{"id":43057,"date":"2018-01-01T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2017-09-09T00:20:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/origin-www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/taco-stuffed-pasta-shells\/"},"modified":"2024-09-10T21:32:48","modified_gmt":"2024-09-11T02:32:48","slug":"taco-stuffed-pasta-shells","status":"publish","type":"recipe","link":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/taco-stuffed-pasta-shells\/","title":{"rendered":"Taco Stuffed Shells"},"content":{"rendered":"
Are you looking for something new to add to the pasta-night rotation, but you’re worried about your picky eaters? These flavor-filled taco stuffed shells are your answer. This simple fusion recipe will have the family in awe of your creative culinary skills as they dig into this cheesy, reimagined pasta dish.<\/p>\n
Taco stuffed shells can be prepared, baked and on the dinner table in under an hour. Better yet, if there’s a busy night ahead, this recipe can be prepped in advance, cutting that time down to just 20 to 25 minutes of baking on the night you’re going to serve.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Preheat the oven to 350\u00b0F. Cook the pasta according to the package directions. We recommend cooking it until it’s slightly firm to the bite, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Drain and rinse the pasta in cold water, then drain it again.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n In a large skillet, cook and crumble the beef over medium-high heat until it’s no longer pink, six to eight minutes.<\/p>\n Stir in the chili powder, cream cheese and 1\/2 cup of the taco sauce. Add 1\/4 cup of the shredded cheese, and stir until all the ingredients are blended.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the filling into each pasta shell. Place the stuffed shells on a greased 11×7-inch baking dish, then top them with the remaining taco sauce.<\/p>\n Editor’s Tip:\u00a0<\/em>As an alternative to using a spoon to stuff the pasta, you can make a piping bag. Simply add the filling to a large zipper bag, snip off one corner, then pipe the contents directly into the shells.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Cover and bake the dish until heated through, 20 to 25 minutes. Uncover and sprinkle the dish with the remaining cheese, then bake again, uncovered, until the cheese is melted, about five minutes. Sprinkle with crumbled tortilla chips before serving.<\/p>\n On the off-chance you have any leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The pasta can be reheated in the microwave for a couple of minutes or in a 350\u00ba oven for 10 to 12 minutes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Yes. Simply follow the recipe, but omit the final step of baking and sprinkling the cheese. Store the prepared stuffed shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to heat and eat, follow Step 5 and bake as directed.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Definitely. When the filling has cooled completely, but before baking, place the taco stuffed shells in an airtight, freezer safe container and into the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to have them for dinner, thaw the shells in the refrigerator, then follow Step 5 to bake and finish.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Taco stuffed shells can be made gluten-free simply by subbing gluten-free jumbo shells. Nowadays, there are many options for people with gluten sensitivity. Fortunately, several brands make jumbo conchiglioni gluten-free. Try searching online if you have trouble finding it a your supermarket.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n To avoid your pasta shells turning into crispy taco shells, make sure they’re well covered in sauce before placing them in the oven. Another tip is saucing the bottom of the baking dish instead of using cooking spray.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n These stuffed taco shells will pair well with a simple green salad, but if you want to impress, try serving them with a Mexican street corn salad<\/a> or a sweet and tangy jicama slaw<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Taco stuffed shells are a welcome twist on Taco Tuesday,\u00c4\u00eeeasy to make, with results that are sure to please. Make it once, and this recipe just may end up with its very own weeknight slot.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7061,"featured_media":2110926,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"ep_exclude_from_search":false},"tags":[306302,303971,304162,307308,305883,304328,305271,304292,305487,304338,304515,304343,304180,303966,307320,304988,305004,304368,303887,306848,304268,307307,305383,305374,307514,306297,324623,306332,304560,305923,304150,303883],"categories-v2":[312163,308500,309439,310347,311533,311532,308988,308984,308481,309216,308305,310796,308992,308880,308993,309462,308495,310362,311542,308935,308951,308745,308478,309603,259483,310342,309391,309381,310497,312156,309177,312193,308915,311617,309434,308476],"coauthors":[343539],"recommended_recipes":[{"post_title":"Mexican Stuffed Shells","post_link":"\/recipes\/mexican-stuffed-shells\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps18045_LT10286D29C.jpg"},{"post_title":"Enchilada Stuffed 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Stuffed Shells","datePublished":"2018-01-01","dateModified":"2024-09-10","prepTime":"PT25M","cookTime":"PT25M","totalTime":"PT50M","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Taco-Stuffed-Shells_EXPS_TOHD24_36287_ChristineMa_11.jpg","height":1200,"width":1200},"recipeCategory":["Dinner"],"description":"Taco stuffed shells are a welcome twist on Taco Tuesday\u2014easy to make, with results that are sure to please. Make it once, and this recipe just may end up with its very own weeknight slot.","recipeIngredient":["18 uncooked jumbo pasta shells","1-1\/2 pounds lean ground beef (90% lean)","2 teaspoons chili powder","3 ounces fat-free cream cheese, cubed","1 bottle (16 ounces) taco sauce, divided","3\/4 cup shredded reduced-fat Mexican cheese blend, divided","20 baked tortilla chip scoops, coarsely crushed"],"recipeInstructions":[{"@type":"HowToStep","text":"Preheat oven to 350\u00b0. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse in cold water; drain again."},{"@type":"HowToStep","text":"Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook and crumble beef over medium-high heat until no longer pink, 6-8 minutes. Stir in chili powder, cream cheese and 1\/2 cup taco sauce until blended. Stir in 1\/4 cup shredded cheese."},{"@type":"HowToStep","text":"Spoon about 2 tablespoons filling into each shell. Place in an 11x7-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Top with remaining taco sauce."},{"@type":"HowToStep","text":"Bake, covered, until heated through, 20-25 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining cheese; bake, uncovered, until cheese is melted, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle with chips."}],"recipeYield":"6 servings","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Jim Hoffman"}],"nutrition":{"@type":"NutritionInformation","calories":" 384 calories","fatContent":"13g fat (5g saturated fat)","cholesterolContent":"67mg cholesterol","sodiumContent":"665mg sodium","carbohydrateContent":"33g carbohydrate (4g sugars","fiberContent":"3g fiber)","proteinContent":"33g protein. "},"aggregateRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"AggregateRating","ratingValue":4.7941175,"reviewCount":34,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5},"recipeCuisine":"North America, Mexican","video":{"@type":"VideoObject","name":"Taco Stuffed Pasta Shells","description":"We make taco stuffed pasta shells.","thumbnailUrl":["https:\/\/tmbidigitalassetsazure.blob.core.windows.net\/wpthumbnailsprod\/OO%20QT%20Taco%20Stuffed%20Pasta%20Shells%2020230313%20EG_thumbnail.jpeg"],"uploadDate":"2023-03-14 02:12:15","duration":"P0DT0H0M51S","contentUrl":"https:\/\/videodam.tmbi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/OO-QT-Taco-Stuffed-Pasta-Shells-20230313-EG.mp4"},"review":[{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2022-06-29","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"Brenda100"},"reviewBody":"My husband loved this, but we both thought I could have doubled the taco sauce that was poured over before putting it in the oven.","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2023-09-03","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"Casimira"},"reviewBody":" I made this recipe thinking we'd just try something new and that was it. I did not anticipate LOVING the dish because of the cream cheese addition to it. I thought it'd be too rich for us, but on the contrary. It was absolutely delicious!!!! We like to add Tex Mex dishes to our rotation of prepare ahead meals, this one is definitely in the rotation. <\/p>","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2021-04-07","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"CyanHammer"},"reviewBody":"Great meal. I added more cheese to the ground beef when cooking and more cheese when baking.","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2018-10-24","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"wintermom9597"},"reviewBody":"Delicious recipe as written! I would, next time, add some diced onion to the meat when I brown it (I used ground turkey breast) and I would sprinkle sliced green onions on top when it comes out of the oven.","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":4,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2012-01-13","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"melissagossard"},"reviewBody":"My kids love this!!","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2020-10-10","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"Sheila Lynn","givenName":"Sheila","familyName":"Lynn"},"reviewBody":"My family loves this meal, it is a favorite dish at potlucks as well, I add ground Cumin for a more taco flavor and have used half chorizo or sausage at times. Always a hit at our house","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2014-01-22","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"Jaimedee29"},"reviewBody":"I love this recipe, I followed it exactly and it came out great. I liked the crunch the chips added but they didn't add too much flavor so they aren't really necessary. I saved extra to chips to use on the leftovers since they got soggy in the fridge.","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2015-06-21","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"PrplMonky5"},"reviewBody":"My husband really liked this but I thought it was just ok. I think maybe next time I'll cut back on the meat and add some veggies (like maybe some corn or chopped bell pepper). We actually tried it with chicken and it all worked out fine. Will update my review when we try it again and use ground beef.","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":4,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2017-09-19","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"ajsod"},"reviewBody":"Excellent recipe and a great freezer meal! Definitely worth the time it took to stuff the shells.","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2015-05-07","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"angieact1"},"reviewBody":"I made this the day before and then baked it the next day. We really liked it","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2011-01-17","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"tlewis5172"},"reviewBody":"My Husband and son couldnt get enough made a 13x9pan and there is only 2 shells left wow what a great hit and a new edition will make this again.","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2015-11-03","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"daisymae44"},"reviewBody":"The grandkids loved it and it was simple to make.","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2015-06-15","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"muffbear74"},"reviewBody":"Yum! My husband was amused by the \"Mexican stuffed shells\", but we both liked them a lot. I didn't change a thing, except I didn't use the crushed tortilla scoops.","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2015-04-19","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"DRSchmitgall"},"reviewBody":"Excellent and have made it multiple times!","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2015-05-27","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"Katz6703"},"reviewBody":"its official! my son gave this dish his stamp of approval as the best Mexican dish he's ever eaten and he actually rushed home to eat the leftovers before anyone else could get to it. I made it exactly as written and it was delish!","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2015-05-29","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"Lyndamr09"},"reviewBody":"This was very tasty. I used ground turkey and added a packet of taco seasoning to give it more flavor. I didn't have taco sauce so I used salsa. The only thing I would do different next time is I would make it a casserole to save time stuffing the shells. I am going to use al dente rotini and mix with turkey mixture and bake as indicated and then add the cheese and broken tortillas and bake until cheese is melted. I think it will be just as good and not so much work.","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":4,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2019-04-10","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"dilbert098"},"reviewBody":"Yum and quick","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2010-10-12","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"Tanya1968"},"reviewBody":"Delicious! I scaled this down to 2 servings for just me and my husband and it was a big hit. It was easy to prepare, had good flavor, and I especially like the fact that it is lower in fat. We had it last week and I am making it again tonight. This one is going into regular rotation!","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2011-08-30","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"kengrants"},"reviewBody":"They tasted pretty good, but it takes too much time to prepare. I didn't like having to stand there filling each shell and then you still have to bake it for another 30 mins. Also, the picture makes the shells look bigger than they really are. I think next time I'll lay lasagna noodles in the pan and just spread the beef mixture over top of those. That would make the whole process way faster! This recipe is just too time consuming and they're really not worth it.","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":3,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}}]},"video":{"title":"Taco Stuffed Pasta Shells","description":"We make taco stuffed pasta shells.","url":"https:\/\/videodam.tmbi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/OO-QT-Taco-Stuffed-Pasta-Shells-20230313-EG.mp4","duration":"51","mime_type":"video\/mp4","thumbnail_url":"https:\/\/videodam.tmbi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/square-16.jpg","advertising":true,"jw_id":"H5AnuRtb","jw_url":"http:\/\/content.jwplatform.com\/videos\/H5AnuRtb-Uot7Fvi8.mp4","jw_thmub_url":"http:\/\/content.jwplatform.com\/v2\/media\/H5AnuRtb\/poster.jpg?width=720","jw_publish_date":"03\/14\/2023"},"rms_legacy_id":"36287","romance_copy_dek":"Taco stuffed shells are a welcome twist on Taco Tuesday\u2014easy to make, with results that are sure to please. 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Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 350\u00b0. Cover casserole with foil; bake as directed, increasing time as necessary to heat through and for a thermometer inserted in center to read 165\u00b0. Top with cheese and chips as directed.","FreezerDirectionsTitle":"Can you freeze Taco Stuffed Pasta Shells?","HTMLTitle":null,"RecipeVersionNumber":null,"WorkflowStatusId":9,"Directions":[{"Direction":"Preheat oven to 350\u00b0. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse in cold water; drain again.","SequenceNo":1},{"Direction":" Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook and crumble beef over medium-high heat until no longer pink, 6-8 minutes. Stir in chili powder, cream cheese and 1\/2 cup taco sauce until blended. Stir in 1\/4 cup shredded cheese.","SequenceNo":2},{"Direction":" Spoon about 2 tablespoons filling into each shell. Place in an 11x7-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. 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","NoOfRatings":34,"GoogleImage16x9":"https:\/\/cdn3.tmbi.com\/toh\/GoogleImages\/Taco-Stuffed-Shells_EXPS_TOHD24_36287_ChristineMa_11.jpg","GoogleImage4x3":"https:\/\/cdn3.tmbi.com\/toh\/GoogleImagesPostCard\/Taco-Stuffed-Shells_EXPS_TOHD24_36287_ChristineMa_11.jpg","DefaultImageYn":false,"NativeRecipeTemplate":false,"IsMsn":false,"PinterestImage":"","CarouselImages":[],"SponsorLogoImage":"","SponsorID":"","GlobalCookingTips":[],"RecipeSpecificCookingTips":[]},"breadcrumb":[{"term_id":310796,"name":"Dishes & Beverages","slug":"dishes-beverages","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":310731,"taxonomy":"categories-v2","description":"Wondering what to make? 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Find baked pasta recipes including baked penne pasta, baked pasta casserole, and more baked pasta recipes.","parent":312156,"count":680,"filter":"raw","term_order":"0","url":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/dishes-beverages\/pasta-dishes\/baked-pasta\/"}],"meta_data":{"enhanced_fields":{"enhanced_recipe_title":"Taco Stuffed Shells"}},"analytics":[],"yoast_head":"\nChristine Ma for Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Step 2: Cook the meat<\/h3>\n
Christine Ma for Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
Step 3: Create the filling<\/h3>\n
Christine Ma for Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
Step 4: Stuff and assemble the shells<\/h3>\n
Christine Ma for Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Step 5: Bake the shells<\/h3>\n
Christine Ma for Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Christine Ma for Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Taco Stuffed Shell Variations<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
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How to Store Taco Stuffed Shells<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
Can you make this taco stuffed shells recipe ahead of time?<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
Can you freeze taco stuffed shells?<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
Taco Stuffed Shell Tips<\/h2>\n
Christine Ma for Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Can taco stuffed shells be made gluten-free?<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
How do I keep the pasta shells from getting crunchy in the oven?<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
What can I serve with taco stuffed shells?<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n