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This cheesy taco stuffed pasta shells recipe is a crowd-pleaser that brings together the best of Mexican flavors and Italian comfort food. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying but still easy to pull together. The blend of seasoned ground beef, creamy cheese, and zesty enchilada sauce wrapped inside pasta shells makes every bite deliciously comforting.
I first made this when friends came over last minute, and it was a hit now it’s a regular request because it feels both special and cozy.
Ingredients
- Jumbo pasta shells: 22 to 24 to hold plenty of filling without breaking
- Ground beef: One pound for rich, savory flavor try to get lean for less grease
- Taco seasoning: One packet to bring classic taco spices homemade seasoning works great too
- Mild salsa: One cup to add a fresh, slightly tangy taste use chunky or smooth based on preference
- Cream cheese: Four ounces for creaminess that binds the filling softened helps it melt quickly
- Red enchilada sauce: One ten ounce can to keep things saucy and flavorful choose a brand that suits your heat level
- Mexican cheese blend: Two cups for melty, stretchy goodness on top freshly shredded melts best
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat The Oven:
- Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 9 by 13-inch baking dish with a bit of oil or non-stick spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Cook Pasta Shells:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook the jumbo pasta shells following the package directions. Keep the shells just slightly firm because they will cook more in the oven. Lay them out individually on a clean towel or sheet pan to keep them from sticking together.
- Prepare The Filling:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook it thoroughly, breaking it up with a spatula until no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease to avoid a greasy filling. Add the taco seasoning mix and salsa, stirring well to combine all flavors evenly.
- Mix In Cream Cheese:
- Cut the cream cheese into small pieces and add to the warm beef mixture. Stir continuously until fully melted and creamy. Smaller cream cheese pieces speed up melting and help create a smooth texture.
- Assemble The Dish:
- Pour half of the enchilada sauce evenly into the prepared baking dish to create a flavorful base layer. Use a spoon to fill each pasta shell generously with the beef and cheese mixture. Place the filled shells in the baking dish nestled side by side.
- Add Sauce And Cheese:
- Drizzle the remaining enchilada sauce over the arranged stuffed shells. Sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese blend evenly over the top, covering all the shells.
- Bake And Serve:
- Place the dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let it cool slightly then serve warm for the best flavors and textures.
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My favorite ingredient here is the cream cheese because it melts into the beef filling and adds a smooth richness that balances the spice from the taco seasoning. This recipe always brings back memories of casual family dinners where we all grabbed shells from the baking dish, piling on extra salsa for a little extra kick.
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven to keep the cheese melty without drying out the shells. To freeze, wrap the baked dish tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe container or zipper bag for up to three months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Ingredient Substitutions
Ground turkey or chicken are excellent lean alternatives to ground beef if you want a lighter dish. For a vegetarian version, swap the meat for cooked black beans or lentils and increase the salsa for moisture. You can use a different cheese blend such as cheddar and Monterey Jack if Mexican blend is not available, just make sure it melts well.
Serving Suggestions
Top with fresh chopped cilantro, sliced jalapenos, or diced avocado for added freshness and texture. Serve alongside a crisp green salad or Mexican street corn for a festive meal. A dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of lime brightens the rich flavors perfectly.
Cultural Context
This dish celebrates a fun fusion between Italian and Mexican cuisines, combining classic pasta with flavorful taco-inspired fillings. Stuffed pasta shells are a beloved Italian comfort food, and adding taco seasoning gives it a south-of-the-border twist making it playful and familiar at the same time. It’s a great example of how recipes evolve when different traditions meet in the kitchen.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I prevent pasta shells from sticking after cooking?
Cook shells until just firm (al dente), then gently separate and lay them on a lightly greased or floured surface to cool. Avoid stacking while warm.
- → Can I use other types of cheese instead of Mexican blend?
Yes, cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack work well for melting and add a tasty twist.
- → What ensures the beef filling stays creamy?
Adding cream cheese while the beef is hot helps it melt smoothly, giving the filling a rich, creamy texture.
- → Is it necessary to bake the shells after filling?
Baking melts the cheese topping and melds flavors, while warming the dish evenly for a better texture and taste.
- → Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it in advance and refrigerate before baking, just add extra baking time if chilled.