WW Taco Stuffed Shells are a fantastic way to enjoy the flavors of tacos in a fun, filling, and healthier way. This recipe takes the traditional taco filling—ground lean meat, taco seasoning, and cheese—and stuffs it into large pasta shells for a hearty, satisfying meal. What makes this dish so great for those on the Weight Watchers program is that it offers the indulgence of a taco night without the added calories and carbs from tortilla shells. By using lean ground turkey or beef and reduced-fat cheese, you’re able to create a meal that’s rich in flavor yet low in SmartPoints, making it a perfect option for anyone following a healthy eating plan.
One of the best aspects of WW Taco Stuffed Shells is how customizable it is. You can easily swap out ingredients to suit your tastes or dietary needs. For example, you can choose ground chicken for a leaner option, or even add black beans, corn, or diced peppers to the filling for extra nutrition and texture. The recipe is simple to adapt, whether you want to add a bit of spice with jalapeños or swap the fat-free sour cream for a lower-calorie alternative. The taco flavors are the real star of the dish, but the stuffed shells make it feel like you’re getting something extra special.
These taco-stuffed shells are also incredibly family-friendly. They combine two classic comfort foods—tacos and pasta—into one dish that kids and adults alike will love. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or preparing a meal for a crowd, this dish is easy to scale. You can make it ahead of time, and it’s just as delicious for leftovers. It also holds up well if you’re meal prepping for the week, so you can have a tasty and filling option ready to go when you’re short on time.
Another great benefit of WW Taco Stuffed Shells is how satisfying it is without feeling overly heavy. Each serving packs a good amount of protein, thanks to the lean meat, and the cheese and taco seasoning give it the bold flavors we love. You can garnish with fresh toppings like cilantro, green onions, or sliced tomatoes, which not only add flavor but also keep the dish light and fresh. At around 6-7 SmartPoints per serving, this dish offers the perfect balance of taste, nutrition, and portion control, making it an ideal meal for anyone following Weight Watchers or anyone just trying to eat a little lighter.
WW Taco Stuffed Shells
Ingredients:
- 12-15 large pasta shells
- 1 lb lean ground turkey or lean ground beef (93% lean or higher)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade seasoning mix)
- 1/2 cup salsa (your favorite brand, or homemade)
- 1/2 cup reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup fat-free sour cream (for topping)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional, for garnish)
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (optional, for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the Shells:
- Begin by cooking the pasta shells according to the package instructions. Be sure not to overcook them, as they will continue to cook in the oven. Once cooked, drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Taco Filling:
- While the shells are cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the lean ground turkey or beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes).
- Once the meat is cooked through, add the taco seasoning (following package instructions, or adjust to taste), and stir in salsa. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes, then remove from heat.
- Stuff the Shells:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the taco meat mixture, about 1-2 tablespoons per shell, depending on their size.
- Place the stuffed shells in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Bake the Taco Stuffed Shells:
- Once all the shells are stuffed and arranged in the baking dish, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the shells are heated through.
- Serve:
- After baking, remove the taco stuffed shells from the oven and let them cool for a couple of minutes before serving.
- Top with a dollop of fat-free sour cream, and garnish with green onions, cilantro, and diced tomatoes if desired.
Why You’ll Love Taco Stuffed Shells:
These WW Taco Stuffed Shells are a perfect balance of hearty and light. Using lean ground turkey or beef significantly reduces the fat and calorie content while still delivering that satisfying taco flavor. The combination of pasta and taco filling creates a comforting, filling dish, but the use of fat-free sour cream and reduced-fat cheese keeps it low in SmartPoints. You can easily customize this recipe by adding your favorite toppings, such as shredded lettuce, salsa, or jalapeños, and adjust the seasoning to your taste.
Another great aspect of these stuffed shells is how family-friendly they are. Kids and adults alike will love the familiar taco flavor wrapped in a cozy pasta shell. Plus, the recipe is easy to scale up or down depending on the number of servings needed, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prepping for the week ahead.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving) (Based on 6 servings):
- Calories: ~300 kcal
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Net Carbs: 27g
- Protein: 24g
- SmartPoints: 6-7 points (depending on ingredients used)