Chipotle Cheese Ground Beef Shell Pasta Bake

• 12 oz jumbo pasta shells, cooked
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup diced onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
• 2 tbsp chipotle paste
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro

Steps

1. 1 Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. 2 Cook ground beef with onion and garlic in olive oil until browned; drain excess fat.
3. 3 Stir in diced tomatoes, green chilies, and chipotle paste; simmer for 5 minutes.
4. 4 In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, milk, sour cream, and half the cheese until smooth.
5. 5 Combine meat mixture with cheese sauce and cooked pasta shells.
6. 6 Pour mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
7. 7 Top with remaining cheese and bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
8. 8 Let stand for 5 minutes before serving, garnish with cilantro.

Equipment

• 9x13 inch baking dish
• Oven

Variations

• Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Add corn or black beans for extra texture and nutrition.

Substitutions

• If you can't find chipotle paste, use 1-2 canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped.

Pairings

• Pairs well with a chilled Mexican lager or a robust red wine.

Nutrition

Tips

• For extra spice, add an additional tablespoon of chipotle paste.
• This dish tastes even better the next day!

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven until heated through.

Freezing: Freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake covered at 350°F for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 10 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side of fresh avocado slices or a crisp green salad.

FAQ