Description
Taco Stuffed Shells combine classic taco flavors with jumbo pasta shells, filled with seasoned beef and cheese, then baked in a savory salsa sauce. A fun and easy twist on taco night!
Ingredients
Scale
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade seasoning)
- 1 cup salsa (your preferred level of spice)
- ¾ cup water
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup enchilada sauce or extra salsa for baking
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cumin (optional for extra flavor)
- ½ cup sour cream (for serving)
- Chopped fresh cilantro, green onions, or avocado (optional toppings)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly. - Prepare the Taco Filling
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease if needed. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened. Stir in the taco seasoning, salsa, and water. Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened. - Mix the Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, ½ cup shredded cheddar, and ½ cup shredded mozzarella. Season with salt, black pepper, and cumin. Mix well. - Assemble the Shells
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce or salsa in the bottom of a baking dish. Fill each cooked pasta shell with a spoonful of the cheese mixture and a spoonful of the taco meat mixture. Arrange the stuffed shells in the dish. - Bake
Pour the remaining enchilada sauce or salsa over the shells. Sprinkle with the remaining shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly. - Serve and Enjoy
Let the taco stuffed shells cool for a few minutes before serving. Top with sour cream, fresh cilantro, green onions, or avocado for extra flavor.
Notes
- Spicy Version – Use spicy salsa, add chopped jalapeños, or mix in red pepper flakes.
- Chicken or Turkey – Swap the beef for shredded rotisserie chicken or ground turkey.
- Vegetarian Option – Replace the meat with black beans, corn, and sautéed bell peppers.
- Low-Carb Version – Stuff the mixture into hollowed-out bell peppers instead of pasta shells.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Keywords: taco stuffed shells, taco pasta bake, Mexican stuffed shells, cheesy stuffed shells, easy taco recipe