Print

Taco Stuffed Shells

Taco Stuffed Shells

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This dish is a genius mashup of two comfort food classics. You get all the cheesy, saucy goodness of baked pasta with the spicy kick of a taco. It’s a guaranteed hit, perfect for a fun family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 dozen jumbo pasta shells
  • 1 lb extra-lean ground beef
  • ½ medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 (14.5 oz) jar salsa
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1½ cups Tex-Mex cheese blend, divided
  • Salt & pepper

Instructions

  1. Prep the pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook the jumbo shells until al dente (1-2 minutes less than the package says). Drain and rinse with cool water.
  2. Make the filling: In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the onion in olive oil until soft, about 4-5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, then drain any excess fat.
  3. Season the meat: Stir the chili powder, smoked paprika, and cumin into the browned beef. Let it cook for about a minute.
  4. Finish the filling: Take the skillet off the heat. Stir in the sour cream and half of the cheese until melted and creamy.
  5. Stuff and bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Spread the salsa across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Stuff each shell with the meat mixture and arrange them snugly in the dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
  6. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the filling is hot and the cheese is bubbly. For a crispy, golden-brown topping, broil for a few minutes at the end.

Notes

  • Serving Suggestions: Top with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, sour cream, or sliced green onions.
  • Tips & Tricks: Cook the pasta a little underdone since it will continue to cook in the oven. For easy clean-up, make sure to drain any excess fat from the ground beef.
  • Storage & Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the whole dish in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
Scroll to Top