Best 10 Taco Pasta Shells Recipes

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**Taco Pasta Shells: A Flavorful Fusion of Mexican and Italian Cuisine**

Indulge in a culinary adventure that harmoniously blends the vibrant flavors of Mexican and Italian cuisine. Taco pasta shells, a delightful fusion dish, offer a unique and tantalizing taste experience. These jumbo pasta shells are generously filled with a savory taco filling, made with seasoned ground beef, zesty salsa, and aromatic taco seasoning. The shells are then smothered in a rich and creamy cheese sauce, creating a delectable combination of textures and flavors. Whether you prefer a classic beef filling or crave a vegetarian option, this recipe provides variations to suit every palate. Additionally, the article offers a delightful twist with a recipe for taco pasta salad, a refreshing combination of pasta, taco-spiced beef or tofu, crunchy vegetables, and a tangy dressing. For those seeking a delightful appetizer or snack, the recipe for taco pasta bites is a perfect choice. These bite-sized treats feature a crispy wonton wrapper filled with taco-seasoned meat or tofu, cheese, and salsa, resulting in a delightful explosion of flavors in every bite. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that celebrates the best of both worlds, where the bold flavors of Mexican spices dance harmoniously with the comforting embrace of Italian pasta.

Let's cook with our recipes!

TACO STUFFED PASTA SHELLS



Taco Stuffed Pasta Shells image

Here's a kid-friendly dish so flavorful and fun, nobody is likely to guess that it's also lower in fat. It's a great family supper for busy weeknights! -Anne Thomsen, Westchester, Ohio

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 50m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 7

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

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse in cold water; drain again., 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., Spoon about 2 tablespoons filling into each shell. Place in an 11x7-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Top with remaining taco sauce., Bake, covered, until heated through, 20-25 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining cheese; bake, uncovered, until cheese is melted, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle with chips., Freeze option: Cool unbaked casserole; cover and freeze. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 350°. Cover casserole with foil; bake as directed, increasing time as necessary to heat through and for a thermometer inserted in center to read 165°. Top with cheese and chips as directed.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 384 calories, Fat 13g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 67mg cholesterol, Sodium 665mg sodium, Carbohydrate 33g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 33g protein.

TACO-FILLED PASTA SHELLS



Taco-Filled Pasta Shells image

I've been stuffing pasta shells with different fillings for years, but my family enjoys this version with taco-seasoned meat the most. The frozen shells are so convenient, because you can take out only the number you need for a single-serving lunch or family dinner. Just add zippy taco sauce and bake. -Marge Hodel, Roanoke, Illinois

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h5m

Yield 2 casseroles (6 servings each).

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 pounds ground beef
2 envelopes taco seasoning
1-1/2 cups water
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, cubed
24 uncooked jumbo pasta shells
1/4 cup butter, melted
ADDITIONAL INGREDIENTS (for each casserole):
1 cup salsa
1 cup taco sauce
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1-1/2 cups crushed tortilla chips
1 cup sour cream
3 green onions, chopped

Steps:

  • In a Dutch oven, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Stir in taco seasoning and water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes. Stir in cream cheese until melted. Transfer to a bowl; cool. Chill for 1 hour., Cook pasta according to package directions; drain. Gently toss with butter. Fill each shell with about 3 tablespoons of meat mixture. Place 12 half of shells in a freezer container. Cover and freeze for up to 3 months. , To prepare remaining shells, spoon 1 cup salsa into a greased 9-in. square baking dish. Top with remaining stuffed shells and 1 cup taco sauce. Cover and bake at 350° for 30 minutes. Uncover; sprinkle with 1 cup each of cheeses and 1-1/2 cups chips. Bake 15 minutes longer or until heated through. Serve with sour cream and onions. , Freeze option: To use frozen shells, thaw in the refrigerator for 24 hours (shells will be partially frozen). Spoon 1 cup salsa into a greased 9-in. square baking dish; top with shells and 1 cup taco sauce. Cover and bake at 350° for 40 minutes. Uncover. Sprinkle with 1 cup each of cheeses and 1-1/2 cups chips; proceed as directed.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 492 calories, Fat 31g fat (16g saturated fat), Cholesterol 98mg cholesterol, Sodium 982mg sodium, Carbohydrate 29g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 23g protein.

TACO STUFFED PASTA SHELLS



Taco Stuffed Pasta Shells image

Make and share this Taco Stuffed Pasta Shells recipe from Food.com.

Provided by LMillerRN

Categories     Pasta Shells

Time 1h

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

16 large dried pasta shells, prepared according to package directions, rinsed and drained
1 lb extra lean ground beef
1 (1 1/4 ounce) package taco seasoning mix
1 cup water
1 (16 ounce) can refried black beans
1 cup shredded low-fat cheddar cheese, divided
1 (16 ounce) jar salsa, divided (mild)
1/4 cup sliced green onion
sour cream (optional)

Steps:

  • PREHEAT oven to 350°F Cook beef in large skillet until brown; drain. Add seasoning mix and water; cook over low heat for 5 minutes or until thickened. Add beans and 3/4-cup cheese; mix well. Spread 1/4-cup salsa over bottom of each of two 8-inch-square (2-quart) baking dishes.
  • FILL pasta shells with beef mixture; place half of shells in each baking dish, filled side up. Spoon remaining salsa over shells. Cover one baking dish with plastic wrap, then wrap with foil. Label and freeze for up to 2 months.
  • COVER remaining baking dish with foil. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until heated through. Sprinkle with green onions and remaining cheese. Serve with sour cream.
  • TO BAKE FROZEN SHELLS: Place baking dish in the refrigerator overnight. Preheat oven to 375°F Remove plastic wrap; recover with foil. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until heated through. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup sliced green onions and 1/4 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese. Serve with sour cream.

TACO STUFFED PASTA SHELLS



Taco Stuffed Pasta shells image

I found this recipe in a magazine a couple of years ago and it is a favorite at our house. We love cream cheese so I usually add a bit more than what the recipe calls for. The original recipe says you can double it and freeze one pan for up to 90 days. I haven't tried that but if you do, let me know how it turns out.

Provided by Shermm

Categories     Pasta Shells

Time 1h

Yield 5-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 lb ground beef
1 envelope taco seasoning
1 (4 ounce) package cream cheese
12 large pasta shells
1 cup salsa
1 cup taco sauce
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded monterey jack cheese
1 1/2 cups crushed tortilla chips
1 cup sour cream
3 green onions, chopped

Steps:

  • COOK BEEF.
  • ADD TACO SEASONING AND PREPARE ACCORDING TO PKG DIRECTIONS.
  • ADD CREAM CHEESE.
  • COVER AND SIMMER UNTIL CREAM CHEESE IS MELTED.
  • YOU CAN CHILL THE MEAT SO YOU CAN STUFF THE SHELLS EASIER.
  • POUR SALSA IN THE BOTTOM OF A GREASED 9 X 13 IN PAN.
  • WHILE THE HAMBURGER IS COOKING, COOK THE PASTA, DRAIN, TOSS WITH BUTTER.
  • FILL EACH SHELL.
  • PLACE IN BOTTOM OF PAN AND TOP WITH TACO SAUCE.
  • COVER AND BAKE AT 350 FOR 30 MINUTES.
  • UNCOVER,SPRINKLE WITH CHEESES AND CHIPS.
  • BAKE 15 MINUTES LONGER OR UNTIL HEATED THROUGH.
  • SERVE WITH SOUR CREAM, MORE SALSA, OR WHATEVER ELSE YOU THINK GOES GOOD WITH TACOS.

TACO STUFFED PASTA SHELLS



Taco Stuffed Pasta Shells image

Make and share this Taco Stuffed Pasta Shells recipe from Food.com.

Provided by looneytunesfan

Categories     Pasta Shells

Time 1h10m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 1/4 lbs ground beef
1 (3 ounce) package cream cheese
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon chili powder
18 large pasta shells
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 cup taco sauce
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup monterey jack cheese, shredded
1 1/2 cups tortilla chips, crushed
1 cup sour cream
guacamole

Steps:

  • In a large skillet, brown beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Add cream cheese, salt and chili powder; mix and simmer for 5 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain. Toss cooked shells in butter.
  • Preheat oven to 350*.
  • Fill shells with beef mixture and arrange in a 9x13 inch baking dish; pour taco sauce over shells. Cover with foil and bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes.
  • Remove dish from oven and top with Cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese and tortilla chips; return dish to oven to cook for 15 minutes more.
  • Top with sour cream and guacamole; serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 801.1, Fat 64.8, SaturatedFat 35.5, Cholesterol 215.2, Sodium 1561.8, Carbohydrate 9.2, Fiber 0.6, Sugar 4.4, Protein 44.7

TACO PASTA SHELLS



Taco Pasta Shells image

I tease my family that we have to save leftovers of this dish for my lunch the next day. This wonderful recipe uses pasta shells instead of taco shells or tortillas.-Laura Pope, Bloomville, Ohio

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 50m

Yield 10-15 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

1-1/2 pounds ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, cubed
2 envelopes taco seasoning
1 to 2 tablespoons minced chives
1 package (12 ounces) jumbo pasta shells, cooked and drained
2 cups taco sauce
2 cups shredded plain or Mexican process cheese (Velveeta)
1 cup coarsely crushed tortilla chips

Steps:

  • In a large skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in the cream cheese, taco seasoning and chives; cook until cream cheese is melted. Stuff into pasta shells. , Place in a greased 4-qt. baking dish. Top with taco sauce. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 20 minutes or until heated through. Sprinkle with cheese and tortilla chips. Bake 5 minutes longer or until the cheese is melted.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 310 calories, Fat 14g fat (8g saturated fat), Cholesterol 49mg cholesterol, Sodium 897mg sodium, Carbohydrate 29g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 16g protein.

TACO FILLED PASTA SHELLS



Taco Filled Pasta Shells image

Sure to please any kid or Tex-Mex lover. Freeze well, making it an excellent OAMC meal. Makes 2 casseroles, 6 servings each.

Provided by Eileen C.

Categories     Meat

Time 1h30m

Yield 2 casseroles, 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 lbs lean ground beef
2 (1 1/4 ounce) envelopes low-sodium taco seasoning
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
24 jumbo pasta shells, cooked and tossed with melted butter (below)
1/4 cup butter or 1/4 cup margarine, melted
1 cup salsa
1 cup taco sauce
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup tortilla chips, crushed (optional)
1 cup sour cream (optional)
3 green onions, chopped (optional)

Steps:

  • In large skillet, cook beef until no longer pink. Drain.
  • Add taco seasoning and prepare to package directions.
  • Add cream cheese, cover and simmer for 5-10 minutes until cheese is melted. Stir well.
  • Cool meat mixture for 1 hour.
  • Fill each shell with about 3 Tablespoons of meat mixture.
  • Grease (2) 9 inch square baking dishes, and place 12 shells in each dish.
  • Mix salsa and taco sauce and spoon 1/2 over shells in both dishes.
  • If not freezing: Cover with foil and bake at 350 for 30 minutes. Uncover, sprinkle with Cheddar cheese and tortilla chips (if using). Bake 15 min until cheese is melted. Serve with sour cream and onions.
  • To use frozen shells: Omit cheddar and tortilla chips before freezing. Thaw in refrigerator 24 hours Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minute Add cheese and chips and cook another 10 minute.

TACO FILLED PASTA SHELLS



Taco Filled Pasta Shells image

My family loves this recipe (even my 4 and 2 year old!). I created this recipe when I started Weight Watchers. Hubby likes all ground beef and I like all Boca Meat (meat substitute). If you use Boca Meat 2 shells is only 3 Points. I love to freezer cook as well so make 2, one for now and one for later

Provided by Creativewaystosave

Categories     Pasta Shells

Time 2h15m

Yield 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 lbs ground beef
1/8 cup taco seasoning mix
1 (8 ounce) package fat free cream cheese, softened
24 uncooked jumbo pasta shells
1 cup salsa (optional)
1 cup taco sauce
1 cup kraft fat-free cheddar cheese, shredded
1 1/2 cups baked corn tortilla chips, crushed (or about 15-20 chips)

Steps:

  • In a skillet, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Add taco seasoning and prepare according to directions Add cream cheese; cover and simmer for 5-10 minutes or until melted, stirring occasionally.
  • Transfer to a bowl and refrigerate for 1 hour. Cook pasta according to directions.
  • Drain and toss with butter (a couple of teaspoons to keep the shells from sticking). Fill each shell with about 3 tablespoons of meat mixture.
  • Place 12 shells in a greased 9" square pan; cover and freeze for up to 3 months. To prepare unfrozen shells: spoon salsa into a greased 9" square pan.
  • Top with shells and taco sauce.
  • Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.
  • Uncover and sprinkle with cheese and chips; bake 15 minutes longer or until cheese is melted.
  • Serve with sour cream and onions.
  • To prepare frozen shells: Thaw for 24 hours and cook as above.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 226.3, Fat 12.9, SaturatedFat 4.8, Cholesterol 53.2, Sodium 371.6, Carbohydrate 8.6, Fiber 0.6, Sugar 1.4, Protein 17.8

TACO STUFFED PASTA SHELLS RECIPE - (4.5/5)



Taco Stuffed Pasta Shells Recipe - (4.5/5) image

Provided by froggyess

Number Of Ingredients 7

10 oz uncooked jumbo pasta shells, cooked, drained
1 1/2 lb lean (at least 80%) ground beef
1 pouch (8 oz) Old El Paso® roasted tomato Mexican cooking sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cups diced tomatoes
2 1/2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (10 oz)
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350°F. Cook and drain pasta shells as directed on box. Meanwhile, in 12-inch skillet, cook beef over medium-high heat 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly cooked. Add cooking sauce and salt; mix well to combine. Add 1/2 cup of the tomatoes and 1/2 cup of the cheese; stir well. Using about 1 heaping tablespoon beef mixture in each, fill cooked pasta shells; place in ungreased 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish. Sprinkle remaining 3/4 cup tomatoes and chopped cilantro over filled shells. Top evenly with remaining 2 cups cheese. Bake 15 minutes or until cheese is melted. To reheat the stuffed pasta shells, cover in foil and reheat in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. Serve with Mexican rice and refried beans. Top with hot sauce if you prefer some heat.

YUMMY TACO'S IN PASTA SHELLS



Yummy Taco's In Pasta Shells image

Remembered I had this recipe in my recipe box and pulled it out for a dinner with the grandchildren.There is always the need to woo my grandchildren in eating good meals. This recipe did the trick. I know that most kid think that combining Mexican flavors with pasta is cool. I used medium heat salsa instead of hot when the little...

Provided by Norma DeRemer

Categories     Tacos & Burritos

Number Of Ingredients 8

12 oz dried jumbo shell pasta
2 16 ounce jars salsa (medium or hot)
2 1/2 lb of lean ground beef
6 oz cream cheese, cut up
2 tsp chilli powder or to own taste
1 1/2 c shredded cheddar cheese (6 ounces)
choped tomato (optional)
broken corn chips (optional)

Steps:

  • 1. Preheat your oven to 350
  • 2. Cook pasta according to package directions;drain and rince with cold water and drain again. Set aside
  • 3. Divide about 1 cup of salsa between two ungreased 2-quart retangular baking dishes, spreading evenly and set aside.
  • 4. In a extra large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until brown and drain off fat.
  • 5. Stir in cream cheese and chili powder and let cool slightly.
  • 6. Spoon meat mixture into cooked pasta shells and arrange filled shells on top of salsa in prepared dishes and top with remaining salsa.
  • 7. Cover both dishes with foil and place in oven and bake for 15 minutes.
  • 8. Pull dishes out of oven and take off foil and sprinkle with cheddar cheese.
  • 9. Close oven and bake uncovered for about 15 minutes more or until heated through.
  • 10. Remove from oven and if desired, sprinkle with tomato and serve immediately.
  • 11. NOTE: My grandchildren like them sprinkled with some broken corn chips on top.

Tips:

  • Choose the right pasta shells. Jumbo pasta shells are the best choice for this recipe, as they can hold a generous amount of filling. You can also use other large pasta shells, such as conchiglie or rigatoni.
  • Cook the pasta shells al dente. This means that they should be cooked until they are tender but still have a slight bite to them. Overcooked pasta shells will be mushy and difficult to fill.
  • Use a variety of fillings. The possibilities are endless when it comes to fillings for taco pasta shells. Some popular options include ground beef, ground turkey, shredded chicken, or black beans. You can also add vegetables, such as corn, bell peppers, or onions.
  • Season the filling well. Be sure to use a variety of spices to give the filling flavor. Some good options include chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and oregano.
  • Top the pasta shells with your favorite taco toppings. This could include cheese, sour cream, salsa, guacamole, or pico de gallo.

Conclusion:

Taco pasta shells are a delicious and easy meal that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. They are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun party appetizer. With so many different variations, there is sure to be a taco pasta shell recipe that everyone will love.

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