Ah, Taco Stuffed Shells! Just the name brings a smile to my face and a rumble to my tummy. I remember the first time I made these delightful bites – it was one of those busy weeknights when I wanted to whip up something quick but still wholesome and satisfying. I had this moment of inspiration while staring at a box of jumbo pasta shells and a half-opened jar of taco sauce in my pantry. Let me tell you, the marriage of Italian comfort food with classic taco flavors is nothing short of genius.
These Taco Stuffed Shells have become a favorite in my household, and for good reason! They’re great for meal prepping, are super customizable based on whatever leftovers you have, and always impress when serving guests. You know, there’s something about pulling that bubbly, cheesy goodness out of the oven that feels like a warm hug. Plus, who doesn’t love an excuse to pile on toppings like avocado and sour cream?
What’s in Taco Stuffed Shells?
Let’s break down the ingredients that come together to make these heavenly shells.
Jumbo Pasta Shells: The star of our show! These large, delightful pasta pieces are perfect for stuffing with our flavorful filling. They hold up well and bake beautifully.
Ground Beef or Turkey: You can use either, depending on what you have or your dietary preferences. Beef gives a rich flavor, while turkey is leaner and just as delicious.
Taco Seasoning: You can grab a packet from the store or make your own! Either way, this blend of spices will add that distinct taco flavor that ties everything together.
Black Beans: These hearty legumes add protein and fiber, making the dish a bit healthier. I love using canned for convenience; just give them a rinse before mixing.
Cheddar Cheese: Ah, cheese, perhaps the best invention ever! A generous amount of shredded cheddar is mixed into the filling and sprinkled on top for that gooey, melty goodness.
Taco Sauce: This delicious sauce keeps our stuffed shells moist while adding an extra layer of flavor. You can use whatever brand you enjoy or even make your own homemade version!
Is Taco Stuffed Shells Good for You?
Absolutely! Not only are these Taco Stuffed Shells a fun twist on traditional tacos, but they also pack a healthy punch. Let’s talk benefits:
Protein Power: Both the ground meat and black beans provide a solid dose of protein, keeping you full and satisfied.
Fiber-Rich: With the addition of black beans, you’re also increasing your fiber intake, which is great for digestion.
However, keep in mind that these shells do contain cheese and taco sauce, which can elevate the calories a bit. If you’re watching your fat intake, feel free to use reduced-fat cheese and low-sodium taco sauce.
Ingredients List
This recipe serves about 4-6 people, so get ready to dig in!
– 12 Jumbo Pasta Shells
– 1 lb Ground Beef or Turkey
– 1 packet Taco Seasoning
– 1 can (15 oz) Black Beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 ½ cups Cheddar Cheese, shredded (plus more for topping)
– 1 cup Taco Sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– Optional toppings: Sour cream, jalapeños, diced avocado, chopped green onions
How to Make Taco Stuffed Shells?
Let’s get to cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your Taco Stuffed Shells:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Remember to salt your water for extra flavor!
3. While the shells are cooking, brown the ground beef or turkey in a skillet over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
4. Add the taco seasoning to the meat along with a splash of water (about 2 tablespoons). Stir well and let it simmer for a few minutes.
5. Stir in the black beans and half of the shredded cheese. Mix everything together until combined.
6. Once the pasta shells are cooked and drained, carefully stuff each shell with the taco filling.
7. Spread a thin layer of taco sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells on top, then pour the remaining taco sauce over them.
8. Top with the remaining shredded cheese.
9. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for about 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
10. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Serve with your favorite toppings!
Serving Suggestions and Expert Tips
Your creative options are endless when it comes to serving Taco Stuffed Shells! They’re fantastic with all your taco toppings, like a dollop of sour cream, slices of jalapeños for that heat, or creamy avocado. For some crunchy texture, add some lettuce or diced tomatoes on top!
A fun twist is to add some sautéed bell peppers or onions to the meat mixture for extra flavor and color.
And if there happen to be any leftovers (which I highly doubt because they’re so good!), these shells can be easily reheated. Just pop them in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
There you go! Now you have a delicious, easy, and satisfying meal to share with your loved ones. I can’t wait for you to try these Taco Stuffed Shells! They’ve brought so much joy to my kitchen, and I’m excited for you to experience that too. Don’t forget to tag me if you share photos of your creations! Happy cooking!
