Description
Bring the fiesta to your table with Taco Stuffed Shells—a genius fusion of cheesy pasta and bold taco flavors. Each jumbo shell is filled with seasoned beef and creamy cheese, baked in zesty salsa, and topped with melty cheddar for a dish that screams comfort food with a twist. Whether you’re after a quick dinner idea, a family-friendly meal, or crave-worthy comfort food, this easy recipe delivers big on flavor and satisfaction. It’s perfect for easy dinners, freezer meals, or a fun twist on taco night.
Ingredients
20 jumbo pasta shells
1 lb ground beef
2 tablespoons taco seasoning
1/4 cup water
4 oz cream cheese
1 cup salsa, divided
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
2 green onions, sliced (optional)
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the pasta shells in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Drain excess fat.
4. Add taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
5. Stir in the cream cheese until fully melted and combined. Remove from heat.
6. Spread half the salsa on the bottom of the baking dish.
7. Fill each cooked shell with the beef mixture and arrange them in the dish.
8. Spoon the remaining salsa over the shells and top with shredded cheeses.
9. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
10. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
11. Garnish with green onions and cilantro if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
To freeze: Assemble the dish but don’t bake. Cover tightly and freeze. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 45–50 minutes.
Swap in black beans or corn for a meatless or veggie-packed version.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 shells
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: taco stuffed shells, taco pasta, easy dinner, comfort food, kid-friendly dinner