The Zesty Taco Stuffed Shells Recipe Everyone Adores

Creamy cheese and zesty taco seasoning collide in these delightful taco stuffed shells that promise an explosion of flavor.

Pasta shells cradle a mouthwatering blend of spicy ground beef and melted cheese.

Weeknight dinners just got way more exciting with this simple yet impressive dish.

Mexican-inspired comfort food reaches new heights through this innovative pasta creation.

Shells brimming with savory goodness will make you the dinner hero at your next meal.

Culinary magic happens when Italian pasta meets southwest-style ingredients in one irresistible recipe.

Perks of Taco Stuffed Shells You’ll Enjoy

• Whip Up a Crowd-Pleaser: This taco-inspired pasta dish combines the best of two beloved comfort foods, creating an instant hit that'll have everyone asking for seconds.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients, adjust spice levels, or add extra toppings to make this recipe perfectly suited to your family's taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Kid-Friendly Meal Hack: Transform boring pasta night into an exciting culinary adventure that sneaks in protein and keeps even picky eaters happily munching.
• Simple Weeknight Rescue: Minimal prep work and straightforward cooking steps make this recipe a lifesaver for busy households craving a delicious, satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Taco Stuffed Shells Pantry Guide

• Ground Beef: Perfect for creating a hearty taco filling.

• Jumbo Shells: Large pasta shells ideal for stuffing.

• Taco Seasoning Mix: Adds classic taco flavor to the meat.
• Salt: Enhances overall taste.

• Tomato Sauce: Provides moisture and tangy base.
• Water: Helps create proper sauce consistency.

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Optional topping for extra richness.
• Sour Cream: Optional garnish for serving.

• Onion: Adds depth and sweetness to the meat mixture.

• Diced Tomatoes, Jalapeños, Cilantro: Fresh toppings for added flavor and color.

Taco Stuffed Shells Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C). This will ensure your dish gets perfectly heated and crispy.

Step 2: Boil Those Shells

Grab a large pot and fill it with water. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a rolling boil. Gently drop in the jumbo shells and cook until they’re tender but still holding their shape. Once done, drain and set aside.

Step 3: Create the Meaty Magic

• Beef is completely browned
• Onions are soft and translucent
• Excess fat is drained away

• Tomato sauce
• Water

Let the mixture simmer until it thickens and becomes super flavorful.

Step 4: Shell Stuffing Extravaganza

Take each cooked shell and generously fill it with the spicy meat mixture. Use a spoon or small scoop to make this process smooth and fun.

Step 5: Baking Brilliance

Arrange the stuffed shells in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour any remaining sauce over the top. If you’re a cheese lover, shower the shells with shredded cheddar.

Step 6: Melt and Bubble

Slide the dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until everything is heated through and the cheese is melted and golden.

Step 7: Taco Shell Celebration

• Sour cream
• Diced tomatoes
• Chopped jalapeños
• Fresh cilantro

Enjoy your culinary creation!

Stuffed Shell Tips That Load Tacos with Extra Flavor

• Choose the Right Shell Size: Select jumbo pasta shells that are large enough to hold a generous amount of taco filling without tearing.
• Drain Meat Thoroughly: Remove excess fat from ground beef to prevent a greasy dish and ensure a cleaner, more concentrated flavor.
• Make It Spicy or Mild: Adjust the heat level by using mild or hot taco seasoning, or add extra chili powder for more kick.
• Prep Ahead for Convenience: Cook the taco meat and shells in advance, then assemble and bake when ready to serve for a quick weeknight meal.
• Get Creative with Toppings: Experiment with additional garnishes like avocado, salsa, or crushed tortilla chips to add extra texture and flavor.

Storing Taco Stuffed Shells for Later

• Store leftover taco stuffed shells in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the shells remain fresh and tasty.
• Wrap individual portions or the entire dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months, preserving the flavors and texture of the shells.
• Place a single serving on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place shells in a baking dish, add a splash of water or tomato sauce to prevent drying. Cover with foil and warm for 15-20 minutes until thoroughly heated.

Flavors That Work with Taco Shells

• Elevate Taco Stuffed Shells with Perfect Pairings
• Refresh with Zesty Margarita: Blend classic lime margarita's tangy kick with taco shells' rich flavors, cutting through meaty richness and cleansing the palate with citrusy brightness.
• Cool Down Mexican Coleslaw: Prepare crisp, tangy coleslaw with cilantro, lime juice, and jalapeños to add refreshing crunch and balance the hearty, spiced meat shells.
• Complement with Black Bean Salad: Craft a light black bean salad featuring corn, red onions, and fresh herbs to provide complementary protein and vibrant, southwestern-inspired side that enhances the taco shells' robust profile.
• Quench with Mexican Cerveza: Select a light, crisp Mexican beer like Modelo Especial or Corona, whose clean, subtle maltiness perfectly matches the dish's bold, spicy characteristics.

Taco Shell Filling Twists

• Vegetarian Shell Swap: Replace ground beef with black beans, lentils, or crumbled tofu seasoned with taco spices for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free jumbo shells or replace shells with roasted bell pepper halves to create a low-carb alternative that's safe for gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Spicy Southwestern Remix: Add diced green chiles, swap regular cheddar for pepper jack cheese, and include a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat lovers.
• Low-Carb Shell Alternative: Skip pasta shells entirely and use large lettuce leaves or zucchini boats as a vessel for taco-seasoned meat and cheese to create a carb-conscious meal.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean protein substitute that works perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to season it well and drain any excess moisture.

• Do I need to pre-cook the jumbo shells before stuffing?

Yes, you must cook the jumbo shells in boiling water until they are al dente. This ensures they are soft enough to stuff but not too mushy. Drain and let them cool slightly before filling.

• How can I make this dish spicier?

Add diced jalapeños to the meat mixture, use a hot taco seasoning blend, or sprinkle some red pepper flakes. You can also top the shells with a spicy salsa or hot sauce for extra kick.

• Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Definitely! You can prepare the stuffed shells, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.

Taco Stuffed Shells Recipe

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4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy cheese-laden shells embrace zesty Mexican flavors in this irresistible Taco Stuffed Shells recipe. Perfectly blended spices and melted cheese create a mouthwatering fusion that brings comfort and excitement to your dinner table.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 (12 ounces/340 grams) package jumbo pasta shells

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 (1.25 ounces/35 grams) package taco seasoning mix

Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 (8 ounces/227 grams) can tomato sauce
• 1 cup water (240 milliliters)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large pot of salted water and cook jumbo shells until they reach a tender al dente texture. Carefully drain and set shells aside to cool slightly.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium flame and brown ground beef with finely chopped onions until meat is completely cooked and onions are translucent.
3. Eliminate excess grease from the skillet, then incorporate taco seasoning, tomato sauce, and water. Allow the mixture to simmer and thicken for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Select each cooked shell and generously fill with the seasoned meat mixture, ensuring an even distribution of filling throughout each pasta pocket.
5. Arrange the stuffed shells in a spacious 9×13-inch baking dish, positioning them close together but not overcrowded.
6. Drizzle any remaining sauce over the arranged shells, creating a moist environment for baking.
7. Distribute shredded cheddar cheese across the top of the shells, covering them with a light blanket of melty goodness.
8. Transfer the baking dish to a preheated 350°F oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling surface.
9. Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes. Garnish with optional taco toppings like fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, sour cream, or sliced jalapeños before serving.

Notes

• Optimize shell cooking by removing them from water just before fully done to prevent overcooking during baking.
• Experiment with lean ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for healthier protein options that maintain delicious taco flavor.
• Drain beef thoroughly to reduce excess grease and create a cleaner, more concentrated filling texture.
• Customize heat levels by selecting mild, medium, or spicy taco seasoning to match personal preference or dietary needs.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 70mg