Steps on How to Prepare Taco Stuffed Shells

There are so many varieties of tacos with different flavors and fixings. Initially, they used to be served in wheat or corn tortillas. A special day was set aside for people to eat and enjoy tacos. This day is called National Taco day and is usually on the 4^th of October every year.

 Tacos are very easy to make and take a very short time therefore they are mostly preferred for dinner. Preparing tacos requires one to follow some steps that act as a guideline. You just require some ingredients and some toppings for those who need any. Tacos are very delicious and satisfying.

This article will briefly discuss the tools that can be used to prepare taco stuffed shells, the ingredients for making taco stuffed shells, and a step-by-step procedure for making simple taco stuffed shells. It will also talk about the methods that can be used to preserve taco stuffed shells.

Tools used to prepare taco stuffed shells

i) A tortilla warmer

This is a covered bowl that comes in different sizes and is used for different purposes. Some can be used to keep a large stack of tortillas warm in the kitchen while others can be used to serve multiple tortillas to visitors.

ii) Veggie slicers

These are special tools that can be used to slice tomatoes, onions, and other veggies. They help in making prep duties more efficient and produce better results within a short period. They include tomato slicers, onion dicers, avocado slicers, and many others.

iii) Tortilla press

This is a heavy-duty aluminum tool that is simple to operate and delivers good tortillas. It has a handmade look and is very essential for making in-house tortillas.

iv) Lime juicer

Lime is used by many people to add flavor to their tacos. A lime juicer is a tool used to squeeze lime juice from lime.

v) Taco rack

This is a tool used when preparing tacos with hard shells. It helps to keep the taco upright.

vi) An oven

This is a tool used for cooking purposes.

vii) A spoon

This tool is used for scooping some ingredients such as salt.

viii) A cup

This tool is used to add ingredients such as water, cheese, and other ingredients

ix) A baking dish

This is a tool that is usually filled with a mixture of beef.

x) Jumbo pasta shells

Medium-side jumbo shells are the best to use than large ones.

xi) Jarred salsa

This cuts prep time to minutes and gives outstanding flavors.

Ingredients

a. 12 cooked, rinsed, and drained jumbo pasta shells.

b. 1lb of ground beef.

c. One packet of taco seasoning mix.

d. ¾ cup of water.

e. 16 ounces of fried beans

f. One cup of shredded cheddar cheese.

g. 11/4 jar of divided chunky salsa

h. ½ cup of sliced green onions.

i. 4 ounces of lime juice or sour cream (optional)

j. 1 cup of corn

k. One cup of salsa

l. 1 sliced tomato for topping up.

m.  ½ enchilada sauce.

Procedure

1.  Preheat your oven up to 350 degrees Celsius.

2.  Cook the shells following the directions given on your package.

3.  Lay the shells out separately after you have cooked them to prevent them from sticking together.

4. Cook and chop ground meat in a skillet until it turns brown. Excess grease should be removed. Add salsa and taco seasoning to the beef and mix properly.

5. Cut cheese cream into smaller pieces, add cheese cream to the beef, and stir to melt the cheese cream.

6. Pour ½ enchilada sauce at the bottom of a 10 by 12 baking dish.

7. Stuff the shells with the mixture of beef and put them into the sauced dish. Add the remaining enchilada sauce and cheese once finished.

8. Bake for about 20-25 minutes.

Preservation methods

1. Use of airtight containers

Airtight containers ensure maximum freshness when left unsealed, the shells become very tough to chew.

2. Use of a freezer

Used to store taco shells and prevent them from going bad. Taco shells in a freezer can take up to 7 months.

3. Reinventing

The taco shells can be used for another purpose other than the intended one. Leftover taco shells can be ground and made with taco crumbed vegetables.

4. Heating

Taco shells can be heated in an oven over and over again so that they do not go bad. Reheating should be done to a temperature of 150 degrees Celsius until it is heated through. This method will also prevent them from getting soggy.

Nutrition

Taco stuffed shells provide approximately 46 grams of carbohydrates, 26 grams of proteins, 23 grams of fats, 10 grams of saturated fats, 74 mg of cholesterol, 645 mg of sodium, 533 mg of potassium, 3grams of fiber, 5g of sugar,516 IU of vitamin A, 1.2 mg of vitamin C, 180mg of calcium, and 2.5mg of iron.

You might be interested to know another delicious recipe of:

How to prepare crock pot cashew chicken

Frequently asked questions:

• Question 1: Is it good for corn taco shells to be frozen?

Solution

 Corn taco shells are freezer friendly therefore freezing them will not have any effect. They are usually frozen using their freezer bags just like a chicken tortilla.

• Question 2: How long do taco shells take to go bad?

Solution

When stored in an air-tight container, taco shells take up to nine weeks before they go bad but when stored in a freezer, they take up to a maximum of 7 months.

• Question 3: How can you prevent taco shells from cracking?

Solution

Heating the shells in an oven helps to activate the oils that make the shell pliable and resist some breakage. Filling the shell with a little melted cheese will also help to prevent breakage.

Conclusion

Preparing taco stuffed shells can be so interesting if one knows all the ingredients, tools to be used, and the step-by-step procedure of preparing them. It is always good for people to learn some tips before preparing any meal.

Taco stuffed shell preparation takes a short time therefore it is usually used by many people for dinner. No technical cooking requirements are required to prepare taco stuffed shells, so anyone can prepare when in need.