Taco Stuffed Shells

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This fun and flavorful fusion dish brings together all your favorite taco ingredients stuffed into tender pasta shells! Perfect for taco night with a cheesy, hearty twist, these baked shells are loaded with seasoned beef, salsa, and gooey melted cheese—topped off with a dollop of sour cream and fresh green onions for the ultimate crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Combines two classic comfort foods into one

• Family-friendly and picky-eater approved

• Loaded with high-protein ingredients like lean ground beef and Mexican cheese

• Perfect for meal prep or make-ahead dinners

• Uses common pantry staples, making it a budget-friendly recipe

Ingredients Breakdown

Pasta:

• 20 jumbo pasta shells: The perfect vessel for holding all the taco goodness.

Filling:

• 1 lb ground beef: Hearty and protein-packed, forming the base of the taco mixture.

• 1 packet taco seasoning: Adds classic Mexican flavor with minimal effort.

• ½ cup salsa: Brings moisture, spice, and tangy depth to the filling.

Toppings & Cheese:

• 1½ cups shredded Mexican cheese: Melts beautifully over the stuffed shells for a gooey, satisfying finish.

• ½ cup sour cream: Adds a cool, creamy contrast when served.

• Chopped green onions: A fresh, crunchy garnish to balance the richness.

Tips and Tricks

• Use a piping bag or spoon to easily stuff the shells

• Add a tablespoon of cream cheese or ricotta to the beef mixture for a richer filling

• For extra flavor, mix some salsa into the baking dish before adding the shells

Variations and Customizations

• Make it Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture

• Low-Carb Option: Use zucchini boats instead of pasta shells

• Vegetarian Version: Swap ground beef for seasoned black beans or lentils

• Cheese Lover’s Dream: Top with extra cheese and broil for 2 minutes for a crispy finish

Pairing Suggestions

Complete your meal with these delicious sides:

• Mexican Street Corn

• Cilantro Lime Rice

• Southwest Chopped Salad

• Refried Beans or Black Beans

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days

• Freezer: Freeze in a covered dish for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating

• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual portions

Popular Questions

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner option and works just as well with taco seasoning.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the dish up to a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Bake when ready to serve.

What type of salsa works best?

A medium-thick salsa works best. Avoid very watery salsa to prevent sogginess.

Can I use homemade taco seasoning?

Definitely. Homemade seasoning gives you control over sodium and spice levels.

Taco Stuffed Shells

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• Author: easysweetmeal
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

Taco-Stuffed Pasta Shells – A fiesta in every bite! Jumbo pasta shells packed with zesty seasoned beef, salsa, and melty cheese, baked until bubbly and crowned with cool sour cream + fresh green onions

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 20 jumbo pasta shells, cooked al dente

• 1 lb lean ground beef

• 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade)

• ½ cup chunky salsa

• 1½ cups shredded Mexican blend cheese

• ½ cup sour cream

• Chopped green onions, for garnish

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Shells

Cook pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.

Step 2: Cook the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat:

1. Brown the ground beef until fully cooked

2. Drain any excess fat

3. Stir in taco seasoning and salsa

4. Simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors

Step 3: Stuff the Shells

Fill each cooked pasta shell with a spoonful of the taco beef mixture.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

1. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish

2. Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer

3. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top

4. Cover with foil

Step 5: Bake

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes, or until heated through and cheese is fully melted.

Step 6: Serve

Top with sour cream and chopped green onions before serving.

Notes

• This recipe is highly adaptable—feel free to add corn, beans, or chopped peppers to the beef mix

• For a crowd, double the recipe and use two baking dishes

• Perfect for parties, potlucks, and casual weeknight dinners

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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