Indulge in the delightful flavors of WW Taco Stuffed Shells, a delicious and satisfying dish crafted with Weight Watchers principles in mind. This creative recipe combines the beloved essence of tacos with the comforting allure of stuffed pasta shells, providing a wholesome and flavorful meal without compromising on your SmartPoints goals.

The journey begins with jumbo pasta shells, carefully cooked to al dente perfection. Meanwhile, lean ground turkey or beef is transformed into a zesty taco filling, seasoned with a packet of taco seasoning for that authentic south-of-the-border taste. This flavorful mixture is then combined with salsa, fat-free refried beans, and reduced-fat shredded Mexican cheese, creating a delightful medley that will soon be tucked into the awaiting pasta shells.

As the stuffed shells nestle in a baking dish, they are adorned with a final layer of melted cheese before being baked to golden perfection. The result is a harmonious blend of pasta, savory taco filling, and gooey melted cheese, creating a comforting and satisfying dish that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious.

Garnished with fresh cilantro, green onions, or sliced olives, each serving of WW Taco Stuffed Shells becomes a culinary masterpiece. To top it off, a dollop of plain Greek yogurt adds a creamy finish, standing in as a smarter alternative to traditional sour cream.

With approximately 350 calories per serving and a well-balanced nutritional profile, this recipe aligns with the Weight Watchers program, offering a guilt-free indulgence for those mindful of their SmartPoints. Whether enjoyed as a family-friendly dinner or a comforting solo meal, these Taco Stuffed Shells exemplify the flavorful possibilities that can be achieved while staying true to your Weight Watchers journey.

WW Taco Stuffed Shells

Ingredients:

  • 24 jumbo pasta shells
  • 1 pound lean ground turkey or lean ground beef
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 cup salsa
  • 1 cup fat-free refried beans
  • 1 cup reduced-fat shredded Mexican cheese blend
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (as a substitute for sour cream)
  • Chopped fresh cilantro, green onions, or sliced olives for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the Pasta Shells:
    • Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  3. Prepare the Taco Meat:
    • In a skillet, brown the lean ground turkey or beef. Add the taco seasoning and cook according to the seasoning packet instructions.
  4. Combine Taco Meat with Other Ingredients:
    • In a bowl, mix the cooked taco meat with salsa, refried beans, and half of the shredded cheese.
  5. Stuff the Pasta Shells:
    • Carefully stuff each cooked pasta shell with the taco meat mixture.
  6. Assemble and Bake:
    • Place the stuffed shells in a baking dish. Top with the remaining shredded cheese.
    • Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  7. Garnish and Serve:
    • Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, green onions, or sliced olives if desired.
    • Serve with a dollop of plain Greek yogurt as a healthier alternative to sour cream.

Nutritional Information (per serving, assuming recipe makes 6 servings):

  • Calories: ~350 kcal
  • Total Fat: ~10g
    • Saturated Fat: ~4g
    • Unsaturated Fat: ~5g
  • Cholesterol: ~45mg
  • Sodium: ~800mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: ~40g
    • Dietary Fiber: ~5g
    • Sugars: ~4g
  • Protein: ~25g

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.

This WW Taco Stuffed Shells recipe offers a balanced and satisfying meal with a reduced SmartPoints value, making it a suitable option for those following the Weight Watchers program. Always check nutritional labels and adjust quantities based on individual dietary needs and preferences.