Description
These Taco Stuffed Shells with Queso are a fun and flavorful twist on classic stuffed shells. Jumbo pasta shells are filled with a savory ground beef and taco seasoning mixture, then smothered in creamy queso and melted cheddar cheese.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 12 ounces jumbo shell pasta
- 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 ounce taco seasoning
- 1/3 cup water
- 1/3 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 1/2 cups queso (Restless Chipotle homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- Green onions (for garnish)
- Taco sauce (for serving)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Preheat oven to 350°F. Cook jumbo shells according to package directions, being careful not to overcook. Drain, rinse, and let cool.
- Brown Beef and Season: Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle with taco seasoning and stir in water. Simmer until water is absorbed. Stir in cilantro.
- Stuff Shells: Gently fill each cooked shell with the seasoned ground beef mixture. Place in a greased 13×9 inch baking dish.
- Add Queso and Cheese: Pour queso over the stuffed shells, spreading to cover them completely. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
- Serve: Drizzle with taco sauce, sprinkle with green onions, and serve hot.
Notes
- Freezing: To freeze, assemble the casserole but do not bake. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
- Variations:
- Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- Add diced onions and peppers to the meat filling for extra flavor and texture.
- Substitute your favorite type of cheese for the cheddar cheese.
- Make your own queso with a blend of cheeses, milk, and spices.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or a salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 500kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 35g
