Taco Stuffed Shells | The Recipe Critic

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Taco Stuffed Shells | The Recipe Critic


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These taco shells are filled with taco meat and melted cheese and loaded with all your favorite toppings. Your family will love the fun flavors of baked Mexican flavors in soft jumbo pasta shells.

This recipe is a quick and easy weeknight meal that you can never go wrong with pasta. Adults and kids alike love pasta, which is why these shells are a no-brainer. For even easier pasta recipes, I’ve got you covered. I have a delicious pasta recipe with shrimp, chicken and sausage because I just want to keep everyone happy!

A close-up view of a wooden spoon lifting a taco filling shell from a baking sheet. Cilantro and tomatoes garnish the top and sides of the griddle.

What is a Taco Filled Shell?

Classic stuffed shells are an Italian-inspired dish, but these shells are packed with delicious taco flavors! Pasta is the perfect base for any flavor. Use soft pasta instead of hard taco shells…surprisingly delicious! Your family will love this new taco night and I can’t wait for you to try this recipe!

Everyone knows and loves these classic shell fillings, but it’s also fun to explore new flavors with pasta. These Taco Stuffed Shells won’t disappoint! For a more burrito-inspired meal, try this soup or this salad. They were all delicious and the tacos were delicious too!

Required raw materials

Everything about these shells is amazing. It starts with a mixture of ground beef, tomatoes, and taco seasoning. Then you add shredded cheese which makes the meat so delicious! Follow the recipe card below for exact measurements and you’re ready to go.

  • Jumbo Pasta Shells: Boil the shells according to package directions, then assemble them for meat.
  • Ground beef: Ground beef or ground turkey work well here.
  • water: Helps moisten the taco mixture for spooning into the shells.
  • Taco Seasoning: My homemade seasoning is great, but you can use store bought.
  • Fire Roasted Tomatoes: A can of fire-roasted tomatoes adds flavor and texture.
  • Mexican Cheese: Mexican-style shredded cheese is the perfect cheese for these shells.
  • Cilantro, Sour Cream, and Shallots: Top the shells with chopped cilantro and a dollop of sour cream! Green onions and olives are also delicious!

Taco Stuffed Shells Recipe

Stuffed Shells are easy and fun to make! The best part is that it’s a one-pot meal and comes together in no time on a busy weeknight. Follow the directions on the recipe card below and make this recipe part of your weekly dinner rotation.

  1. To cook the shells: Cook pasta shells until al dente according to package directions. on hold.
  2. Preheat the oven and prepare the pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9X13-inch baking dish, spray with cooking spray.
  3. Add beef, water, and seasonings to skillet: in a big frying pan, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned throughout, drain the fat from the beef, then add the water and taco seasoning. Reduce the heat to medium and add the taco seasoning to the ground beef, stirring constantly until fully coated.
  4. Add tomatoes and cheese: Add crushed tomato juice and 1 cup cheese to pot. Continue to stir and cook until the ingredients are combined and the cheese is melted.
  5. Fill the shells and top with cheese: Spoon the meat mixture into the cooked pasta shells and place them in the prepared baking dish. Once all the shells are on the plate, cover with the remaining 1 cup cheese.
  6. To bake the shells: Cover the filled pan with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes. You want the shells to be heated throughout, with the cheese melting on top.
  7. bake: If you want the cheese to brown, remove the foil and set the oven to high for a few minutes.
  8. Serve: Serve fresh and delicious with chopped cilantro, sour cream and scallions!
First photo of the taco meat mixture in the skillet. Second photo of cooked shells. The third photo is all shells stuffed with taco meat. The fourth photo is of shredded cheese sprinkled on top of the shells.

What to Serve with Taco Tacos

Taco Stuffed Shells is a one-pot meal, but you can complete the meal with some tasty side dishes. I have some delicious ideas for you. I also have some dessert ideas to match the taco theme. Your family will love this meal so much that they’ll keep begging you to make it.

  • salad: A nice green salad would complete the meal! You can keep the simple green salad, or stick to the theme and make a delicious Mexican corn salad.
  • vegetable: Fresh corn on the cob or broccoli are the perfect accompaniment to these shells.
  • fruit: You can never go wrong with eating fruit. This is a healthy and delicious side dish for any dinner.
  • Salsa dance: I love a salsa that can be enjoyed as a topping and side dish! Try this amazing guacamole salsa.
  • dessert: If you have time, you must make desserts. I strongly recommend this fried dough stick cheesecake or the classic three-milk cake!

Top view of tortilla stuffed shells in a baking dish and garnished with diced cilantro and tomatoes. A wooden spoon is scooping up some cooked shells.

store leftovers

Leftover taco shells make a great lunch the next day! They reheat perfectly and can be enjoyed later or whenever you want. Follow my storage instructions below and you’re all set.

  • in the refrigerator: Store leftover tacos in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • inside refrigerator: Seal cooked shells in an airtight container. Put them in the refrigerator and freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw before reheating.
  • To reheat: Reheat the shells in the microwave for 2 minutes. You can also put them in a baking dish and reheat in the oven. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F until warm and bubbly. Top with more shredded cheese, if desired, and bake until melted.

Close-up view of taco stuffed shells on a plate. A gold fork rests on a plate next to the shells.


  • Cook pasta shells until al dente according to package directions. on hold.

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9X13-inch baking dish, spray with cooking spray.

  • In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned throughout, drain the fat from the beef, then add the water and taco seasoning.

  • Reduce the heat to medium and add the taco seasoning to the ground beef, stirring constantly until fully coated.

  • Add crushed tomato juice and 1 cup cheese to pot. Continue to stir and cook until the ingredients are combined and the cheese is melted.

  • Fill the cooked pasta shells and place the filled shells in the prepared baking dish. Once all the shells have been filled and served on a plate, cover with the remaining 1 cup cheese.

  • Cover the filled pan with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes. You want the shells to be heated throughout, with the cheese melting on top.

  • If you want the cheese to brown, remove the foil and set the oven to high for a few minutes.

  • Serve fresh and delicious with chopped cilantro, sour cream and scallions!



supply: 6

Serve2shellcaloriesChapter 555kcal (28%)carbohydrate47G (16%)protein30G (60%)fat27G (42%)Saturated fat12G (60%)polyunsaturated fat1Gmonounsaturated fat10GTrans fat1Gcholesterol89mg (30%)sodiumChapter 465mg (19%)PotassiumChapter 367mg (10%)fiber3G (12%)sugar4G (4%)Vitamin AChapter 687IU (14%)Vitamin C2mg (2%)calcium295mg (30%)iron3mg (17%)

All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and is an estimate only. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary based on the brand you use, your measurements, and the serving size for each family.

course dinner

gourmet food Mexican

Key words Taco Stuffed Shells



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