The Best Cheesy Taco Pasta Shells Recipe Your Family Will Love

Twirling fork-friendly taco pasta shells bring zesty Mexican-inspired magic to your dinner table.

Comfort meets creativity in this playful fusion dish.

Creamy cheese and seasoned ground beef create an irresistible combination that feels like a warm culinary hug.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with these delectable shells.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this recipe comes together without complicated techniques.

Spices dance through each bite, promising a meal that sparks conversation and smiles.

Dive into this crowd-pleasing recipe that turns ordinary ingredients into something spectacular.

Taco Pasta Shells Flavor-Packed Family Favorite Meal

• Craft Family-Friendly Feast: Transform traditional taco night into an exciting pasta adventure that kids and adults will absolutely adore, blending familiar Mexican-inspired flavors with comforting pasta shells.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Create a complete meal using minimal ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques, perfect for busy households seeking delicious dinner solutions without complicated preparation.
• Customize with Ease: Personalize the dish by adjusting spice levels, cheese varieties, or toppings, making it adaptable to different taste preferences and dietary needs while maintaining its core deliciousness.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup with this streamlined recipe that combines protein, carbohydrates, and flavor in a single baking dish, reducing post-dinner dish washing and saving precious evening time.

Ingredients Needed to Prepare Taco Pasta Shells

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the flavorful base of the taco pasta shells.
• Jumbo Pasta Shells: Large pasta shells that create perfect pockets for holding the delicious taco filling.
• Colby Jack Cheese: A melty cheese that adds creamy richness and golden color to the dish.

• Taco Seasoning: A blend of spices that provides authentic Mexican-inspired flavor to the beef.
• Green Enchilada Sauce: Adds a zesty and tangy element to complement the beef mixture.
• Salsa: Creates a flavorful base layer in the baking dish that enhances the overall taste.

• Cream Cheese, Unsalted Butter: Ingredients that add richness and smooth texture to the beef mixture.
• Sour Cream, Fritos: Fresh garnishes that provide a cool and crunchy finishing touch to the dish.

• Water: Used to help incorporate the taco seasoning with the ground beef.

How to Cook Taco Pasta Shells Perfectly

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F, getting ready for some delicious magic.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef until it’s completely brown.

• Water
• Taco seasoning

Bring the mixture to a boil.

Toss in the cream cheese, turn down the heat, and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until everything blends together perfectly.

Step 3: Cool Down the Mixture

Transfer the beef mixture to a bowl and let it chill out and cool down.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta Shells

Boil the jumbo pasta shells following the package instructions until they’re perfectly al dente. Give them a gentle bath in melted unsalted butter.

Step 5: Layer the Baking Dish

Spread a layer of salsa across the bottom of an 11×7 baking dish. Once the meat mixture is cool, carefully stuff each pasta shell with the mixture and nestle them into the salsa.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Drizzle green enchilada sauce over the stuffed shells. Bake for 20 minutes.

Then sprinkle Colby Jack cheese on top and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 7: Add the Finishing Touches

• Crushed Fritos
• A dollop of sour cream

Serve immediately and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement!

Tips to Perfect Taco Pasta Shells Every Time

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, healthier alternative that still packs flavor.
• Drain pasta shells thoroughly to prevent excess water from diluting the rich, creamy taco mixture and compromising texture.
• Select jumbo pasta shells carefully, ensuring they are large enough to hold the generous beef and cream cheese filling without tearing.
• Prepare shells ahead of time by cooking and storing in olive oil to prevent sticking, making weeknight dinner assembly faster and easier.
• Control spice levels by choosing mild taco seasoning or adjusting the amount to suit family preferences without losing the classic Mexican-inspired taste.

Flavor Variations to Elevate Taco Pasta Shells

• Vegetarian Taco Pasta Shells: Replace ground beef with black beans or lentils, maintaining the same spice profile and cooking method for a protein-packed meat-free alternative.
• Chicken Taco Pasta Shells: Swap ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken or ground chicken, keeping all other ingredients and preparation steps consistent.
• Gluten-Free Taco Pasta Shells: Use gluten-free jumbo pasta shells and ensure taco seasoning is certified gluten-free, replacing traditional shells with rice or corn-based alternatives.
• Spicy Mexican Fusion Shells: Increase heat by adding diced jalapeños, using hot salsa, and incorporating chipotle powder into the meat mixture for an extra kick of flavor.

Pairings That Work Well With Taco Pasta Shells

• Combine crisp romaine, diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, and cilantro with a zesty lime vinaigrette for a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, cheesy pasta.
• Pour an ice-cold Mexican beer like Modelo Especial or a tangy margarita with fresh lime juice to complement the bold taco-inspired flavors and cut through the creamy texture.
• Whip together sour cream, chopped cilantro, fresh lime zest, and a pinch of salt as a bright, herbal topping that adds a cool contrast to the warm, cheesy pasta shells.

Storage Tips to Keep Taco Pasta Shells Fresh

• Store leftover taco pasta shells in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent moisture.
• Wrap individual portions or the entire dish in freezer-safe plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place in a freezer-safe container to preserve for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove pasta shells from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated thoroughly.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients for Taco Pasta Shells?

The main ingredients include ground beef, jumbo pasta shells, taco seasoning, cream cheese, salsa, green enchilada sauce, Colby Jack cheese, Fritos, and sour cream.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The spice level depends on the taco seasoning and salsa you choose. You can control the heat by selecting mild or medium versions of these ingredients.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture and stuff the shells in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator and assemble just before baking to maintain the best texture.

Taco Pasta Shells Recipe

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4.5 from 32 reviews

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

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Description

Creamy Mexican-inspired taco pasta shells combine zesty flavors from ground beef, cheese, and salsa in one comforting dish. Home cooks can enjoy this quick weeknight meal that delivers satisfying southwestern flair.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb ground beef
• 12 jumbo pasta shells
• 4 oz cream cheese
• 1 packet taco seasoning mix
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
• 3/4 cup (180 ml) distilled water
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) salsa
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) green enchilada sauce
• 1 cup (240 ml) Colby Jack cheese (finely shredded)
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) crushed Fritos
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F, preparing for a delectable taco pasta shell adventure.
2. Brown ground beef in a large skillet, thoroughly draining excess fat. Pour in water and taco seasoning, bringing the mixture to a boil. Incorporate cream cheese, then simmer for 5 minutes until fully integrated.
3. Transfer the beef mixture to a separate bowl, allowing it to cool completely.
4. Cook jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Gently coat the shells with melted butter to prevent sticking.
5. Spread a generous layer of salsa across the bottom of an 11×7 baking dish. Once the beef mixture has cooled, carefully stuff each pasta shell and arrange them neatly in the dish.
6. Drizzle green enchilada sauce over the stuffed shells. Bake for 20 minutes, then sprinkle Colby Jack cheese on top. Continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.
7. Remove from the oven and add a crunchy topping of crushed Fritos. Finish with a dollop of sour cream for a creamy contrast. Serve hot and enjoy the flavor-packed meal.

Notes

• Drain beef thoroughly to prevent soggy shells and ensure a crisp texture when baking.
• Mix cream cheese completely into beef mixture to create a smooth, creamy filling without lumps.
• Cook pasta shells just to al dente to avoid becoming mushy during the final baking process.
• Use pre-shredded cheese for quick and even melting across the entire dish.
• Customize heat levels by selecting mild or spicy taco seasoning and salsa based on personal preference.
• Make this dish gluten-free by substituting regular pasta shells with gluten-free alternatives and using corn tortilla chips instead of Fritos.
• Prepare shells ahead of time and refrigerate before baking for a convenient make-ahead meal that saves preparation time.
• Enhance protein content by adding black beans or diced bell peppers to the beef mixture for extra nutrition and flavor complexity.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 496 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 617 mg
• Fat: 33 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg