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TACO STUFFED SHELLS

by Olivia
TACO STUFFED SHELLS

Taco stuffed shells is a delicious and creative take on traditional tacos. The recipe combines the flavors of seasoned ground beef, salsa, cheese, and other ingredients with jumbo pasta shells, which are then baked to perfection. This dish has all the elements of classic tacos but with a fun and unique presentation. It’s perfect for those who love tacos but are looking for a new and exciting way to enjoy them. The recipe is easy to follow and can be customized to suit different tastes and preferences.

TACO STUFFED SHELLS

TACO STUFFED SHELLS

The origin of the taco stuffed shells recipe is not clear, as it is a modern twist on traditional Mexican tacos and Italian stuffed shells. However, it has become a popular dish in recent years, and many food bloggers and recipe creators have added their own unique spins on the recipe. It is likely that the recipe emerged as a result of the desire to combine the flavors and ingredients of two popular and beloved dishes.

Taco stuffed shells are a popular dish, especially in the United States. This recipe combines the flavors of tacos with the classic Italian dish of stuffed shells, resulting in a unique and flavorful meal. It has gained popularity in recent years due to its ease of preparation and versatility, as it can be customized with various fillings and toppings. It is a great option for weeknight dinners or a crowd-pleasing dish at potlucks and gatherings.

TACO STUFFED SHELLS

TACO STUFFED SHELLS

 

Here is the list of ingredients for this Taco Stuffed Shells : 

  • Jumbo pasta shells
  • 1 pound 90% lean ground beef
  • 1 onion
  • 1 bell pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 cup salsa
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese

How to make Lemon Taco Stuffed Shells : 

  1. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Preheat the oven to 375 F and grease a casserole dish.
  3. In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, onion, bell pepper, and garlic until the meat is browned, stirring occasionally.
  4. Add the diced tomatoes, taco seasoning, and 1/4 cup of water to the skillet. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Spread half of the salsa in the casserole dish.
  6. Stuff the cooked pasta shells with the beef mixture and place them in the casserole dish.
  7. Pour the remaining salsa over the stuffed shells and sprinkle the shredded cheeses on top.
  8. Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  9. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  10. Serve hot and enjoy!
TACO STUFFED SHELLS

TACO STUFFED SHELLS

 

Ideas for changing up the Taco Stuffed Shells recipe:

  1. Use a different type of meat: If you’re not a fan of ground beef, you can try using ground turkey, chicken, or pork instead.
  2. Add some heat: If you like your food a little spicier, you can add some diced jalapenos to the meat mixture or use a spicier taco seasoning.
  3. Experiment with different cheeses: While cheddar and Monterey Jack are the traditional choices, you can mix things up by using a blend of different cheeses like Colby, pepper jack, or queso fresco.
  4. Swap out the pasta shells: Instead of using jumbo pasta shells, you can try using smaller shells, manicotti tubes, or even tortillas.
  5. Add some veggies: If you want to add more vegetables to the recipe, you can mix in some diced zucchini, corn, or black beans to the meat mixture or use diced tomatoes and peppers as a topping.
  6. Serve with toppings: Top the stuffed shells with sour cream, guacamole, or chopped fresh cilantro for a little extra flavor and texture.

Some suggestions for different fillings you can use for taco stuffed shells:

  1. Shredded Chicken: Cook and shred some chicken breasts and mix with taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, and some cheddar cheese.
  2. Vegetarian: For a vegetarian option, you can use a filling of black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, green chilies, and some shredded cheddar cheese.
  3. Ground Turkey: Instead of ground beef, you can use ground turkey for a leaner option. Mix with taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, and some Mexican cheese blend.
  4. Shrimp: Mix cooked and chopped shrimp with some garlic, chili powder, diced tomatoes, and some Monterey Jack cheese.
  5. Refried Beans: For a different twist, use refried beans as a filling instead of meat. Mix with diced tomatoes, green chilies, and some Mexican cheese blend.

Common Questions About taco stuffed shells:

What do you serve with taco stuffed shells?

Taco stuffed shells are a filling and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed on its own, but you can also serve it with some side dishes to balance out the meal. Here are some ideas for what to serve with taco stuffed shells:

  1. Salad: A simple green salad or a Mexican-inspired salad with avocado, corn, and black beans is a great side dish to serve with taco stuffed shells.
  2. Guacamole: A fresh and creamy guacamole is always a good idea to serve with Mexican-inspired dishes.
  3. Salsa and chips: Set out a bowl of tortilla chips and some salsa for a light and easy side dish.
  4. Refried beans: Refried beans are a classic Mexican side dish that goes well with taco stuffed shells.
  5. Rice: A side of Mexican rice is a filling and delicious option to serve with taco stuffed shells.
  6. Roasted vegetables: Roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and onions are a healthy and flavorful side dish to complement the rich flavors of the taco stuffed shells.
  7. Corn on the cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob is a simple and delicious side dish that pairs well with tacos.

Can you make taco stuffed shells with chicken?

Yes, you can make taco stuffed shells with chicken. Simply substitute ground chicken for ground beef in the recipe and follow the instructions as usual. You can also experiment with different types of cheese or vegetables to customize the recipe to your taste.

 

Can you make taco stuffed shells with pulled meat?

Yes, you can make taco stuffed shells with pulled meat such as pulled pork or pulled chicken. Simply substitute the ground beef with your choice of pulled meat and follow the rest of the recipe as directed. You can also adjust the seasoning and spices to your taste.

Check out the printable recipe below and let me know what you think about taco stuffed shells (comments below).

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TACO STUFFED SHELLS

TACO STUFFED SHELLS

Taco stuffed shells is a delicious and creative take on traditional tacos.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 6 Servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • Jumbo pasta shells
  • 1 pound 90% lean ground beef
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 cup salsa
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Preheat the oven to 375 F and grease a casserole dish.
  3. In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, onion, bell pepper, and garlic until the meat is browned, stirring occasionally.
  4. Add the diced tomatoes, taco seasoning, and 1/4 cup of water to the skillet. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Spread half of the salsa in the casserole dish.
  6. Stuff the cooked pasta shells with the beef mixture and place them in the casserole dish.
  7. Pour the remaining salsa over the stuffed shells and sprinkle the shredded cheeses on top.
  8. Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  9. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  10. Serve hot and enjoy!
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch,
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size:
  • Calories: 2765
  • Sugar: 44.5 g
  • Sodium: 3935.5 mg
  • Fat: 94.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 496.9 g
  • Protein: 101.1 g
  • Cholesterol: 248.2 mg

Keywords: TACO STUFFED SHELLS

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