Best 3 Taco Filled Pasta Shells Recipes

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In this article, we'll guide you on your journey to create a flavor-packed and satisfying dish—taco-filled pasta shells! Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this delightful union of Mexican and Italian cuisines. Discover the secrets to perfectly cooked pasta shells, brimming with a flavorful taco filling, and topped with a captivating blend of spices and textures. Unleash your culinary creativity and embark on a delightful culinary adventure, where every bite is an explosion of flavors and textures.

Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!

TACO-FILLED PASTA SHELLS



Taco-Filled Pasta Shells image

I've been stuffing pasta shells with different fillings for years, but my family enjoys this version with taco-seasoned meat the most. The frozen shells are so convenient, because you can take out only the number you need for a single-serving lunch or family dinner. Just add zippy taco sauce and bake. -Marge Hodel, Roanoke, Illinois

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h5m

Yield 2 casseroles (6 servings each).

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 pounds ground beef
2 envelopes taco seasoning
1-1/2 cups water
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, cubed
24 uncooked jumbo pasta shells
1/4 cup butter, melted
ADDITIONAL INGREDIENTS (for each casserole):
1 cup salsa
1 cup taco sauce
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1-1/2 cups crushed tortilla chips
1 cup sour cream
3 green onions, chopped

Steps:

  • In a Dutch oven, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Stir in taco seasoning and water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes. Stir in cream cheese until melted. Transfer to a bowl; cool. Chill for 1 hour., Cook pasta according to package directions; drain. Gently toss with butter. Fill each shell with about 3 tablespoons of meat mixture. Place 12 half of shells in a freezer container. Cover and freeze for up to 3 months. , To prepare remaining shells, spoon 1 cup salsa into a greased 9-in. square baking dish. Top with remaining stuffed shells and 1 cup taco sauce. Cover and bake at 350° for 30 minutes. Uncover; sprinkle with 1 cup each of cheeses and 1-1/2 cups chips. Bake 15 minutes longer or until heated through. Serve with sour cream and onions. , Freeze option: To use frozen shells, thaw in the refrigerator for 24 hours (shells will be partially frozen). Spoon 1 cup salsa into a greased 9-in. square baking dish; top with shells and 1 cup taco sauce. Cover and bake at 350° for 40 minutes. Uncover. Sprinkle with 1 cup each of cheeses and 1-1/2 cups chips; proceed as directed.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 492 calories, Fat 31g fat (16g saturated fat), Cholesterol 98mg cholesterol, Sodium 982mg sodium, Carbohydrate 29g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 23g protein.

TACO FILLED PASTA SHELLS



Taco Filled Pasta Shells image

My family loves this recipe (even my 4 and 2 year old!). I created this recipe when I started Weight Watchers. Hubby likes all ground beef and I like all Boca Meat (meat substitute). If you use Boca Meat 2 shells is only 3 Points. I love to freezer cook as well so make 2, one for now and one for later

Provided by Creativewaystosave

Categories     Pasta Shells

Time 2h15m

Yield 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 lbs ground beef
1/8 cup taco seasoning mix
1 (8 ounce) package fat free cream cheese, softened
24 uncooked jumbo pasta shells
1 cup salsa (optional)
1 cup taco sauce
1 cup kraft fat-free cheddar cheese, shredded
1 1/2 cups baked corn tortilla chips, crushed (or about 15-20 chips)

Steps:

  • In a skillet, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Add taco seasoning and prepare according to directions Add cream cheese; cover and simmer for 5-10 minutes or until melted, stirring occasionally.
  • Transfer to a bowl and refrigerate for 1 hour. Cook pasta according to directions.
  • Drain and toss with butter (a couple of teaspoons to keep the shells from sticking). Fill each shell with about 3 tablespoons of meat mixture.
  • Place 12 shells in a greased 9" square pan; cover and freeze for up to 3 months. To prepare unfrozen shells: spoon salsa into a greased 9" square pan.
  • Top with shells and taco sauce.
  • Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.
  • Uncover and sprinkle with cheese and chips; bake 15 minutes longer or until cheese is melted.
  • Serve with sour cream and onions.
  • To prepare frozen shells: Thaw for 24 hours and cook as above.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 226.3, Fat 12.9, SaturatedFat 4.8, Cholesterol 53.2, Sodium 371.6, Carbohydrate 8.6, Fiber 0.6, Sugar 1.4, Protein 17.8

TACO FILLED PASTA SHELLS



Taco Filled Pasta Shells image

Sure to please any kid or Tex-Mex lover. Freeze well, making it an excellent OAMC meal. Makes 2 casseroles, 6 servings each.

Provided by Eileen C.

Categories     Meat

Time 1h30m

Yield 2 casseroles, 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 lbs lean ground beef
2 (1 1/4 ounce) envelopes low-sodium taco seasoning
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
24 jumbo pasta shells, cooked and tossed with melted butter (below)
1/4 cup butter or 1/4 cup margarine, melted
1 cup salsa
1 cup taco sauce
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup tortilla chips, crushed (optional)
1 cup sour cream (optional)
3 green onions, chopped (optional)

Steps:

  • In large skillet, cook beef until no longer pink. Drain.
  • Add taco seasoning and prepare to package directions.
  • Add cream cheese, cover and simmer for 5-10 minutes until cheese is melted. Stir well.
  • Cool meat mixture for 1 hour.
  • Fill each shell with about 3 Tablespoons of meat mixture.
  • Grease (2) 9 inch square baking dishes, and place 12 shells in each dish.
  • Mix salsa and taco sauce and spoon 1/2 over shells in both dishes.
  • If not freezing: Cover with foil and bake at 350 for 30 minutes. Uncover, sprinkle with Cheddar cheese and tortilla chips (if using). Bake 15 min until cheese is melted. Serve with sour cream and onions.
  • To use frozen shells: Omit cheddar and tortilla chips before freezing. Thaw in refrigerator 24 hours Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minute Add cheese and chips and cook another 10 minute.

Tips:

  • Use high-quality pasta shells for the best results. Look for shells that are made with durum wheat and have a slightly rough texture.
  • Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions. Be sure not to overcook them, as they will become too soft and mushy.
  • Use a variety of fillings to create different flavor combinations. Some popular fillings include ground beef, ground turkey, chicken, beans, and vegetables.
  • Season the fillings well with your favorite spices and herbs. This will help to create a flavorful dish.
  • Top the pasta shells with your favorite sauce. Some popular options include tomato sauce, cheese sauce, or enchilada sauce.
  • Bake the pasta shells until they are heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Serve the pasta shells immediately with your favorite toppings. Some popular toppings include sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and shredded cheese.

Conclusion:

Taco-filled pasta shells are a delicious and easy-to-make meal that is perfect for busy weeknights. With a variety of fillings and toppings to choose from, there are endless possibilities for creating a dish that everyone will enjoy. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give taco-filled pasta shells a try. You won't be disappointed!

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