it overnight in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, bake as directed until heated through.

Notes

  • Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and make the dish healthier.
  • Be sure to rinse the cooked pasta shells with cold water to prevent them from sticking together and to stop further cooking.
  • For a vegetarian option, substitute ground beef with a plant-based crumble or seasoned beans.
  • If queso sauce isn’t available, you can substitute with a creamy cheese sauce or a blend of cream cheese and shredded cheeses melted together.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Find it online: https://recipesarc.com/creamy-taco-stuffed-shells-recipe/