Taco Stuffed Shells: A Taco Lover’s Dream Come True in Pasta Form
If you’re a fan of tacos and pasta (and who isn’t?), Taco Stuffed Shells are about to become your new favorite dinner.
Think of it as a delicious mashup of two comfort foods: jumbo pasta shells stuffed with seasoned taco meat, cheese, and all your favorite taco toppings, then baked to perfection.
It’s the best of both worlds—cheesy, hearty, and flavorful—and incredibly easy to make.
Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight, prepping for a party, or simply craving something delicious, Taco Stuffed Shells are the answer. Let’s dive into this fun recipe and how you can make it your own!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To get started, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. Most of them are probably already in your pantry or fridge, so there’s no need to make a special trip to the store. Here’s what you’ll need:
Jumbo Pasta Shells: The star of the show! These large shells hold all the goodness inside.
Ground Meat: Choose ground beef, chicken, or turkey—whatever you prefer. You can even use ground pork or a mix if you’re feeling adventurous.
Taco Seasoning: You can use store-bought taco seasoning or make your own by combining chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt.
Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella, or a blend of both works wonderfully.
Toppings: Salsa, sour cream, guacamole, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and jalapeños are classic options. Go wild with your favorites!
Optional Add-ins: Refried beans for extra creaminess, onions, garlic, and bell peppers for more flavor.
How to Make Taco Stuffed Shells
Now, let’s talk about how to make these tasty Taco Stuffed Shells. It’s easier than you might think!
Step 1: Cook the Jumbo Shells
First things first: cook your pasta shells. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, and then cook the jumbo shells according to the package instructions (usually about 9-11 minutes).
You want them al dente, not too soft since they’ll bake further later on. Once they’re done, drain the shells and set them aside to cool.
Step 2: Make the Taco Filling
While the shells are cooking, prepare the taco filling. Heat some oil in a large skillet over medium heat, and add your ground meat.
Cook it, breaking it up with a spoon until it’s browned and cooked through. Once the meat is cooked, drain any excess fat and toss in your taco seasoning and a splash of water (about ¼ cup).
Stir everything together and let it simmer for a few minutes until the seasoning is well blended and the mixture thickens.
For extra flavor, you can sauté some diced onions, garlic, and bell peppers in the pan before adding the meat. These add a nice touch of sweetness and depth to the taco filling.
If you like things creamy, you can also add a few spoonfuls of refried beans to the meat mixture—it gives the filling a great texture.
Step 3: Stuff the Shells
Once your shells have cooled enough to handle, it’s time to stuff them! Using a spoon, fill each shell with the taco meat mixture. Don’t be shy—pack the shells generously.
After all, these babies are packed with flavor! Once filled, arrange the shells in a greased baking dish. Depending on the size of your shells, you may need to use two dishes if you’re making a big batch.
Step 4: Bake and Melt the Cheese
Top the stuffed shells with shredded cheese—cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix of both. Pop the dish in the oven and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
You can even broil the top for a minute or two if you want that perfect golden crust.
Serving Suggestions
These Taco Stuffed Shells are already packed with so much flavor, but they pair wonderfully with a few tasty sides. Here are some ideas for serving:
- Mexican Rice: A side of fluffy rice seasoned with lime and cilantro will perfectly complement the stuffed shells.
- Simple Salad: A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette or even a tangy cilantro-lime dressing is a great way to balance out the richness of the dish.
- Taco Toppings: Let everyone top their shells with salsa, sour cream, guacamole, and shredded lettuce. For an extra kick, throw on some jalapeños or hot sauce.
Tips for Perfect Taco Stuffed Shells
Make Ahead: Taco-stuffed shells are perfect for meal prep. You can stuff the shells a day ahead and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them in the oven.
Freeze for Later: Want to make a big batch for later? Stuff the shells, cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and freeze. When you’re ready to eat, bake directly from the freezer (just add about 15-20 extra minutes of baking time).
Spicy or Mild: Adjust the spice level to your preference by choosing a mild or spicy taco seasoning or by adding fresh jalapeños or hot sauce to the filling.
Substitute Proteins: For a lighter option, swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. Fill the shells with black beans, corn, and extra veggies for a vegetarian version.
Variations of Taco Stuffed Shells
- Vegetarian Taco Stuffed Shells: If you’re skipping the meat, try using black beans, corn, diced bell peppers, and some sautéed zucchini. The taco seasoning will bring it all together.
- Spicy Taco Stuffed Shells: For an extra punch, add fresh diced jalapeños to the filling or top the shells with a spicy salsa.
- Seafood Taco Stuffed Shells: If you’re craving seafood, swap the ground meat for shrimp or fish. It’s a fun twist on the classic!
Conclusion
Taco Stuffed Shells are an irresistible combination of two beloved dishes—tacos and pasta. They’re flavorful, easy to make, and customizable to your taste.
Whether you’re making them for a family dinner, a party, or just because, they’re sure to be a hit, so gather your ingredients, cook, and enjoy the tasty, cheesy goodness of Taco Stuffed Shells!
FAQs
Q: Can I make Taco Stuffed Shells in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the shells ahead of time by stuffing them and refrigerating them until you’re ready to bake. Just cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil to keep them fresh.
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta shell?
Jumbo shells are ideal for stuffing, but you can use manicotti shells or even regular pasta like penne if you don’t have them. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Q: What can I substitute if I don’t have taco seasoning?
If you don’t have taco seasoning, you can make your own by mixing chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt. Adjust the spices based on your taste preferences.
Q: Can I freeze Taco Stuffed Shells?
Yes! These stuffed shells freeze really well. Prepare and stuff the shells, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap, and freeze. When ready to bake, cook from frozen, adding extra time in the oven.
Q: Can I make Taco Stuffed Shells vegetarian?
Definitely! For a hearty vegetarian version, use black beans, corn, and vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. You can still season it with taco seasoning for that bold flavor!