Taco Stuffed Shells

#### 3. **Assemble the Stuffed Shells:**
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of **salsa** or **tomato sauce** on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. This will help keep the stuffed shells from sticking.

Carefully stuff each **pasta shell** with a generous spoonful of the taco filling, making sure to pack them in well. Place the stuffed shells seam side down in the baking dish.

#### 4. **Add Cheese and Sauce:**
Once all the shells are stuffed, top them with the remaining **salsa** or **tomato sauce**. Sprinkle **shredded mozzarella** and **cheddar cheese** evenly over the top. For extra flavor, you can also sprinkle some diced **tomatoes** on top before baking.

#### 5. **Bake:**
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for about 20-25 minutes. After this, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is slightly golden.

#### 6. **Garnish and Serve:**
Once out of the oven, sprinkle the Taco Stuffed Shells with fresh **cilantro**, **green onions**, or any of your favorite taco toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or extra salsa. Serve hot and enjoy!

### Why You’ll Love Taco Stuffed Shells:

– **Family-Friendly**: This recipe is a hit with both kids and adults! The familiar taco flavors combined with pasta make it a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for family dinners.
– **Versatile**: Taco Stuffed Shells can be customized with different proteins such as **ground turkey** or **chicken**, or made vegetarian with black beans, corn, and more. You can also switch up the cheese or add different spices to suit your taste.
– **Make-Ahead**: This dish is perfect for meal prep. You can assemble the stuffed shells the night before and bake them when you’re ready to serve, saving you time on busy nights.
– **Comforting and Hearty**: With its combination of pasta, cheese, and taco filling, this dish is both comforting and filling – the perfect meal for any occasion.

### Tips for the Best Taco Stuffed Shells:

– **Don’t overcook the pasta shells**: You want the shells to be al dente to avoid them falling apart when stuffing them. Slightly undercook them if needed, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
– **Feel free to adjust the heat level**: If you like a little kick, add some diced **jalapeños** or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes on top.
– **Add veggies**: For a more colorful and nutritious twist, consider adding sautéed vegetables like onions, bell peppers, and corn to the taco filling.

### Conclusion:

Taco Stuffed Shells are a fun and tasty fusion dish that brings together the best of Italian and Mexican flavors. With a crunchy taco-inspired filling, gooey cheese, and a touch of salsa, these stuffed shells are guaranteed to become a family favorite. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to serve at your next gathering, Taco Stuffed Shells are sure to impress!