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- Spoon the taco meat mixture into each shell and place them in a baking dish.
4. Add the sauce and cheese:
- Pour salsa evenly over the shells.
- Top with a generous layer of shredded cheese.
5. Bake:
- Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for another 5–10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Top and serve:
- Garnish with your favorite taco toppings and serve with a side of rice, salad, or tortilla chips.
Pro Tips
- Don’t overcook the shells: They’ll cook a bit more in the oven, so al dente is perfect.
- Spice it up: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture.
- Make it vegetarian: Use black beans, corn, and sautéed veggies in place of meat.
- Double the batch: This dish freezes beautifully—make one for tonight and one for next week.
Perfect For…
- Weeknight dinners: Quick, hearty, and a guaranteed hit.
- Potlucks and gatherings: Unique enough to stand out, familiar enough to please everyone.
- Meal prep: Assemble in advance and bake when you’re ready to eat.
- Taco Tuesday with a twist: Give your taco night a fresh spin!
Final Thoughts
Taco Stuffed Shells are everything you want in a comfort food mashup—cheesy, meaty, creamy, and packed with flavor. They bring a fun, unexpected twist to traditional taco night and satisfy every craving in one hearty dish. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe will quickly become a household favorite.
Would you like a printable recipe card or variations like chicken or vegetarian versions?
