This Taco Stuffed Shells with Queso recipe is a fun and flavorful twist on classic stuffed shells. Jumbo pasta shells are filled with a savory taco-seasoned ground beef mixture, smothered in creamy queso, and topped with melted cheddar cheese. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you want a comforting and satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavorful and Fun: This recipe combines the familiar comfort of stuffed shells with the bold and zesty flavors of tacos.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this dish is surprisingly easy to assemble.
Crowd-Pleaser: It’s a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious dish:

Jumbo shell pasta: These large shells are perfect for holding a generous amount of filling.
Lean ground beef: Provides a hearty and flavorful base for the filling.
Taco seasoning: Adds a blend of spices for that classic taco flavor.
Water: Helps to create a saucy filling.
Cilantro: Chopped, adds a fresh herb flavor to the filling.
Queso: Homemade or store-bought, this creamy cheese sauce is a must-have for this recipe.
Cheddar cheese: Grated, adds a classic cheesy topping.
Green onions: Adds a touch of freshness and color.
Taco sauce: For drizzling over the finished dish.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Taco Stuffed Shells with Queso

Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Brown the Beef

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Cook the jumbo shells according to package directions, being careful not to overcook them. Drain, rinse, and let cool. While the pasta is cooking, brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat.

Step 2: Make the Filling

Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the browned ground beef and stir in the water. Simmer until the water is absorbed, then stir in the chopped cilantro.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Spray a 13×9 inch casserole dish with nonstick spray. Fill each cooked shell with the ground beef mixture and arrange them in the prepared dish. Pour the queso over the shells, making sure they are well coated. Sprinkle with the shredded cheddar cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Drizzle the taco sauce over the baked shells and sprinkle with green onions. Serve hot and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Make the queso ahead of time: You can make the queso a day or two in advance to save time.
Adjust the spice level: Use a mild or medium taco seasoning to control the heat. You can also add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling for extra spice.
Add toppings: Garnish with your favorite taco toppings, such as sour cream, guacamole, or shredded lettuce.

How to Serve Taco Stuffed Shells with Queso

Family Dinner: This Taco Stuffed Shells with Queso is a fun and satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy.
Potluck Dish: It’s a crowd-pleasing casserole that’s perfect for potlucks or gatherings.
Lunchbox Friendly: Pack leftovers for a delicious and convenient lunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

You can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Jumbo shells are ideal for this recipe because of their size and shape, but you can experiment with other large pasta shells if needed.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can use a plant-based ground meat substitute or omit the meat altogether and use a vegetarian filling, such as black beans or lentils.

Can I use store-bought queso?
Absolutely! If you don’t have time to make homemade queso, you can use your favorite store-bought brand.

How can I make this dish spicier?
Use a hotter taco seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to the filling.

There you have it! A delicious and easy-to-make recipe for Taco Stuffed Shells with Queso that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!