Contents
Introduction
Looking for a comforting and delicious dish that combines the flavors of tacos with creamy pasta? This recipe for Creamy Taco Shells is perfect for a family dinner or a casual gathering with friends. The blend of spices, ground beef, pasta, and creamy sauce creates a delightful meal that everyone will love.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 8 ounces medium pasta shells
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 pound ground beef
– ½ medium sweet onion, diced
– 1 small poblano pepper, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1½ teaspoons chili powder
– ¾ teaspoon ground cumin
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 2 cups beef stock
– 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
– ¾ cup heavy cream
– ⅓ cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
– Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
– 6 ounces shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese (about 1½ cups)
– 1 Roma tomato, diced
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Total Time
35 minutes
Yield
Serves 4-6
Enjoy your delicious Creamy Taco Shells!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Cook the Pasta
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
Brown the Beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 3-5 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
Sauté Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and poblano pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until tender, about 2-3 minutes.
Add Garlic and Spices
Stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, and ground cumin. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Incorporate Flour
Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook until lightly browned, about 1 minute.
Add Liquids
Gradually whisk in the beef stock and tomato sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has reduced and slightly thickened, about 6-8 minutes.
Combine Ingredients
Stir in the cooked pasta, browned beef, heavy cream, and chopped cilantro. Cook until heated through, about 1-2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add Cheese
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy, about 2 minutes.
Serve
Serve immediately, topped with diced Roma tomato.
Notes
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of beef stock or water to help loosen the sauce if necessary.
Variations
Feel free to add additional toppings like avocado, sour cream, or jalapeños according to your preference.
Cook techniques
Boiling Pasta
To properly cook pasta, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook according to the package instructions until they reach an al dente texture. Be sure to drain well to prevent sticking.
Browning Ground Beef
When browning ground beef, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Break the beef apart with a spoon, and cook until it turns brown, which typically takes about 3-5 minutes. Drain excess fat afterward for a leaner dish.
Sautéing Vegetables
To sauté vegetables, use the same skillet after cooking the beef. Add diced onions and peppers; cook them over medium heat until they are tender, stirring frequently. This enhances their flavor and texture.
Incorporating Spices and Garlic
Add minced garlic, chili powder, and cumin to the sautéed vegetables. Cooking these spices for about a minute releases their essential oils and intensifies the dish’s flavor profile.
Thickening with Flour
Whisking all-purpose flour into the mixture allows the sauce to thicken. Cook the flour briefly until it turns lightly golden before adding liquids, which helps eliminate any raw flour taste.
Simmering the Sauce
After adding beef stock and tomato sauce, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to let it simmer. This helps the flavors meld and the sauce to thicken gradually.
Combining Ingredients
Stir in the cooked pasta, beef, heavy cream, and fresh cilantro, ensuring everything is heated through. This step makes the dish creamy and full of flavor.
Melting Cheese
To achieve a creamy texture, add shredded cheddar cheese at the end. Stir until melted, ensuring an even distribution throughout the dish.
FAQ
Can I substitute ground beef with another meat?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as healthier alternatives to ground beef. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a mixture of milk and butter if you prefer a lighter option.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Can this dish be made vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute, and use vegetable stock instead of beef stock.
What side dishes pair well with creamy taco shells?
Consider serving a simple green salad, tortilla chips with salsa, or roasted vegetables alongside the creamy taco shells for a balanced meal.
Conclusion
The Creamy Taco Shells recipe is a delightful and comforting dish that combines the richness of creamy flavors with the boldness of taco-inspired ingredients. It’s perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in, providing a satisfying meal that is sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy the blend of spices, vegetables, and cheese, all enveloping perfectly cooked pasta shells for a unique and delicious experience.
More recipes suggestions and combination
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Try using shredded chicken mixed with a spicy enchilada sauce, rolled in tortillas, and topped with cheese for a zesty Mexican-inspired meal.
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Fill tortillas with a mix of sautéed bell peppers, onions, and cheese, then grill until the tortillas are crispy and the cheese is melted.
Taco Salad Bowl
Create a fresh salad using ground beef, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and topped with avocado and tortilla strips for crunch.
Mexican Street Corn Pasta
Combine pasta with grilled corn, cotija cheese, lime juice, and cilantro for a fresh twist on traditional street corn with a pasta base.
Beef and Bean Chili
Cook up a hearty chili with ground beef, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and chili spices, perfect for a cozy night or game day.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Fill bell peppers with a mixture of seasoned ground beef, rice, and tomato sauce, then bake until the peppers are tender and the flavors have melded together.
