The Best Taco Stuffed Shells Recipe for Family Dinner Fun

Delectable pasta shells meet zesty Mexican flavors in this mouthwatering taco stuffed shells recipe that brings a delightful twist to traditional dinner classics.

Jumbo pasta shells cradle seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and vibrant spices for an irresistible meal.

Each bite promises a perfect blend of creamy, spicy, and comforting textures that dance across your palate.

You’ll love how easily this dish comes together with simple ingredients found in most kitchen pantries.

The combination of Italian and Mexican cuisines creates a crowd-pleasing dinner that satisfies even the pickiest eaters.

Topped with fresh cilantro, sour cream, and a sprinkle of extra cheese, these shells transform an ordinary evening into a festive feast.

Prepare to savor every cheesy, flavor-packed morsel of this incredible culinary creation.

Taco Shells Ingredient Rundown For Dinner

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base for the taco-inspired filling.

• Jumbo Shells: Large pasta shells perfect for holding the savory meat mixture.

• Cheddar Cheese, Monterey Jack Cheese: Melty cheeses that add richness and creamy texture to the dish.

• Taco Seasoning: A blend of spices that gives the filling its classic taco flavor.
• Salsa: Adds moisture and a zesty kick to the ground beef mixture.
• Diced Onion: Provides a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the filling.

• Rotel Tomatoes: Adds a tangy and slightly spicy element to the dish.

• Minced Jalapeno, Green Onions: Optional toppings that bring extra heat and freshness.

• Nonstick Cooking Spray: Prevents the shells from sticking to the baking dish.
• Water: Used to help blend the taco seasoning with the ground beef.

How To Prepare Taco Stuffed Shells Easily

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Heat your oven to a toasty 350F (175C).

Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and give it a quick spray with nonstick cooking spray to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Boil Those Shells

Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil.

Toss in the jumbo shells and cook until they’re perfectly tender but still have a slight bite.

Drain the shells and let them cool down a bit.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Grab a large skillet and start browning the ground beef over medium-high heat.

• Diced onions

Continue cooking until the beef is fully browned and the onions turn soft and translucent.

If there’s excess grease, go ahead and drain it off.

Step 4: Spice It Up

Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and add a splash of water to the beef mixture.

Let it simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to mingle and the liquid to reduce.

Stir in some salsa, then remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.

Step 5: Cheese Please

• Cheddar cheese
• Monterey Jack cheese

Mix until the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the beef.

Step 6: Shell Stuffing Time

Carefully spoon the seasoned beef mixture into the cooked pasta shells.

Arrange them in a single layer in the prepared baking dish, making sure they’re snug but not overcrowded.

Step 7: Top and Bake

Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the stuffed shells.

• Drained Rotel tomatoes
• Minced jalapeno

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.

Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and sporting a light golden-brown tan.

Step 8: Final Touches

For an extra kick, sprinkle some additional minced jalapeno or chopped green onions on top.

Serve immediately while everything is hot and melty.

Tips For Cheesy Taco Stuffed Shells

• Ensure shells are fully drained to prevent watery filling and maintain ideal texture for stuffing.
• Adjust jalapeno quantity or remove seeds to control heat intensity according to personal preference.
• Select lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and improve overall dish richness.
• Let cheese rest at room temperature before adding to filling for smoother, more even melting.
• Prepare shells and filling in advance, refrigerate, and bake just before serving for convenient meal planning.

Taco Shell Flavor Ideas For Fun

• Vegetarian Shell Delight: Replace ground beef with black beans, lentils, or crumbled tofu for a plant-based protein option that maintains the taco flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Fiesta: Use gluten-free jumbo shells or replace shells with zucchini boats to create a low-carb alternative that's celiac-friendly.
• Spicy Chicken Swap: Substitute ground beef with shredded chicken seasoned with taco spices for a lighter protein variation that keeps the Mexican-inspired essence.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Transform the recipe by using ground lamb, adding feta cheese, and incorporating Mediterranean herbs for a unique cultural spin on the original dish.

Taco Stuffed Shells Serving At Gatherings

• Mexican Fiesta Plate: Arrange shells on a colorful platter with fresh cilantro sprigs and lime wedges for a vibrant presentation that screams festive dinner.
• Cool and Creamy Companion: Serve alongside sour cream, guacamole, or a zesty pico de gallo to balance the dish's spicy and rich flavors with refreshing coolness.
• Salad Sidekick: Pair with a crisp southwestern-style salad featuring mixed greens, black beans, corn, and a tangy lime vinaigrette to create a complete and satisfying meal.
• Family-Style Feast: Set out additional toppings like sliced jalapenos, diced tomatoes, and extra cheese so everyone can customize their plate and enjoy interactive dining.

Taco Shells Storage Advice For Next Day

• – Refrigerate Promptly seal leftover taco stuffed shells in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• – Chill Properly store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping the shells in a single layer to preserve their texture and prevent sogginess.
• – Freeze Wisely wrap individual portions or the entire dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months for convenient future meals.
• – Reheat Safely thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in the oven at 350F (175C) covered with foil for 15-20 minutes to restore original taste and texture.

FAQs

• What are taco stuffed shells?

A delicious fusion dish combining Italian pasta shells with Mexican-inspired taco flavors, filled with seasoned ground beef, salsa, and melted cheese.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a lean, healthy alternative that works perfectly in this recipe and provides similar texture and taste.

• How spicy are these taco stuffed shells?

The spice level depends on your taco seasoning and optional jalapenos. You can control heat by using mild seasoning or reducing jalapeno amount.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, most kids enjoy the cheesy, flavorful shells. You can easily adjust spice levels to make it more mild and appealing to children.

Taco Stuffed Shells Easy Family Meal Fix

• Simplify Taco Night: Transform traditional taco ingredients into a creative pasta dish that breaks the usual dinner routine, offering a fun twist on classic Mexican-inspired flavors.
• Master Quick Comfort Cooking: Combine ground beef, shells, and cheese for a one-pan meal that delivers maximum taste with minimal kitchen effort, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
• Customize with Ease: Adjust spice levels by controlling jalapeno amounts, swap ground beef for turkey, or add extra toppings like sour cream or cilantro to make the recipe uniquely yours.
• Kid and Adult Crowd-Pleaser: Merges familiar pasta shells with zesty taco seasoning, creating a universally appealing dish that satisfies both picky eaters and adventurous food lovers.

Taco Stuffed Shells Recipe

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4.7 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Cheesy taco stuffed shells bring Mexican-inspired comfort to classic Italian pasta, blending zesty flavors in one irresistible dish. Packed with seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and tangy salsa, this crowd-pleasing recipe invites you to savor a delightful culinary crossover.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 20–24 jumbo shell pasta
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 jalapeno or serrano pepper, finely minced

Cheese Ingredients:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons taco seasoning
• 3/4 cup water
• 1 cup salsa or salsa style tomatoes
• 1 (10 ounce / 284 grams) can Rotel tomatoes, drained (or diced tomatoes)
• Green onions, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the cooking environment by heating the oven to 350F (175C) and coating a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
2. Boil water in a large pot and cook jumbo shells until perfectly tender. Drain and allow to cool slightly.
3. Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Midway through cooking, incorporate diced onions and continue until meat is fully cooked and onions become translucent. Drain excess fat if necessary.
4. Infuse the meat mixture with taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and liquid to reduce. Mix in salsa and remove from heat, letting the mixture cool briefly.
5. Fold half of the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses into the cooled beef mixture, creating a rich, creamy filling.
6. Carefully fill each pasta shell with the seasoned beef mixture, arranging them in a single layer within the prepared baking dish.
7. Distribute remaining cheese over the stuffed shells. Scatter drained Rotel tomatoes and minced jalapeno across the top. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes until cheese melts and develops a light golden color.
8. Optional: Garnish with extra minced jalapeno or chopped green onions. Serve immediately to enjoy maximum flavor and texture.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef or turkey for a lighter version, reducing overall fat content while maintaining robust flavor.
• Drain meat thoroughly to prevent excess grease, ensuring a cleaner and more appetizing dish.
• Try low-sodium taco seasoning to control salt intake without compromising taste.
• For gluten-free adaptation, use gluten-free pasta shells and verify taco seasoning ingredients.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg