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
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Combines two classic comfort foods into one
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Family-friendly and picky-eater approved
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Loaded with high-protein ingredients like lean ground beef and Mexican cheese
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Perfect for meal prep or make-ahead dinners
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Uses common pantry staples, making it a budget-friendly recipe
Ingredients Breakdown
Pasta:
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20 jumbo pasta shells: The perfect vessel for holding all the taco goodness.
Filling:
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1 lb ground beef: Hearty and protein-packed, forming the base of the taco mixture.
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1 packet taco seasoning: Adds classic Mexican flavor with minimal effort.
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½ cup salsa: Brings moisture, spice, and tangy depth to the filling.
Toppings & Cheese:
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1½ cups shredded Mexican cheese: Melts beautifully over the stuffed shells for a gooey, satisfying finish.
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½ cup sour cream: Adds a cool, creamy contrast when served.
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Chopped green onions: A fresh, crunchy garnish to balance the richness.
Tips and Tricks
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Use a piping bag or spoon to easily stuff the shells
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Add a tablespoon of cream cheese or ricotta to the beef mixture for a richer filling
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For extra flavor, mix some salsa into the baking dish before adding the shells
Variations and Customizations
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Make it Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture
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Low-Carb Option: Use zucchini boats instead of pasta shells
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Vegetarian Version: Swap ground beef for seasoned black beans or lentils
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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:
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Mexican Street Corn
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Cilantro Lime Rice
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Southwest Chopped Salad
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Refried Beans or Black Beans
Storage Instructions
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Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
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Freezer: Freeze in a covered dish for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating
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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.