Description
Comforting Mexican stuffed shells combine ground beef, cheese, and zesty spices in perfectly seasoned pasta. Hearty flavors blend seamlessly, offering you a delightful twist on traditional Italian-Mexican fusion cuisine.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 20 jumbo pasta shells (about 6 ounces)
- 1 1/2 cups salsa
- 1 cup taco sauce
Cheese and Dairy:
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup cheddar cheese
- 1 cup monterrey jack cheese
- Sour cream
Seasonings and Garnish:
- 1 package low-sodium taco seasoning
- 3 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring a consistent cooking temperature for the Mexican stuffed shells.
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Incorporate taco seasoning according to package instructions, then blend in cream cheese. Simmer until cheese melts completely, creating a rich, flavorful filling. Allow mixture to cool thoroughly.
- Cook pasta shells in boiling water following package directions. Carefully drain and arrange shells individually on a flat surface to prevent sticking and maintain their shape.
- Spread salsa across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish, creating a zesty base for the shells. Generously fill each shell with the prepared beef mixture, positioning them open side up in the dish.
- Drizzle taco sauce evenly over the stuffed shells, ensuring complete coverage. Tent the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15-20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and shells to heat through.
- Remove foil and sprinkle shredded cheddar and Monterey jack cheeses over the shells. Return to oven for an additional 5-10 minutes until cheese melts completely and develops a golden, bubbly texture.
- Garnish with freshly chopped green onions for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately with a side of sour cream and extra salsa for optional additional toppings.
Notes
- Enhance meat flavor by using a blend of ground beef and chorizo for deeper, spicier taste.
- Prevent shells from tearing during stuffing by cooking pasta slightly firmer than package instructions and handling gently.
- Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for vegetarian version, maintaining authentic Mexican seasoning profile.
- Control spice levels by selecting mild taco seasoning or adding extra heat with diced jalapeños or hot sauce according to preference.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg