Cheesy Taco Stuffed Shells – Easy Family Dinner Idea
If you’re looking for a fun, flavorful, and family-friendly dinner idea, these Cheesy Taco Stuffed Pasta Shells are the perfect fusion of Mexican and Italian cuisine! This dish features jumbo pasta shells stuffed with seasoned ground beef, rich tomato sauce, melted cheese, and taco-inspired flavors, making it the ultimate comfort food for taco lovers.
Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something cheesy and delicious, this easy Mexican stuffed shells recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. Plus, it’s simple to prepare and can be customized with your favorite toppings!
Let’s dive into this flavor-packed cheesy taco stuffed pasta shells recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
- Main Ingredients:
- 12 large pasta shells (jumbo size)1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)1 small onion, finely chopped2 cloves garlic, minced1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade taco spice blend)½ cup tomato sauce (or salsa for extra flavor)½ cup water1 cup shredded cheddar cheese½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)½ cup sour cream (for serving)¼ cup diced tomatoes (for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned.
- Drain excess fat and add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the taco seasoning, tomato sauce, and water.
- Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
- Spoon the taco meat mixture into each cooked pasta shell.
- Arrange the stuffed shells in a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the stuffed shells.
- Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for another 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and diced tomatoes.
- Serve with sour cream and enjoy!