Taco Stuffed Shells Recipe

You know how Taco Tuesday is always a hit, right? Well, imagine taking those classic taco flavors and turning them into an irresistible, cheesy, baked pasta dish. That’s exactly what Taco Stuffed Shells are—giant pasta shells filled with seasoned beef, gooey cheese, and all the taco fixings, then baked to perfection. It’s like having the best of both worlds: tacos and pasta, all wrapped into one mouthwatering meal. And let’s be real, who can resist a taco that’s stuffed into a big, cheesy pasta shell? Trust me, this recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser and will have everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love Taco Stuffed Shells

Flavor-Packed: You get all the delicious taco flavors—seasoned beef, melty cheese, and fresh toppings—all tucked into a pasta shell. It’s like your favorite taco filling, but in an entirely new and fun way!

Easy and Satisfying: The prep is simple, and it all comes together in one baking dish. Plus, this dish is hearty enough to serve as a complete meal, so no need for extra sides.

Kid-Friendly: If you’ve got picky eaters, this is a fantastic way to sneak in some veggies and protein. Plus, who doesn’t love cheesy pasta? It’s a great way to get the kids excited about dinner.

Customizable: You can mix up the ingredients to suit your preferences—use ground turkey for a lighter option, or swap in black beans for a vegetarian version. It’s easy to adjust to your taste!

Ingredients

For this Taco Stuffed Shells dish, you’ll need a few key ingredients that combine all the classic taco flavors with the comfort of pasta:

For the Stuffed Shells:

• Jumbo Pasta Shells: These large shells are perfect for stuffing with all the tasty taco filling.
• Ground Beef (or Ground Turkey): The base of the filling, seasoned to perfection with taco spices.
• Taco Seasoning: A blend of spices that brings all those bold, taco-inspired flavors.
• Refried Beans: Adds creaminess and richness to the filling, taking these stuffed shells to the next level.
• Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheese is key here—melted and gooey, it adds a wonderful texture to the stuffed shells.
• Sour Cream: For a touch of creaminess, mixed into the filling.

For the Sauce:

• Salsa: Adds flavor and moisture to the dish, bringing in a little tang and spice.
• Tomato Sauce: This balances out the salsa and helps form a smooth, rich sauce for the shells to bake in.
• Taco Sauce (optional): For extra taco flavor and some heat.

For Garnishing:

• Shredded Lettuce: For that classic taco crunch.
• Diced Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes add a burst of juiciness.
• Chopped Green Onions: A little extra freshness and color.
• Sour Cream or Guacamole: For that perfect creamy topping to finish the dish.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to dive in and make these Taco Stuffed Shells? Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Jumbo Shells

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions, usually for about 10-12 minutes until they’re al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.

Step 2: Cook the Beef

While the pasta shells are cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

Add the taco seasoning to the meat along with a bit of water (as per package instructions) and stir to combine. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes until the seasoning is fully incorporated.

Step 3: Make the Filling

In the same skillet, add the refried beans and sour cream to the seasoned beef. Stir everything together until the mixture is creamy and well-combined. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 4: Assemble the Stuffed Shells

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of salsa or tomato sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Take each cooked pasta shell and carefully stuff it with the taco meat mixture. Place the stuffed shells seam-side down into the prepared baking dish. Once all the shells are stuffed, top them with any remaining taco meat mixture and then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for about 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and bubble.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, let the Taco Stuffed Shells cool for a few minutes. Then, garnish with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and chopped green onions. Serve with sour cream, guacamole, or a sprinkle of extra cheese for the finishing touch.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 600
Total Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 60mg
Sodium: 850mg
Total Carbohydrate: 45g
Dietary Fiber: 4g
Sugars: 6g
Protein: 35g
Vitamin A: 15%
Vitamin C: 25%
Calcium: 25%
Iron: 20%

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

How to Serve Taco Stuffed Shells

Taco Stuffed Shells are hearty enough to be the main course, but here are a few side ideas that will pair perfectly with them:

Mexican Rice: A flavorful side dish that complements the taco flavors in the shells. You can make it spiced with cumin and lime for extra zing!

Guacamole and Chips: You can never go wrong with fresh guacamole and crunchy tortilla chips as a side. It’s the perfect addition to your taco-themed dinner.

Refried Beans: Serve a small side of refried beans to complement the taco-inspired flavors in the stuffed shells.

Crisp Salad: A simple salad with romaine, tomatoes, and a tangy dressing would balance out the richness of the stuffed shells.

Additional Tips

• Make it Spicy: Add some sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce to the taco meat for an extra kick.
• Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat and use black beans, corn, and diced bell peppers for a veggie-packed filling.
• Freezer-Friendly: These Taco Stuffed Shells freeze beautifully. After assembling, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual.
• Use Other Meats: If you’re not a fan of ground beef, ground chicken or turkey are great alternatives that will still pack a punch of flavor.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use regular pasta shells instead of jumbo shells?
A1: Jumbo shells work best for stuffing, but if you can’t find them, you can use other pasta like manicotti or even large ravioli.

Q2: Can I make these Taco Stuffed Shells ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can assemble the shells up to a day ahead and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply cover with foil and bake in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.

Q4: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A4: Absolutely! Use black beans, corn, and sautéed vegetables for a flavorful vegetarian filling.

Q5: How can I make the taco filling spicier?
A5: Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or some crushed red pepper flakes to the taco meat for that extra heat.

Q6: Can I use a different cheese?
A6: You can definitely swap the cheddar for Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend for a different flavor profile.

Q7: Can I freeze these Taco Stuffed Shells?
A7: Yes, they freeze really well! After assembling, just cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Q8: Can I add other toppings?
A8: Of course! Top with sliced olives, diced avocado, or even a sprinkle of cilantro for added freshness.

Q9: Can I use salsa verde instead of regular salsa?
A9: Absolutely! Salsa verde would add a tangy, unique flavor to the dish, so feel free to swap it in.

Q10: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A10: The best way to reheat Taco Stuffed Shells is by baking them in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until hot and bubbly. You can cover them with foil to prevent the cheese from over-browning.

Conclusion

Taco Stuffed Shells are the perfect mash-up of two comfort food favorites, creating a dish that’s both familiar and exciting. With seasoned beef, melty cheese, and taco-inspired toppings, this meal is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. Whether it’s Taco Tuesday or just any day of the week, these stuffed shells are easy, flavorful, and guaranteed to leave you full and satisfied. So grab those jumbo shells and get ready for a new family favorite!

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