Taco Stuffed Shells
User Reviews
5
Taco Stuffed Shells
Description
This dish starts by cooking jumbo pasta shells until tender, then draining and cooling them. Meanwhile, ground beef is browned and combined with taco seasoning, water, salsa, and shredded Mexican cheese for a saucy, flavorful filling. Each pasta shell is filled with this meat mixture and arranged in a baking dish. More salsa and cheese cover the filled shells before baking at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until thoroughly heated and cheese melts.
The preparation balances the savoriness of seasoned beef with the creamy texture of melted cheese, while the shells provide a firm bite. Optional garnishes like diced tomatoes, onions, sour cream, and cilantro add freshness and acidity to cut through the richness. By making ahead and refrigerating, this dish can easily be reheated, suitable for family meals or gatherings.
The recipe allows ground turkey substitution for a lighter version and suggests using hot salsa or jalapenos for added spice. Leftover portions store well in airtight containers for up to four days.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces jumbo pasta shells
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 oz taco seasoning packet
- ⅔ cup water
- 1 ½ cups salsa divided
- 2 cups Mexican cheese divided, shredded
- diced tomatoes optional garnishes
- sour cream
- diced onion
- cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray baking dish with non-stick spray and set aside.
- Cook the pasta shells according to directions on the box, drain and rinse under cool water.
- Meanwhile in a skillet add the ground beef and cook until brown. Drain off grease.
- Add the taco seasoning and water, stir and cook for about 5 minutes or until water is gone.
- Stir in 1 cup salsa and 1 c. cheese to the taco meat and mix together.
- Scoop a spoonful of meat mixture into each pasta shell and place the shells in the prepared baking dish.
- Top with remaining salsa and cheese. Cover with aluminum foil and place in a preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until heated through and the cheese is melted.
Notes
- Ground turkey can be substituted equally for ground beef in this recipe.
- Add diced jalapenos or use hot salsa for a spicier version of the dish.
- This dish can be assembled ahead, refrigerated, and baked later—include baking instructions for easy reheating.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days for best quality.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 534 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 534kcal | 27% |
| Carbohydrates | 50g | 17% |
| Protein | 31g | 62% |
| Fat | 23g | 35% |
| Saturated Fat | 11g | 55% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 87mg | 29% |
| Sodium | 1154mg | 48% |
| Potassium | 566mg | 12% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 1001IU | 20% |
| Vitamin C | 3mg | 3% |
| Calcium | 290mg | 29% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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