When you think of comfort food, what comes to mind? If you said taco stuffed shells, you’re absolutely on the right track! Imagine pasta shells filled to the brim with seasoned ground beef, gooey cheese, and zesty salsa, all baked until golden and bubbling. The aroma wafting from your oven is enough to make anyone weak in the knees. This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s an event, a celebration of flavor that can turn any dinner into a fiesta.
I still remember the first time I made taco stuffed shells for my family. I served them during a Friday night movie marathon, and let me tell you—there was cheering louder than at a football game! Kids and adults alike had their eyes wide with excitement. Taco stuffed shells are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a festive gathering. You can almost taste the anticipation as you dig in!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Taco stuffed shells are super easy to whip up, making them perfect for busy weeknights
- With layers of flavor from spices and cheese, your taste buds will dance!
- The vibrant colors make this dish visually stunning on any dinner table
- They’re versatile enough to customize based on your favorite toppings or dietary needs
I’ll never forget how my friends devoured these delicious shells at our potluck last year; they were gone in minutes!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Jumbo Pasta Shells: These larger shells hold all the goodness inside and create the perfect bite-sized package.
Ground Beef: Use lean beef for a healthier option; it adds rich flavor without excessive grease.
Taco Seasoning: Store-bought works well, but homemade can elevate flavors; just mix chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder.
Shredded Cheese: A blend of mozzarella and cheddar provides that irresistible melty texture and flavor contrast.
Salsa: Choose your favorite salsa variety for added zest; it enhances the overall taste significantly.
Chopped Green Onions: These add freshness and color; don’t skip them for garnish!
Sour Cream: This creamy topping balances out spiciness and adds richness when served alongside.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab that beautiful baking dish you’ve been saving for special occasions because it’s time to shine!
Cook the Pasta Shells: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook jumbo pasta shells for about 9-11 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, brown 1 pound of ground beef until fully cooked and no longer pink. Stir in taco seasoning and half a cup of salsa. Combine everything seamlessly.
Fill the Shells: Carefully spoon the flavorful mixture into each pasta shell using a small spoon or piping bag. Don’t worry if some filling oozes out—it’s all part of the fun!
Layer it Up!: Spread remaining salsa across the bottom of your baking dish before placing filled shells on top. Sprinkle generously with shredded cheese like you mean it!
Bake to Perfection: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Now that you’ve conquered this recipe, it’s time to plate those taco stuffed shells! Garnish with chopped green onions or even some avocado slices if you’re feeling fancy.
Serve hot alongside a dollop of sour cream for that extra creamy touch as you watch everyone dive into this delightful creation. Enjoy every bite because you’ve earned it!
You Must Know
- Taco stuffed shells are a delightful fusion of flavors, combining the best of tacos and pasta
- The melty cheese and seasoned meat create a comforting dish that pleases everyone at the table
- Plus, they’re easy to customize, making them a perfect weeknight dinner option!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sauté the onions and ground beef first, then cook the shells while you prepare the flavorful filling. This sequence ensures everything is hot and ready at the same time.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in different proteins like turkey or black beans. Adding diced bell peppers or corn can give your taco stuffed shells a fresh twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, ensuring that cheese stays melty.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always salt your pasta water; it makes a huge difference in flavor
- Use a mix of cheeses for that gooey texture everyone loves
- Don’t overstuff your shells—less is more for even cooking and enjoyment
Sometimes I think my family might actually love these taco stuffed shells more than me! They gobble them down so fast that I barely get a chance to enjoy my own plate.
FAQ
Can I make taco stuffed shells ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble them and refrigerate before baking for up to 24 hours.
What type of cheese works best?
A blend of mozzarella and cheddar gives the best flavor and texture for taco stuffed shells.
How can I make these vegetarian?
Substitute ground meat with black beans or lentils for delicious vegetarian taco stuffed shells.
Taco Stuffed Shells
Taco stuffed shells are the ultimate comfort food that combines the flavors of tacos with the heartiness of pasta. These jumbo shells are generously filled with seasoned ground beef, gooey cheese, and zesty salsa, creating a delightful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Baked until golden and bubbling, this recipe is sure to bring excitement to your dinner table and make every meal feel like a fiesta!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup salsa
- 2 green onions, chopped
- ½ cup sour cream (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook pasta shells in salted boiling water for 9-11 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until cooked through. Stir in taco seasoning and half a cup of salsa.
- Fill each shell with the beef mixture using a spoon or piping bag.
- Spread remaining salsa on the bottom of a baking dish and place filled shells on top. Sprinkle with mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes; uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed shell
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
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