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Taco Stuffed Shells

Taco Stuffed Shells

Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Creamy, cheesy, a little bit spicy—these taco stuffed shells combine savory ground beef, onions, taco seasoning, and melty cheese tucked into tender pasta. It’s like taco night met pasta night and never left. Cozy, customizable, and perfect for leftovers!
6 servings

Ingredients

Pasta Shells

  • 24 jumbo pasta shells about two-thirds of a 12oz box

Taco Filling

  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef 80/20 blend preferred
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 packet taco seasoning about 2–3 tbsp or homemade
  • 1 can (300 ml) red enchilada sauce 10 oz (about 300 ml); more for extra sauciness, if desired

Cheese & Topping

  • 2 cups (200 g) cheddar cheese shredded, divided
  • 1 cup (100 g) Monterey Jack cheese shredded (optional but recommended)
  • Optional toppings: sour cream, cilantro, guacamole

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch Baking Dish
  • Large pot
  • Large skillet
  • Aluminum foil

Instructions
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray and set aside.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the jumbo pasta shells for 2 minutes less than package directions (so they're slightly undercooked/sturdy). Drain and cool under cold running water, then arrange on a towel or tray.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add ground beef and onion. Cook, stirring often, until beef is mostly browned and onions are softened, about 5–6 minutes.
  4. Add minced garlic and taco seasoning to the skillet. Stir well and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and the beef is fully cooked.
  5. Stir in the enchilada sauce. Let the mixture simmer gently for 5–10 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
  6. Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the beef mixture while still warm. Stir to combine until melted and evenly mixed.
  7. Spoon the cheesy taco filling into each cooled shell (about 1–2 tablespoons per shell) and arrange in the prepared baking dish.
  8. Sprinkle remaining 1 cup cheddar and all the Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the stuffed shells.
  9. Cover the dish with foil. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes, until the cheese is browned and bubbly.
  10. Let the shells cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with sour cream, cilantro, or guacamole if desired.

Notes

You can assemble the shells up to the baking step and refrigerate overnight. Freeze fully baked or unbaked for meal prep. Add beans, corn, or diced bell peppers to the filling for extra texture and nutrition. For a spice boost, use hot taco seasoning, spicy cheese, or add jalapeños!

Nutrition

Calories: 486kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 33g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 93mg | Sodium: 846mg | Potassium: 594mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 740IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 350mg | Iron: 3.2mg