Cheesy Taco Stuffed Pasta (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
22–24 jumbo pasta shells (approximately 220–240 g)
02 -
454 g ground beef
03 -
1 packet taco seasoning (about 28 g)
04 -
240 ml mild salsa
05 -
113 g cream cheese
06 -
1 can (284 g) red enchilada sauce
07 -
200 g Mexican cheese blend, shredded
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat the oven to 175°C. Lightly grease a 33 x 23 cm baking dish with oil or non-stick spray.
02 -
Boil the jumbo pasta shells in salted water according to package instructions until just firm (al dente). Drain and arrange the cooked shells individually on a tray to prevent sticking.
03 -
Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until evenly browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat. Stir in taco seasoning and mild salsa until well combined.
04 -
Add cream cheese to the hot beef mixture. Stir continuously until the cheese is melted and the filling is creamy and smooth. For quicker melting, cut the cream cheese into small cubes before adding.
05 -
Pour half of the enchilada sauce into the bottom of the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
06 -
Using a spoon, fill each cooked shell generously with the cheesy taco beef mixture. Arrange the filled shells closely in the baking dish on top of the sauce.
07 -
Drizzle the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle shredded Mexican cheese blend liberally on top.
08 -
Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving.
# Notes:
01 -
Cook pasta shells until just al dente; they will finish baking in the oven. Overcooked shells may become too soft and fall apart.
02 -
For added nutritional value, incorporate diced bell peppers, corn, or rice into the filling.
03 -
Make ahead: This dish is freezer-friendly and can be doubled for preparing in advance.
04 -
Serve with Spanish rice and garnish with sour cream, fresh tomatoes, avocado, or sliced green onions.
05 -
A vegetarian alternative can be made by using black beans or refried beans in place of beef.