Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these taco stuffed shells! They’re one of my absolute favorite meals because they’re such a fun and flavorful twist on traditional pasta. Imagine that classic comfort of pasta combined with the bold, zesty flavors of tacos – it’s like a fiesta in your mouth! What I love most is how the creamy ricotta and gooey mozzarella blend perfectly with seasoned beef and salsa, making every bite a delight. This recipe has been a family favorite for years, and every time I make it, I can hear my kids cheering from the kitchen. Trust me, you’re going to want to add this to your weekly dinner lineup!
Ingredients for Taco Stuffed Shells
Gather these delicious ingredients to whip up your taco stuffed shells. You’ll love how simple and straightforward they are!
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup salsa
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Make sure to have everything ready before you start cooking, so the process flows smoothly and you can enjoy the fun of creating this delightful dish!
How to Prepare Taco Stuffed Shells
Alright, let’s get into the fun part—preparing these amazing taco stuffed shells! It’s easier than you might think, and I promise, every step is totally worth it.
Preheat the Oven and Prepare Pasta
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, it’s nice and hot when your shells are ready to go in. Now, cook those jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions—usually about 8-10 minutes should do the trick. You want them al dente since they’ll continue cooking in the oven. Once they’re cooked, drain them carefully and set aside. They can be a little slippery, so just take your time!
Cook the Ground Beef
Next up, heat a skillet over medium heat and add your ground beef. Cook it until it’s browned, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Remember to drain any excess fat, so your dish doesn’t get greasy. Now, sprinkle in the taco seasoning and add the amount of water specified on the packet—usually around 2/3 cup. Stir it all together and let it simmer for a few minutes until it’s well combined and flavorful.
Prepare the Ricotta Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, chopped green onions, and cilantro. Mix it all together until it’s creamy and well-blended. Oh, the aroma of those herbs combined with the cheese is just heavenly!
Stuff the Pasta Shells
Now, it’s time to stuff those shells! Take a shell and pack it generously with the ricotta mixture. Don’t be shy here—fill it up to the brim for a delicious bite! Place each stuffed shell in a baking dish, and repeat until all your shells are filled.
Assemble and Bake
To assemble, top each stuffed shell with that seasoned ground beef mixture and a good drizzle of salsa. Finally, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top to create that ooey-gooey cheesy goodness. Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes, or until everything is heated through and the cheese is beautifully melted.
And there you have it! You’re just a few steps away from taco stuffed shell bliss!
Why You’ll Love Taco Stuffed Shells
- They’re a quick and easy meal, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful taco-inspired filling that the whole family will adore!
- Combines the comforting texture of pasta with zesty Mexican flavors.
- Great for meal prep—make a batch and enjoy leftovers!
- Customizable with your favorite toppings, so everyone can make it their own.
Tips for Success
To make sure your taco stuffed shells turn out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite tips! First, cook the pasta shells al dente so they hold their shape during baking—trust me, you don’t want mushy pasta here. Using fresh ingredients makes a world of difference in flavor, so opt for fresh herbs and high-quality cheese when you can. After baking, let the dish rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and makes it easier to serve. And don’t forget to have fun with toppings! A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of jalapeños can take these shells to the next level!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional values for each serving of these delightful taco stuffed shells. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific brands and ingredients used.
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 25g
These taco stuffed shells pack a tasty punch while still being relatively balanced. Enjoy them guilt-free as part of your meal rotation!
FAQ Section
Can I use different meats?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. They’ll work just as well and still pack that delicious taco flavor. You could even try using a plant-based meat substitute for a vegetarian twist!
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers are easy to store! Just let the taco stuffed shells cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days. If you want to freeze them, make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and they can last up to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating!
Can I customize the toppings?
Oh, the toppings are where you can really get creative! You can add a dollop of sour cream, sprinkle on some jalapeños for a kick, or even toss on some chopped avocado or fresh cilantro. Feel free to mix and match your favorite toppings to make it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your taco stuffed shells is super simple! Once they’ve cooled down, just pop them into an airtight container and stash them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days, perfect for easy lunches or quick dinners! If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them—just wrap each shell tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and they’ll last up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, let them thaw in the fridge overnight. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. Trust me, they’ll taste just as delicious as the first time around!
Imprimer
Taco Stuffed Shells: 7 Reasons You’ll Crave This Comfort
- Temps Total: 45 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Faible En Gras
Description
Taco stuffed shells are a delicious twist on traditional pasta. They combine the flavors of tacos with ricotta and mozzarella cheese.
Ingrédients
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup salsa
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook pasta shells according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain fat.
- Add taco seasoning and water according to package instructions. Stir well.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, green onions, and cilantro.
- Stuff each pasta shell with the ricotta mixture, then place them in a baking dish.
- Top the shells with seasoned ground beef and salsa.
- Sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top.
- Bake for 25 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted.
Notes
- You can use turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- Add your favorite toppings like sour cream or jalapeños.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 30 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Course
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sucre: 3g
- De Sodium: 800mg
- La graisse: 20g
- Graisses Saturées: 10g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 9g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 45g
- La fibre: 3g
- La protéine: 25g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 70mg
Mots-clés: taco stuffed shells, pasta, Mexican food
