Description
A hearty and cheesy Tex-Mex inspired pasta dish filled with seasoned beef, salsa, and melted cheese, baked to perfection. This comforting meal combines the best of tacos and pasta in one satisfying recipe.
Ingredients
24 jumbo pasta shells, cooked according to package directions
2 pounds lean ground beef
1 cup finely diced sweet yellow onion
1 tablespoon fresh minced garlic
2 ounces mild taco seasoning
¾ cup water
16 ounces mild salsa
2½ cups shredded Colby jack cheese
Taco sauce, optional for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it begins to brown.
- Add the diced onion and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
- Add taco seasoning and water, stir well, and let simmer until slightly thickened.
- Remove from heat and mix in 1 cup salsa and 1 cup shredded cheese.
- Fill each cooked shell with the beef mixture and arrange in the prepared baking dish.
- Pour remaining salsa evenly over the shells and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
- Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving and garnish with taco sauce if desired.
Notes
Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of beef for a lighter version.
Use spicy salsa or add jalapeños for extra heat.
Different cheeses like cheddar or Mexican blend work well.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F or microwave with a bit of added salsa to prevent drying.
Assemble ahead and refrigerate before baking; add extra baking time if chilled.
Freeze assembled (unbaked) dish and thaw overnight before baking.
Cook pasta shells al dente and handle gently to prevent tearing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 610 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 920 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
