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Taco Stuffed Shells Recipe

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3.9 from 36 reviews

Taco Stuffed Shells combine the comfort of traditional Italian stuffed pasta with flavorful Mexican-inspired fillings. Jumbo pasta shells are cooked al dente, then filled with a savory mixture of seasoned ground beef, refried beans, cheese, and salsa. Baked until bubbly and cheesy, this dish offers an easy, crowd-pleasing meal perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 8 ounces jumbo shells

Filling

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • ¼ cup taco seasoning
  • 2 cups refried beans
  • 2 cups Mexican cheese blend, shredded
  • 1 jar (about 16 ounces) salsa

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the stuffed shells later.
  2. Cook the pasta shells: Boil the jumbo shells according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Drain and set them aside to cool slightly, so they are easier to handle when stuffing.
  3. Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef while breaking it into small pieces. Continue until fully browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease for a cleaner filling.
  4. Prepare the filling: Add the taco seasoning, refried beans, 1 cup of shredded Mexican cheese, and ½ cup salsa to the cooked ground beef. Stir well until the mixture is creamy and thoroughly combined.
  5. Arrange the baking dish: Spread ½ cup of salsa evenly on the bottom of a baking dish to prevent sticking and add extra flavor.
  6. Stuff the shells: Carefully spoon the beef and bean mixture into each cooked pasta shell. Place the stuffed shells one by one into the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
  7. Add toppings: Spoon the remaining salsa over the stuffed shells, then sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of Mexican cheese evenly on top.
  8. Bake covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. This step helps the flavors meld and the filling to heat through.
  9. Bake uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
  10. Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm. Garnish with your favorite taco toppings such as sour cream, avocado, cilantro, or chopped green onions for extra flavor.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef for a lighter option.
  • Use gluten-free jumbo shells to make this recipe gluten-free.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
  • Adding jalapeños or hot sauce can give the dish a spicy kick.
  • This recipe serves about 6 people as a main dish.

Find it online: https://recipethrive.com/taco-stuffed-shells-recipe/