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Taco-Filled Pasta Shells

Name: Taco-Filled Pasta Shells
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 2 casseroles (6 servings each).
Cuisine: North America, Mexican
Ingredients: 2 pounds ground beef; 2 envelopes taco seasoning; 1-1/2 cups water; 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, cubed; 24 uncooked jumbo pasta shells; 1/4 cup butter, melted; ADDITIONAL INGREDIENTS (for each casserole):; 1 cup salsa; 1 cup taco sauce; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese; 1-1/2 cups crushed tortilla chips; 1 cup sour cream; 3 green onions, chopped

61 reviews

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Test Kitchen Approved

Total Time

Prep: 20 min. + chilling Bake: 45 min.

Makes

2 casseroles (6 servings each)

Updated: Feb. 03, 2023

I've been stuffing pasta shells with different fillings for years, but my family enjoys this version with taco-seasoned meat the most. The frozen shells are so convenient, because you can take out only the number you need for a single-serving lunch or family dinner. Just add zippy taco sauce and bake. —Marge Hodel, Roanoke, Illinois

Taco-Filled Pasta Shells Recipe photo by Taste of Home

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Ingredients

2 pounds ground beef
2 envelopes taco seasoning
1-1/2 cups water
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, cubed
24 uncooked jumbo pasta shells
1/4 cup butter, melted
ADDITIONAL INGREDIENTS (for each casserole):
1 cup salsa
1 cup taco sauce
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1-1/2 cups crushed tortilla chips
1 cup sour cream
3 green onions, chopped

Directions

In a Dutch oven, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Stir in taco seasoning and water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes. Stir in cream cheese until melted. Transfer to a bowl; cool. Chill for 1 hour.
Cook pasta according to package directions; drain. Gently toss with butter. Fill each shell with about 3 tablespoons of meat mixture. Place 12 filled shells in a freezer container. Cover and freeze for up to 3 months.
To prepare remaining 12 stuffed shells, spoon 1 cup salsa into a greased 9-in. square baking dish. Top with shells and 1 cup taco sauce. Cover and bake at 350° for 30 minutes. Uncover; sprinkle with 1 cup of each cheese and 1-1/2 cups chips. Bake 15 minutes longer or until heated through. Serve with sour cream and onions.

Can you freeze Taco-Filled Pasta Shells?

To use frozen shells, thaw in the refrigerator for 24 hours (shells will be partially frozen). Spoon 1 cup salsa into a greased 9-in. square baking dish; top with shells and 1 cup taco sauce. Cover and bake at 350° for 40 minutes. Uncover. Sprinkle with 1 cup of each cheese and 1-1/2 cups chips. Bake 15 minutes longer or until heated through. Serve with sour cream and onions.

Nutrition Facts

2 shells: 492 calories, 31g fat (16g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 982mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein.

Taco-Filled Pasta Shells

Ingredients

Directions

Can you freeze Taco-Filled Pasta Shells?

Nutrition Facts

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