Here’s a hearty, cheesy, family-friendly recipe for Mexican Shells with Ground Beef — a fusion of taco night and pasta night, all in one dish! It’s bold, flavorful, and super easy to make. 🌮🍝
🇲🇽 Mexican Shells with Ground Beef
📝 Ingredients (Serves 4)
Main:
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8 oz medium pasta shells
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1 lb (450g) ground beef
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1 small onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade — see below)
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1/2 cup water
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1 cup salsa (mild, medium, or spicy — your choice)
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack (optional)
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Salt & pepper to taste
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Chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Optional toppings:
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Sour cream
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Diced avocado
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Jalapeños
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Chopped green onions
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Crushed tortilla chips
🔥 Instructions
1. Cook the pasta:
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Boil shells in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Brown the beef:
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In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until no longer pink.
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Add diced onion and garlic; cook until softened (2–3 minutes).
3. Season it up:
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Stir in taco seasoning and 1/2 cup water. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened.
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Mix in salsa and let it bubble for another minute.
4. Combine with pasta:
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Add cooked pasta shells to the skillet. Stir to coat evenly in the beef mixture.
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Sprinkle in cheddar and Monterey Jack. Stir until melty and creamy.
5. Serve hot:
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Spoon into bowls, top with cilantro and your favorite toppings.
🌶️ Homemade Taco Seasoning (if you don’t have a packet):
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1 tsp chili powder
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1/2 tsp cumin
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1/2 tsp paprika
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1/4 tsp garlic powder
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1/4 tsp onion powder
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1/4 tsp oregano
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Salt & pepper to taste
🔄 Variations:
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Make it creamy: Add 1/4 cup cream cheese or a dollop of sour cream at the end.
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Add beans or corn: Black beans or sweet corn go great in the mix.
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Baked version: Transfer to a baking dish, top with more cheese, and broil until bubbly.