Taste the Southwest: Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta Shells Recipe with an Arizona Twist!

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If you're looking to bring a bit of the Southwest into your kitchen, Arizona's take on Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta Shells is the perfect dish for you. Imagine a comforting, flavor-packed meal that combines the hearty goodness of tacos with the satisfying appeal of pasta. This fusion of two favorites results in a dish that's both rich and robust, offering a taste explosion with every bite.

The Flavor of Arizona in Every Bite

Arizona cuisine is known for its bold flavors and influences from Mexican and Southwestern traditions. Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta Shells are a delicious way to celebrate this vibrant culinary heritage. This dish takes jumbo pasta shells, fills them with a savory beef taco mixture, and bakes them under a layer of melted cheese. The result is a delightful combination of creamy, cheesy, and slightly spicy flavors that pay homage to Arizona's love for hearty and flavorful meals.

Recipe: Arizona Style Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta Shells

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 cup mild salsa
• 4 ounces cream cheese
• 22-24 jumbo pasta shells (a little more than half a box)
• 1 (10oz) can red enchilada sauce
• 2 cups Mexican cheese blend (or cheese of choice)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare a 9x13 baking dish by greasing it lightly.
2. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions. Make sure to leave them slightly firm, or al dente, to prevent them from getting too soft during baking. Once cooked, set the shells apart on a plate or baking sheet to avoid sticking.
3. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Once the beef is fully browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
4. Add the taco seasoning and mild salsa to the cooked beef, stirring well to combine. Allow this mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
5. Stir in the cream cheese until it's completely melted and well incorporated into the beef mixture. This will give the filling a creamy and slightly tangy texture that complements the taco seasoning perfectly.
6. Spread half of the red enchilada sauce across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This layer of sauce will keep the shells moist as they bake and add a touch of smoky, spicy flavor.
7. Carefully fill each pasta shell with the beef mixture, then place them in the saucy baking dish. Arrange the shells closely together, but make sure they are not overlapping too much.
8. Drizzle the remaining enchilada sauce over the top of the filled shells, ensuring each one gets a bit of sauce. Then, generously sprinkle the Mexican cheese blend over the entire dish, covering all the shells.
9. Bake the shells uncovered in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. The tops of the shells should have a slight golden-brown crust from the melted cheese.
10. Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the cheesy, meaty, and delicious flavors that capture the essence of Arizona's bold cuisine!

A Dish That Brings People Together

Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta Shells are perfect for any occasion, whether it's a weeknight family dinner or a casual gathering with friends. This dish is not just a meal; it's an experience that brings people together over shared love for comfort food with a twist. Each bite delivers a blend of creamy cheese, savory beef, and a hint of spice that will have everyone asking for seconds. So, gather your loved ones and dig into this Arizona-style favorite. Your taste buds will thank you!

For a delicious take on Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta Shells, there are several great recipes you can check out. The "Dinner, then Dessert" website offers a straightforward version where pasta shells are stuffed with a savory mixture of ground beef, taco seasoning, salsa, and cream cheese, then topped with cheese and baked until golden and bubbly. This recipe highlights easy-to-find ingredients and provides a comforting, flavorful meal that's perfect for weeknights​(Dinner, then Dessert).

Another variation from "Taste of Home" involves stuffing the shells with a mix of taco-seasoned meat and cream cheese, then topping them with salsa and cheese before baking. This recipe also suggests freezing the stuffed shells for later use, making it a convenient option for meal prep. It adds an extra crunch with crushed tortilla chips sprinkled on top before baking​(Taste of Home).

If you're interested in trying these recipes, you can find detailed instructions and ingredient lists on their respective websites: Dinner, then Dessert and Taste of Home. These sites offer a step-by-step guide and additional tips to customize the dish to your liking. Enjoy your cooking!