This recipe SLAPS! I used my freeze ahead taco meat. No need to explain how to make that to anyone, it is however SO easy to make in bulk and freeze ahead. I also used ingredients from various stores. For pricing I will be using Walmart. I believe that is likely the easiest and cheapest place to find all the ingredients without store hopping. Everything listed is Walmart brand unless otherwise specified. Prices are accurate as of the time of this post.

What To Buy

  • 2 lbs ground beef 73/27 – $11.36 (3lb roll) ; actual meat used $7.56
  • 2 packets taco seasoning – $0.96
  • 1 box jumbo shells – $1.68
  • 2 24 oz jars of salsa – $4.48
  • 1 can corn – $0.58
  • 1 can black beans – $0.78
  • 1 block cream cheese – $1.68
  • 1 32 oz bag taco blend cheese – $7.48
  • 1 or 2 foil pans – $3.78 (2 count)

Fixings

  • 1 bottle taco sauce – $3.24 (Ortega)
  • 1 tub sour cream – $1.16
  • 1 bag tortilla chips – $1.98

Directions

  • Prepare 2 lbs taco meat. Do not use entire 3 lb roll. It will be too much filling for the shells.
  • Add drained corn, drained beans, and cream cheese to taco meat. Mix well. Set aside.
  • Boil shells per package instructions. Drain. Set aside.
  • Pour 1 jar salsa into each foil pan. I only used one foil pan for freezing. I wanted to try out my Ninja Foodi PossiblePan. Use both foil pans if you’re freezing both meals. If you’re serving one immediately use whatever bakeware you wish.
  • Stuff shells with taco mixture and lay evenly over salsa.
  • Cover with half bag of taco cheese.
  • Cover your freezer dish with foil. Write directions and date on the foil. Place in freezer.
  • Bake covered for 30 minutes at 350.
  • Broil uncovered approximately 5 minutes. Keep on eye on the cheese. Remove when you have desired amount of browning.
  • Serve with fixings.

Freezer Directions

  • Place in fridge. Thaw overnight.
  • Bake covered at 350.
  • Broil uncovered for 5 minutes. Closely watch.
  • Serve with fixings.

ENJOY!

You will not regret giving this recipe a try! It’s a little tedious but it’s so worth it, especially when you can just pop the second meal out of the freezer straight to the oven.

For $35.36 I got two dinners including pans and fixings that can be served for 2 nights. I’m slightly mortified it came to that much. Assuming a family of 4 uses 2 shells as a serving, that comes to $17.68 a pan, $8.84 a meal, $2.21 a serving. That doesn’t seem AS bad, but still… inflation can suck it.

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This post I used my Ninja Foodi PossiblePan. It’s a splurge, but it’s dope! The level of non stick is honestly shocking. If you love easy one pan meals, this is for you. For this recipe I browned the and strained the meat, boiled and strained the shells, layered the food, baked, and broiled ALL IN ONE PAN! It blows the Our Place Always Pan out of the freakin water. If you’re going to invest in a all in one pan, invest in the Ninja.