Description

Craving something cozy yet packed with flavor? Taco Stuffed Shells are the perfect answer for quick dinner ideas, combining the hearty comfort of pasta with the bold zest of taco night. This easy recipe takes jumbo pasta shells and fills them with seasoned taco meat, layers them in zesty tomato sauce, and bakes them with plenty of melty cheese. It’s ideal for family dinners, party food ideas, or make-ahead meals that don’t skimp on flavor. Whether you’re searching for an easy dinner recipe or something new to add to your weeknight rotation, this dish delivers big flavor with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

20 jumbo pasta shells

1 lb ground beef

1 small yellow onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 packet taco seasoning

0.5 cup water

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or Mexican blend cheese

1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce

0.25 cup salsa

0.5 tsp cumin

0.5 tsp chili powder

0.25 tsp black pepper

0.25 cup chopped cilantro or parsley

Sour cream (optional)

Jalapeños (optional)

Green onions (optional)

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta shells and cook until al dente, about 9 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.

2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef for 5–7 minutes until browned. Drain grease. Add onion and garlic, cook 2–3 more minutes.

3. Stir in taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 3–4 minutes, then mix in diced tomatoes. Remove from heat and cool slightly.

4. Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Fill each shell with 1–2 tablespoons of taco meat mixture. Arrange in dish.

5. In a bowl, combine tomato sauce, salsa, cumin, chili powder, and black pepper. Pour over stuffed shells.

6. Sprinkle with cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Cover with foil and bake 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake 10 minutes more.

7. Let rest 5 minutes. Garnish with cilantro or parsley and optional toppings before serving.

Notes

Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt and flavor.

Let the shells rest after baking to set the filling and make serving easier.

To save time, prepare the filling a day ahead and refrigerate.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baked
Cuisine: Fusion

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion
Calories: 480
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 27g
Cholesterol: 80mg