Go Back
Homemade Taco Stuffed Shells recipe photo

Taco Stuffed Shells

Comforting jumbo pasta shells filled with seasoned beef and cheese, topped with enchilada sauce and Fritos for crunch.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 envelope taco seasoning
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 4 ounces cream cheese
  • 12 jumbo pasta shells
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup salsa
  • 1/2 cup green enchilada sauce
  • 1 cup Colby Jack cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup Fritos, crushed
  • 1/2 cup sour cream

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Pot
  • 11x7 inch baking dish
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Spoon
  • Colander

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks.
  3. Drain excess grease, then return the beef to the skillet and add the taco seasoning and 3/4 cup water; bring to a boil.
  4. Stir in the cream cheese, reduce heat to low, and simmer about 5 minutes until the cream cheese is melted and the mixture is smooth; transfer to a bowl to cool slightly.
  5. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package directions until al dente, drain, then toss with the melted butter to coat and prevent sticking.
  6. Spoon the salsa into the bottom of an 11x7-inch baking dish to form a thin layer.
  7. Fill each buttered shell with a scoop of the beef mixture and arrange the stuffed shells upright in the prepared baking dish.
  8. Drizzle the green enchilada sauce evenly over the shells and bake uncovered for 20 minutes.
  9. Sprinkle the shredded Colby Jack cheese over the shells and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  10. Remove from the oven and top with crushed Fritos and dollops of sour cream just before serving.

Notes

  • Prep ahead: assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
  • To freeze: wrap the dish tightly and freeze up to 3 months.
  • Thaw in the refrigerator before baking if frozen.
  • Use a baking dish sized about 11x7 inches for best fit.