Print

Comforting Cheesy Taco-Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef and Pepper Jack

cheesy taco-stuffed shells - featured image
Print Recipe

A cozy and flavorful recipe combining taco-seasoned ground beef with melty pepper jack cheese stuffed inside pasta shells, perfect for easy weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 20–25 large pasta shells, cooked al dente
  • 1 pound ground beef (lean or regular)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
  • Handful of chopped cilantro (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Optional toppings: sour cream, sliced jalapeños, diced tomatoes, avocado

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside on a plate, spread out slightly.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  4. Sprinkle taco seasoning over the beef. Stir in tomato sauce and cook for 3-4 minutes until flavors meld and sauce thickens slightly. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
  5. Remove skillet from heat and transfer beef mixture to a mixing bowl. Stir in 1 ½ cups shredded pepper jack and ½ cup cheddar cheese until well combined.
  6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spoon beef and cheese filling into each pasta shell generously. Arrange stuffed shells in a single layer in a baking dish.
  7. Pour any remaining tomato sauce over the shells. Sprinkle remaining cheese evenly on top. Cover dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
  8. Let dish rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped cilantro and add optional toppings like sour cream, jalapeños, or diced tomatoes.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta shells to prevent tearing; freshly shred cheeses for better melting; brown beef well for depth of flavor; simmer tomato sauce if too thin; allow dish to rest after baking to set filling; recipe can be adapted with different proteins or vegetarian options.

Nutrition

Keywords: taco stuffed shells, cheesy pasta, ground beef recipe, pepper jack cheese, easy dinner, comfort food, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://zorbmeal.com/comforting-cheesy-taco-stuffed-shells-recipe-with-ground-beef-perfect-for-easy-dinners/