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Taco Stuffed Shells: A Delicious Family Favorite

Taco Stuffed Shells
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A fun fusion of Italian and Mexican cuisine featuring jumbo pasta shells stuffed with seasoned taco meat, smothered in enchilada sauce and melted cheese – the ultimate comfort food mashup!

  • Author: ranime
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 5 servings (4 shells each) 1x
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Tex-Mex Fusion

Ingredients

Scale
  • 20 jumbo pasta shells
  • 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
  • 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 cup refried beans
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
  • 1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • Toppings (optional):
    • Diced tomatoes
    • Sliced olives
    • Chopped green onions
    • Fresh cilantro
    • Diced avocado

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
  3. Add taco seasoning and water to beef. Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in refried beans.
  4. Spread 1/2 cup enchilada sauce in bottom of 9×13 baking dish.
  5. Fill each cooked shell with meat mixture (about 2 tbsp per shell) and arrange in baking dish.
  6. Pour remaining enchilada sauce over shells and sprinkle with cheese.
  7. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake 5 more minutes until cheese is bubbly.
  8. Let cool 5 minutes before serving with dollops of sour cream and desired toppings.

Notes

  • Make ahead: Assemble up to 1 day in advance and refrigerate before baking.
  • Vegetarian option: Use plant-based ground meat and vegetarian refried beans.
  • For spicier version: Add 1 diced jalapeño to meat mixture.
  • Freeze before baking for up to 3 months (thaw before baking).
  • Leftovers keep refrigerated for 3-4 days.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipesfood.org/taco-stuffed-shells/