Cheesy Taco Pasta Shells
Craving a hearty, satisfying ground beef dinner that’s bursting with flavor and easy to make? Look no further! These Cheesy Taco Pasta Shells combine comforting pasta with your favorite taco fillings, all baked to cheesy perfection. It’s a fantastic weeknight meal your whole family will love.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Ground Beef: You can easily substitute ground turkey or a plant-based crumble.
- Jumbo Pasta Shells: Medium shells work too, but won’t hold as much filling.
- Taco Seasoning: Use your favorite brand or make your own blend.
- Diced Tomatoes with Green Chiles (Rotel): A can of plain diced tomatoes is fine if you prefer less spice.
- Shredded Cheese: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a taco blend are all delicious.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 12 oz jumbo pasta shells
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles, undrained
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish, optional)
Spices:
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning mix
Optional Toppings:
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Sliced black olives
- Salsa
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Tools Needed: Large skillet, 9×13 inch baking dish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta Shells
Begin by cooking the jumbo pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain them well and set aside. This ensures they are perfectly tender before baking.
2. Brown the Ground Beef
While the pasta cooks, brown your ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Make sure to break it up as it cooks. Once fully browned, drain any excess fat.
3. Simmer the Taco Filling
Stir the taco seasoning into the cooked ground beef. Add the undrained diced tomatoes with green chiles, tomato sauce, and water. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
4. Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This prevents the pasta from sticking.
5. Stuff and Arrange Shells
In a bowl, combine the ground beef mixture with 1 cup of the shredded cheese and the sour cream. Mix until well combined. Carefully stuff each cooked pasta shell with this flavorful beef mixture and arrange them in a single layer in your prepared baking dish.
6. Bake Until Cheesy
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese over the stuffed shells. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the dish is heated through. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired and serve hot.
Variation Ideas
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño to the ground beef mixture for extra heat.
- Veggie Boost: Stir in corn, black beans, or bell peppers with the ground beef.
- Creamy Spinach: Mix cooked, drained spinach into the filling for added greens.
- Chicken Taco: Substitute ground chicken for the ground beef for a lighter version of this ground beef dinner.
Storage Instructions
Leftover Cheesy Taco Pasta Shells can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, cover the dish with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the stuffed shells in the baking dish without baking. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then bake as directed, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
Q: What kind of pasta shells should I use?
A: Jumbo pasta shells are best for stuffing, but you can use medium shells or even manicotti if jumbo are unavailable.
Q: Is this dish freezer-friendly?
A: Yes, you can freeze the assembled and baked dish. Let it cool completely, then cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q: Can I use different cheeses?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite cheese blend, such as all cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a spicier pepper jack.
Q: How do I make this dish less spicy?
A: Use regular diced tomatoes instead of diced tomatoes with green chiles. You can also reduce the amount of taco seasoning.
Q: What are some good sides for this ground beef dinner?
A: A simple green salad, corn on the cob, or a side of refried beans would all be excellent accompaniments.
