Name: Stuffed Taco Meat Shells Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients: 8 ounces jumbo shell pasta, cooked according to package directions; 1 pound lean ground beef; 1 packet taco seasoning mix; 2 tsp minced garlic; 5 ounces softened cream cheese; 1 cup salsa; ½ cup chopped green onions; 1 ½ cups shredded Mexican Cheese Blend

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Introduction

Stuffed Taco Meat Shells are a fun and flavorful twist on classic tacos, combining seasoned ground beef with creamy cheese in jumbo pasta shells. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a family dinner or casual get-together.

A white baking dish holds several pasta shells filled with a mix of browned ground meat and melted shredded cheese, creating textured dark and golden brown layers inside each shell. The shells are pale yellow with a slightly ridged texture, and the cheese melts around the meat, forming a slightly crispy top layer. Bright green round slices of scallions are scattered on top, adding a fresh pop of color. A metal spoon lifts one shell, showing the dense filling inside. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 ounces jumbo shell pasta, cooked according to package directions
1 pound lean ground beef
1 packet taco seasoning mix
2 teaspoons minced garlic
5 ounces softened cream cheese
1 cup salsa
½ cup chopped green onions
1 ½ cups shredded Mexican Cheese Blend

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the jumbo shell pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a baking pan or line it with aluminum foil.
Step 3: In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked.
Step 4: Drain any excess fat from the meat, then add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 5: Stir in the taco seasoning, salsa, and softened cream cheese. Mix until the cream cheese melts and the filling is well combined.
Step 6: Place the cooked pasta shells in the prepared baking pan. Spoon the beef mixture into each shell evenly.
Step 7: Sprinkle the stuffed shells with the shredded Mexican cheese blend and chopped green onions.
Step 8: Bake for 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

For extra spice, add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture or sprinkle with hot sauce before serving.
Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Use a flour or corn tortilla cut into strips and baked as a crunchy topping for added texture.
Garnish with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream for more authentic taco flavor.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven method helps keep the cheese melty and the shells tender.

How to Serve

The image shows three large pasta shells placed on a white plate with a white marbled texture surface in the background. Each shell is stuffed with a textured ground meat mixture that is brown with a slightly reddish sauce coating it. On top, there is melted cheese that looks golden and bubbly. One of the pasta shells has a single piece of green sliced pepper as garnish, adding a small pop of color. The shells are arranged closely but not touching, and the focus is sharp on the front shell while the background shells are softly blurred. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the stuffed shells and refrigerate them before baking. Just cover the pan tightly and bake within 24 hours, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if baked cold.

Can I freeze stuffed taco meat shells?

Absolutely. After assembling, freeze the unbaked stuffed shells in a freezer-safe container. When ready, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted.