Mexican Stuffed Pasta Shells – Get ready to embark on an adventure that combines the vibrant flavors of Mexico with the comforting appeal of pasta, in our Mexican Stuffed Pasta Shells recipe. This dish brings together the soul of Mexican cuisine and the satisfying heartiness of an Italian favorite. Juicy ground beef, tangy taco seasoning, and creamy cream cheese come together to create an irresistible filling. We’ll guide you through each step of this journey ensuring that your dinner table is graced with a meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
The first time I made this dish it was like a symphony of flavors dancing on my taste buds. I can still vividly remember how my husband’s eyes lit up as he took that first bite and even my picky eater child devoured it eagerly. That’s when I knew this recipe was something fated to become a treasured family favorite.
What makes these Mexican Stuffed Pasta Shells truly incredible?
This recipe brings the bold flavors of Mexico right to your dinner table while also incorporating the comforting appeal of pasta. With 15 minutes of preparation time, it’s a perfect choice for those busy evenings when you need something quick and easy. Moreover, it’s incredibly versatile as it allows you to use either ground beef or turkey according to your preference and experiment, with cheese options to suit your taste. This dish combines the best of traditions creating an unforgettable dining experience that will surely impress everyone.
What You Need To Make This Mexican Stuffed Pasta Shells Recipe?
Ground Beef (or Ground Turkey): Ground beef or ground turkey both offer versatility in terms of flavor and health considerations. Ground beef brings a beefy taste to the dish while ground turkey provides a leaner option, for those seeking a healthier twist.
Low-Sodium Taco Seasoning: Opting for low-sodium taco seasoning allows you to have control over the salt content in your meal, which is especially important if you’re watching your sodium intake. You can adjust the quantity according to your taste and dietary needs.
Cream Cheese: Cream cheese adds a luxurious texture to the meat filling creating a melt-in-your-mouth quality in your dish. It plays a role in enhancing the experience.
Jumbo Pasta Shells: Jumbo pasta shells serve as the vessel for this filling. Make sure they are cooked al dente to prevent them from becoming too soft when baked as that can result in a mushy texture.
Salsa: The choice of salsa significantly affects the spiciness and overall flavor profile of the dish. Depending on your heat preference you can go for medium or hot salsa. For those who enjoy a smoky kick consider using chipotle salsa.
Taco Sauce: Taco sauce adds a layer of flavor and moisture, to the dish. You can choose from brands based on your preferred level of heat to match it with your taste preferences.
Cheddar Cheese (Monterrey Jack Cheese): Combining cheddar and Monterrey jack cheese creates a balance of sharpness and creaminess. However, feel free to choose a type of cheese that you personally enjoy.
Green Onions: Green onions, also known as scallions are great, as a garnish. They bring an onion flavor. Add a vibrant touch of green to the finished dish. You can adjust the amount according to your preference.
Sour Cream: Sour cream is a companion for dishes offering a cool and creamy contrast, to the bold flavors. Serve it alongside your Stuffed Pasta Shells for a touch of richness.
Steps To Make Mexican Stuffed Pasta Shells:
Step 1: Let’s start by preparing the meat filling. Take a pan. Cook the ground beef (or turkey) until it browns. Add the taco seasoning as, per the instructions on the package. After that mix in the cream cheese. Let it simmer until it melts completely. Give it a stir then set it to cool down.
Step 2: While the meat is cooking, get your jumbo pasta shells ready by following the directions on the package. Once cooked drain them. Place them individually on a cutting board or baking sheet to prevent sticking.
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Step 3: Now let’s create our base by pouring some salsa into a 9×13 baking dish.
Step 4: Next comes stuffing those shells! Take each pasta shell. Fill it with 1 to 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture. Arrange these stuffed shells in your baking dish with their open side facing up.
Step 5: To add some flavor drizzle taco sauce evenly over all of those stuffed shells. Cover up your dish, with foil. Pop it in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes.
Step 6: Once that time has passed, remove the foil. Sprinkle some cheese over those beautiful shells. Let it continue baking for another 5 to 10 minutes or until you see that gooeyness from melted cheese.
Step 7: For a burst of flavor garnish your Mexican Stuffed Pasta Shells with chopped green onions.
Step 8: Voila! Your delicious creation is ready to be served and enjoyed! For an added treat you can serve it with a spoonful of sour cream and some extra salsa.
Tip:
For a neater and convenient way of filling the pasta shells, you can try using a zip-lock plastic bag. Put the meat mixture into the bag, seal it tightly and cut an opening at one corner. Next, gently squeeze the filling into each shell allowing for efficient stuffing that reduces messiness and guarantees filled pasta shells.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Of course! You have the option to get everything up until the point of baking. Just cover it tightly. Keep it refrigerated. When you’re ready to indulge simply follow the baking instructions allowing for a few minutes due to the chilled state.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative and experiment with your cheeses to add a flavor profile. Whether it’s pepper jack, Colby or even a smoky gouda you can introduce a twist.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Certainly! If you prefer a vegetarian option you can substitute the ground beef or turkey with plant-based meat alternatives. Use a combination of beans and vegetables for a vegetarian variation.
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Mexican Stuffed Pasta Shells Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 package low-sodium taco seasoning
- 4 oz. cream cheese
- 20 jumbo pasta shells about 6 oz.
- 1 1/2 c. salsa
- 1 c. taco sauce
- 1 c. cheddar cheese or just use all of one kind of cheese
- 1 c. Monterrey jack cheese
FOR TOPPINGS:
- 3 green onions
- Sour cream
Instructions
- Begin by browning 1 pound of either ground beef or turkey in a pan. Then add a package of low-sodium taco seasoning as per the instructions on the package. Stir in 4 ounces of cream cheese until it melts and set it aside.
- Next, cook around 20 pasta shells until they're al dente and then drain them.
- Take a 9x13 baking dish and spread about 1 and a half cups of salsa evenly across it.
- Now fill each shell with 1 to 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture making sure to place them side up in the dish.
- Drizzle about 1 cup of taco sauce over the shells. Cover the dish with foil. Bake it at a temperature of 350°F for around 15 to 20 minutes.
- After that remove the foil. Sprinkle 1 cup of either cheddar or Monterey jack cheese, over the shells. Place it back in the oven for another 5 to 10 minutes until you see that the cheese has melted perfectly.
- To finish off garnish your creation with some chopped onions and serve it alongside some sour cream. Enjoy your meal!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
