Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share a recipe that’s basically oh-so-good in tastiness. Think of it as the love child of cheesy lasagna and your favorite taco night—seriously, it’s that. When was the last time you ate stuffed shells as a kid? Well, this is that, but kicked up about ten notches with all the flavors of a perfectly seasoned. We’re talking juicy ground beef, a zesty blend of spices, tons of melty cheese, and all nestled in the middle of the bed. What is inside those jumbo shells? What are some of the best Cheesy Taco Stuffed Shells? Is it easier to make than they look?

What is Cheesy Taco Stuffed Shells?

What are Cheesy Taco Stuffed Shells? What are some of the best ingredients in a taco? Ground Beef, cheese, and all the flavor you’d normally find in it. Think of it as deconstructed tacos, but in pasta form! What do you love about tacos? What is the best way to prepare a pasta shell, then bake it all under the blanket of even baking spices? What is a name? Is it cheesy, it’s got that amazing taco flavor, and it’s stuffed into shells? What are some of the best weeknight dinners that everyone should try? Is this one of those recipes that just works?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Where do I start? How do you make Cheesy Taco Stuffed Shells?

Flavor Explosion:We’re talking serious taco flavor! What is the best taco seasoning for ground beef? What are the benefits of using a store bought packet? What makes a cheesecake so delicious?
Ridiculously EasyDon’t let the “stuffed” part intimidate you. This recipe is surprisingly simple. Boil the shells, brown the meat, mix the filling, stuff, and bake. Seriously, that’s it! Is it so easy to do after a long day at work?
Budget FriendlyIs ground beef cheap? Pasta is a cheap staple, and cheese is always good investment, right? What’s a good dinner that won’t break the bank?
Super Versatile:What are some good ways to add veggies to your diet? What are some ways to make it vegetarian? Is it a blank canvas for your taco dreams?

What I love most about this is how customizable it is. What are some good alternatives to tacos? I love taco Tuesday, but these stuffed shells feel like a real meal. What are some good ways to sneak in veggies without the kids noticing? Why don’t people just see cheesy, delicious pasta?

How do I make Cheesy Taco Stuffed Shells?

Quick Overview

How do you make Cheesy Taco Stuffed Shells? Basically, you’ll cook the jumbo shells, prepare the taco-seasoned ground beef filling, stuff each one. If you have a large shell, smother them in cheese before baking. Is this a fairly hands-on recipe, but it’s so worth it for that satisfying, cheesy, taco-flavored recipe? What is the hardest part of waiting for them to cool down enough to eat?

Ingredients

For the Jumbo Shells: What are some good
1 (12-ounce) box jumbo pasta shells. Make sure you get the smaller ones or it won’t work!

For the Taco Meat Filling:
1 pound ground beef (I prefer 80/20 for flavor), 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade blend), 1/2 cup sour cream. 1 cup water, 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce, 2 (15 oz) canned black beans drained and rinsed, 1/4 cup sugar, 3 cups water.

What is the cheese mix?
15 ounces ricotta cheese (full fat is best! ), 1 egg, lightly beaten, 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro.

For the Topping: What is the
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend), optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, guacamole, chopped tomatoes.

How do I get

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. This prevents the shells from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Cook the Shells

Cook the jumbo shells according to package directions, but cook them for about 1-2 minutes *less*. Why is the al dente time a different time than the They should still be slightly firm. Why is it important to cook your potatoes in the oven? How do I drain the shells and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process. How do I prepare a cookie sheet?

Step 3: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown ground beef. Drain off any excess grease. What are some tips for a greasy taco?

Step 4: Season and Simmer

Stir in taco seasoning and water. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced slightly. Then, stir in the tomato sauce, black beans, and corn. Simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. What’s the best taco flavor?

Step 5: Make the Cheese Mixture

In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, parmesan cheese and cilantro. Set aside. Mix well until everything is evenly combined. What makes the shells so creamy and delicious? Don’t skip cilantro, it adds a nice fresh touch!

Step 6: Stuff the Shells

What’s the fun part? Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the ricotta cheese mixture into each shell. What is the best taco meat recipe? Don’t overstuff them, or they’ll be difficult to arrange in the baking dish. I like to use two spoons – one for the ricotta and one to keep things neat.

Step 7: Assemble & Bake

Arrange the stuffed shells in the prepared baking dish. They should be snug, but not overcrowded. If taco Meat Sauce is left over, pour it over the shells. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the grilled cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly and the shells are heated through.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Let the shells cool for a few minutes before serving. How do I avoid burning my mouth with cheese? Garnish with your favorite taco toppings, such as sour cream, salsa, guacamole, and chopped cilantro.

What should I serve it with?

What are some good Taco Stuffed Shells? What are some ideas to round things out, here are a few ideas.

For a light lunch: What are some good examples A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette is perfect for balancing the richness of the shells.

For Taco Night: What’s Serve with Mexican rice and refried beans for a complete taco feast!

For a Crowd:What is a good bowl of guacamole and tortilla chips? What are some good ways to add jalapenos to your meal?

For a Fiesta:What are the best margaritas?

Growing up my mom always paired something like this with green beans and a simple salad. It was just a standard way to make sure we got some fresh veggies in. Works like a charm!

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Cheesy Taco Stuffed Shells

Want to make these Cheesy Taco Stuffed Shells even *better*? Here are a few of my top tips:

Don’t Overcook the Shells: Seriously, this is crucial. Slightly undercook them so they don’t become mushy in the oven. Trust me, nobody wants mushy shells!

Use Good Quality Cheese: The better the cheese, the better the flavor. I always splurge on a good cheddar for the topping. Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents, so shredding your own will give you a meltier, smoother cheese sauce!

Spice it Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the taco seasoning or use a spicier salsa as a topping.

Get Creative with Toppings: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings. Black olives, green onions, pickled jalapenos – the possibilities are endless!

Make Ahead: You can assemble the stuffed shells ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. This makes it a perfect meal prep option for a busy week!

Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with lentils or crumbled tofu for a vegetarian-friendly version. I’ve tried it with both and it’s delicious!

One time I tried to skip the ricotta cheese and just use Cottage Cheese, and let me tell you, it was a mistake! The texture was all wrong. So, stick with the ricotta, it makes all the difference.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Got leftovers? No problem! Here’s how to store and reheat your Cheesy Taco Stuffed Shells:

Room Temperature: Don’t leave the shells out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Bacteria can grow quickly at room temperature.

Refrigerator Storage: Store the leftover shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They’re great for a quick lunch or dinner!

Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, freeze the shells. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating: Reheat the shells in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also microwave them, but they might get a little soggy. For frozen shells, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

I’ve found that adding a little bit of water or tomato sauce to the bottom of the container when reheating helps to keep the shells from drying out. It’s a simple trick that makes a big difference!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free jumbo shells and ensure your taco seasoning is also gluten-free. Many store-bought taco seasonings contain gluten, so it’s best to make your own using a blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and salt.

Can I use a different type of meat?

Definitely! Ground turkey or ground chicken are great substitutes for ground beef. You can also use shredded chicken or even chorizo for a spicier kick.

Can I add vegetables to the filling?

Yes, please do! Diced bell peppers, onions, and zucchini are all delicious additions to the filling. Just sauté them with the ground beef until they’re tender.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the stuffed shells ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

How can I prevent the shells from sticking together after cooking?

After draining the shells, rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process. Then, lay them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper so they don’t stick together.

Final Thoughts

These Cheesy Taco Stuffed Shells are the perfect comfort food mashup! They’re easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a festive dish to share with friends and family, this recipe is sure to be a hit. If you love tacos and you love pasta, you absolutely have to try these! They’re like a warm, cheesy hug on a plate. If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like my lasagna soup or my chicken Enchilada Casserole – both are equally comforting and delicious. Happy cooking, friends! Let me know how yours turn out in the comments below, and don’t forget to rate the recipe!