• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • About
    • Privacy Policy
    • Work with Me
  • Recipes
    • Breakfast
    • Appetizer
    • Dinners
    • Instant Pot
    • Slow Cooker
    • Salads
    • Side Dishes
    • Desserts
    • Grilling
    • Condiments and Spice Mixes
  • Kids
  • Outdoor Living
  • DIY BEAUTY
  • Gardening
  • Shop
  • FAVORITES
  • Subscribe

Juggling Act Mama logo

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • TikTok
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Holidays
  • DIY
  • Travel
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
  • DIY
  • Holidays
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Home
    • About
    • Recipes
    • Lifestyle
    • Travel
    • DIY
    • Holidays
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Ingredient » Pasta

    Taco Stuffed Shells

    Published: May 12, 2023 · Modified: Sep 11, 2023 by Ang Paris · Leave a Comment
    This post may contain affiliate links·

    Pin
    Share
    Share
    42Shares
    Mexican Stuffed Shells, or Taco Stuffed Shells, is a tasty meal for potlucks and an easy weeknight meal. The whole family will love this cheesy casserole with ground beef filling.
    Total Time 40 minutes minutes
    Jump to Recipe Add to Favorites Go to Collections
    Mexican Stuffed Shells, or Taco Stuffed Shells, is a tasty meal for potlucks and an easy weeknight meal. The whole family will love this cheesy casserole with ground beef filling. via @jugglingactmama

    Mexican Stuffed Shells - You'll love this Mexican twist on the classic stuffed shells recipe. It's one of my favorite meals!

    Taco Stuffed Shells in a casserole dish with a wooden spoon.
    This super tasty and easy taco stuffed shells is one of my favorite dinners!
    Jump to:
    • 🧂 Ingredients
    • 🔪 Instructions
    • 🥄Equipment
    • 💭 Frequently Asked Questions
    • ⭐ Tips
    • 🍲 Storage
    • 📖 Variations
    • 🍴 Serving Suggestions
    • 😋 Similar Recipes
    • Taco Stuffed Shells
    • Meal Planning
    • More Recipes You'll Love
    • 💬 Comments

    Cheesy taco stuffed shells are a super tasty meal with all your favorite taco ingredients like salsa, cheese, and ground beef.

    Not only are Mexican Taco Shells a great dinner recipe, but it's also a great casserole dish for game day, family reunions, and potlucks.

    The whole family will love this delicious dinner on pasta night, Taco Tuesday or any other day of the week! It's ready for the dinner table in under an hour, too.

    Taco Stuffed Shells Ingredients with text overlay

    🧂 Ingredients

    • lean ground beef
    • store-bought or homemade taco seasoning
    • cream cheese
    • jumbo pasta shells
    • salsa or Picante sauce
    • taco sauce
    • cheddar or Monterrey jack cheese

    This is meant to be a brief overview of the instructions for how to make taco stuffed shells. For step-by-step instructions and a full printable recipe card with ingredients, please scroll down to the teal box below or Jump to Recipe.

    🔪 Instructions

    1. Cook the pasta according to the package directions.
    2. Meanwhile, start browning the ground beef.
    3. Mix in the taco seasoning and half of the salsa.
    4. Stir in the cream cheese and cover to allow it to melt.
    5. Remove the skillet from the heat and allow the meat mixture to cool.
    6. Preheat the oven to 350-degrees F.
    7. Pour the remaining salsa into a 9x13 baking dish.
    8. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the taco mixture into each shell.
    9. Add half of the shredded cheese over the stuffed shells.
    10. Spoon the taco sauce evenly over the top of the casserole.
    11. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 15-20 minutes.
    12. Remove from the oven and sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.
    13. Bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
    How to Make Taco Stuffed Shells collage image.

    🥄Equipment

    The following are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

    Here is what you will need to make Taco Stuffed Pasta Shells:

    • Measuring Spoons
    • Liquid Measuring Cup
    • Skillet
    • 9x13 Baking dish
    • Wooden Spoon

    Be sure to check out my Juggling Act Mama Storefront on Amazon where you'll find all kinds of great products to make your life easier! Thanks so much for being a part of Juggling Act Mama ❤

    💭 Frequently Asked Questions

    Here are some questions (and answers!) readers often ask about this Mexican Stuffed Shells recipe.

    What's difference between picante and salsa?

    Both picante sauce and salsa are usually made with tomatoes, onions, jalapenos and spices. Picante sauce is smoother than traditional salsa. The texure of picante sauce is almost like a puree, while salsa is chunky.
    "Picante" means spicy in Spanish and it is often spicier than salsa, although you can find different heat levels at the store.

    Is picante sauce same as taco sauce?

    Taco sauce is usually made from a tomato puree with vinegar and dried spices, while picante sauce is made with ingredients more similar to salsa. Taco sauce is very thin and good for drizzling over salads, tacos, burritos, and even pizza.

    Taco Stuffed Shells topped with sour cream in a white bowl.

    If you cook a whole 12-ounce box of jumbo pasta shells, you will have pasta leftover. Unless you're planning to double the recipe, use the leftover pasta shells to make our amazingly easy Lasagna Soup.

    Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe

    ⭐ Tips

    ✔️ Look for a Mexican cheese blend at your grocery store. That's my favorite cheese mixture to use for this recipe.

    ✔️ If you love short cuts, use this Crockpot Ground Beef Taco Meat recipe for your base, then add the cream cheese and salsa to it to make the taco filling. I love keeping this ground beef in my freezer to pull our for fast meals!

    ✔️Be sure your pasta is cooked al dente. You do not want to end up with mushy jumbo shells after this bakes in the oven.

    🍲 Storage

    Mexican stuffed shells with ground beef is one of my favorite freezer meals. I like to make a double batch and freeze one for later. (I like to use an aluminum foil pan when making extras for the freezer.)

    To Store: Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for 3-5 days. (These are my favorite airtight containers.)

    To Reheat: Microwave individual portions in 30-second intervals until heated through.

    To Freeze: Prepare the taco shell casserole according to the instructions but do not add the extra cheese. Cover with aluminum foil and freeze until solid. Then, slide the entire casserole pan into a 2-gallon freezer bag. Label and return to the freezer.

    Stuffed taco shells are good in the freezer for up to 3 months.

    To Thaw: Allow the taco casserole to thaw in the fridge overnight. Bake according to the instructions in the recipe card. (You may need a few extra minutes.)

    Close up of a wooden spoon in a casserole dish of Taco Stuffed Shells with cheese.

    📖 Variations

    The first time you try any new recipe we recommend that you make it just as it is written on the recipe card since that is how the Mexican stuffed shells recipe has been tested. However, the next time you make our recipe, you might want to try one of these ideas:

    • If you prefer, you can use enchilada sauce instead of taco sauce.
    • This meat filling can be made with ground turkey, ground chicken, ground pork, and even ground sausage like chorizo.
    • Mix other ingredients into the ground beef mixture like Rot-el diced tomatoes and chilies, black beans, or frozen corn kernels.
    • For a spicier dish, add a little bit of chili powder or hot sauce to the taco meat mixture.

    🍴 Serving Suggestions

    Serve with additional salsa and chopped green onions, or any of your favorite taco toppings like chopped fresh cilantro, sour cream, avocado slices, or even crumbled tortilla chips.

    Add a side salad or other yummy Mexican side dish and you'll have everyone around the dinner table in no time!

    • Side Dishes
    • Salads
    • Bread, Rolls and Biscuits
    • Veggies

    😋 Similar Recipes

    Next time, try one of these delicious recipes:

    • Chicken Pasta Bake - super easy meal that's perfect for busy weeknights. Kids love the chicken paired with creamy pasta and cheese.
    • Cheesy Hamburger Casserole - so good when you're craving comfort food fast. It'll take you back to your childhood!
    • Chicken Stuffing Bake - easy enough for weeknights but makes a wonderful Sunday supper, too.

    You'll also love:

    • Italian Sausage Pasta with Blistered Tomatoes
    • Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
    • Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti
    • Jalapeño Bacon Mac and Cheese
    • Taco Stuffed Peppers
    • Lazy Lasagna with Ravioli on a plate with salad.
    • Spoonful of Cajun macaroni and cheese with sausage.
    • Square top down view of Cheesy Hamburger Casserole in a spoon.
    • Close up of Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole in a baking dish with a wooden serving spoon.

    Find More Recipes

    • 30 Minute Meal
    • Slow Cooker
    • Best Casserole Recipes
    • Soups and Stews
    Be sure to pin this recipe for later.

    Not ready to make this easy stuffed shells recipe yet? Be sure to pin this recipe for taco stuffed shells.

    When you do make it, please come back and comment and leave me a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating below!

    Square cropped image Taco Stuffed Shells in a casserole dish with a wooden spoon.

    Taco Stuffed Shells

    Mexican Stuffed Shells, or Taco Stuffed Shells, is a tasty meal for potlucks and an easy weeknight meal. The whole family will love this cheesy casserole with ground beef filling.
    Add to Your Recipe BoxGo to Collections
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: Mexican-American
    Keyword: mexican stuffed shells, taco stuffed shells
    Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 40 minutes minutes
    Servings: 6 servings
    Calories: 397kcal
    Author: Ang Paris

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Equipment

    • Measuring Spoons
    • Liquid Measuring Cup
    • Skillet
    • 9x13 Baking dish
    • Wooden Spoon

    Ingredients

    • 1 lb lean ground beef
    • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
    • 4 ounces cream cheese
    • 20 jumbo pasta shells
    • 1-½ cups salsa or Picante sauce divided
    • ½ cup taco sauce
    • 2 cups shredded cheese divided
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Cook the pasta according to the directions on the package.
      20 jumbo pasta shells
    • Meanwhile, start browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium high heat.
      1 lb lean ground beef
    • Drain off the grease and turn the temperature down to medium.
    • Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the meat.
      2 tablespoons taco seasoning
    • Then, mix in half of the salsa.
      1-½ cups salsa or Picante sauce
    • Stir in the cream cheese and cover to allow it to melt into the meat mixture.
      4 ounces cream cheese
    • Once the cream cheese is melted, remove the skillet from the heat and allow the meat mixture to cool.
    • Drain the pasta and place the shells into a single layer on a cutting board or baking sheet so that they don't stick together.
    • Preheat the oven to 350-degrees F.
    • Pour the remaining salsa into a 9x13 baking dish and spread evenly all over the bottom of the pan.
      1-½ cups salsa or Picante sauce
    • Once the pasta shells are cool enough to handle, spoon about 2 tablespoons of the taco mixture into each shell.
    • Place the stuffed shells into the baking pan and continue until it is full. If you have a little bit of leftover meat, just add it on top.
    • Add half of the shredded cheese over the stuffed shells.
      2 cups shredded cheese
    • Spoon the taco sauce evenly over the top of the casserole.
      ½ cup taco sauce
    • Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 15-20 minutes.
    • Remove from the oven and sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.
      2 cups shredded cheese
    • Bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

    For best results, be sure to check our Tips and FAQs above with important tips and questions that can help your delicious recipe come out perfectly.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 397kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 95mg | Sodium: 728mg | Potassium: 430mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 822IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 225mg | Iron: 3mg
    Please Note: I am not a registered dietician. Any nutritional data I provide is an approximation and actual dietary information can vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.
    Tried this recipe? Pin It for Later!Mention @jugglingactmama or tag #jugglingactmama!

    Sign up for our emails and never miss another recipe!!

    Newsletter Subscription

    Signup for our emails and receive our Best Weeknight Meals and Kitchen Bundle free.

    Thank you!

    You have successfully joined our subscriber list.

    . We'll never share your email or send you spam.

    Meal Planning

    Want to add this recipe to your meal plan? Download our free printable meal plan here.

    Meal Plan 7 square collage image.

    This recipe is included in Meal Plan 7 along with:

    • ham pot pie
    • salisbury steak
    • chicken broccoli pasta
    • cowboy burgers

    ... and more!

    Be sure to check out all our meal plan ideas here.

    More Recipes You'll Love

    • How to Make Pretzel Bites
    • Halloween Cookie Bars stacked on top of one another.
      Halloween Cookie Bars
    • Close up of carrot bread on a white plate with Brown Sugar Butter.
      Brown Sugar Butter
    • Loaded Cauliflower Mash
    Pin
    Share
    Share
    42Shares
    « Pineapple Sweet and Sour Sauce
    Blueberry Filled Cupcakes »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    No Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Welcome! I'm Ang - the Juggling Act Mama! I love sharing quick and easy recipes, creative DIY projects, and fun family travel with you. Like many of you, I am a multi-tasking mama juggling priorities which is why here I offer solutions to tame your hectic lifestyle.

    More about me →

    Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles

    POPULAR POSTS

    • Homemade Cowboy Butter in a small yellow dish with a butter knife.
      Cowboy Butter
    • Top down view of teriyaki chicken wings.
      Honey Teriyaki Chicken Wings - Baked
    • Sheet Pan Pancakes with Pancake Mix
    • Cheesy John Wayne Casserole on a plate with a fork.
      John Wayne Casserole
    Delicious Smoothie Recipes Story

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Republication Policy

    Follow Us

    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
    • TikTok

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Work with me
    • Copyright Notice
    • Trademarks

    Juggling Act Mama is a lifestyle blog for busy moms that want to do it all.

    Enjoy amazing recipes, fantastic projects, and incredible travel ideas for living your best life.

    READER FAVORITES

    • Close up square image of Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake in a bowl with a fork.
    • Close up of cowboy spice rub on a small wooden spoon.
    • Close up of Puff Pastry with Chicken on a plate.
    • Pool Pallet Storage with towels, pool noodles, etc.
    • Party Cotton Candy Mocktails surrounded by confetti.
    • A tall cedar planter box on porch with boxwood.
    • Top down image of sweet potatoes with brown sugar.
    • Two glasses of Tropical Storm Punch with straws and drink umbrellas.
    • Summer Beach Tote Hack: bucket with a handle full of summer essentials like sunscreen and bug spray.
    • Close up of Mermaid Drink Lemon Drop cocktail.
    AS SEEN ON

    Stock images by Depositphotos

    Copyright © 2023 Juggling Act Mama

    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
    Cookie SettingsAccept All
    Manage consent

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
    CookieDurationDescription
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
    viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
    Functional
    Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
    Performance
    Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
    Analytics
    Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
    Advertisement
    Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
    Others
    Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
    SAVE & ACCEPT