Mexican Stuffed Shells
User Reviews
4.4
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
30 mins
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Total Time
45 mins
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Servings
20 shells
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Mexican
Mexican Stuffed Shells
Description
Mexican Stuffed Shells combine jumbo pasta shells stuffed with a seasoned mixture of ground beef and cream cheese, providing a rich, creamy filling infused with taco seasoning for a distinctive flavor. The shells sit in a base of salsa, then are topped with taco sauce and baked until soft and thoroughly heated. Adding shredded cheddar and Monterey jack cheese creates a golden melty top, enhancing the casserole's texture and flavor. Fresh green onions add brightness and a mild crunch as garnish.
The layers of salsa and taco sauce contribute a tangy and mildly spicy tomato flavor that complements the creamy filling. Baking times are set to ensure the pasta is tender and the dish is uniformly warmed. This preparation suits a sit-down meal offering Mexican-inspired flavors within an accessible and family-friendly comfort food format.
Serving these shells with sour cream and extra salsa adds creaminess and additional zest, allowing for customization to taste. The combination of cheeses and well-spiced beef filling creates a dish ready to stand alone or accompany simple sides like a green salad.
The recipe notes its source but does not provide additional storage or preparation tips; however, cooling the filling before stuffing prevents overheating. Separating the shells after boiling prevents sticking, ensuring easy stuffing and even baking.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 taco seasoning low-sodium package
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 20 jumbo pasta shells (about 6 ounces)
- 1 1/2 /2 cups salsa
- 1 cup taco sauce
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (or just use all of one kind of cheese)
- 1 cup Monterey jack cheese
For toppings:
- 3 green onions
- sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°.
- In a pan brown the ground beef; add taco seasoning and prepare according to package directions. Add cream cheese, cover and simmer until cheese is melted. Stir together and mix well. Set aside and cool completely.
- While ground beef is cooking, cook the pasta shells according to package directions; drain. Set shells out individually on cutting board or baking sheet so that they don’t stick together.
- Pour salsa on bottom of a 9×13 baking dish. Stuff each shell with 1-2 tablespoons of the meat mixture. Place shells in 9×13 pan open side up. Evenly cover shells with taco sauce. Cover dish with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes.
- After 15-20 minutes, add shredded cheese and bake for 5-10 more minutes with the foil removed until cheese melts. Top with green onions or olives if desired. Serve with sour cream and/or more salsa.
Notes
- Cool the beef and cream cheese filling before stuffing to help it hold together better inside the shells.
- Lay out cooked pasta shells to prevent sticking, making filling them easier and neater.
- Serve with sour cream or additional salsa for added moisture and fresh flavor contrast.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.4
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