Best Taco Stuffed Shells
Best Taco Stuffed Shells bring together the bold zest of tacos and the comforting warmth of pasta in one scrumptious dish. Imagine juicy, seasoned beef nestled in tender pasta shells, all topped with melty cheese and tangy salsa. This recipe is fun, flavorful, and the perfect way to shake up your regular mealtime routine.
My family adores these Taco Stuffed Shells! I first made them on a busy weeknight when we craved something different than our usual tacos. The moment I placed them on the table, everyone’s eyes lit up. Biting into that combination of cheesy filling and saucy shells transported us straight to our own mini fiesta. From that day on, this recipe became a staple in our home, brightening our evenings with each gooey, comforting bite.
Why This Festive Taco Stuffed Shells Recipe
- Fusion of Comfort & Spice
These shells take the best of Italian pasta and combine it with beloved Mexican flavors. - Flavorful Layers
Seasoned meat, tangy salsa, and cream cheese create a sensational filling. - Easy Assembly
Quick steps make this a fantastic weeknight meal or a crowd-pleaser at parties. - Cheesy Goodness
A hearty sprinkle of shredded cheese ties everything together for maximum indulgence.
What You Need To Make This Taco Stuffed Shells (Serves 6; measurements in grams and pounds)
- Ground Beef (600g / ~1.3 lb)
- Provides a savory, meaty base that soaks up taco seasoning beautifully.
- Taco Seasoning (1 packet, about 30g / ~0.07 lb)
- Infuses bold Mexican spices, delivering that classic taco taste.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
- Adds depth and aromatic flavor to the beef mixture.
- Cream Cheese (100g / ~0.22 lb, softened)
- Contributes a silky, tangy creaminess that balances the spices.
- Shredded Cheese Blend (120g / ~0.26 lb)
- Melts into gooey perfection atop each stuffed shell.
- Salsa (240ml / ~0.53 lb)
- Brings a zesty, slightly tangy component to the filling.
- Green Onions (30g / ~0.07 lb, chopped)
- Offers fresh color and a mild onion crunch.
- Jumbo Pasta Shells (200g / ~0.44 lb)
- Serves as the perfect vehicle for holding the taco-flavored filling.
How to Festive Taco Stuffed Shells Recipe
- Cook the Shells
Boil your jumbo shells according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse them under cool water to prevent sticking. - Brown the Beef
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Heat a skillet over medium-high. Add ground beef and cook until browned, draining any excess grease. - Season & Sauté
Stir in minced garlic for a minute, then sprinkle in taco seasoning. Pour in the salsa and let everything simmer gently for a few minutes. - Add Cream Cheese
Cut softened cream cheese into small cubes. Stir it into the warm beef mixture until it melts smoothly. - Fill & Arrange
Lightly grease a baking dish (about 9×13 inches). Stuff each shell with the beef mixture and place them in the dish. - Top with Cheese
Sprinkle shredded cheese blend over the shells. Add chopped green onions for extra flair. - Bake
Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
Notes
- You can easily switch up the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- For a fun twist, toss in a handful of black beans or diced bell peppers.
- Serve these Taco Stuffed Shells with sour cream, sliced jalapeños, or guacamole on top for added zing.
In short, Taco Stuffed Shells blend two beloved cuisines into one comforting feast. Every forkful delivers a harmony of cheesy, meaty, and spicy flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply looking for a hearty family meal, these shells are a guaranteed hit!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use low-fat cheese for this recipe?
Absolutely! Low-fat cheese still melts nicely, although you may miss a bit of richness. Yet, the filling remains delicious and satisfying.2. How spicy are these shells?
That depends on your taco seasoning and salsa choice. If you want them milder, opt for a mild salsa and seasoning. Feeling bold? Go for the hot variety!3. Can I prepare them in advance?
Yes! Assemble the stuffed shells, cover them, and store in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, pop them in the oven for a stress-free meal.4. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
For best results, place them back in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through. Microwaving works too, but the oven maintains texture.5. Should I serve any sides?
You bet! A crisp side salad, roasted veggies, or even tortilla chips are excellent companions to these savory shells.Best Taco Stuffed Shells
Best Taco Stuffed Shells bring together the bold zest of tacos and the comforting warmth of pasta in one scrumptious dish. Imagine juicy, seasoned beef nestled in tender pasta shells, all topped with melty cheese and tangy salsa.
Ingredients
- Ground Beef 600g / ~1.3 lb
- Provides a savory meaty base that soaks up taco seasoning beautifully.
- Taco Seasoning 1 packet, about 30g / ~0.07 lb
- Infuses bold Mexican spices delivering that classic taco taste.
- Garlic 2 cloves, minced
- Adds depth and aromatic flavor to the beef mixture.
- Cream Cheese 100g / ~0.22 lb, softened
- Contributes a silky tangy creaminess that balances the spices.
- Shredded Cheese Blend 120g / ~0.26 lb
- Melts into gooey perfection atop each stuffed shell.
- Salsa 240ml / ~0.53 lb
- Brings a zesty slightly tangy component to the filling.
- Green Onions 30g / ~0.07 lb, chopped
- Offers fresh color and a mild onion crunch.
- Jumbo Pasta Shells 200g / ~0.44 lb
- Serves as the perfect vehicle for holding the taco-flavored filling.
- Flavor-packed shells ready to bake
Instructions
- Cook the Shells
- Boil your jumbo shells according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse them under cool water to prevent sticking.
- Brown the Beef
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Heat a skillet over medium-high. Add ground beef and cook until browned, draining any excess grease.
- Season & Sauté
- Stir in minced garlic for a minute, then sprinkle in taco seasoning. Pour in the salsa and let everything simmer gently for a few minutes.
- Add Cream Cheese
- Cut softened cream cheese into small cubes. Stir it into the warm beef mixture until it melts smoothly.
- Fill & Arrange
- Lightly grease a baking dish (about 9×13 inches). Stuff each shell with the beef mixture and place them in the dish.
- Top with Cheese
- Sprinkle shredded cheese blend over the shells. Add chopped green onions for extra flair.
- Bake
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
- Dinner is served!
Notes
You can easily switch up the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
For a fun twist, toss in a handful of black beans or diced bell peppers.
Serve these Taco Stuffed Shells with sour cream, sliced jalapeños, or guacamole on top for added zing.
In short, Taco Stuffed Shells blend two beloved cuisines into one comforting feast. Every forkful delivers a harmony of cheesy, meaty, and spicy flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply looking for a hearty family meal, these shells are a guaranteed hit!
