Made this tonight and my wife and I ate almost half of it, just the two of us!
Taco Stuffed Shells combine the best of Italian and Mexican cuisine, offering a delicious and hearty meal that’s perfect for any occasion. This dish features jumbo pasta shells stuffed with a savory taco filling made from ground beef or turkey, black beans, corn, and cheese. Baked to perfection and garnished with your favorite taco toppings, these stuffed shells are sure to be a hit with family and friends.
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Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Jumbo pasta shells | 20 |
| Ground beef or ground turkey | 1 pound |
| Small onion, diced | 1 |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Taco seasoning mix | 1 packet |
| Salsa (mild, medium, or hot) | 1 cup |
| Canned black beans, drained and rinsed | 1 cup |
| Frozen corn kernels | 1 cup |
| Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese | 1 cup |
| Sour cream | 1/2 cup |
| Chopped fresh cilantro (optional) | 1/4 cup |
| Sliced black olives, diced tomatoes, diced avocado, and chopped green onions | For toppings |
Instructions:
Step 1: Cooking the Pasta Shells
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook according to the package instructions until they are al dente.
- Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Preparing the Taco Filling
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or turkey over medium-high heat until fully cooked and no longer pink.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Stir in the taco seasoning mix, following the instructions on the packet.
- Add the salsa, black beans, and frozen corn to the skillet, combining all the ingredients thoroughly.
- Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 3: Filling the Pasta Shells
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of the taco filling to coat the bottom.
- Carefully stuff each cooked jumbo pasta shell with a generous amount of the taco filling.
- Place the stuffed shells in the baking dish, arranging them in a single layer.
Step 4: Baking and Topping
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the stuffed shells, covering them evenly.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to achieve a golden-brown crust on the cheese.
Step 5: Serving and Garnishing
- Remove the Taco Stuffed Shells from the oven and let them cool slightly.
- Drizzle the sour cream over the top of the shells for added creaminess and flavor.
- Garnish the dish with chopped fresh cilantro and your favorite taco toppings, such as sliced black olives, diced tomatoes, diced avocado, and chopped green onions.
