Transform your taco night with this creative twist: Shells Stuffed with Tacos. This recipe brings together the bold flavors of tacos and the comforting texture of pasta in one delightful dish. Jumbo pasta shells are filled with a savory taco meat mixture, topped with cheese, and baked to perfection. It’s an irresistible combination that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 12–15 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- ⅓ cup water
- 1 cup salsa
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup enchilada sauce (or taco sauce)
- ½ cup salsa
Optional Toppings:
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Sliced black olives
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
- Fresh cilantro
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta Shells
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package directions until al dente.
- Drain the shells and rinse them with cool water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Taco Meat Filling
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it into crumbles. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the mixture thickens.
- Reduce the heat to low and mix in the cream cheese until melted and well combined.
- Stir in ½ cup of salsa and ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
3. Assemble the Stuffed Shells
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread half of the enchilada sauce and salsa mixture evenly on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Stuff each cooked pasta shell with about 1–2 tablespoons of the taco meat filling. Arrange the stuffed shells in the baking dish, open side up.
- Drizzle the remaining enchilada sauce over the shells, then sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack and remaining cheddar cheese on top.
4. Bake the Shells
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Garnish and Serve
- Let the shells cool for 5 minutes before serving.
- Add your favorite toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, or guacamole for an extra layer of flavor.
Tips for Perfect Shells Stuffed with Tacos
- Prevent Sticking: Toss cooked pasta shells with a bit of olive oil to keep them from sticking together.
- Use Fresh Cheese: Shredding your own cheese melts better than pre-shredded varieties.
- Custom Fillings: Feel free to mix in black beans, corn, or diced jalapeños with the meat filling for additional texture and flavor.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute the ground beef with black beans, pinto beans, or a plant-based protein crumble.
- Chicken Taco Shells: Use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of ground beef and mix with taco seasoning, cream cheese, and salsa.
- Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling for an extra burst of heat.
- Loaded Shells: Incorporate cooked rice or refried beans into the meat mixture for a heartier dish.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble the stuffed shells in the baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply follow the recipe instructions, adding 5–10 extra minutes to the cooking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.
Q: Can I freeze stuffed shells?
A: Absolutely! Place the stuffed shells in a freezer-safe dish before baking, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
Q: What other toppings work well with this dish?
A: In addition to the listed toppings, try hot sauce, crumbled tortilla chips, or diced avocado for a creative twist.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Family-Friendly: A dish that kids and adults will both enjoy, combining two classic favorites—tacos and pasta.
- Versatile: Easy to customize with your favorite proteins, cheeses, and toppings.
- Great for Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheat for a quick, delicious meal.Shells Stuffed with Tacos is a fun and flavorful way to bring variety to your dinner table. This simple yet satisfying recipe combines the comfort of pasta with the zesty goodness of tacos, creating a dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or entertaining guests. Customize it to suit your family’s preferences, and don’t forget to add your favorite taco-inspired toppings for an unforgettable me
