Taco Stuffed Shells – Get ready for a fiesta of flavors with our Taco Stuffed Shells recipe. This Mexican-inspired dish combines the best of both worlds, bringing together the classic flavors of tacos and the comfort of stuffed pasta shells. Seasoned ground beef, creamy cheese, and zesty salsa create a mouthwatering filling that is stuffed into jumbo pasta shells. Baked to perfection, these stuffed shells are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
Let me share with you the story of how Taco Stuffed Shells became a family favorite in our household. One evening, I was looking for a creative way to enjoy our love for tacos. That’s when inspiration struck! I decided to combine the flavors of tacos with the comforting goodness of stuffed pasta shells. As soon as I served this dish to my family, their eyes lit up with excitement. The tender pasta shells, filled with the flavorful ground beef mixture and melted cheese, were an instant hit. It became a cherished recipe that we often request for special occasions and gatherings.
Why You’ll Love These Taco Stuffed Shells ?
A delightful fusion of Mexican and Italian cuisines, creating a unique and flavorful dish. The seasoned ground beef, creamy cheese, and zesty salsa filling make every bite burst with deliciousness. Easy to assemble and perfect for both weeknight dinners and entertaining guests. The jumbo pasta shells provide a satisfying and hearty base for the flavorful filling. Here’s why it stands out:
- Fusion of Flavors: Combines the best of Mexican and Italian cuisines.
- Flavorful Filling: Seasoned ground beef, creamy cheese, and zesty salsa create a mouthwatering combination.
- Easy to Assemble: Simple steps make this recipe perfect for any occasion.
- Hearty and Satisfying: Jumbo pasta shells provide a substantial base for the delicious filling.
What You Need To Make This Recipe ?
Lean Ground Beef (1 ½ pounds / 680g): Provides a rich, meaty base for the filling.
Taco Seasoning Mix (1 packet): Adds classic taco flavor to the beef.
Garlic (2 ½ cloves, freshly minced): Enhances the overall flavor with its aromatic profile.
Cream Cheese (4 ounces / 113g, softened): Adds creaminess and a slight tang to the filling.
Shredded Mexican or Fiesta Cheese Blend (1 cup / 115g): Provides a cheesy, savory note to the dish.
Salsa (1 cup / 250ml): Adds a zesty, tangy flavor to the filling.
Chopped Green Onions (½ cup / 25g): Adds freshness and a mild onion flavor.
Large Shell Pasta (8 ounces / 225g): Provides a hearty base for the filling.
How to Make Taco Stuffed Shells ?
1- Begin by boiling the large shell pasta according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain and rinse them to prevent sticking.
2- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
3- In a skillet, sauté the ground beef until browned. Once cooked, drain any excess fat from the meat.
4- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional 2 minutes to infuse the flavors.
5- Stir in the taco seasoning and salsa, ensuring the beef is evenly coated.
6- Cut the cream cheese into small pieces and add them to the skillet. Stir the mixture continuously until the cream cheese has melted and blended smoothly.
7- Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
8- Stuff each shell with the beef mixture and place them in the prepared baking dish.
9- Sprinkle the tops with shredded cheese and chopped green onions.
10- Cover with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11- Serve your Taco Stuffed Shells with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Notes:
Feel free to customize the filling by adding additional ingredients such as diced bell peppers or black beans for added flavor and texture. Serve these Taco Stuffed Shells with your favorite toppings such as guacamole, sour cream, or additional salsa for a complete Mexican-inspired meal.
Embrace the mouthwatering fusion of Mexican and Italian cuisines with our Taco Stuffed Shells recipe. The flavorful combination of seasoned ground beef, creamy cheese, and zesty salsa, all stuffed into jumbo pasta shells, will leave you craving more. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight meal or planning a gathering, these stuffed shells are guaranteed to impress. Get ready to savor the deliciousness and enjoy a delightful culinary adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey can be a delicious and lean alternative to ground beef in this recipe. It will add its own unique flavor to the dish while still providing a satisfying and flavorful filling for the shells. - Can I make these Taco Stuffed Shells ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the stuffed shells ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Just make sure to cover the baking pan with foil or plastic wrap to prevent drying out. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake according to the recipe instructions. - What toppings can I add to these Taco Stuffed Shells?
The possibilities are endless! You can top your Taco Stuffed Shells with additional shredded cheese, sliced black olives, diced tomatoes, fresh cilantro, or a dollop of sour cream. Get creative and customize the toppings to your liking. - Can I freeze the stuffed shells?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled, unbaked stuffed shells. Store them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with foil. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed. - How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions until warm.
Taco Stuffed Shells
Ingredients
- Lean Ground Beef 1 ½ pounds / 680g: Provides a rich, meaty base for the filling.
- Taco Seasoning Mix 1 packet: Adds classic taco flavor to the beef.
- Garlic 2 ½ cloves, freshly minced: Enhances the overall flavor with its aromatic profile.
- Cream Cheese 4 ounces / 113g, softened: Adds creaminess and a slight tang to the filling.
- Shredded Mexican or Fiesta Cheese Blend 1 cup / 115g: Provides a cheesy, savory note to the dish.
- Salsa 1 cup / 250ml: Adds a zesty, tangy flavor to the filling.
- Chopped Green Onions ½ cup / 25g: Adds freshness and a mild onion flavor.
- Large Shell Pasta 8 ounces / 225g: Provides a hearty base for the filling.
Instructions
- Begin by boiling the large shell pasta according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain and rinse them to prevent sticking.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, sauté the ground beef until browned. Once cooked, drain any excess fat from the meat.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional 2 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- Stir in the taco seasoning and salsa, ensuring the beef is evenly coated.
- Cut the cream cheese into small pieces and add them to the skillet. Stir the mixture continuously until the cream cheese has melted and blended smoothly.
- Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Stuff each shell with the beef mixture and place them in the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the tops with shredded cheese and chopped green onions.
- Cover with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve your Taco Stuffed Shells with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Notes
