Taco Stuffed Shells
Ingredients
- 20–24 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 can (400 g) diced tomatoes (drained)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup corn (optional)
- ½ cup black beans (optional)
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Cook the pasta
Boil the jumbo shells in salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Don’t overcook or they’ll break when stuffing.
2. Prepare the taco filling
In a pan over medium heat:
- Cook ground beef with diced onion until browned
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute
- Stir in taco seasoning, salsa, tomatoes, corn, and beans
Let it simmer for 5–7 minutes until thick and flavorful.
3. Mix creamy layer
In a bowl, mix:
- Sour cream
- Half of the shredded cheese
4. Stuff the shells
Fill each pasta shell with the taco meat mixture using a spoon.
5. Assemble
- Spread a thin layer of salsa in a baking dish
- Arrange stuffed shells on top
- Spoon the creamy mixture over them
- Sprinkle remaining cheese on top
6. Bake
Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Optional toppings
- Chopped cilantro
- Green onions
- Avocado slices
- Extra sour cream
Tips
- You can replace beef with chicken or ground turkey
- Add jalapeños if you like it spicy
- Perfect for meal prep or freezing
This dish is basically a mix of tacos + pasta — super cheesy, easy, and perfect for dinner
According to cooking sources, it’s a popular fusion meal where taco-seasoned meat is stuffed into pasta shells and baked with salsa and cheese until melted and bubbly