Taco Stuffed Shells (Printer-Friendly)

Pasta shells filled with seasoned taco beef and cheese, baked until bubbly and golden.

# List of Ingredients:

→ Shells & Filling

01 - 20 jumbo pasta shells
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1 pound ground beef
04 - 1 packet taco seasoning mix
05 - 1/3 cup water
06 - 1 cup salsa
07 - 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
08 - ½ cup cream cheese, softened
09 - 2 green onions, chopped

→ Toppings

10 - ½ cup sour cream
11 - ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
12 - ½ cup diced tomatoes

# Preparation Steps:

01 - Boil the jumbo pasta shells following package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat. Stir in taco seasoning mix and water, simmering for 2 to 3 minutes.
03 - Add cream cheese, salsa, and chopped green onions to the skillet. Stir continuously until mixture is creamy and well combined. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
04 - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Fill each cooled pasta shell with the beef filling and neatly arrange them in a 9x13-inch baking dish.
05 - Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the stuffed shells. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted.
06 - Remove from oven and top with sour cream, diced tomatoes, and chopped cilantro before serving.

# Additional Suggestions:

01 - Prepare shells and filling in advance to minimize active cooking time. Store leftovers securely in the refrigerator for up to four days.