Mexican Stuffed Shells

Here’s a delicious recipe for Mexican Stuffed Shells, blending classic Italian stuffed shells with Mexican-inspired flavors:

Mexican Stuffed Shells Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Shells:
  • 1 box (12 oz) jumbo pasta shells
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or ground turkey or chicken)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
  • 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (drained)
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
  • 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend (cheddar, Monterey Jack, etc.)
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cups salsa (mild or spicy, as preferred)
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (for topping)
  • Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
  • Sour cream (for serving)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook Pasta Shells: Boil the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.
3. Cook the Meat Filling:
   • In a large skillet, sauté the diced onion over medium heat until softened.
   • Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
   • Drain any excess fat and stir in the taco seasoning and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Simmer for a couple of minutes to blend the flavors. Remove from heat.
4. Prepare the Cheese Filling:
   • In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta (or cottage cheese), shredded Mexican cheese blend, and egg. Mix until smooth.
5. Stuff the Shells:
   • Spread 1 cup of salsa evenly in the bottom of the greased baking dish.
   • Stuff each cooked shell with a spoonful of the cheese mixture and a spoonful of the meat filling. Place the stuffed shells into the baking dish.
6. Top and Bake:
   • Pour the remaining salsa over the top of the stuffed shells.
   • Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top.
   • Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish and Serve:
   • Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with sour cream.

Enjoy these flavorful Mexican Stuffed Shells with a side of guacamole, salad, or Mexican rice!