Best 5 Taco Stuffed Pasta Shells Recipes

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Calling all taco and pasta enthusiasts! Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure with our delightful Taco Stuffed Pasta Shells. These tantalizing shells are a fusion of two beloved dishes, promising an explosion of flavors and textures that will surely satisfy your cravings.

Picture perfectly cooked pasta shells, generously filled with a savory taco filling brimming with ground beef, zesty taco seasoning, and a blend of aromatic spices. The shells are then smothered in a rich and creamy tomato sauce, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. Each bite offers a delightful combination of the crispy pasta, succulent filling, and tangy sauce, leaving you wanting more.

In addition to the classic Taco Stuffed Pasta Shells, our article also features a variety of other tantalizing recipes to suit every taste:

- **Cheesy Taco Stuffed Pasta Shells:** For cheese lovers, this variation adds an extra layer of indulgence with a gooey cheese filling. The melted cheese perfectly complements the taco filling, creating a symphony of flavors that will have you reaching for seconds.

- **Vegetarian Taco Stuffed Pasta Shells:** For those who prefer a meatless option, this recipe offers a delicious alternative. Instead of ground beef, the filling is packed with a hearty combination of black beans, corn, and bell peppers, ensuring a satisfying and flavorful experience.

- **Mini Taco Stuffed Pasta Shells:** If you're looking for a bite-sized treat, these mini pasta shells are the perfect choice. Filled with the same delicious taco filling and smothered in a zesty tomato sauce, they're ideal for parties, potlucks, or a fun snack.

- **Air Fryer Taco Stuffed Pasta Shells:** For a healthier twist, try our air fryer version of the Taco Stuffed Pasta Shells. Using an air fryer instead of traditional frying methods reduces the fat content while maintaining the crispy texture of the pasta shells. Enjoy all the flavors of this dish without the added calories.

No matter which recipe you choose, our Taco Stuffed Pasta Shells are sure to become a family favorite. They're easy to make, versatile, and packed with flavor. So gather your ingredients, fire up your kitchen, and let's get cooking!

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

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 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 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.

Tips:

  • Use a variety of pasta shells. This recipe is a great way to use up leftover pasta shells, but you can also use fresh pasta shells if you prefer. Just be sure to cook the pasta shells according to the package directions before stuffing them.
  • Don't overstuff the pasta shells. You want the pasta shells to be able to hold their shape, so don't overstuff them with the taco filling. If you do, the pasta shells may burst open when you bake them.
  • Use a flavorful taco filling. The taco filling is the star of this dish, so make sure it's flavorful. Use a combination of ground beef, pork, or turkey, and add your favorite taco seasoning. You can also add other ingredients to the filling, such as beans, corn, or peppers.
  • Top the pasta shells with cheese. Cheese is a classic topping for tacos, and it's also a great way to add flavor and richness to this dish. Use a Mexican blend of cheese or your favorite type of cheese.
  • Bake the pasta shells until they're golden brown. The pasta shells should be baked until they're golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. This will take about 20 minutes.

Conclusion:

Taco-stuffed pasta shells are a fun and easy way to enjoy a classic Mexican dish. They're perfect for a weeknight meal or a party, and they're sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. So next time you're looking for a new and exciting way to serve tacos, give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!

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