Description
Delicious jumbo pasta shells filled with a flavorful taco mixture, topped with cheese and baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning or 2 tablespoons homemade
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend divided
- 1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes drained
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish optional
- Sour cream for serving optional
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta shells until al dente, about 9–10 minutes. Drain and rinse with cool water. Set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and sauté onions until softened. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Stir in garlic, taco seasoning, and water. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- In a bowl, mix together the cooked taco meat, 3/4 cup shredded cheese, ricotta (or cottage cheese), and half of the salsa. Add cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread a layer of diced tomatoes and tomato sauce on the bottom.
- Fill each shell with the taco mixture and place open side up in the baking dish.
- Spoon remaining salsa over the shells and sprinkle with the remaining cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Uncover and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with cilantro or parsley and serve with sour cream if desired.
Notes
- This recipe can be customized with your favorite toppings.
- For a spicier kick, add jalapeños to the filling.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 stuffed shells
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg