Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share a recipe that’s been the game-changer in my life. Think of it as tacos met lasagna and had the most delicious, cheesy baby ever.What are stuffed taco shellsAre really addictive, and they’re so easy to whip up, even on those crazy weeknights when you’ve got a few minutes to spare. I am convinced I have absolutely nothing to feed my family. I’d compare them to enchiladas, but honestly? I think these are even better! What are some of the best crispy shells? You’re going to want to make this.
What is stuffed taco shells?
What exactly is a “smartphone”What are the best taco shellsWhat are some of the best stand-up taco shells you can buy at the grocery store? Now, picture them brimming with a savory, seasoned GROUND BEEF (or turkey or chicken – whatever your preference). ), smothered in cheese, and baked until golden and bubbly. What is essentially a deconstructed taco, baked to perfection? We call them “taco boats” sometimes just for fun. What’s a good taco night meal to make when you’re tired of folding tortillas? What are tortillas and how do you clean them up? When I need a win, this is my go-to!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What is the best thing about this recipe?What are the best taco shellsHow versatile are they?
- Flavor Explosion:What is the combination of seasoned meat, melty cheese, and crispy shell? My kids gobble them up every single time.
- Ridiculously EasyHow do I get from prep to table in less than an hour? The hands-on time is minimal, which is a huge win for me.
- Budget FriendlyGround beef is an inexpensive protein, and you probably already have most of the other proteins. What are the ingredients in your pantry?
- Super Adaptable:Can you customize the taco filling with your favorite toppings, like black beans, corn, or cheese? Even a dollop of sour cream. I’ve made a vegetarian version with lentils and sweet potatoes, and it was amazing!
I’m always looking for ways to spice up our usual dinner rotation, and this one definitely hits the spot. Is it similar to my enchiladas? What is the best crunch you can get with tortillas?What are the best taco shellsAre perfect for meal prepping. I often make a big batch on Sunday and then reheat them throughout the week. So easy!
How do you make stuffed taco shells?
Quick Overview
Making these What are stuffed taco shellsis surprisingly simple. You’ll start by browning your ground meat with taco seasoning, then loading it into the tortilla shells. What is your favorite cheese? Is it safe to put cheese in the oven until bubbly? What is the best way to prepare a quick meal for the week? What’s the best part? Minimal cleanup!
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey or chicken) is best.
- 1 packet taco seasoning (I like to use low-sodium) (as opposed to 2 packets)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained (optional, but I love the added texture)
- 1 cup frozen corn (also optional, but adds a nice sweetness)
For the Taco Shells: What are some good
- What are some stand-up taco shells?
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese blend) or 2 cup melted mozzarella cheese.
For Topping (optional):
- Sour cream
- Salsa
- Guacamole
- Chopped cilantro: What
- Diced tomatoes
- What is shredded lettuce
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. How do you clean taco shells?
Step 2: Brown the Meat
In a large skillet, brown Ground Beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease. Why do people want greasy tacos?
Step 3: Season the Meat
Stir in taco seasoning and water. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. What is the best way to season meat with water?
Step 4: Add the Beans and Corn (Optional)
If you’re using black beans and corn, stir them into the meat mixture. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until heated through. I love the added texture and flavor this brings to my food. I’m a vegetarian.What are stuffed taco shells!
Step 5: Stuff the Taco Shells
Carefully fill each taco shell with meat mixture. Be generous! You want to pack them full. Don’t be afraid to get messy.
Step 6: Top with Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the stuffed taco shells. Make sure to cover every nook and cranny! More cheese is always better, right?
Step 7: Bake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on them to prevent the shells from burning. Every oven is different!
Step 8: Add Toppings
Remove the stuffed taco shells from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before adding your favorite toppings. Sour Cream, salsa, guacamole, cilantro – the possibilities are endless!
Step 9: Serve & Enjoy!
Serve immediately and enjoy these delicious stuffed taco shells! Prepare for happy faces and empty plates!
What to Serve It With
These stuffed taco shells are a meal on their own, but if you’re looking to round out the meal, here are a few serving suggestions:
As a Main Course: Serve with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans for a complete and satisfying meal.
With a Salad: A simple green salad with a lime vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the rich taco filling.
For a Party: These are perfect for game day or any casual gathering! Serve with a variety of toppings so guests can customize their own stuffed taco shells. Don’t forget the margaritas!
Honestly, sometimes I just serve these on their own because they are so filling. My family loves them, and that’s what matters most! We usually have a variety of toppings set out so everyone can make them exactly how they like them. It’s a real crowd-pleaser!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Stuffed Taco Shells
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to make these stuffed taco shells even better:
Don’t Overfill: While it’s tempting to stuff the shells to the brim, resist the urge! Overfilling can make them difficult to handle and they might collapse.
Use Sturdy Shells: Not all taco shells are created equal. Look for sturdy, stand-up shells that won’t break easily. I’ve learned this the hard way when my tacos just turned to crumbles in the oven.
Warm the Shells: Warming the taco shells slightly before filling them makes them more pliable and less likely to crack. You can do this in the oven or microwave. I usually just put them in the oven for a few minutes while it’s preheating.
Customize the Filling: Feel free to experiment with different fillings. Ground turkey, Shredded Chicken, or even vegetarian options like black beans and sweet potatoes all work great. We also like adding a little bit of cream cheese to the ground beef mixture to make it extra creamy!
Don’t Skip the Cheese: Cheese is essential! It helps to hold the filling together and adds a delicious, melty goodness. I prefer cheddar, but any cheese that melts well will work. My husband is a big fan of pepper jack for an extra kick!
Watch the Baking Time: Keep a close eye on the stuffed taco shells while they’re baking to prevent the shells from burning. Baking times may vary depending on your oven.
I’ve also found that a little sprinkle of taco seasoning on top of the cheese before baking adds an extra layer of flavor. It’s a small detail, but it makes a big difference!
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you have any leftover stuffed taco shells (which is rare in my house!), here’s how to store and reheat them:
Refrigerator Storage: Store the leftover stuffed taco shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure they’ve cooled completely before storing.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the stuffed taco shells. Wrap each shell individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To reheat, bake the stuffed taco shells in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them, but the shells may become a bit soggy. If reheating from frozen, add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
I usually prefer reheating them in the oven because it helps to crisp up the shells again. If I’m in a hurry, though, the microwave works just fine. Just be sure to watch them carefully so they don’t get too soft.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my go-to recipe for stuffed taco shells. It’s quick, easy, and always a hit with my family. I hope you give it a try and let me know what you think! If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy my easy chicken fajitas or my creamy Taco Soup. They’re both family favorites that are sure to please.
Happy cooking, friends! I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out. Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know if you made any fun variations!
Stuffed Taco Shells
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground beef
- 1 cup Taco seasoning
- 12 ounces Taco shells
- 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.5 cup Sour cream
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in taco seasoning and cook for 1 minute.
- Fill each taco shell with the beef mixture.
- Top with shredded cheese and sour cream.
