Description
Taco Stuffed Shells are a delicious fusion of Mexican taco flavors and Italian pasta, featuring seasoned beef, salsa, and cheese baked into jumbo shells. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or family gatherings, this easy casserole recipe is cheesy, hearty, and loaded with flavor. A great way to switch up taco night with a fun pasta twist.
Ingredients
20 jumbo pasta shells
1 pound ground beef
2 tablespoons taco seasoning
1 cup salsa (plus more for topping)
1 ½ cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
½ cup sour cream (optional, for garnish)
2 green onions, chopped
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the jumbo shells until al dente. Drain and rinse under cool water.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease.
3. Add taco seasoning and a splash of water to the beef. Simmer for 3–4 minutes to blend flavors.
4. Preheat oven to 375°F. Spread 1 cup of salsa in the bottom of a baking dish.
5. Fill each cooked shell with the taco meat mixture and place in the baking dish.
6. Spoon additional salsa over the top of the shells.
7. Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over the shells.
8. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Remove from oven and top with sour cream and chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
Use homemade taco seasoning for a healthier, custom-flavored filling.
Don’t overcook the pasta shells to keep them firm for stuffing.
This dish can be made a day ahead and baked when ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Italian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (approx. 3–4 shells)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 80mg