Mexican Stuffed Shells Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a comfort food mashup that delivers crowd-pleasing flavors with a little Tex-Mex attitude, look no further than Mexican Stuffed Shells. Imagine tender pasta shells packed with a zesty beef and cheese filling, smothered in vibrant salsa and bubbling cheese — every bite is a celebration of flavor and family-style warmth. Whether you’re looking to spice up your weeknight dinner rotation or want a guaranteed hit for your next gathering, this recipe promises all the cheesy, saucy joy you could want, all in one irresistible dish.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Mexican Stuffed Shells begins with a handful of simple ingredients that each play a key role — nothing fancy, but together, they create something truly special. Here’s what you’ll want to gather before diving in:

• Jumbo pasta shells: These sturdy shells act as the perfect vessel for holding all that savory filling, so don’t use anything smaller!
• Ground beef: Classic, juicy, and full of flavor; you can easily swap for ground turkey or chicken if needed.
• Taco seasoning: This blend is what gives the filling its punchy Mexican kick — homemade or store-bought works great.
• Ricotta cheese: Adds creaminess and helps balance the spicy notes of the beef and salsa.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Melty, bold, and irresistibly gooey when baked.
• Salsa: Pick your favorite jarred salsa for a juicy, tomato-rich base; medium or hot if you like a little heat.
• Chopped green onions: For a fresh crunch and pop of color, both in the filling and as a garnish.
• Fresh cilantro: Optional but highly recommended for a final fresh flourish.

How to Make Mexican Stuffed Shells

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells

Start by boiling your jumbo pasta shells in salted water until they’re just shy of al dente — you want them sturdy enough to hold the filling without tearing. They’ll finish cooking in the oven, so give them a little rinse under cool water and lay them out on a baking sheet to prevent sticking as you prep the filling.

Step 2: Prepare the Savory Filling

While the shells cool, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and crumble in the ground beef. Let it sizzle and brown, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully cooked. Drain off excess grease, sprinkle in your taco seasoning, and add a splash of water as the packet directs. Stir in a handful of green onions, then turn off the heat and fold in the ricotta and half the shredded cheddar. Your kitchen will be smelling amazing already!

Step 3: Stuff Those Shells

Take each cooked shell and spoon a generous scoop of the beef and cheese mixture inside. Don’t be stingy — you want these packed! Arrange your stuffed shells, open side up, in a baking dish that’s been spread with a thin layer of salsa. This keeps the pasta delicate and sets the stage for saucy, cheesy bliss.

Step 4: Top with Salsa and Cheese

Once all the shells are snuggled in, pour the remaining salsa over the top, making sure everything is nicely coated. Scatter the remaining cheddar cheese in an even layer across all the shells. This step guarantees a gorgeous, bubbling crust when baked.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide your dish into a preheated oven and let the Mexican Stuffed Shells bake until hot, bubbly, and deliciously golden up top — about 25 minutes should do the trick. Let them cool for a couple of minutes before serving to set the filling slightly.

How to Serve Mexican Stuffed Shells

Garnishes

Piling on fresh garnishes takes Mexican Stuffed Shells from good to restaurant-worthy! Try a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, freshly sliced green onions, or a scattering of diced tomatoes. For a little tang, add a spoonful of sour cream or a squeeze of lime just before serving.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with Mexican rice, creamy refried beans, or a crisp green salad tossed with avocado and lime. Don’t forget a basket of warm tortilla chips on the side for scooping up extra salsa and cheese!

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving a crowd, line up the Mexican Stuffed Shells on a big platter, drizzle with extra salsa, and finish with all your favorite fixings. For a more elegant touch, nestle them in individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets — everyone loves their own personal casserole.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cooled, leftover Mexican Stuffed Shells will keep well covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store them in an airtight container to lock in flavor and moisture.

Freezing

To freeze, assemble the dish completely but stop before baking. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, bake straight from frozen, adding about 10-15 extra minutes to the baking time until hot and bubbly.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Mexican Stuffed Shells in the oven at 350°F, covered, until warmed through — usually 20 minutes. For a quick solo serving, the microwave works too, just add a splash of water or salsa to prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I make Mexican Stuffed Shells vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap out the ground beef for canned black beans, pinto beans, or even a mixture of sautéed vegetables. The seasoning and cheese will ensure the filling is still full of flavor.

What type of salsa works best?

You can’t go wrong with your favorite store-bought salsa — chunky or smooth, mild or hot. If you love lots of texture, chunky salsa adds nice bits of tomato and peppers to each bite.

Can I use a different cheese?

Definitely! Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even mozzarella work well if you want a milder or spicier twist. Just keep the quantities the same to maintain that gooey, melty finish.

Is it possible to assemble Mexican Stuffed Shells ahead of time?

Yes, you can fill and assemble them up to a day in advance. Keep the dish tightly covered in the fridge, then bake right before serving for ultimate freshness.

Can I double the recipe for a party?

Mexican Stuffed Shells are perfect for feeding a crowd! Just scale up all your ingredients and use a bigger baking dish or two. Bake as directed and get ready for lots of happy faces at your table.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to wow your family or friends with a delightfully different dinner, give these Mexican Stuffed Shells a try. They’re bold, comforting, and bursting with flavors everyone will love — and I promise, they’ll be requested again and again! Don’t be surprised when you hear, “When are you making those shells again?” Enjoy every cheesy, saucy forkful!

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