Irresistible Cheesy Taco Stuffed Shells Recipe for Taco Night

Pasta shells burst with zesty flavors in this mouthwatering cheesy taco stuffed shells recipe that combines Mexican-inspired ingredients with classic Italian comfort.

Ground beef sizzles with aromatic spices, creating a rich and satisfying filling.

Soft pasta shells cradle the savory meat mixture, generously blanketed in melted cheese that stretches with each delightful bite.

Sharp cheddar and creamy mozzarella meld perfectly with seasoned beef and vibrant salsa.

Each shell promises a delectable explosion of textures and tastes that dance across your palate.

Weeknight dinners transform into exciting culinary adventures with this simple yet spectacular dish.

Prepare to wow everyone at the dinner table with this irresistible meal that brings together the best of two beloved cuisines.

Cheesy Taco Stuffed Shells Reasons to Try Tonight

• Adapt the recipe with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option, making it versatile for different dietary preferences.
• Combines kid-friendly taco flavors with classic pasta shells, creating an exciting meal that appeals to both children and adults.
• Requires straightforward cooking steps with simple ingredients, allowing even beginner cooks to create a delicious dinner without stress.
• Merges Mexican-inspired seasonings with cheesy pasta, delivering a satisfying one-dish meal perfect for casual gatherings or weeknight dinners.

Taco Stuffed Shells Ingredient Essentials

• Jumbo Pasta Shells: Large pasta shells perfect for stuffing with flavorful fillings.
• Ground Beef: Protein-rich meat that serves as the primary filling for the recipe.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty cheese that adds richness and flavor to the dish.
• Salsa: Adds moisture, tanginess, and Mexican-inspired flavor to the stuffed shells.

• Taco Seasoning, Water: Blend of spices that gives the ground beef a classic taco flavor profile.

• Foil: Used to cover the baking dish during initial cooking to prevent excessive browning.

Tools for Cheesy Taco Shell Prep

• Large Pot: Perfect for cooking pasta and browning beef efficiently.
• Colander: Helps drain pasta and excess beef fat quickly.
• Baking Dish: Holds the stuffed shells during baking and serving.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring beef and mixing ingredients.
• Measuring Cups: Ensures accurate amounts of salsa and cheese.
• Foil: Covers the dish during baking to prevent burning.
• Sharp Knife: Optional for any additional prep work.

How to Make Cheesy Taco Stuffed Shells Easily

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350F (175C) and get ready for a flavor explosion.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta Treasure

Drop those jumbo pasta shells into a bubbling pot of water.

Cook them until they’re perfectly tender, then drain and set aside.

Step 3: Brown the Beefy Base

Toss ground beef into a hot pan and sizzle it until it’s beautifully browned.

Drain away any excess fat for a cleaner, tastier mix.

Step 4: Spice It Up

• Taco seasoning mix
• Water

Stir and cook until the liquid disappears, leaving behind a flavor-packed beef mixture.

Step 5: Create the Cheesy Filling

• Salsa
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Mix thoroughly with the seasoned beef.

Step 6: Stuff Those Shells

Generously fill each pasta shell with the beef and cheese mixture.

Nestle them snugly in a baking dish.

Step 7: Add the Final Touches

• Remaining salsa
• Extra shredded cheddar cheese

Spread the toppings evenly for maximum deliciousness.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and slide it into the preheated oven.

Bake for 15 minutes until the cheese melts into a gooey, bubbly masterpiece.

Tips for Cheesy, Flavorful Taco Stuffed Shells

• Add a dash of chili powder or hot sauce to the beef mixture for an extra kick of spiciness.
• Slightly undercook pasta shells to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking, ensuring a firmer texture.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or Mexican blend for unique flavor profiles.
• Replace pasta shells with bell pepper halves for a gluten-free and low-carb version of the dish.
• Prepare the stuffed shells in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for a convenient meal option.

Tasty Variations for Taco Stuffed Shells

• Vegetarian Taco Shells: Replace ground beef with black beans or lentils for a protein-packed meatless version that maintains the classic taco flavor profile.
• Chicken Taco Shells: Swap ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken or ground chicken for a lighter protein alternative that keeps the zesty taco essence.
• Gluten-Free Taco Shells: Use gluten-free pasta shells and ensure taco seasoning is gluten-free, creating an allergy-friendly meal that doesn't compromise taste.
• Spicy Mexican Shells: Add diced jalapeños or increase hot sauce in the mixture for heat lovers seeking an extra kick in their taco shell experience.

Creative Ways to Serve Taco Stuffed Shells

• Party Platter Perfection: Arrange stuffed shells on a large wooden board with scattered cilantro, lime wedges, and extra salsa for a festive, interactive dining experience.
• Taco Night Transformation: Serve alongside classic taco toppings like sour cream, diced tomatoes, chopped green onions, and sliced jalapeños so guests can customize their shells.
• Fiesta Side Companions: Pair with Mexican-style rice, refried beans, or a crisp southwestern salad to create a complete and satisfying meal that celebrates bold flavors.
• Family-Style Feast: Place the baking dish directly on the table with extra napkins and let everyone dig in, creating a casual and fun communal dining atmosphere.

Taco Stuffed Shells Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Keep shells flat to prevent them from breaking or sticking together.
• Wrap individual portions or the entire dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place shells on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place shells in a baking dish, cover with foil to retain moisture. Warm for 15-20 minutes, removing foil in the last 5 minutes to crisp the cheese.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly and drain any excess fat.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The spice level depends on the taco seasoning and salsa you choose. For a milder version, select mild taco seasoning and salsa. For more heat, opt for medium or hot varieties.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the stuffed shells a day in advance and refrigerate. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

• What type of pasta shells work best?

Jumbo pasta shells are ideal for this recipe because they provide the perfect size and shape for stuffing with the taco beef mixture. Regular shells might be too small.

Cheesy Taco Stuffed Shells Recipe

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4.7 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Scrumptious cheesy taco stuffed shells combine Mexican and Italian cuisine in one delightful dish. Pasta shells packed with seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and zesty toppings create a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 12 ounces (340 grams) jumbo pasta shells
• 1 packet taco seasoning

Cheese and Salsa:

• 1 cup (225 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters) jarred salsa

Liquid:

• 2/3 cup (160 milliliters) water

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring rack is positioned in the center.
2. Boil jumbo pasta shells in salted water according to package instructions until al dente, then carefully drain and allow to cool slightly.
3. In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking meat into small crumbles until no pink remains.
4. Drain excess fat from beef, then return skillet to stovetop and sprinkle taco seasoning over meat.
5. Pour water into skillet, stirring thoroughly to combine seasoning with beef, and simmer until liquid completely reduces.
6. Remove beef mixture from heat and fold in salsa and shredded cheddar cheese, creating a cohesive filling.
7. Arrange pasta shells in a greased baking dish, methodically filling each shell with seasoned beef mixture.
8. Generously spread remaining salsa across stuffed shells and evenly distribute additional cheese on top.
9. Carefully cover baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning.
10. Bake for 15-20 minutes until cheese melts completely and edges become slightly golden and bubbly.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef or turkey for a healthier protein option that reduces overall fat content while maintaining delicious flavor.
• Customize taco seasoning intensity by adjusting store-bought mix or creating homemade blend to control sodium and spice levels.
• Consider preparing shells slightly firmer during initial boiling to prevent potential mushiness after baking and stuffing.
• Experiment with alternative cheese varieties like pepper jack or Mexican blend for enhanced taste complexity and different flavor profiles.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 430
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg