Taco Stuffed Shells

Looking for a fun twist on Taco Tuesday? Look no further! These Taco Stuffed Shells are the perfect combination of two favorite dishes in one delicious meal. Packed with flavor and easy to make, they are sure to become a new family favorite.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 box jumbo pasta shells
• Optional toppings: sour cream, avocado, cilantro

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
• Cook jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
• In a skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
• Add taco seasoning, black beans, and salsa to the skillet. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
• Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the taco mixture and place in a baking dish.
• Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of the stuffed shells.
• Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
• Remove foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
• Serve with your favorite toppings and enjoy!

Nutrition Information:

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fat: 20g

Popular Questions:

• Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

A: Yes, ground turkey can be a leaner alternative to ground beef in this recipe.

• Q: Can I use different types of beans?

A: Absolutely! You can customize this recipe with your favorite beans such as pinto or kidney beans.

• Q: How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

A: Simply omit the ground beef and add extra black beans or your choice of meat substitute.

• Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare the stuffed shells ahead of time and bake when ready to serve.

Helpful Tips:

• Top with fresh avocado slices for a creamy and delicious addition.
• Add a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for a burst of fresh flavor.
• Serve with a side of Mexican rice or a green salad for a complete meal.
• Experiment with different types of cheese like pepper jack or Monterey Jack for a spicy kick.

Expert Secrets:

• Make sure to fully cook the ground beef to avoid any raw meat in the dish.
• Allow the stuffed shells to cool slightly before serving to prevent burns from the hot filling.
• For a crispier texture, broil the stuffed shells for a few minutes after baking.
• Don’t skip the optional toppings, they add extra flavor and freshness to the dish.