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Taco Stuffed Shells

Taco Stuffed Shells: A Cheesy Twist on Comfort Food

Taco Stuffed Shells are a cheesy, comforting meal perfect for taco night with family and friends.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 shells
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the Filling
  • 1 pound Lean Ground Beef can substitute with ground turkey or chicken
  • 1 small Onion, diced can use shallots as a substitute
  • 14.5 ounces Canned Petite Diced Tomatoes fresh tomatoes can also be used
  • 1 medium Bell Pepper, diced zucchini can be an alternative
  • 0.5 cup Corn Kernels thawed if frozen; can substitute with black beans
  • 0.5 cup Water can substitute with chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 ounce Taco Seasoning consider making homemade
  • 8 ounces Cream Cheese, cubed mascarpone or ricotta are good substitutes
  • 24 pieces Jumbo Shells uncooked; manicotti can be an alternative
For the Topping
  • 1.5 cups Salsa can substitute with favorite pasta or tomato sauce
  • 1.5 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese or use Monterey Jack Cheese
  • Sour Cream or substitute with Greek yogurt

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Skillet
  • Casserole dish

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cook the jumbo shells in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water.
  3. In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the lean ground beef and diced onion, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
  4. Add canned tomatoes, bell pepper, corn, water, and taco seasoning to the skillet. Cook uncovered for about 5 minutes until thickened.
  5. Stir in the cubed cream cheese until melted. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
  6. Stuff each cooked shell with 2-3 tablespoons of the beef mixture and place them in a greased casserole dish.
  7. Pour salsa evenly over the stuffed shells and cover with foil. Bake for 30 minutes.
  8. Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheese on top, and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is golden.

Nutrition

Serving: 1shellCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 15gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Taco Stuffed Shells are perfect for busy weeknights and can be customized to fit your taste preferences. Serve fresh out of the oven for the best experience.

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