Tex-Mex Stuffed Pasta Shells
These Tex-Mex Stuffed Pasta Shells are a delightful fusion of Italian pasta and zesty taco flavors that will satisfy both children and adults alike. Each jumbo shell is generously filled with a creamy, seasoned beef mixture, and topped with a vibrant salsa and melted cheese. This dish is not only delicious but also freezer-friendly, making it a perfect option for make-ahead meals. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or looking to add a tasty dish to your meal prep, these filled shells are sure to become a favorite. This recipe yields two casseroles with a total of 12 hearty servings.
12
Servings
300
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Lean ground beef
2 lbs (browned and drained)
Low-sodium taco seasoning
2 (1 1/4-ounce) envelopes (prepared according to package directions)
Cream cheese
1 (8-ounce) package (softened)
Jumbo pasta shells
24 (cooked and tossed with melted butter)
Butter or margarine
1/4 cup (melted)
Salsa
1 cup (none)
Taco sauce
1 cup (none)
Cheddar cheese
1 cup (shredded)
Tortilla chips
1 cup (crushed (optional))
Sour cream
1 cup (optional)
Green onions
3 (chopped (optional))
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until it's no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
2
Stir in the taco seasoning, preparing according to the package directions.
3
Add the softened cream cheese to the beef mixture. Cover and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the cheese is melted and the mixture is well combined.
4
Remove the skillet from heat and allow the meat mixture to cool for about 1 hour.
5
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
6
Carefully fill each cooked pasta shell with approximately 3 tablespoons of the meat mixture.
7
Grease two 9-inch square baking dishes. Place 12 filled shells in each dish.
8
In a separate bowl, mix together the salsa and taco sauce. Spoon half of this mixture over the shells in each dish.
9
If you’re not planning to freeze the shells, cover each dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, uncover, sprinkle the cheddar cheese and crushed tortilla chips (if using) on top, and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and melted.
10
Serve hot, and if desired, offer sour cream and chopped green onions as toppings.
11
For freezing: Omit the cheddar cheese and crushed tortilla chips. Freeze the prepared dishes. To prepare from frozen, thaw in the refrigerator for 24 hours, then bake at 350°F for 40 minutes. After that, add the cheese and chips, and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
Nutrition Information
17g
Fat
12.5g
Carbs
22g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Tex-Mex Stuffed Pasta Shells?
They are a fusion dish combining jumbo Italian pasta shells with a seasoned beef and cream cheese taco filling, topped with salsa and melted cheese.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields a total of 12 hearty servings split across two baking dishes.
Can I freeze these stuffed shells?
Yes, this dish is freezer-friendly. You should prepare the shells and sauce, but omit the cheese and tortilla chip topping until you are ready to bake after thawing.
How do I bake the shells from frozen?
Thaw the dish in the refrigerator for 24 hours. Bake at 350°F for 40 minutes, then add the cheese and chips and bake for 10 more minutes.
What oven temperature is required?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C) for both fresh and thawed baking.
How much ground beef is needed?
The recipe calls for 2 pounds of lean ground beef.
What kind of pasta shells should I buy?
You should use jumbo pasta shells, specifically 24 shells for this recipe.
Why do I need to cool the meat mixture for an hour?
Cooling the meat mixture makes it easier to handle and ensures the shells are easier to fill without the mixture being too runny.
What size baking dishes are used?
The recipe recommends using two 9-inch square baking dishes.
How much filling goes into each shell?
Each jumbo shell should be filled with approximately 3 tablespoons of the seasoned meat and cream cheese mixture.
What type of cheese is used for the topping?
One cup of shredded cheddar cheese is recommended for the topping.
Why are the shells tossed in butter?
Tossing the cooked shells in 1/4 cup of melted butter helps prevent them from sticking together and adds extra flavor.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey can be substituted for lean ground beef if you prefer a different protein.
What should I serve as toppings?
Optional toppings include sour cream and chopped green onions for added freshness and creaminess.
What is the total baking time for fresh shells?
The total baking time is 45 minutes: 30 minutes covered with foil and 15 minutes uncovered with the cheese and chips.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are approximately 22 grams of protein in each serving.
How much taco seasoning is used?
The recipe uses two 1.25-ounce envelopes of low-sodium taco seasoning.
Do I need to grease the baking dishes?
Yes, you should grease two 9-inch square baking dishes before adding the filled shells.
Can I use corn chips instead of tortilla chips?
Yes, crushed corn chips would provide a similar crunch and flavor profile if you do not have tortilla chips.
Is the cream cheese supposed to be softened?
Yes, using softened cream cheese allows it to melt and incorporate smoothly into the beef mixture.
What kind of salsa works best?
You can use any variety of salsa you like; chunky salsa works well for added texture.
Can I make this recipe less spicy?
To reduce the heat, use a mild taco seasoning and a mild salsa.
Is this recipe suitable for children?
Yes, the combination of pasta, beef, and cheese is typically very popular with children.
What should the consistency of the meat mixture be?
The mixture should be creamy and thick enough to be spooned into the shells without running out.
Should the taco sauce and salsa be mixed?
Yes, the recipe suggests mixing the salsa and taco sauce together in a separate bowl before spooning over the shells.
Can I add black beans to the filling?
While not in the original recipe, adding drained black beans to the beef mixture is a great way to add fiber and bulk.
How many grams of fat are in a serving?
There are approximately 17 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 12.5 grams of carbohydrates.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, low-fat or Neufchatel cheese can be used as a substitute for standard cream cheese.