Cheesy Taco Stuffed Pasta Shells Bake
Indulge in a delicious fusion of Mexican and Italian cuisine with these Cheesy Taco Stuffed Pasta Shells Bake. Perfect for family meals or a comforting dinner party, these stuffed shells are filled with a savory blend of seasoned ground beef, refried black beans, and melty cheddar cheese, all topped with zesty salsa and fresh green onions. This dish is easy to prep ahead of time, making it a great option for busy weeknights. Whether served with a dollop of sour cream or eaten all on their own, these Taco Stuffed Pasta Shells are sure to be a hit at your table!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Large dried pasta shells
16 (prepared according to package directions, rinsed and drained)
Extra lean ground beef
1 lb (cooked until browned)
Taco seasoning mix
1 (1 1/4 ounce) package
Water
1 cup
Refried black beans
1 (16 ounce) can
Shredded low-fat cheddar cheese
1 cup (divided)
Salsa
1 (16 ounce) jar (divided, mild)
Sliced green onion
1/4 cup
Sour cream
to taste (optional)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
3
Add the taco seasoning mix and water to the beef, then simmer over low heat for about 5 minutes or until the mixture thickens.
4
Stir in the refried black beans and 3/4 cup of the cheddar cheese until well combined.
5
Spread 1/4 cup of the salsa evenly over the bottom of two 8-inch square baking dishes.
6
Fill each pasta shell with the beef and bean mixture, placing them filled-side up into the dishes—half in each dish.
7
Spoon the remaining salsa generously over the stuffed shells, making sure to cover them completely.
8
Cover one baking dish with plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. This dish can be labeled and frozen for up to 2 months.
9
For the baking dish staying fresh, cover it tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until heated through.
10
Once baked, remove from the oven, sprinkle with sliced green onions and the remaining 1/4 cup of cheddar cheese.
11
Serve warm with a dollop of sour cream if desired, and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Taco Stuffed Pasta Shells Bake?
It is a delicious fusion of Mexican and Italian cuisine consisting of jumbo pasta shells filled with seasoned beef, refried beans, and cheese.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What type of pasta shells are required?
You will need 16 large dried pasta shells.
How should the pasta shells be prepared?
They should be prepared according to package directions, then rinsed and drained.
What kind of meat is used in the filling?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of extra lean ground beef.
How do I cook the ground beef?
Cook the beef in a large skillet over medium heat until browned and drain off any excess fat.
What seasoning is used for the beef?
One 1 1/4 ounce package of taco seasoning mix is used.
How much water is added to the taco seasoning?
Add 1 cup of water to the beef and seasoning mixture.
What type of beans are included in the recipe?
A 16-ounce can of refried black beans is stirred into the beef mixture.
What kind of cheese is recommended?
Shredded low-fat cheddar cheese is recommended.
How much cheese is used in total?
The recipe uses 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, divided.
How much salsa is needed for the recipe?
One 16-ounce jar of salsa, preferably mild, is used.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
What size baking dishes should I use?
The recipe uses two 8-inch square baking dishes.
How do I prepare the bottom of the baking dishes?
Spread 1/4 cup of salsa evenly over the bottom of each dish before adding the shells.
How long should the beef mixture simmer?
Simmer the mixture over low heat for about 5 minutes or until it thickens.
How much cheese goes inside the shells?
3/4 cup of the cheddar cheese is mixed into the beef and bean filling.
How are the shells placed in the baking dish?
Place the shells filled-side up in the dishes.
Can this recipe be frozen for later?
Yes, one dish can be covered with plastic wrap and foil and frozen for up to 2 months.
How long do the shells need to bake?
Bake the shells tightly covered with foil for 40 to 45 minutes.
How do I know when the bake is finished?
Bake until the shells are heated through completely.
What toppings are added after baking?
Top the dish with sliced green onions and the remaining 1/4 cup of cheddar cheese.
Is sour cream included in the recipe?
Sour cream is optional and can be served as a dollop on top to taste.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients in total.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is easy to prep ahead of time, making it great for busy weeknights.
What flavor profile does this dish have?
It is savory and zesty with a comforting, melty cheese finish.
How do I handle the salsa for the topping?
Spoon the remaining salsa generously over the stuffed shells before baking.
What is the total cheese distribution?
3/4 cup is mixed into the filling, and 1/4 cup is saved for the topping.
Can I make this dish for a dinner party?
Yes, it is a great option for a comforting and unique dinner party meal.
How much green onion is used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of sliced green onions.