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Homemade Taco Shells photo

Taco Shells

Cheesy, skillet-seasoned taco-filled shells baked until bubbly for an easy crowd-pleasing meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs ground beef
  • 1 oz package taco seasoning or homemade seasoning
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 4.5 oz can chopped olives
  • 1 4 oz can fire roasted diced green chilies
  • 3/4 cup salsa drained (used fire roasted variety)
  • 4 cups Mexican cheese divided use (3 cups for filling, 1 cup for topping)
  • 6 oz fresh mozzarella
  • garnish cilantro, diced tomatoes, diced avocado, sliced serrano peppers or jalapeños

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • 9x13 baking dish (or similar)
  • Mixing Spoon
  • Measuring Cups
  • Wire Rack

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 415°F (210°C).
  2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef with the taco seasoning, breaking it up, until no pink remains.
  3. Stir in the chopped olives, diced green chilies, and drained salsa; season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the mixture cool to room temperature.
  4. Once cooled, stir 3 cups of the Mexican cheese into the beef mixture until evenly combined.
  5. Spoon about two heaping tablespoons of the beef-and-cheese mixture into each pasta shell (or other shell if using). Place the filled shells in a 9x13-inch baking dish in a single layer.
  6. Top the filled shells with the fresh mozzarella and the remaining 1 cup of Mexican cheese, spreading evenly.
  7. Bake for 15–20 minutes at 415°F, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. Remove from the oven and transfer the baking dish to a wire rack; let cool 5–7 minutes.
  9. Top with cilantro, diced tomatoes, diced avocado, and sliced serrano peppers or jalapeños as desired, then serve immediately.

Notes

  • Drain salsa to avoid a soggy filling.
  • Let the filling cool so the cheese blends without melting prematurely.
  • Use low-moisture cheeses for best texture.
  • Adjust heat by choosing mild or hot peppers.