Taco Stuffed Shells

Taco Stuffed Shells are the perfect weeknight dinner that combines the comforting flavors of taco night into a delightful pasta dish. This easy recipe brings together cheesy goodness and the bold flavors of tacos in shell form, making it an instant favorite for families and friends alike. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, Taco Stuffed Shells are versatile and full of flavor, perfect for busy days.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Calories: 430
Protein: 25 grams
Carbohydrates: 50 grams
Fat: 15 grams
Fiber: 7 grams
Sugar: 3 grams
Sodium: 900 mg

Why Make Taco Stuffed Shells

Taco Stuffed Shells are not only delicious, but they also provide a great way to sneak in some vegetables. Loaded with protein and fiber, this meal can help keep you satisfied for longer. Plus, it’s incredibly customizable to fit various dietary preferences. You can switch out the meat for turkey or make it vegetarian by using beans and more veggies. This dish is ideal for meal prep and can easily be made ahead, reheated, and enjoyed throughout the week.

How to Make Taco Stuffed Shells Step by Step
Ingredients

12 jumbo pasta shells,
1 pound ground beef or turkey,
1 packet taco seasoning,
1 cup salsa,
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed,
1 cup corn (frozen or canned),
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend),
Sour cream and avocado for serving (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions and drain.
3. In a skillet, brown the ground meat over medium heat, then add taco seasoning and salsa. Mix well.
4. Stir in black beans and corn until heated through.
5. Stuff each cooked shell with the meat mixture and place in a baking dish.
6. Top with shredded cheese.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Serve with sour cream and avocado if desired.

How to Serve Taco Stuffed Shells

Taco Stuffed Shells can be an exciting main dish when paired with a crisp side salad or some loaded nachos. Consider serving them with a homemade corn salsa or guacamole for extra flavor. You could also enjoy them alongside Mexican rice for a complete meal that satisfies your cravings for taco night!

How to Store Taco Stuffed Shells

Leftover Taco Stuffed Shells can be stored in the fridge for up to three days in an airtight container. To reheat, simply place them in the oven at 350°F until heated through. If you want to prepare them for future meals, you can freeze the stuffed shells before baking. Once stuffed, wrap them tightly and store them in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to cook, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as per the directions.

Expert Tips for Cooking Taco Stuffed Shells

• Make sure to cook the shells al dente to prevent them from becoming too soft while baking.
• Experiment with different types of cheese such as pepper jack for a spicy kick.
• Add a squeeze of lime or fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor.
• For added crunch, sprinkle some crushed tortilla chips on top before serving.
• Don’t hesitate to customize by adding your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers or spinach, to the meat mixture.

Delicious Variations of Taco Stuffed Shells

For a zesty twist, try making Spicy Taco Stuffed Shells by adding diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of hot sauce to the filling. If you’re looking for a refreshing option, consider Citrus Taco Stuffed Shells with a hint of lime zest in the meat mixture. Vegetarians will love the Herbed Taco Stuffed Shells, which can be filled with more beans, seasonal vegetables, and a sprinkle of your favorite herbs.

Taco Stuffed Shells are sure to become a go-to recipe for your family. With its delightful blend of flavors, ease of preparation, and options for customization, this dish is a fantastic option for any occasion. Don’t miss out on exploring Taco Stuffed Shells today!

Taco Stuffed Shells

These Taco Stuffed Shells combine the comforting flavors of taco night with cheesy goodness in a delicious pasta dish that's perfect for busy weeknights.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian, Mexican

Calories: 430

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Stuffing

• 1 pound ground beef or turkey Choose between ground beef or turkey based on preference.
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)

For Assembly

• 12 pieces jumbo pasta shells
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend) Feel free to experiment with different cheese types.

For Serving

• Sour cream Optional for serving.
• Avocado Optional for serving.

Method

 

Cooking

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions and drain.
3. In a skillet, brown the ground meat over medium heat, then add taco seasoning and salsa. Mix well.
4. Stir in black beans and corn until heated through.
5. Stuff each cooked shell with the meat mixture and place in a baking dish.
6. Top with shredded cheese.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Serve with sour cream and avocado if desired.

Notes

Leftover Taco Stuffed Shells can be stored in the fridge for up to three days in an airtight container. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Consider freezing the stuffed shells before baking for future meals. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking as directed.