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    Home » Updates

    Taco Stuffed Shells Casserole

    Modified: Aug 2, 2024 · Published: May 15, 2024 by Vicky · 8 Comments · Post contains affiliate links

    97 shares
    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video

    We are all busy these days. Whether you are juggling a 9-to-5, or running from one activity to the next, when it comes to dinner, you want something easy that will keep your family happy. Enter this Taco Stuffed Shells Casserole! This is one of my favorite casserole recipes!

    This dish packs all the flavors of taco night into one easy-to-make casserole that's sure to become a family favorite. This dinner combines the hearty flavor of beef tacos with the deliciousness of shell pasta, creating a meal that's sure to please the entire family!

    taco stuffed shells casserole pin
    Jump to:
    • Taco Stuffed Shells
    • Stuffed Shells Recipes
    • Ingredients For Taco Stuffed Shells Casserole
    • How to Make Beef Taco Stuffed Shells
    • How To Make The Best Taco-Stuffed Shells Recipe
    • FAQs For Stuffed Taco Casserole
    • The Best Taco Recipes
    • Must-Have Casserole Tools
    • Mexican Recipes With Ground Beef
    • 📖 Recipe

    Taco Stuffed Shells

    Taco Tuesday just got an upgrade! This Taco Stuffed Shells Casserole combines the best of the comforting richness of stuffed shells and the zesty kick of a beef taco. It's one of our favorite beef recipes.

    If you are a busy parent, this recipe solves the common problem of finding a dinner that's quick, nutritious, and something the whole family will eat without complaint.

    Mexican stuffed shells are easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and can even be made ahead of time. For a different flavor profile, try these Ricotta Stuffed Shells.

    Stuffed Shells Recipes

    I loved making stuffed shells recipes and have made them in many iterations. They are one of my favorite comfort foods! Whether you prefer classic Italian fillings or unique twists, check out these fun ways to prepare this versatile pasta:

    • Stuffed Shells Recipe
    • Chicken Taco Stuffed Shells
    • Spinach Stuffed Shells
    • Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

    Ingredients For Taco Stuffed Shells Casserole

    • Ground Beef - Adds some filling protein to the dish. 85% lean ground beef provides good flavor without being overly fatty.
    • Taco Seasoning Mix: You can use homemade taco seasoning or use a store bought seasoning to add taco flavor.
    • Salsa: Adds a juicy, zesty kick. Use a mild salsa if you prefer less spice.
    • Cheddar & Monterey Jack Cheese: Shredded for that cheesy goodness. You can also use a Mexican cheese blend.
    • Green Chilies: Adds a subtle spice to the dish.
    • Jumbo Pasta Shells: You will be cooking these before you add the filling.
    • Optional Toppings: Customize this recipe by adding tomatoes, avocado, or cilantro.
    Ingredients for Taco Stuffed Shells Casserole

    How to Make Beef Taco Stuffed Shells

    Cook the pasta shells according to the package directions and strain. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9x13 baking dish. Next, take a big skillet and cook the ground beef on medium-high heat until it's no longer pink. Drain the grease and throw in some taco seasoning and salsa to give it a kick.

    Cook it all together until it is heated through. Take it off the heat and mix in some of the shredded cheese and some diced green chilies for that extra zing.

    Now, grab that jumbo shell pasta you boiled and stuff it full with the meat mixture. Tuck it all nice and cozy into the baking pan.

    ground beef
    ground beef with taco seasonings and salsa in bowl
    shell stuffed with seasoned beef
    beef stuffed shells in cassserole dish

    Sprinkle the remainder of the cheese over the dish, because you can never have too much cheese. Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake until the cheese is all gooey and bubbly. At the end of the cooking time, remove the foil and let it bake until the cheese turns golden.

    cheese on casserole
    stuffed shells with meat and melted cheese

    When this comes out of the oven, it is ready to personalize. You can add some chopped tomatoes, avocado, a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of cilantro.

    baking dish with stuffed shells

    How To Make The Best Taco-Stuffed Shells Recipe

    Tip 1: You can cook the shells in advance, then fill them with ground meat and bake them when you're ready. If you do this, spray the cooked pasta shells with olive oil after they have been drained to prevent them from sticking.

    Tip 2: Cook up some extra shells because some can break during the cooking/stuffing process.

    Tip 3: Set out a toppings bar with olives, avocado, and diced tomatoes. This way, everyone can customize their dish!

    taco stuffed shells casserole

    FAQs For Stuffed Taco Casserole

    How Can I Make Taco Stuffed Shells Healthier?

    This recipe can be made healthier if you substitute lean ground turkey for the beef. This reduces the overall fat content and provides a leaner protein source.

    You can also add veggies like peppers and onions, which add more vitamins and fiber to the dish. Whole wheat shells instead of regular pasta are an easy substitution. Using low-fat cheese is another healthier option.

    Can I Make Stuffed Shells Ahead of Time?

    Yes you can! Prepare the dish according to the directions and before they are set to bake, wrap them tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Then refrigerate for up to 2 days before cooking. When you are ready to bake just follow the directions for baking.

    If you want to prep these and then freeze them, follow the directions above and freeze them for up to 3 months. Before baking, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

    How Do You Store Taco Stuffed Shells?

    To store leftovers, cover your baking dish tightly with foil or transfer them to an airtight container.

    Pop them in the refrigerator, and they'll be good for up to 3-4 days. When you're ready to enjoy them again, reheat the shells in the microwave or in the oven until they're warm and bubbly.

    The Best Taco Recipes

    Now, if you are looking for more yummy taco-inspired recipes, you have come to the right place. Here are some of our favorites - great for Taco Tuesday or any day!

    • Chicken Arabian Taco Recipe
    • Chicken Taco Pasta Bake
    • Easy Taco Pizza
    • Easy Instant Pot Taco Meat Recipe

    Must-Have Casserole Tools

    To make this casserole, you'll need a skillet for cooking the ground beef, a 9x13-inch baking dish, and a stock pot for cooking pasta shells. Need to upgrade your kitchen tools? You can find all these on Amazon. They're just a click away from being delivered right to your door.

    Pyrex Deep 9x13-Inch Glass Baking Dish with Lid, Deep Casserole Dish, Glass Food Container, Oven, Freezer and Microwave Safe, Clear ContainerPyrex Deep 9x13-Inch Glass Baking Dish with Lid, Deep Casserole Dish, Glass Food Container, Oven, Freezer and Microwave Safe, Clear ContainerPyrex Deep 9x13-Inch Glass Baking Dish with Lid, Deep Casserole Dish, Glass Food Container, Oven, Freezer and Microwave Safe, Clear ContainerMora 9x13in Porcelain Baking Dish - Oven to Table, Freezer SafeMora 9x13in Porcelain Baking Dish - Oven to Table, Freezer SafeMora 9x13in Porcelain Baking Dish - Oven to Table, Freezer SafeFarberware Enamel on Steel Stock Pot/Stockpot with Lid - 16 Quart, Aqua BlueFarberware Enamel on Steel Stock Pot/Stockpot with Lid - 16 Quart, Aqua BlueFarberware Enamel on Steel Stock Pot/Stockpot with Lid - 16 Quart, Aqua BlueJYGMCO Colanders with Wood Handle - Kitchen Essential Metal Strainers & Colanders,Large Strainer Perfect for Pasta, Fruits, and More Food (Milky White 5.5 QT)JYGMCO Colanders with Wood Handle - Kitchen Essential Metal Strainers & Colanders,Large Strainer Perfect for Pasta, Fruits, and More Food (Milky White 5.5 QT)JYGMCO Colanders with Wood Handle - Kitchen Essential Metal Strainers & Colanders,Large Strainer Perfect for Pasta, Fruits, and More Food (Milky White 5.5 QT)HiramWare Stainless Steel Colander With Handle and Legs, Large Metal Pink Strainer for Pasta, Spaghetti, Berry, Veggies, Fruits, Noodles, Salads, 5-quart 10.5HiramWare Stainless Steel Colander With Handle and Legs, Large Metal Pink Strainer for Pasta, Spaghetti, Berry, Veggies, Fruits, Noodles, Salads, 5-quart 10.5" Kitchen Mesh Colander, Dishwasher SafeHiramWare Stainless Steel Colander With Handle and Legs, Large Metal Pink Strainer for Pasta, Spaghetti, Berry, Veggies, Fruits, Noodles, Salads, 5-quart 10.5[10 Pack] Glass Meal Prep Containers, Food Storage Containers with Lids Airtight, Glass Lunch Boxes, Microwave, Oven, Freezer and Dishwasher Safe[10 Pack] Glass Meal Prep Containers, Food Storage Containers with Lids Airtight, Glass Lunch Boxes, Microwave, Oven, Freezer and Dishwasher Safe[10 Pack] Glass Meal Prep Containers, Food Storage Containers with Lids Airtight, Glass Lunch Boxes, Microwave, Oven, Freezer and Dishwasher Safe

     

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    📖 Recipe

    Taco Stuffed Shells Casserole

    Vicky
    Taco Stuffed Shells Casserole are where the goodness of tacos meets the hearty comfort of pasta shells, whipping up a yummy dinner that's bound to win over the entire family.
    5 from 4 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 20 minutes mins
    Cook Time 30 minutes mins
    Total Time 50 minutes mins
    Course casserole
    Cuisine American
    Servings 6
    Calories 576 kcal

    Video

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 pound ground beef
    • 1.25 oz taco seasoning mix
    • 1 cup salsa
    • 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
    • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese shredded
    • 4 oz diced green chilies 1 can, drained
    • 12 oz jumbo pasta shells 12 ounces jumbo pasta shells, cooked according to package instructions
    • Optional toppings: chopped tomatoes diced avocado, sour cream, chopped cilantro

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish and set aside.
    • Boil water and cook pasta shells according to package directions. Drain and set aside. You can spray with olive oil to prevent them from sticking together.
    • Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, cooking until browned and no longer pink. Drain to remove excess grease from the skillet.
    • Add the taco seasoning mix and salsa to skillet. Stir and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until heated through and combined.
    • Remove skillet from heat and stir in ½ cup of each kind of shredded cheese. Stir in the diced green chilies.
    • Scoop the beef mixture into the cooked pasta shells, generously filling each shell. Place the filled shells in the greased baking dish.
    • Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the shells.
    • Cover the baking pan with aluminum foil and bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
    • Remove the foil from the pan and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese has browned slightly.
    • Garnish with your choice of toppings, such as chopped tomatoes, diced avocado, sour cream, or chopped cilantro.

    Notes

    • Cook extra pasta shells because some may break during the cooking process.
    • Let everyone customize their toppings. Set out sour cream, cilantro, olives, avocado, and diced tomatoes. 
    This nutritional information is approximate and was calculated using online calculators. Your nutritional information may vary depending on numerous factors.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 576kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 30gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 13gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 89mgSodium: 1053mgPotassium: 508mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 1118IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 317mgIron: 3mg
    Keyword Taco Stuffed Shells Casserole
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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    Comments

      5 from 4 votes

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Heather says

      May 15, 2024 at 5:50 pm

      5 stars
      Quick and easy dinner the whole family loves! So flavorful and a breeze to whip up too, thank you!

      Reply
      • Vicky says

        May 16, 2024 at 2:46 pm

        So glad you all loved these Mexican Stuffed Shells!

        Reply
    2. Elisa says

      May 15, 2024 at 5:22 pm

      5 stars
      Love this Taco Stuffed Shells Casserole recipe, can't wait to try it for dinner. We love pasta and tacos!! Thanks for sharing 🙂

      Reply
      • Vicky says

        May 16, 2024 at 2:47 pm

        Pasta and tacos fillings are a great combination!

        Reply
    3. DK says

      May 15, 2024 at 5:20 pm

      5 stars
      What a great idea! I love the concept of stuffing these large shells with taco fillings!

      Reply
      • Vicky says

        May 16, 2024 at 2:47 pm

        Thank you! I hope you love this easy dinner!

        Reply
    4. Liz says

      May 15, 2024 at 4:44 pm

      5 stars
      I made these stuffed shells for a potluck and they were a huge hit! I'll def make them again!

      Reply
      • Vicky says

        May 16, 2024 at 2:48 pm

        So happy to hear everyone loved these pasta shells stuffed with taco filling!

        Reply
    Vicky from Mess for Less

    I'm Vicky, the founder of Mess For Less, which I started in 2011 to share easy, family-friendly recipes. With over a decade of experience as a home chef and recipe developer, I love creating meals that bring people together. I also design play and learning activities for kids, using my background as a former teacher with a Master’s degree in education. Learn more about me.

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