Taco-stuffed shells are jumbo pasta shells plump full of seasoned ground beef, onions, salsa, cheddar, and Monterey Jack Cheese. They are then topped with another generous helping of cheese and baked to perfection.
A Twist on a Classic Dish
Looking for a delicious stuffed shell recipe to impress your friends and family? Look no further! This step-by-step guide, complete with mouth-watering photos, will have you whipping up the best taco stuffed shells in no time!
Top the dish with diced tomatoes, minced jalapeno, or your favorite taco toppings. This recipe is quick, easy, and always a huge hit with the family. It is so easy and delicious that you will want to make it repeatedly. If you like this tasty recipe, then you should try my Ricotta Stuffed Shells, Taco Spaghetti, Taco Casserole, and Walking Tacos.
How to make Taco Stuffed Shells
Start by bringing a large pot of water to boil. Cook the shells according to the package directions and drain well. Meanwhile, brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. About halfway through the browning process, add the onion and continue cooking until the beef is browned and the onions are soft. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
Now add the taco seasoning and water to the ground beef mixture and simmer for about 10 minutes. Add the salsa and stir to combine. Remove from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Once cooled, stir in half of each cheese.
Then, spoon the seasoned taco meat mixture into the shells and lay them in a single layer in a casserole dish. Top with the remaining shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, and minced jalapeno. Bake covered for about 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 5 minutes. For best results, serve promptly.
Preparations Tips
- For a little more kick, substitute minced serrano pepper for the jalapeno. Serrano peppers have a Scoville heat ranking between 5000 to 15000, while jalapenos have a Scoville heat ranking between 2000 to 5000.
- Any kind of tomato is great on top of these shells. I have used fire-roasted tomatoes, sliced grape tomatoes, and quartered cherry tomatoes with good success.
- For a change of pace, try ground turkey or ground pork.
- Wear gloves when mincing jalapenos or other hot peppers, or at the very least, do not touch your face and thoroughly wash your hands after handling the peppers. To tame the heat, remove the veins and seeds with a spoon.
- Don’t risk dropping the ground beef in the sink to drain the fat. Simply tilt the pan and use a paper towel to absorb the grease.
Can Taco Stuffed Shells be frozen?
Absolutely. I prefer to freeze it after it has been assembled and prior to baking. This way, the pasta shells maintain their texture and don’t become too dry from the double baking. So prepare the dish up to the point of baking. Then, cover the casserole dish tightly with several layers of plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Remove the casserole from the refrigerator 30-40 minutes prior to baking to bring it to room temperature. Then, remove the plastic wrap and cover it with aluminum foil. Proceed with the baking directions as written.
To freeze after baking, cool the shells completely. Then, cover the casserole dish tightly with several layers of plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight. Cut two large slits in the plastic wrap and heat in the microwave at 50% power until heated through. The reduced power gives it time for the shells in the middle to heat all the way through before the shells on the outer edges of the casserole are overheated. Heat for about 4-6 minutes, depending on the microwave’s strength.
Serving Suggestions
- Homemade lemonade
- Chips and salsa
- Avocado dip
- Mexican street corn
- Garden salad
- Doritos taco salad
- Chicken taco soup
- Mexican shrimp cocktail
- Raspberry or watermelon sorbet
Storage and Reheat
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave at reduced power or in the oven at 300 degrees with the casserole dish covered with aluminum foil for about 20 minutes or until warm.
Please see above for complete directions on freezing before baking and freezing after baking.
More Pasta Recipes To Love
Taco Stuffed Shells Recipe
Ingredients
- 20-24 jumbo shell pasta
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 medium onion diced
- 3 tablespoons taco seasoning
- ¾ cup water
- 1 cup salsa or salsa style tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded monterey jack cheese
- 1 10 ounce can Rotel tomatoes drained (or diced tomatoes)
- 1 jalapeno or serrano pepper finely minced
- green onion optional garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Bring a large pot of water to boil. Cook the shells according to package directions and drain well.
- Meanwhile, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat in a large skillet. When it is about halfway through the browning process, add the onion and continue cooking until the beef is browned and the onions are soft. If needed, drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- Add the taco seasoning and water to the ground beef mixture. Simmer for 10 minutes. Add the salsa and stir to combine. Remove from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Once cooled, stir in half of each cheese.
- Spoon the seasoned ground beef mixture into the shells and lay them in a single layer in the prepared dish. Top with the remaining cheese, Rotel tomatoes, and minced jalapeno. Bake covered for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 5 minutes. Sprinkle with minced jalapeno or green onion. For best results, serve promptly.
Notes
- For a little more kick, substitute minced serrano pepper for the jalapeno. Serrano peppers have a Scoville heat ranking between 5000 to 15000, while jalapenos have a Scoville heat ranking between 2000 to 5000.
- Any kind of tomato is great on top of these shells. I have used fire-roasted tomatoes, sliced grape tomatoes, and quartered cherry tomatoes with good success.
- Use my homemade taco seasoning with tons of flavor, from chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
- For a change of pace, try ground turkey or ground pork.
- Wear gloves when mincing jalapenos or other hot peppers, or at the very least, do not touch your face and thoroughly wash your hands after handling the peppers. To tame the heat, remove the veins and seeds with a spoon.
- Don’t risk dropping the ground beef in the sink to drain the fat. Simply tilt the pan and use a paper towel to absorb the grease.
Judy
Recipe sounds great although haven’t made it yet. Do you think you could make the stuffing and as an alternative put it in taco shells or even as a tortilla wrap?
Beth Pierce
Yes you could do that.
Yeah Lifestyle
I have just bookmarked your recipe and added giant taco pasta shells on my shopping list as I can’t wait to make this especially seeing that it can be frozen, so perfect weekday meal for the family on busy days
Lavanda Michelle
Taco Stuffed Shells are a favorite in my home. We never added shredded Monterey Jack cheese, but it turned out just as delicious.
Beth Pierce
Thanks! So glad that you liked them!
Rosey
I didn’t know they could be frozen. They take a bit to make so making extra and freezing some for later is a great idea.
Beth Pierce
Yes indeed!
Risa Lopez
Oh my! These were so good! I saved the recipe and I can not wait to make it again! Thank you for sharing.
Talya Stone
We are crazy about tacos here and love the twist using pasta shells here. They were so delicious! Thanks for sharing the recipe!
Claudia
This is the best. I no longer have to choose between Italian or Mexican food for dinner—this dish has it all.
Jen
Do you think chicken coukd be used instead of ground beef?
Beth Pierce
Yes just make sure the chicken is cooked before adding to the shells.
Shelley
I made this once using the directions for the chicken in Beth’s Blackened Chicken Taco Recipe and it was very good.
Beth Pierce
Thank you, Shelley!
Mosaic Art
omg this looks incredibly good and it is very easy to do, thank you so much. I can’t wait to make your recipe.
Stephanie
Stuffed shells was one of my favorite meals growing up. I never thought to make them into taco stuffed shells, though! It’s such a great twist on one of my favorites and may become another favorite!
Pamela Loe
Do you have any suggestions for a side to have with this?
Beth Pierce
A simple salad would be great. Maybe a pared down version of a taco salad if that makes sense. Fresh lemonade or margaritas. Chips and salsa, stuffed jalapenos, or https://www.smalltownwoman.com/queso-fundido/.
Lisa
These are amazing! Every time I make them I have to make more than the time before because everyone wants them! My sons favorite as well!
Beth Pierce
Thanks Lisa! I am so glad that everyone likes them!
Andrea
I am loving this recipe. The Taco filling was marvelous and it was perfect in these jumbo shells.
Holley
The perfect and comforting meal! The whole family loved it!
Sisley White - Sew White
So easy to make and so delicious too. We could eat these every day and not get bored of them.
Beth Pierce
Thanks! So glad that you liked them!
Cara
I love both pasta and tacos, so this meal was the perfect combination for me. Delicious!