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Cheesy Taco Stuffed Pasta Shells

Recipe by Evelyn Marcella Rivera

Jumbo pasta shells stuffed with seasoned, creamy taco beef and baked in enchilada sauce under a bubbly blanket of melted Mexican cheese. A fun, flavorful weeknight dinner that’s ready in just 40 minutes.

  • Total Time40 minutes
  • Yield6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 22-24 jumbo pasta shells
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 cup mild salsa
  • 4 ounces cream cheese
  • 1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce
  • 2 cups Mexican cheese blend

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the Shells: Cook jumbo pasta shells according to package directions, pulling them about one minute early so they remain slightly firm. Drain gently and lay out individually to prevent sticking.
  3. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook and crumble the ground beef until deeply browned. Drain excess grease. Add taco seasoning and salsa, stirring to combine thoroughly.
  4. Add Cream Cheese: Cut cream cheese into small cubes and add to the hot beef mixture. Stir until fully melted and the filling is creamy and smooth.
  5. Sauce the Dish: Pour half of the enchilada sauce into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
  6. Stuff the Shells: Fill each pasta shell with a generous spoonful of the beef mixture and place open-side up in the baking dish.
  7. Top and Bake: Drizzle remaining enchilada sauce over the stuffed shells and top with shredded Mexican cheese blend. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
  8. Serve: Let rest 2-3 minutes, then serve warm.

Notes

Cook shells just under al dente — they’ll continue cooking in the oven. Lay shells out individually after draining to prevent sticking. Cut cream cheese into small cubes for faster melting. Don’t overstuff the shells or they may split. For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for beef.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Main Course
  • Cuisine: American, Fusion, Mexican-Inspired

Nutrition

  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 4
  • Sodium: 890
  • Saturated Fat: 11
  • Fiber: 2
  • Protein: 26

Find it online: https://blesseddish.com/cheesy-taco-stuffed-pasta-shells-youll-make-on-repeat/