A Flavor-Packed Fusion of Mexican & Italian Comfort Food
Jumbo pasta shells stuffed with seasoned ground beef, cream cheese, and salsa, then smothered in enchilada sauce and melted cheese – the ultimate crowd-pleasing casserole!
Why You’ll Love This Dish
🌮 Taco night meets pasta night – Best of both worlds
🧀 Ultra-cheesy – Three layers of gooey goodness
🍝 Meal prep friendly – Makes great leftovers
👶 Kid-approved – Fun to eat and customize
Ingredients Breakdown
Main Components
| Quantity | Ingredient | Key Role |
|---|---|---|
| 22-24 | Jumbo shells | Edible vessels |
| 1 lb | Ground beef | Hearty filling |
| 1 packet | Taco seasoning | Bold flavor |
Creamy Elements
| 1 cup | Salsa | Moisture & spice |
| 4 oz | Cream cheese | Rich binder |
| 10 oz | Enchilada sauce | Zesty coating |
Cheese Topping
| 2 cups | Mexican blend | Melty perfection |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Shells
- Boil in salted water until al dente
- Drain and cool on baking sheet (prevents sticking)
2. Make the Filling
- Brown ground beef, drain fat
- Stir in taco seasoning + salsa
- Add cream cheese, mix until creamy
3. Stuff & Assemble
- Fill shells with meat mixture
- Arrange in greased 9×13″ dish
- Pour enchilada sauce over top
- Sprinkle with cheese
4. Bake to Perfection
- Cover with foil, bake 20 mins at 350°F
- Uncover, bake 10 more mins until bubbly
- Rest 5 mins before serving
Pro Tips for Success
Shell Handling
✔ Under cook slightly (they’ll soften more in oven)
💦 Toss with oil after draining to prevent sticking
Filling Tricks
🌶 Use hot salsa for extra kick
🧅 Add diced onions while browning beef
Customization Ideas
🥬 Mix in black beans or corn
🍗 Substitute ground turkey or chicken
Serving Suggestions
Taco Bar Style:
- Set out toppings:
- Sour cream
- Diced tomatoes
- Sliced jalapeños
- Guacamole
Complete Meal:
- Serve with:
- Mexican rice
- Refried beans
- Crisp salad
Storage & Reheating
Fridge: 4 days (covered)
Freezer: 3 months (before baking)
To Reheat:
- Oven: 350°F for 15-20 mins
- Microwave: 2-3 mins per portion
Troubleshooting
Issue | Solution
Dry filling | Add ¼ cup beef broth
Sauce too thin | Mix in 1 tbsp tomato paste
Shells tear | Handle with spoon, not tongs
Final Chef’s Secret: For extra flavor, sprinkle the bottom of the baking dish with 1/2 cup cheese before adding shells!
This dish brings all the excitement of taco night in a fun, fork-friendly format. The creamy beef filling pairs perfectly with the tangy enchilada sauce and melted cheese topping – guaranteed to become a family favorite!
Tag your creations #TacoStuffedShells! 🌮🧀
