Inject a little fiesta into your dinner routine with these Mexican Stuffed Shells, a delightful twist on traditional Italian stuffed pasta. This recipe marries the hearty, comforting appeal of baked pasta with the bold flavors of a taco night, resulting in a dish that’s both familiar and excitingly different. Each shell is generously filled with a savory, spiced meat and cream cheese mixture, then baked under a blanket of salsa and taco sauce, making each bite irresistibly creamy and zesty.
Mexican Stuffed Shells: A Fusion Feast
Imagine the joy of combining the creamy, cheesy goodness of Italian cuisine with the spicy kick of Mexican flavors. These stuffed shells are perfect for those looking to spice up their meal plans without straying too far from comfort food classics. Whether you’re gearing up for a family dinner or a casual get-together with friends, this dish is sure to impress.
Preparation Details:
- Preparation Time: 25 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 16 shells
Flavorful Mexican Stuffed Shells
Turn up the heat and the flavor with these easy-to-make, deliciously different stuffed shells that promise a little piece of Mexico right in your dining room.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 package low-sodium taco seasoning
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 16 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 1/2 cups salsa
- 1 cup taco sauce
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Monterrey jack cheese, shredded
- For toppings: chopped green onions, sliced olives, and sour cream
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef. Stir in the taco seasoning as per the package instructions. Add cream cheese and simmer until it’s melted and well incorporated. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool completely.
- Cook the pasta shells according to the package directions until al dente; drain. Arrange the shells on a cutting board or baking sheet to prevent sticking.
- Spread salsa on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Stuff each shell with about 1-2 tablespoons of the meat mixture and place them in the baking dish, open side up.
- Evenly pour taco sauce over the stuffed shells.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil, sprinkle both cheeses over the shells, and return to the oven for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with green onions and olives, if using. Serve hot, accompanied by sour cream and extra salsa for added flavor.
These Mexican Stuffed Shells are a surefire way to bring some extra excitement to your dining table, offering a creative spin on a classic dish that’s as fun to prepare as it is to eat. Enjoy the fusion of cultures in each bite!