Taco Stuffed Shells

Taco stuffed shells are a fun twist on traditional stuffed pasta shells, combining the flavors of tacos with a cheesy pasta dish. Here’s a recipe to make taco stuffed shells:

Ingredients:

For the Stuffed Shells:

• 24 jumbo pasta shells
• 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 packet (1.25 ounces) taco seasoning mix
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish, optional)

For the Taco Sauce:

• 1 (14-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Prepare the Taco Sauce:

1. In a saucepan, combine the crushed tomatoes, chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Remove from heat and set aside.

Cook the Pasta Shells:

1. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Filling:

1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or turkey over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks.
2. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for a few minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
3. Stir in the taco seasoning mix and salsa. Cook for a few more minutes, allowing the mixture to thicken slightly. Remove from heat.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked meat mixture, 1/2 cup of sour cream, and half of the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Assemble the Taco Stuffed Shells:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Spread a thin layer of the taco sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Carefully stuff each cooked pasta shell with the taco meat mixture and arrange them in the baking dish.
4. Pour the remaining taco sauce over the stuffed shells.
5. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top.

Baking:

1. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the shells are heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Garnish and Serve:

1. Remove the foil and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired.
2. Serve your taco stuffed shells hot with additional sour cream and salsa on the side, if desired.

These taco stuffed shells are a crowd-pleasing dish that combines the flavors of tacos with the comfort of pasta. Enjoy!