aco Stuffed Shells with Queso is a delightful fusion dish that combines the best of two culinary worlds: the comfort of pasta and the bold, zesty flavors of tacos. This recipe transforms ordinary pasta shells into vessels of deliciousness, filled with seasoned ground beef, topped with creamy queso, and baked to perfection. The first time I made this dish, it was for a family gathering, and it quickly became a favorite. The cheesy, savory goodness, combined with the fresh and vibrant taco toppings, made it an instant hit.
This dish is perfect for those who love both Italian and Mexican cuisines and are looking for a way to enjoy them together. It’s a great way to mix up your usual dinner routine and impress your family and friends with something unique and delicious. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a special occasion, Taco Stuffed Shells with Queso are sure to please.
Ingredients
12 ounces jumbo shell pasta
1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
1 ounce taco seasoning
1/3 cup water
1/3 cup cilantro, chopped
1 1/2 cups queso (homemade or store-bought)
1 cup Cheddar cheese, grated
Green onions, for garnish
Taco sauce, for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the right temperature when you’re ready to bake the stuffed shells.
Step 2: Cook the Jumbo Shells
Cook the Pasta: Cook the jumbo shells according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 10-12 minutes. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent the shells from sticking together.
Tip: Al dente means the pasta should be firm to the bite. Overcooked shells might fall apart when you stuff them, so it’s important to get this right.
Drain and Cool: Once cooked, drain the shells and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process and make them easier to handle.
Step 3: Prepare the Taco Filling
Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it’s fully cooked and no longer pink. This should take about 7-10 minutes.
Tip: Use a spatula to break up the meat as it cooks for an even texture.
Season the Beef: Add the taco seasoning and 1/3 cup of water to the skillet with the browned beef. Stir well to combine and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef evenly.
Add Freshness: Stir in the chopped cilantro. This adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor to the filling, balancing the richness of the meat and cheese.
Step 4: Assemble the Stuffed Shells
Prepare the Casserole Dish: Spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent the shells from sticking to the dish.
Fill the Shells: Using a spoon, fill each jumbo shell with a generous amount of the taco meat mixture. Arrange the filled shells snugly in the prepared casserole dish.
Tip: You can use a piping bag for more precise and quicker filling if you prefer.
Step 5: Add the Cheese
Pour the Queso: Pour the queso evenly over the stuffed shells. Ensure that each shell is generously coated with the creamy cheese sauce.
Tip: If using store-bought queso, heat it slightly to make it easier to pour and spread.
Top with Cheddar: Sprinkle the shredded Cheddar cheese over the top of the queso. This will melt and create a golden, bubbly topping when baked.
Step 6: Bake the Stuffed Shells
Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the filling is heated through. The edges of the shells should be slightly crispy and golden.
Tip: To get a more golden top, you can broil the dish for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, but keep a close eye to avoid burning.
Step 7: Serve
Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish the stuffed shells with sliced green onions for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
Add Taco Sauce: Drizzle taco sauce over the top for an extra tangy kick and additional moisture.
Enjoy: Serve the stuffed shells hot and enjoy the delicious combination of cheesy, zesty flavors.
Variations and Substitutions
Different Meats: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute for a different protein option.
Vegetarian Version: Use black beans and corn as the primary filling, omitting the meat entirely for a vegetarian version.
Spice Level: Adjust the heat by adding more or less jalapeños or using a hotter taco seasoning mix.
Cheese Choices: Try different cheeses like Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend for varied flavors.
Additional Toppings: Add toppings like diced tomatoes, avocado slices, or sour cream for extra flavor and texture.
Conclusion
Taco Stuffed Shells with Queso is a wonderfully creative dish that brings together the best aspects of Mexican and Italian cuisine. The combination of seasoned ground beef, creamy queso, and tender pasta shells is both satisfying and delicious. This recipe is appealing because it’s easy to make, adaptable to different tastes, and perfect for feeding a crowd.
Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner with friends or preparing a family meal, this dish is sure to impress. The rich, cheesy filling paired with the freshness of cilantro and the tanginess of taco sauce creates a balanced and flavorful experience.
In summary, this recipe is enjoyable to make and eat because it takes familiar ingredients and transforms them into something exciting and new. The detailed steps ensure that even novice cooks can create a dish that looks and tastes gourmet. Gather your ingredients, follow these instructions, and enjoy the delightful fusion of flavors in these Taco Stuffed Shells with Queso.