Cheesy Taco Stuffed Shells – Easy Family Dinner Delight

Imagine a cozy evening, the kind where the air smells of warm tortillas and melted cheese. Now, throw in the captivating aroma of seasoned ground beef simmering away, and you’ve got yourself a culinary masterpiece: Cheesy Taco Stuffed Shells. a comforting shepherd’s pie Each bite is an explosion of flavor, with creamy cheese hugging zesty taco filling like a warm hug after a long day. It’s not just food; it’s an experience that brings joy to the dinner table.

Now picture this: It’s Taco Tuesday at my house, and the kids are bouncing off the walls like they’ve had one too many gummy bears. Instead of the usual tacos that can turn into a messy affair, I decided to whip up these Cheesy Taco Stuffed Shells. The smiles on their faces? Priceless! They devoured them like they were made of gold. So trust me when I say, this family-friendly dish is perfect for any occasion, from casual dinners to festive celebrations. For more inspiration, check out this Caramel Coconut Cookies recipe.

The first time I made these cheesy delights, my husband declared it “the best thing since sliced bread.” garlic butter steak and potatoes.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Jumbo Pasta Shells: Look for large shells that can hold all that cheesy goodness without bursting open.
• Ground Beef or Turkey: Choose lean meat for a healthier option; it cooks faster and blends well with spices.
• Taco Seasoning: Use store-bought or homemade; it adds that signature zesty flavor we all love in tacos.
• Shredded Cheese: A blend of sharp cheddar and mozzarella works best for maximum gooeyness. apple pie biscuits for dessert tasty shamrock lasagna.
• Sour Cream: A dollop adds creaminess and tang; don’t skip this step!
• Marinara Sauce: Choose your favorite brand or make your own for added depth of flavor.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prep Your Ingredients: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a large pot and boil water for those jumbo pasta shells. Cook them until al dente according to package instructions.

Cook the Meat Filling: While pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef or turkey and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.

Add Flavor Town: Stir in taco seasoning with water as per package instructions. Let it simmer until thickened while the pasta finishes cooking.

Stuff Those Shells!: Once the pasta is done, carefully drain and cool slightly. Fill each shell with the meat mixture and place them into a baking dish.

Top with Sauce & Cheese: Pour marinara sauce evenly over stuffed shells, then sprinkle shredded cheese generously on top. The more cheese, the merrier!

Bake & Enjoy!: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Enjoy these Cheesy Taco Stuffed Shells straight from the oven—just be cautious; they’ll be hotter than your favorite celebrity gossip!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by boiling your pasta shells until al dente, while preparing the filling in a skillet. This efficiency ensures everything is hot and ready to assemble without the dreaded waiting game.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap ground beef for turkey or tofu for a vegetarian option. Adding black beans or corn can also elevate the dish’s texture and flavor profile, making it uniquely yours. For more inspiration, check out this Garlic Butter Green Beans recipe.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, ensuring the cheese melts beautifully again.

I remember the first time I made Cheesy Taco Stuffed Shells; my friends devoured them like they were going out of style! Their laughter filled my kitchen as we battled over the last cheesy shell—what a night!

FAQ

What type of cheese works best for Cheesy Taco Stuffed Shells?

Use a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack for maximum cheesiness and flavor.

Can I make Cheesy Taco Stuffed Shells ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble them a day in advance and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.

Are there vegetarian options for this recipe?

Yes! Use black beans or lentils as a protein substitute in your filling mixture.

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Cheesy Taco Stuffed Shells

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• Author: Ava Mack
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Cheesy Taco Stuffed Shells are a delightful twist on traditional tacos, combining jumbo pasta shells with a savory filling of seasoned ground beef, zesty taco spices, and gooey cheese. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, these stuffed shells deliver a burst of flavor in every bite. Easy to prepare and customizable to suit various dietary preferences, they promise to impress both kids and adults alike. Enjoy the comforting warmth and vibrant flavors that make this dish an instant hit at your dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 jumbo pasta shells
• 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
• 1 packet taco seasoning (about 2 tbsp)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 cup marinara sauce

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil water in a large pot and cook jumbo pasta shells until al dente according to package instructions.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or turkey. Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Stir in taco seasoning with water as per package instructions; let simmer until thickened.
4. Fill each pasta shell with the meat mixture and place them in a baking dish.
5. Pour marinara sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle with shredded cheeses.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 stuffed shells (240g)
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: For vegetarian options, substitute ground meat with black beans or lentils. Feel free to add corn or diced bell peppers for extra texture. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheat at 350°F for about 20 minutes.