Mexican Stuffed Shells 🌶️🧀
A fusion twist on classic stuffed shells—jumbo pasta shells filled with spicy ground beef, melty cheese, and smothered in enchilada sauce! Perfect for Taco Tuesday with a pasta twist.
Ingredients (Serves 6)
For the Filling:
-
20 jumbo pasta shells
-
1 lb (450g) ground beef (or turkey/chicken)
-
1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning (or homemade blend)
-
½ cup water
-
1 cup black beans, drained/rinsed
-
1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
-
1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend (cheddar + Monterey Jack)
-
½ cup cream cheese, softened (optional, for extra creaminess)
For the Sauce & Topping:
-
2 cups red enchilada sauce (homemade or store-bought)
-
1 cup shredded cheese (for topping)
-
Fresh cilantro, chopped
-
Diced avocado, sour cream, jalapeños (for serving)
Instructions
1. Prep the Shells
-
Cook jumbo shells al dente (1–2 mins less than package time). Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
2. Make the Filling
-
Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
-
Stir in taco seasoning + water, simmer for 3 mins.
-
Remove from heat; mix in black beans, corn, 1 cup cheese, and cream cheese (if using).
3. Assemble
-
Spread ½ cup enchilada sauce on the bottom of a 9×13″ baking dish.
-
Stuff each shell with the beef mixture and arrange seam-side down in the dish.
-
Pour remaining enchilada sauce over shells, then sprinkle with 1 cup cheese.
4. Bake & Serve
-
Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 mins.
-
Uncover, bake 5–10 more mins until cheese is bubbly.
-
Garnish with cilantro, avocado, and sour cream.
Tips for Success
🌮 Shortcut: Use leftover taco meat or rotisserie chicken.
🔥 Spice it up: Add diced green chiles or a dash of cayenne to the filling.
🍝 Gluten-free? Use GF pasta shells and enchilada sauce.
Why You’ll Love These
✅ All the taco flavors in cozy pasta form.
✅ Freezer-friendly—assemble unbaked and freeze for later.
✅ Kid-approved (hide extra veggies in the filling!).
Pair with: Mexican rice, refried beans, or a crisp salad.
Want a vegetarian version? Swap beef for sautéed mushrooms + lentils! 😊
Need a homemade enchilada sauce recipe? Let me know!