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Taco stuffed shells filled with beef, cheese, and topped with salsa

Creamy Taco Stuffed Shells

Cozy weeknight comfort with a taco twist, these stuffed shells are filled with a savory beef mixture and topped with cheese for a warm, cheesy dish that is perfect for family dinners.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Comfort Food, Mexican
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Filling
  • 12 ounces jumbo shell pasta
  • 1.5 pounds lean ground beef Use lean beef for less grease.
  • 1 ounce taco seasoning
  • 0.33 cup water
  • 0.33 cup cilantro, chopped Fresh cilantro adds a bright finish.
Cheese and Garnish
  • 1.5 cups queso, store-bought or homemade Use a brand that melts smoothly.
  • 1 cup Cheddar cheese, grated
  • Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
  • Taco sauce (for drizzling)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Boil the jumbo shells according to package directions until just al dente.
  3. Drain, rinse under cool water, and lay the shells on a towel to dry.
Cooking the Filling
  1. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until sizzled and no longer pink; drain excess fat if needed.
  2. Sprinkle taco seasoning over the beef, stir in ⅓ cup water, and simmer until the sauce thickens and clings to the beef, about 2–3 minutes.
  3. Stir in the chopped cilantro and taste; adjust for salt.
Assembly and Baking
  1. Spray a 13x9-inch casserole dish with non-stick spray.
  2. Gently spoon 1 to 1 ½ tablespoons of the beef mixture into each shell and place filled shells snugly in the dish.
  3. Pour queso over the shells, then sprinkle with grated Cheddar.
  4. Bake for 20–25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  5. Drizzle with taco sauce, scatter chopped green onions, and serve hot.

Notes

Time-saver: Brown beef ahead of time, refrigerate, and assemble before baking. Avoid overcooking shells to prevent tearing. Swap cilantro for parsley or try a milder spice.