Description
Loaded Taco Shells are a fun and hearty twist on classic tacos. Jumbo pasta shells are filled with seasoned taco meat, topped with melty cheese, and baked until bubbly. Finished with fresh taco toppings, this dish is perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 2/3 cup water
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in taco seasoning and water, then simmer for 3–4 minutes until thickened.
- Mix in the salsa and remove from heat.
- Spoon the taco meat mixture into the cooked pasta shells.
- Arrange the filled shells in the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the shells.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Top with sour cream, diced tomatoes, olives, green onions, and cilantro before serving.
Notes
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. For extra flavor, add diced jalapeños or serve with guacamole and tortilla chips on the side.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: loaded taco shells, taco stuffed pasta shells, taco pasta bake, easy taco dinner