Delicious Taco Stuffed Shells: A Savory Fusion of Mexican and Italian Flavors
Ingredients:
- 16 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 (1.25 ounce) package taco seasoning mix
- 1 cup water
- 1 (16 ounce) can refried beans
- ¾ cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1 (16 ounce) jar salsa, divided
- ¼ cup sliced green onion
- ¼ cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream (Optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready by the time your stuffed shells are assembled.
2. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring water to a boil over high heat. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook until they are al dente, approximately 13 minutes. Be careful not to overcook, as the shells will continue to cook in the oven. Drain the pasta and set aside.
3. Prepare the Meat Filling: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, making sure to break it into small pieces as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat. Stir in the taco seasoning and water, reducing the heat to low. Cook the mixture until it thickens, about 5 minutes.
4. Incorporate the Beans and Cheese: Add the refried beans and ¾ cup of shredded Cheddar cheese to the seasoned beef. Mix until well combined and heated through.
5. Assemble the Shells: Using a spoon, fill each cooked pasta shell with the meat and bean mixture. Arrange the filled shells in a 9×13-inch baking dish that has been prepped with ¼ cup of salsa spread on the bottom.
6. Top with Salsa: Once all the shells are in place, pour the remaining salsa evenly over the top.
7. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the shells to become tender.
8. Garnish and Serve: After baking, remove the dish from the oven and immediately sprinkle with sliced green onion and the remaining ¼ cup of shredded Cheddar cheese. If desired, serve the shells with a dollop of sour cream on the side for added richness.
This dish is a delightful combination of the rich flavors of a classic taco wrapped in the comforting embrace of pasta. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, these Taco Stuffed Shells are sure to become a favorite. Enjoy!
