Description
Large pasta shells stuffed with a flavorful taco-seasoned beef mixture, topped with salsa and melted cheese, then baked until bubbly for a comforting Mexican-inspired pasta dish.
Ingredients
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the jumbo pasta shells in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, sour cream, half of the cheddar cheese, and black pepper.
- Combine the cheese mixture with the taco meat mixture and stir until evenly blended.
- Spread half of the salsa on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Fill each cooked pasta shell with the taco mixture and place them in the baking dish.
- Pour the remaining salsa over the shells and sprinkle the remaining cheddar and Mexican blend cheese on top.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef.
- Add diced jalapeños or green chilies for extra spice.
- Serve with additional sour cream, guacamole, or chopped lettuce.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex