Taco Stuffed Shells

Taco Stuffed Shells are a simple, cheap, and tasty addition to any party, cookout, or dinner. A beautiful blend of Mexican spices coats your ground beef, while a blend of Mexican cheeses melts perfectly on top while wrapped in a carb-loaded pasta shell. 

Can we say, heavenly?

This recipe has the simplicity you want from an appetizer or family meal with the flavor of a five-star restaurant. 

How many Taco Stuff Shells does this recipe make?

This all depends on how full you stuff your shells but we usually see around 5 Taco Stuffed Shells per person or 20-25ish shells. 

Taco Stuffed Shells are a bite-sized dish that is easy for you to enjoy on the go when you don’t have time to sit down for a meal or to share at your next gathering. 

What type of seasoning did you use in this recipe?

We went with the traditional packet of taco seasoning from Old El Paso, but you can use any brand you prefer. If you have the extra time, making your own homemade taco seasoning is even better because you get to make it as spicy or mild as you would like. Combining flavors like cumin, paprika, onion and garlic powder, salt, and chili powder. Add a little bit of cayenne or smoked paprika for a little more heat in your dish or a BBQ-style flavor from the smoked paprika seasoning. 

These Taco Stuffed Shells are also great for the kids to snack on during their summer break. Simply, bake them ahead of time and reheat them as needed to feed those hungry little ones. It is a pretty inexpensive meal so also a wonderful option if you have a larger family to feed. 

Here is what you need to make your simple dish

8 oz. Jumbo Shell Pasta

1 lb. Ground beef

1 Packet taco seasoning ( or you can create your own blend)

2 tsp. Minced garlic

5 oz. Cream cheese

1 C. Salsa

¼ C. Chopped green onions

1 C. Shredded taco blend cheese

Let’s jump right into the step-by-step instructions for your delicious taco bites

Boil the jumbo shell pasta until al dente, drain, and rinse in cold water to keep the noodles from sticking together.

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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Add the ground beef to a skillet over medium-high heat, and saute until completely browned. Drain and excess fat.

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Mix in the minced garlic and saute for 30 seconds more.

Add the taco seasoning packet, cream cheese, and salsa to the skillet with the beef and stir until the cream cheese is completely melted. Let the meat mixture cool.

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Stuff the cooked jumbo shell pasta with the ground beef mixture and place it into a well-greased 9×13 baking dish.

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Sprinkle with the cheese and bake for 15-20 minutes.

Garnish with fresh chopped green onions and serve.

What do you think of this simple family recipe?

Let us know in the comment below! Enjoy!