Mexican Stuffed Shells Recipe

If you love tacos and pasta, get ready for a delicious fusion that will absolutely steal the show at your dinner table: this Mexican Stuffed Shells Recipe combines the savory comfort of Italian jumbo pasta shells with all the zesty, cheesy goodness of a classic taco night. Each shell is loaded with seasoned ground beef, rich salsa, melty cheese, and a little kick from taco sauce—it’s a true crowd-pleaser for family dinners, parties, or any night you’re craving something fun and flavorful!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Mexican Stuffed Shells Recipe is as simple as it is tasty, thanks to a handful of bold, familiar ingredients. Each one plays a starring role, whether it’s giving the filling extra depth, bringing vibrant color, or just holding all those mouthwatering flavors together.

• Jumbo pasta shells (24): These sturdy shells are your edible vessels ready to soak up all the tasty filling.
• Lean ground beef (2 pounds): The meaty, hearty base for your taco-inspired stuffing; opt for lean for less grease.
• Sweet yellow onion (1 cup, finely diced): Adds subtle sweetness and texture, balancing out the spices.
• Fresh minced garlic (1 tablespoon): Boosts the savory flavor and aroma in every bite.
• Mild taco seasoning (2 ounces): Brings all those classic taco flavors; use your favorite brand or make your own for more control.
• Water (¾ cup): Helps blend the seasoning and keeps the filling juicy.
• Mild salsa (16 ounces): Adds a tangy kick and extra sauciness—choose your preferred brand for a personalized touch.
• Shredded Colby jack cheese (2½ cups): Melts beautifully and adds irresistibly gooey texture and a burst of color.
• Taco sauce (optional garnish): A drizzle on top brings everything together—perfect for extra flavor and flair.

How to Make Mexican Stuffed Shells Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the jumbo shells according to the package directions. Stir occasionally and cook until just al dente so they hold their shape when you fill them. Drain well and set aside to cool—it’s much easier to handle them when they’re not piping hot!

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. This will stop your beautiful shells from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 3: Make the Flavorful Taco Filling

In a 3 to 4-quart saucepan, cook the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic over medium-high heat. Stir often as the beef browns and the onions soften, about 5-7 minutes. If there’s any excess grease, drain it off so your filling isn’t too oily.

Step 4: Season and Simmer

Reduce the heat to medium-low. Sprinkle in the taco seasoning, pour in the water, and add all the salsa. Stir everything together, letting those delicious Mexican Stuffed Shells Recipe flavors meld as the mixture simmers gently for 3-5 minutes.

Step 5: Stuff the Shells

Using a spoon (or even a pastry bag with the tip snipped off for less mess), gently fill each shell with about 3 tablespoons of the meaty taco mixture. Arrange the stuffed shells snugly in your prepared baking dish, laying them out in neat rows for even cooking and an impressive presentation.

Step 6: Bake Covered

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to keep everything steamy and moist during baking. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to allow the shells to heat through and the flavors to marry.

Step 7: Add Cheese and Finish Baking

Remove the foil and evenly sprinkle the shredded Colby jack cheese over the shells. Pop the dish back in the oven, uncovered, for another 10 minutes, just until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let it rest for 5 minutes before adding a generous drizzle of taco sauce—then dig in!

How to Serve Mexican Stuffed Shells Recipe

Garnishes

Don’t shy away from the garnishes! Dollops of sour cream, fresh chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, diced tomatoes, or a squirt of lime juice all add freshness and a gorgeous pop of color to your Mexican Stuffed Shells Recipe.

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty, so keep sides simple and fresh. Classic choices include a crisp green salad, Mexican rice, refried beans, or even tortilla chips with extra salsa or guacamole. They balance the cheesy richness of the main dish perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Feeling playful? Try serving your stuffed shells on a bed of shredded lettuce for a taco salad vibe, or line them up family-style on a platter with bowls of your favorite toppings so everyone can customize their own plate. This makes dinner interactive and fun—especially with kids or dinner guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Mexican Stuffed Shells Recipe leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to three days. Just cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer the shells to an airtight container. The flavors actually deepen as they sit—hello, tasty lunches!

Freezing

Want to prep ahead? Assemble the shells and stop right before baking, then wrap the entire dish in plastic wrap, followed by foil. You can freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready for a cozy meal, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes if starting from chilled.

Reheating

For best results, reheat your Mexican Stuffed Shells Recipe covered with foil in a 350°F oven until hot—about 20 minutes. You can also zap individual shells in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. Add extra cheese or salsa to revive that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or even ground chicken can be substituted for ground beef in this Mexican Stuffed Shells Recipe. The seasonings and salsa bring in plenty of flavor, so you won’t miss a thing.

What kind of salsa works best?

Any mild salsa you love will work great, whether it’s store-bought or homemade. If you prefer a spicier kick, don’t hesitate to use medium or hot salsa—or mix and match for extra depth!

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the entire Mexican Stuffed Shells Recipe up to one day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Just bake it right before serving for the very best texture and flavor.

How do I keep the shells from breaking when stuffing?

Cook your pasta shells just until al dente and let them cool before handling. Using a small spoon or piping bag makes filling gentler and helps prevent splits or tears.

Is this a good dish for potlucks?

Definitely! This recipe is a fantastic potluck or party option since it can be assembled in advance, feeds a crowd, and slices up easily for serving. Expect plenty of compliments and requests for the recipe!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving an exciting and comforting meal, you just have to try this Mexican Stuffed Shells Recipe. It’s an effortless way to bring a little fiesta to your pasta night—get ready for big flavors, happy faces, and plenty of requests for seconds!

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