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Mexican Stuffed Shells

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These Mexican Stuffed Shells are a delicious fusion of pasta and taco flavors. Filled with seasoned ground beef, onions, and salsa, then topped with melted cheese, they make for a hearty and flavorful dinner.

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 20 jumbo shells

Ingredients

  • 24 jumbo pasta shells, cooked according to package directions
  • 2 pounds lean ground beef
  • 1 cup finely diced sweet yellow onion
  • 1 tablespoon fresh minced garlic
  • 2 ounces mild taco seasoning
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 16 ounces mild salsa (your favorite brand)
  • 2 1/2 cups shredded Colby jack cheese
  • Taco sauce (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions and set aside.
  2. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. Set it aside.
  3. In a 3- to 4-quart saucepan, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium-high heat for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring often, until the ground beef is browned and no longer pink. If there’s excess grease, drain it off.
  4. Lower the heat to medium-low, add the taco seasoning, water, and salsa. Stir until well combined and let simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Carefully spoon 3 tablespoons of the meat mixture into each cooked shell and place them in the prepared baking dish. Arrange the shells 5 across and 4 down, leaving a couple of shells empty.
  6. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  7. Remove the dish from the oven and evenly sprinkle the shredded Colby jack cheese over the stuffed shells. Return the dish to the oven (uncovered) and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
  8. Allow the pan to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with taco sauce, if desired.

Notes

  • For a spicier version, add some chopped jalapeños or hot salsa to the filling.
  • Feel free to use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to ground beef.
  • For extra flavor, top with sour cream, chopped cilantro, or avocado.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican, Italian Fusion
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 jumbo shell
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg

Find it online: https://iamstarved.com/mexican-stuffed-shells-2/