Oven baked taco stuffed shells with queso are a hearty and delicious meal that combines the best of Italian and Mexican cuisine. This dish is perfect for family dinners and gatherings with friends, bringing comfort and joy to the table. The warm, gooey cheese and flavorful taco filling make these stuffed shells a hit among both kids and adults. It's an ideal meal for busy weeknights or special occasions when you want to serve something a little extra special.

These taco stuffed shells pair wonderfully with a fresh green salad and a side of Mexican rice or refried beans. To really complete the meal, consider serving with chips and salsa or guacamole. For a refreshing touch, a glass of iced tea or a tangy lemonade makes a perfect beverage choice.

Servings: 6

12 jumbo pasta shells
1 pound ground beef
1 packet taco seasoning
1 cup water
1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup canned corn, drained
2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
1 jar (15 ounces) queso sauce
1 cup salsa
Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional for garnish)

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.

Add the taco seasoning and water to the skillet, stirring to combine. Simmer for 5 minutes or until the mixture thickens.

Stir in the black beans and corn, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.

Fill each cooked and cooled shell with the taco meat mixture and arrange them in a 9x13 inch baking dish.

Pour the salsa evenly over the stuffed shells.

Drizzle the queso sauce over the top of the shells.

Sprinkle the shredded Mexican blend cheese over the entire dish.

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Remove from the oven and let sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.

For a spicier version, add some diced jalapeños to the taco meat mixture or use a hot salsa. If someone in your family doesn’t eat beef, ground turkey or chicken works just as well. For picky eaters, you can leave out the black beans and corn, or substitute with their favorite veggies. To make it even more nutritious, consider using whole wheat pasta shells or adding a layer of spinach under the meat mixture.

Copyright 2016 Cooktop Cove