Taco Stuffed Pasta Shells

Experience a fusion of two comfort food classics with this Taco Stuffed Pasta Shells recipe—a creative twist that brings bold Tex-Mex flavors to your dinner table! Jumbo pasta shells are perfectly al dente and packed with a rich, creamy ground beef filling seasoned with taco spices and melty cream cheese. Smothered in zesty salsa and topped with gooey, golden-brown shredded Mexican cheese, these delectable stuffed shells make a crowd-pleasing weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for gatherings. Ready in under an hour, this easy yet indulgent recipe pairs beautifully with a side of guacamole, a crisp green salad, or a dollop of sour cream. Serve up this irresistible taco-inspired casserole for a fun, family-friendly meal that breaks away from the usual taco night!

Nutriscore Rating: 51/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 20 pieces jumbo pasta shells
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 0.25 cup water
• 4 ounces cream cheese
• 1 cup salsa
• 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
• 2 tablespoons cilantro (for garnish, optional)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse them with cold water to prevent sticking. Set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 8-10 minutes.

Step 4

Drain excess grease if needed, then stir in the taco seasoning and 1/4 cup of water. Mix well and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the seasoning is thoroughly incorporated.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and add the cream cheese to the skillet. Stir until melted and well combined with the beef mixture. Remove from heat.

Step 6

Spread 1/2 cup of salsa evenly across the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 7

Stuff each cooked pasta shell with about 2 tablespoons of the taco beef filling, and place them in the baking dish, open side up.

Step 8

Once all the shells are stuffed and arranged in the dish, pour the remaining salsa evenly over the top, then sprinkle with the shredded Mexican blend cheese.

Step 9

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 10

Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired and serve warm. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1251.5 grams (1251.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2626

Total Fat 198.80g	255%
Saturated Fat 97.50g	488%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.20g
Cholesterol 616mg	205%
Sodium 8453mg	368%
Total Carbohydrate 74.00g	27%
Dietary Fiber 9.20g	33%
Total Sugars 15.40g
Protein 140.00g	280%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1835mg	141%
Iron 11mg	63%
Potassium 2107mg	45%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 67.6%

Protein: 21.2%

Carbs: 11.2%