Description
Taco-stuffed pasta shells are a hybrid dish where large pasta shells are filled with seasoned taco meat, cheese, salsa, and other Mexican-style ingredients. These shells are then baked until bubbling, cheesy, and golden. It’s the perfect marriage of hearty Italian comfort food and the vibrant, spicy kick of a classic taco.
Ingredients
Scale
- 24 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 lb lean ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- ½ cup water
- 1 cup salsa (plus extra for topping)
- ¾ cup shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend (plus extra for topping)
- 4 oz cream cheese (optional, for creamy filling)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Sour cream, green onions, or crushed tortilla chips for garnish
Instructions
- Prep the shells Cook pasta shells until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking.
- Make the taco filling Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain excess fat. Add taco seasoning and water; simmer until thickened. Stir in salsa, shredded cheese, and cream cheese (if using) until melted and creamy.
- Stuff the shells Fill each shell with 2–3 tablespoons of the taco mixture. Arrange in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Top and bake Spoon extra salsa over the shells. Sprinkle with remaining cheese, diced tomatoes, and cilantro. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake 5–10 minutes more until bubbly.
- Garnish and serve Top with sour cream, green onions, or crushed tortilla chips for crunch.
Notes
These taco-stuffed shells are perfect for family dinners or potlucks. Customize them with your favorite toppings like sour cream, salsa, guacamole, or extra cheese. For a lighter option, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2–3 stuffed shells
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: High
Keywords: taco-stuffed pasta shells, stuffed taco pasta shells, taco pasta shells