Mexican stuffed shells are a delicious and flavorful twist on traditional stuffed shells, incorporating Mexican-inspired ingredients and spices. Here’s a simple recipe for you to try:
Ingredients:
For the Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Shells:
- 1 box (12-ounce) jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (for topping)
For the Sauce:
- 1 can (15 ounces) enchilada sauce
Optional Toppings:
- Sour cream
- Chopped green onions
- Sliced jalapeños
- Chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook Pasta Shells: Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Filling:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or turkey over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onions and garlic to the skillet and sauté until softened.
- Stir in the taco seasoning, black beans, corn, salsa, shredded cheese, and cilantro. Mix well and cook until heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stuff the Shells:
- Spoon the filling mixture into the cooked jumbo shells and place them in a baking dish.
- Add Enchilada Sauce:
- Pour the enchilada sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring they are well coated.
- Top with Cheese:
- Sprinkle additional shredded cheese on top of the enchilada sauce.
- Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the shells are heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Remove from the oven, and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with optional toppings like sour cream, chopped green onions, sliced jalapeños, and fresh cilantro.
Enjoy your delicious Mexican stuffed shells! This dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, and you can customize it based on your preferences.
