Description

Cheesy Taco Stuffed Pasta Shells are the ultimate comfort food that combines the best of tacos and pasta into a delightful dish. Large pasta shells are filled with a savory mix of seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and zesty taco spices, then baked to perfection. This recipe is perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in, making every bite a festive experience.

Ingredients

Scale

12 large pasta shells
1 lb lean ground beef
1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
1 cup canned tomato sauce
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
¼ cup green onions, diced

Instructions

Cook the pasta shells in salted boiling water until al dente; drain and set aside.
In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat; drain excess fat. Stir in taco seasoning and tomato sauce until combined.
Stuff each shell with about one tablespoon of the beef mixture and place seam side up in a greased baking dish.
Sprinkle shredded cheeses over the stuffed shells. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until bubbly.
Garnish with sour cream, cilantro, and green onions before serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 stuffed shells (approximately 250g)
Calories: 440
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 750mg
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: For added flavor, consider using ground turkey or black beans as a substitute for meat. Experiment with different toppings such as diced avocados or jalapeños for extra zest. You can prepare these shells ahead of time; store in the fridge and bake when ready to serve.