Taco-Stuffed Pasta Shells
+2 photos

Taco-Stuffed Pasta Shells

8 servings
Yes, you read that right: Taco-Stuffed Pasta Shells! You no longer have to choose between Italian or Mexican food for dinner, because this dish has it all. Made with only 7 ingredients in less than an hour, these tasty stuffed shells with taco meat are the perfect meal for busy weeknights when you still want to put a flavorful, family-friendly dinner on the table. This extra-cheesy, super-satisfying taco pasta shells recipe is bound to become a staple in your weekly dinner rotation.

Ingredients

  • uncooked jumbo pasta shells

    about 24 shells from 12-oz box

    8 oz
  • lean ground beef

    at least 80%

    1 lb
  • packet old el paso™ original taco seasoning mix

    1 oz

    1
  • muir glen™ organic fire roasted crushed tomatoes

    undrained

    1 can
  • shredded mexican cheese blend

    2 cups

    1 package
  • diced plum tomatoes

    roma

    1 c
  • chopped fresh cilantro
    ¼ c

Directions

  1. 1

    Heat oven to 350°F. Cook and drain pasta shells as directed on box.

  2. 2

    Meanwhile, in 12-inch nonstick skillet, cook beef over medium-high heat 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until thoroughly cooked; drain. Add taco seasoning mix, crushed tomatoes and 1 cup of the shredded cheese; stir well until cheese is melted.

    Step 2
  3. 3

    Fill each pasta shell with about 1 tablespoon beef mixture; place in ungreased 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish. Top filled shells with plum tomatoes and chopped cilantro; sprinkle with remaining 1 cup cheese.

    Step 3
  4. 4

    Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until heated through and cheese is melted. Serve warm.

Taco-Stuffed Pasta Shells
+2

Taco-Stuffed Pasta Shells

55 min8 servings330 cal

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About this Recipe

Craving the vibrant flavors of tacos but longing for the comforting embrace of a cheesy pasta bake? This Taco-Stuffed Pasta Shells recipe delivers the best of both worlds, bringing a truly delicious and family-friendly meal to your table in less than an hour.

Why This Recipe Works

What makes these Taco-Stuffed Pasta Shells a guaranteed hit is their ingenious simplicity and irresistible flavor. With just seven key ingredients, you can transform everyday staples into a satisfying fusion dish. The combination of seasoned ground beef tucked into tender pasta shells, smothered in fire-roasted tomatoes and plenty of gooey Mexican cheese, creates a meal that’s both familiar and exciting, perfect for busy weeknights.

What to Expect

Prepare for a dinner experience that is both hearty and incredibly flavorful. Each jumbo pasta shell is generously filled with savory, well-seasoned taco meat, creating a robust bite. The dish is extra-cheesy, ensuring a satisfying pull with every forkful, while the fire-roasted crushed tomatoes provide a deep, subtly smoky background that complements the taco seasoning beautifully. Fresh diced plum tomatoes and vibrant cilantro add a burst of freshness, cutting through the richness. This super-satisfying meal is destined to become a staple in your weekly rotation, delighting everyone at the table.

Customization & Variations

While this recipe shines as written, it's easy to adapt to your pantry or preferences. If lean ground beef isn't available, ground turkey or pork can make excellent substitutions for the taco filling. Don't have a Mexican cheese blend? A mix of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack will work wonderfully. For a different tomato flavor, you can use regular crushed tomatoes, though you'll miss the unique smoky depth of the fire-roasted variety.

Serving & Context

These Taco-Stuffed Pasta Shells are the quintessential family-friendly weeknight dinner. They are a complete meal on their own, but pair wonderfully with a simple green salad for added freshness, making for a perfect, satisfying evening meal.

Frequently Asked Questions