🌮🧀 Taco Stuffed Shells: A Comforting Twist on Two Family Favorites

Cheesy, savory, and packed with taco flavor, these jumbo pasta shells are filled with seasoned beef and topped with salsa and melty cheese. A weeknight dinner win for the whole family!

🕒 Prep Time: 20 minutes

🍳 Cook Time: 25 minutes

⏱ Total Time: 45 minutes

🍽 Servings: 4–6

Ingredients

• 20–24 jumbo pasta shells, cooked and drained

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade blend)

• 1/2 cup water

• 1 cup salsa (mild, medium, or hot – your choice)

• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese

• 1/2 cup sour cream

• 1/2 cup cream cheese (optional, for creamier filling)

• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (optional)

• 1/4 cup sliced green onions (for garnish)

• Jalapeño slices, avocado, or hot sauce for topping (optional)

Instructions

🔹 Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells

Boil the jumbo shells until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain and set aside on a baking sheet so they don’t stick together.

🔹 Step 2: Prepare the Taco Filling

1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with diced onion over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess grease.

2. Stir in minced garlic, taco seasoning, and water. Simmer for 3–4 minutes.

3. Remove from heat. Stir in sour cream and optional cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Mix in 1/2 cup of shredded cheese.

4. Let cool slightly before stuffing.

🔹 Step 3: Assemble the Shells

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Spread 1/2 cup salsa in the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish.

3. Fill each pasta shell with 1–2 tablespoons of the taco mixture and place in the dish.

4. Spoon remaining salsa over the shells and sprinkle with the rest of the shredded cheese.

🔹 Step 4: Bake and Serve

1. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 5 minutes until cheese is bubbly.

2. Garnish with green onions, cilantro, and optional toppings like jalapeños or avocado.

3. Serve hot with extra salsa or sour cream on the side.

💡 Tips & Variations

• Swap ground beef for shredded chicken or black beans for a vegetarian version.

• Want extra heat? Mix in some chopped chipotles in adobo to the filling.

• Serve with a side of Mexican rice or a crisp green salad.