Taco Stuffed Shells

Taco Stuffed Shells is a great recipe for family taco night! This recipe definitely puts a twist on the traditional taco meal. If you enjoyed my Ricotta Stuffed shell recipe, this one is for you. This recipe is very similar but Tex Mex style.

Details

Servings

4-5 Servings

Prep time

10 minutes

Cooking time

30-35 minutes

Seasonings used:

cumin, chili powder, 1 packet sazon, garlic powder( at least 1 tbsp of each seasoning or 1 taco seasoning packet works too!)

Toppings Idea

Pico de gallo,Sour Cream,Guacamole,Diced onion,Diced Tomatoes, Lettuce

Taco Stuffed Shells

What makes these shells so good!

The shells are stuffed with taco seasoned ground beef. The ground beef is cooked with melted cream cheese. The cream cheese gives the beef a smooth and yummy taste. Some even substitute the cream cheese with sour cream. This is totally up to you. I also add salsa to the shells before placing in the oven. This will keep your shells from being dry and give it more of that taco flavor we love. Now we can’t forget to top these babies with with shredded Mexican cheese. You can also use cheddar or pepper jack cheese. The options are really endless with taco meals.

Jumbo Shells stuffed with ground beef filling

Ingredients

  • 1 lb of ground beef ( suggest lean for less oil)

  • 1 box of Jumbo Shells

  • Water(to boil shells)

  • 2 tsp olive oil

  • 1 jar of salsa (at least 24 oz) Medium heat taste so good in this recipe!

  • 1 Yellow onion

  • 1 red onion (optional)

  • At least 2 cups of Shredded Mexican blend cheese

  • 8 oz of Cream cheese

Salsa and red onion
Jumbo Shells topped with shredded cheese before oven

Directions

  • First, add water to a pot, turn on medium high to get water boiling. When the water starts to boil add a splash of olive oil (optional), add the Jumbo shell. Reduce heat to medium and let boil of at least 10 minutes (stir shells a couple times). Drain when done set to the side. (Go to next step while the shells cook.)
  • Now, dice one yellow onion and add it to the pan you will be cooking ground beef in. Add about 2 tsp of olive or vegetable oil. Turn stove on medium heat. Let the onions start cooking.
  • Next, add ground beef, mix in well with onions. If you are using the taco seasonings I listed, start adding those seasonings while the beef is cooking.
  • Drain oil if needed out of beef. Then add cream cheese. Turn stove down on medium low and let the cheese melt. When the cheese starts to soften/melt, stir cheese into the ground beef. Turn stove off.
  • Take out your baking dish and preheat oven to 350 degrees. Add some salsa to bottom of baking dish. Then take your beef mixture and start filling each shell with it. Layer each stuffed shell in baking dish.
  • Now, top with salsa making sure each shell is covered. This is optional, top each shell with diced red onion. Last top with shredded cheese.
  • Place covered in oven for 20 minutes, then uncovered for last 5 minutes. When done, serve right away or let cool for about 5 minutes.