Cheesy Taco Stuffed Shells

Instructions

Get Started:

1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Stir in the taco seasoning according to package directions.

Assemble the Shells:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, half of the shredded cheese, taco sauce, and sour cream. Mix well.
3. Spoon the beef mixture into each cooked pasta shell, filling them generously.
4. Arrange the stuffed shells in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
5. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Let cool slightly before adding your desired toppings and serving.

Cooking Notes & Tips

• For extra flavor, use your favorite taco seasoning blend.
• Don’t overcook the pasta shells; they should be al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy in the oven.
• Feel free to add other vegetables, such as chopped bell peppers or onions, to the beef mixture.

Variations

Spicy Shells: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the beef mixture for some extra heat.

Vegetarian Shells: Substitute the ground beef with 1 (15 ounce) can of black beans, drained and rinsed, and add a tablespoon of chili powder for a vegetarian version.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make these ahead of time? A: You can assemble the stuffed shells ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Enjoy your delicious and easy Cheesy Taco Stuffed Shells!