Taco Stuffed Shells
Ingredients
- 12 ounces jumbo pasta shells
cooked to al dente
- 16 ounces 90% lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion
chopped
- 1 medium green bell pepper
seeded and chopped
- 2 medium garlic cloves
minced
- One 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes with juices
- One 1.25-ounce packet taco seasoning
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 cup salsa
divided
- 4 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 ounces shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- shredded lettuce
chopped tomato, diced red onion, sour cream and salsa), (as desired
Directions
- 1
Cook the pasta to al dente according to the package directions. Drain well.
- 2
Preheat the oven to 375F. Spray the inside of a 9x13-inch casserole dish with nonstick spray.
- 3
Add the beef, onion, bell pepper, and garlic to a large skillet over medium-high to high heat. Cook until the meat is browned, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to break up the meat.
- 4
Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juices), taco seasoning, and water. Cook uncovered until the mixture is thickened, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cool slightly until the meat isn’t too hot to touch.
- 5
Spread half of the salsa in the bottom of the prepared casserole dish.
- 6
Spoon the meat mixture into the cooked pasta shells and arrange them in the prepared casserole dish. Spoon on the remaining salsa. Sprinkle the cheese on top.
- 7
Cover the dish with foil and bake until the shells are warm throughout and the cheese is melted, about 20 minutes. If you want to brown the top a little, remove the foil and broil for a couple minutes.
- 8
Serve warm with desired toppings.
Taco Stuffed Shells
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Ratings & Reviews
Based on 11 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving the zesty flavors of tacos but in a comforting, cheesy casserole form? These Taco Stuffed Shells deliver the best of both worlds, transforming a family favorite into an exciting new dinner. It's a hearty meal perfect for any night of the week, promising smiles all around.
Why These Taco Stuffed Shells Work
This recipe shines by combining the satisfying textures of jumbo pasta shells with a savory, perfectly seasoned ground beef filling. Each shell cradles a delicious mixture of taco-spiced beef, tender onions, bell peppers, and diced tomatoes, all bound together with a generous amount of melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. It's a smart way to enjoy classic taco flavors without the mess of individual tortillas.
What you'll experience is a truly satisfying dish, with al dente pasta giving way to a rich, zesty filling. The medley of spices from the taco seasoning infuses the ground beef, creating a comforting warmth that pairs beautifully with the mild sweetness of the bell pepper and the tang of the diced tomatoes. The generous amount of cheese melts into gooey perfection, making every bite incredibly delightful. This is a robust and flavorful meal that will leave everyone feeling happily full.
Customization & Variations
Feel free to make these Taco Stuffed Shells your own! You can easily swap the 90% lean ground beef for ground turkey or chicken if you prefer. For a vegetarian option, consider using a plant-based ground substitute. If green bell pepper isn't your favorite, a red or yellow bell pepper would also work well, offering a slightly sweeter flavor. Don't have Monterey Jack? A little extra cheddar or even some pepper jack for a kick would be delicious.
These Taco Stuffed Shells are ideal for a casual family dinner, a potluck, or even a cozy night in. Serve them hot with your favorite taco toppings like shredded lettuce, chopped tomato, diced red onion, a dollop of sour cream, and extra salsa on the side. They present beautifully as a full dish and are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.