Mexican Stuffed Shells: A Fusion of Italian and Mexican Cuisines
Dive into the bold and zesty flavors of Mexican Stuffed Shells, a delightful dish that combines the heartiness of Italian pasta with the spicy kick of Mexican cuisine.
This recipe features jumbo pasta shells stuffed with a savory mix of seasoned ground beef and creamy cheese, all smothered in salsa and taco sauce. Topped with a generous amount of melted cheese and served with fresh toppings, these stuffed shells are sure to be a hit at any family dinner or potluck.
A Flavorful Twist on Classic Comfort Food
Embrace the fusion of flavors with this unique recipe, perfect for those looking to spice up their pasta night with something a little different. It’s easy to prepare and guaranteed to satisfy even the most robust appetites.
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Equipment: Skillet, 9×13 baking dish
Recipe Title: Cheesy Mexican Stuffed Shells
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:
- 3 green onions, chopped
- Sour cream
Directions:
- Prepare the Meat: Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a skillet, brown the ground beef. Stir in the taco seasoning as directed by the package. Add the cream cheese, cover, and simmer until the cheese has melted and the mixture is well combined. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
- Cook the Shells: While the meat is cooking, boil the pasta shells as per the package instructions until al dente. Drain and lay out the shells on a cutting board or a baking sheet to prevent them from sticking together.
- Assemble the Dish: Spread salsa on the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish. Stuff each shell with about 1-2 tablespoons of the meat mixture and place them in the dish open side up. Evenly pour the taco sauce over the stuffed shells.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, uncover, sprinkle with both types of cheese, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Top the baked shells with chopped green onions and serve with sour cream and extra salsa if desired.
Ready to Impress
This dish not only fills the room with its enticing aroma but also brings a smile to everyone’s face with its delicious blend of flavors. The Mexican Stuffed Shells are perfect for a cozy night in or for impressing guests at your next gathering. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy filling and the rich, tangy sauces that make this dish a memorable culinary experience.
