Taco Stuffed Shells

There’s something truly special about Taco Stuffed Shells. Picture this: you’re coming home after a long day, and the enticing aroma of baked shells filled with seasoned goodness wafts through the air. This dish has a way of transforming a mundane weeknight dinner into a festive occasion! I remember the first time I made these shells—it was a spontaneous decision to use up some ingredients I had on hand. Little did I know, I was about to discover a family favorite that would soon become a staple in our household.

As I prepared the filling with ground beef, salsa, and just the right blend of spices, I couldn’t help but think of all the delicious adaptations we could make. Each bite of those creamy, cheesy, and flavorful stuffed shells takes me back to that first memorable dinner. Now, every time I make Taco Stuffed Shells, it’s like a little reunion of flavors that everyone looks forward to. You can easily customize it to suit your family’s tastes, whether you prefer a milder or spicier filling. Let’s dive into why these stuffed shells are not just a recipe, but an experience!

Ingredients Overview for Taco Stuffed Shells

When it comes to making Taco Stuffed Shells, the ingredients are key to creating that mouthwatering flavor profile we all love. The combination of jumbo shells, savory ground beef, and zesty salsa makes for a perfect filling, while the Tex-Mex cheese blend brings it all together in a creamy, cheesy embrace.

• 2 dozen jumbo shells: These large pasta shells are perfect for stuffing and hold the filling beautifully.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for sautéing the onion, it adds a rich flavor base.
• 1/2 medium onion, chopped: This aromatic ingredient adds a sweet and savory taste to the filling.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic brings an irresistible aroma and flavor to the dish.
• 1 pound extra lean ground beef: The main protein that gives our shells their heartiness.
• 1 tablespoon chili powder: This spice adds depth and warmth to the filling.
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: A hint of smokiness elevates the flavor profile.
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin: This spice provides a warm, earthy flavor that is essential in taco dishes.
• 1 (14.5 ounce) jar salsa: The star ingredient that ties everything together with its tangy and spicy notes.
• 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds creaminess and balances the spices perfectly.
• 1.5 cups Tex-Mex cheese blend, divided: This melted cheese creates a delicious topping and adds flavor.
• Salt & pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
• Garnish: Cilantro, avocado, scallions, tomatoes, sour cream, etc. (optional): Fresh toppings to elevate each serving!

How to Assemble Taco Stuffed Shells

Assembling Taco Stuffed Shells is a straightforward and enjoyable process. Follow these detailed steps, and you’ll have a delicious dish ready for the oven in no time!

1. Boil a large, salted pot of water for the jumbo shells. Cook them al dente according to package directions, usually around 8 to 10 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
2. While the shells are cooking, add the olive oil and onion to a skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté for about 4 to 5 minutes or until the onion starts to lightly brown. This will create a sweet and savory base for your filling.
3. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant. The aroma will be fantastic!
4. Add in the ground beef, chili powder, smoked paprika, and ground cumin. Cook, breaking up the beef with your spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through—this should take about 8 minutes. If there’s excess fat, spoon most of it out for a leaner filling.
5. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and position the rack in the top third of the oven. Grease a 9×13 baking dish and spread the salsa in an even layer on the bottom. This will create a flavorful base for the shells.
6. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the sour cream and half of the Tex-Mex cheese blend. Stir until the cheese is melted and evenly incorporated. Season with salt and pepper as needed.
7. Once the jumbo shells are cooked, rinse them under cool water and drain thoroughly. To stuff the shells, take a small spoon and add the filling mixture into each shell. You want to fill them generously for the best flavor!
8. Arrange the stuffed shells in the prepared baking dish, one at a time. Top the shells with the remaining cheese.
9. Bake, uncovered, for about 20 minutes. If you like a crispy top, you can broil them for a few minutes at the end, but keep an eye on them to avoid burning. If you prefer softer shells, cover the baking dish with foil while baking.
10. As the shells bake, prepare your toppings like cilantro, avocado, scallions, and tomatoes. You can choose to add these directly on top of the shells or serve them on the side for guests to customize their plates.

Things Worth Knowing

How to Switch It Up

Feeling creative? Here are some fun ways to switch up your Taco Stuffed Shells for a unique twist!

• Try Different Proteins: Use ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based substitute for a different flavor profile.
• Go Vegetarian: Skip the meat altogether and fill the shells with a mix of beans, corn, and veggies for a hearty vegetarian option.
• Spice Levels: Adjust the spice level by adding jalapeños or using spicy salsa for a kick!
• Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack for added heat or mozzarella for a milder flavor.
• Garnish Ideas: Get creative with toppings. Try pickled onions, fresh lime juice, or even a drizzle of ranch dressing for a twist.

Great Combinations for Taco Stuffed Shells

When serving Taco Stuffed Shells, consider these delicious combinations to round out your meal:

• Side Salad: A fresh garden salad with a zesty vinaigrette pairs perfectly with the richness of the shells.
• Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with lime and cilantro complements the flavors of the dish beautifully.
• Guacamole and Chips: Serve some homemade guacamole and tortilla chips as a tasty appetizer.
• Celebratory Occasion: These stuffed shells are perfect for casual gatherings or family dinners where comfort food is a must.
• Seasonal Pairing: For a cozy winter dinner, serve these alongside a warm bowl of tortilla soup.

FAQ

Conclusion

Taco Stuffed Shells offer a delightful twist on traditional tacos, combining the heartiness of pasta with the zesty flavors of Mexican cuisine. They’re easy to make, fun to customize, and sure to please everyone at the table. I encourage you to try this recipe tonight; it’s a wonderful way to create lasting memories with family and friends!

Taco Stuffed Shells

The ultimate comfort food, Taco Stuffed Shells are creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, these shells will satisfy your cravings and bring the family together. Make them tonight for a meal that everyone will love!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 6 servings

Calories 390 kcal

Equipment

• Skillet
• Blender
• Oven
• Large Pot
• Chef's Knife
• Mixing Bowl
• Wooden Spoon
• Baking Sheet

Ingredients

  

• 2 dozen jumbo shells
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound extra lean ground beef
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 14.5 ounce jar salsa
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1.5 cups Tex-Mex cheese blend, divided
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Garnish: cilantro, avocado, scallions, tomatoes, sour cream, etc. optional, to taste

Instructions

 

• Boil a large, salted pot of water for the jumbo shells. Cook them al dente according to package directions.
• Add the olive oil and onion to a skillet over medium-high heat and sauté for 4-5 minutes or until the onion is just starting to lightly brown.
• Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
• Add in the ground beef, chili powder, smoked paprika, and ground cumin. Cook, breaking up the beef with your spoon as you go along, until the beef is browned and cooked through (about 8 minutes). If there's lots of excess fat, spoon most of it out.
• Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375F and move the rack to the top third of the oven. Grease a 9×13 baking dish and spread the salsa in an even layer on the bottom.
• Take the skillet off the heat and stir in the sour cream and half the cheese (stir until it's evenly melted in). Season with salt & pepper as needed.
• Rinse the shells under cool water and drain them thoroughly. To stuff the shells, take a small spoon and add the mixture into each shell. You should be able to stuff them fairly full. I add them to the baking dish one at a time as I go along.
• Top the shells with the remaining cheese.
• Bake, uncovered, for 20 minutes. You can then broil them for a few minutes to brown the cheese if you wish. Note: you can cover the baking dish with foil prior to baking if you like. I like to have some crispy bits, but if you want it all to be softer, I suggest doing that (take the foil off to broil, though).
• Prep the toppings while the shells are baking. You can top the shells while they're still in the baking dish or serve them and then top each plate as desired.

Notes

• Tip 1: Use your favorite brand of salsa.
• Tip 2: This recipe makes approximately 24 shells depending on how many you’re actually able to fit into your baking dish.
• Tip 3: Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy only and should be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee.

Keyword Easy Taco Dinner, Mexican Pasta Dish, Stuffed Shells Dinner, Taco Stuffed Shells Recipe

Previous PostSlow Cooker Italian Style Penne

Next Post Sautéed Asparagus

Meet Lydia James

I’m Lydia! I love the challenge of experimenting with new ingredients and finding creative, delicious ways to use up leftovers. My goal is to make your weeknight cooking feel stress-free, exciting, and full of flavor. I loved the creative process behind this dish, and I really hope it becomes a new favorite in your weekly rotation. I can't wait to hear what you think!