Taco stuffed shells combine the best of tacos and pasta! This crowd-pleasing dish is perfect for a twist on Taco Tuesday. The shells are filled with a flavorful taco beef mixture, topped with cheese, and baked until bubbly.
Taco Stuffed Shells Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 box jumbo pasta shells (about 20 shells)
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade seasoning if preferred)
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese (optional for a creamier filling)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (or cheddar cheese)
- 1/2 cup enchilada sauce or extra salsa (for baking)
- Optional toppings: sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, sour cream, diced tomatoes, and sliced black olives
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the jumbo shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess grease, then add taco seasoning and 1/4 cup water (or as directed on the seasoning packet). Stir until well-coated, then add salsa. If using ricotta or cottage cheese, mix it into the beef mixture for a creamier filling.
- Stuff the Shells: Spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of the beef mixture into each shell. Arrange the filled shells in a greased baking dish.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour the enchilada sauce or additional salsa over the stuffed shells, then sprinkle with shredded cheese.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with your favorite toppings like sour cream, green onions, cilantro, tomatoes, and olives.
This dish is flavorful and fun, perfect for serving at family dinners or gatherings. Enjoy the mix of Italian and Mexican flavors!