Taco Stuffed Shells

Oh, do I have a treat for you today! These Taco Stuffed Shells are like a taco and pasta had the most delicious baby, and the result is something you need to try. Imagine jumbo pasta shells stuffed with a savory taco filling, topped with melted cheese, and baked until golden and bubbly. This recipe is the perfect combination of two of your favorite things—Mexican flavors and pasta—making it a showstopper of a dish. Whether you’re serving it for family dinner, a casual gathering, or just because, this dish is guaranteed to leave everyone asking for seconds. Trust me, it’s one of those meals that will make you feel like a kitchen genius.

Why You’ll Love Taco Stuffed Shells

This recipe is all about bringing together the best of both worlds—tacos and pasta. Here’s why it’s going to become a go-to in your recipe box:

• Versatile: These stuffed shells are perfect for anything from a weeknight dinner to a party dish. They’re as at home on a casual dinner table as they are at a holiday spread.
• Budget-Friendly: Taco Stuffed Shells use ingredients you likely already have on hand. No need to splurge on fancy items—this dish proves you can make something amazing with what’s in your pantry.
• Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a mouthwatering meal on the table in no time. If you’re a little nervous about cooking, don’t be! This one’s a breeze.
• Customizable: Whether you want to spice things up with jalapeños or make it milder with some extra cheese, you can easily tweak the flavors to suit everyone’s tastes.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Taco Stuffed Shells are the kind of dish that makes everyone at the table smile. They’re cheesy, savory, and just plain comforting—everyone will love them.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this recipe to life. Simple ingredients, big flavors:

• Jumbo Pasta Shells: The perfect vessel for your taco filling. These big pasta shells hold all that cheesy goodness inside, making every bite a winner.
• Ground Beef: The hearty, savory base of this dish. You’ll brown it up and mix in taco seasoning for all that classic taco flavor.
• Taco Seasoning: The magic ingredient that brings all the flavors together. It adds that perfect balance of spice and zest.
• Cream Cheese: Creamy, smooth, and rich. This adds a little extra indulgence to the stuffing and makes it extra creamy when baked.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: For that classic cheesy topping. It melts beautifully on top and makes every bite ooze with flavor.
• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream on top adds a cool, creamy contrast to the heat of the taco filling.
• Salsa: Adds a tangy, zesty kick to the dish and helps bring it all together. You can go mild or spicy depending on your preference.
• Chopped Green Onions: A bit of fresh crunch and color to garnish the finished dish. They also add a burst of flavor.
• Olives (Optional): If you like a little salty pop, add some sliced black olives for extra flavor.

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

Instructions

Let’s get to cooking these taco stuffed delights! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a crowd-pleasing meal in no time.

1. Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). You’ll want it nice and hot for that crispy, bubbly finish.

2. Cook the Pasta Shells

Boil the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions. Be careful not to overcook them, as they’ll cook a little more in the oven. Drain and set aside to cool.

3. Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the taco seasoning (along with a bit of water if the package calls for it). Simmer for a few minutes, allowing all those flavors to meld together.

4. Mix in the Cream Cheese

Add the cream cheese to the beef mixture and stir until it’s fully melted and combined. This makes the filling rich and creamy—don’t skip this step!

5. Stuff the Shells

Take each cooked pasta shell and stuff it generously with the taco-beef mixture. Don’t be shy with the filling—it’s what makes these shells so delicious!

6. Assemble the Dish

Spread a thin layer of salsa on the bottom of a baking dish to keep the shells from sticking. Then, arrange the stuffed shells in the dish in a single layer. Pour the remaining salsa over the top and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.

7. Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For the last 5 minutes, remove the foil to allow the cheese to get golden and slightly crispy.

8. Garnish and Serve

Once the shells are out of the oven, top with a dollop of sour cream, chopped green onions, and olives (if you’re using them). Serve warm and watch everyone dig in!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 420

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

How to Serve Taco Stuffed Shells

These Taco Stuffed Shells are hearty enough to stand alone, but they pair perfectly with a variety of sides:

• Fresh Salad: A crisp, refreshing salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps balance out the richness of the stuffed shells.
• Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up the salsa and melted cheese.
• Mexican Street Corn: Grilled corn on the cob slathered with mayo, cheese, and chili powder would be the perfect accompaniment.
• Rice: A side of seasoned Mexican rice can complement the flavors of the stuffed shells for a more filling meal.
• Guacamole: A creamy, fresh guacamole on the side adds a cool, zesty touch to the dish.

The presentation is key too! Garnish your Taco Stuffed Shells with fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, or a sprinkle of extra cheese before serving for an extra burst of flavor.

Additional Tips

Here are a few helpful tips to make your Taco Stuffed Shells even better:

• Prep Ahead: You can cook the beef mixture and stuff the shells the day before. Store them in the fridge and bake when you’re ready to eat.
• Customize the Spice Level: If you prefer a spicier dish, add a dash of hot sauce or diced jalapeños to the taco beef filling.
• Substitute Meat: If you don’t eat beef, try using ground turkey, chicken, or even black beans for a vegetarian version.
• Freeze for Later: This dish freezes wonderfully! After assembling, cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual.
• Extra Cheese: You can never go wrong with extra cheese! Add some mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a cheesy, gooey finish.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta shell?
A1: Absolutely! If you can’t find jumbo shells, you can use manicotti or any other large pasta tube. Just make sure to adjust the stuffing method to fit.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can make the entire dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven to preserve the texture.

Q4: Can I freeze Taco Stuffed Shells?
A4: Yes! These freeze beautifully. Wrap them tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual.

Q5: What’s the best way to reheat Taco Stuffed Shells?
A5: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings for a quick reheat.

Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Yes! Double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Q7: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A7: Of course! You can swap the ground beef for black beans, tofu, or another meat substitute. You could also add extra veggies like bell peppers and corn.

Q8: Can I add extra toppings?
A8: Absolutely! Feel free to add extra toppings like jalapeños, guacamole, or chopped cilantro for some added flavor and texture.

Q9: How do I make this dish spicier?
A9: Add some diced jalapeños to the filling, or mix in a bit of hot sauce or cayenne pepper for an extra kick.

Q10: Can I use a different cheese?
A10: Yes! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even crumbled queso fresco for a different flavor profile.

Conclusion

Taco Stuffed Shells are the ultimate comfort food with a fun twist! They’re cheesy, hearty, and packed with all the flavors you love about tacos, all wrapped up in a big, satisfying shell of pasta. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight or a special get-together, this dish is sure to impress everyone around the table. So grab your ingredients, get cooking, and let the deliciousness begin! Enjoy every bite!

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