Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook for about 9-10 minutes, or until they are al dente—still firm to the bite. They will continue to cook in the oven, and overcooking now will make them mushy and difficult to stuff. Drain the shells and immediately rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process. This also makes them easier to handle.

Step 2: Prepare the Taco Filling
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease. Return the skillet to the heat and add the taco seasoning and ¾ cup of water. Stir to combine and simmer for 3-4 minutes until the liquid has mostly reduced.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Filling Mixture
Reduce the heat to low. To the skillet with the seasoned beef, add the cubed cream cheese, sour cream, rinsed black beans, thawed corn, and the undrained diced green chiles. Stir continuously until the cream cheese has fully melted and the mixture is well combined and creamy. Remove from heat.

Step 4: Prepare the Saucy Base
In a separate bowl, mix together the enchilada sauce (or salsa) and the tomato sauce. Spread about ¾ cup of this sauce mixture evenly over the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish that has been lightly greased with cooking spray.

Step 5: The Art of Stuffing
Take one cooked jumbo shell in your hand. Using a small spoon (a teaspoon works perfectly), carefully fill the shell with the beef and cream cheese mixture. Don’t overstuff, but pack it in firmly. Place the stuffed shell seam-side up in the prepared baking dish. Repeat this process with the remaining shells, arranging them snugly in a single layer in the dish.

Step 6: Sauce and Cheese the Bake
Once all shells are neatly arranged in the dish, pour the remaining sauce mixture evenly over the top of the stuffed shells, making sure to cover each one. Sprinkle the entire surface with the 3 cups of shredded Mexican cheese blend, creating a complete, generous blanket.

Step 7: Bake to Bubbly Perfection
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and has started to develop golden spots.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve Taco-Style
Remove the bake from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the filling to set slightly for easier serving. Just before serving, transform it into a true taco experience by garnishing the entire dish with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, black olives, and fresh cilantro. Serve with additional sour cream, diced avocado, jalapeños, and lime wedges on the side for a customizable feast