Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 package low-sodium taco seasoning
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 16 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 1/2 cups salsa
- 1 cup taco sauce
- 1 cup cheddar cheese
- 1 cup Monterrey jack cheese
For toppings:
- 3 green onions
- Sour cream
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°. In a pan brown the ground beef; add taco seasoning and prepare according to package directions. Add cream cheese, cover and simmer until cheese is melted. Stir together and mix well. Set aside and cool completely.
Step 2: While ground beef is cooking, cook the pasta shells according to package directions; drain. Set shells out individually on cutting board or baking sheet so that they don’t stick together. Pour salsa on bottom of a 9×13 baking dish. Stuff each shell with 1-2 tablespoons of the meat mixture.
Step 3: Place shells in 9×13 pan open side up. Evenly cover shells with taco sauce. Cover dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Step 4: After 30 minutes, add shredded cheese and bake for 10-15 more minutes with the foil removed. Top with green onions or olives if desired.
Step 5: Serve with sour cream and/or more salsa!
Nutrition Information:
SERVING SIZE: 3-4 stuffed shells
Amount Per Serving: CALORIES: 180 | TOTAL FAT: 9g | SATURATED FAT: 4g | TRANS FAT: 0g | CHOLESTEROL: 30mg | SODIUM: 300mg | CARBOHYDRATES: 15g | FIBER: 1g | SUGAR: 2g | PROTEIN: 10g
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for the ground beef if you prefer a leaner option.
2. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can replace the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative or use a combination of black beans and vegetables as a filling.
3. Can I use regular taco seasoning instead of low-sodium taco seasoning?
Yes, you can use regular taco seasoning if you prefer. Just keep in mind that it may contain a higher amount of sodium.
4. Can I use a different type of pasta shell?
Yes, if jumbo pasta shells are not available, you can try using regular-sized pasta shells or even large pasta tubes like manicotti. Adjust the baking time accordingly.
5. Can I customize the toppings?
Absolutely! You can top the Mexican Stuffed Shells with various ingredients based on your preference, such as diced tomatoes, sliced jalapenos, guacamole, or shredded lettuce, in addition to the suggested green onions and sour cream. Feel free to get creative and add your favorite Mexican-inspired toppings.
6. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Mexican Stuffed Shells ahead of time. After stuffing the shells and covering them with taco sauce, you can refrigerate the dish for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply follow the instructions and adjust the baking time if needed.
7. Can I freeze the Mexican Stuffed Shells?
Yes, you can freeze the Mexican Stuffed Shells before baking. After stuffing the shells and covering them with taco sauce, place them in a freezer-safe dish or container. Wrap tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw the dish in the refrigerator overnight, then bake according to the instructions.
8. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can customize the cheese selection based on your preference. While the recipe suggests cheddar and Monterrey jack cheese, you can experiment with other types of cheeses like Mexican blend cheese, pepper jack, or even a combination of different cheeses.
9. Can I add vegetables to the meat mixture?
Absolutely! If you’d like to incorporate vegetables into the filling, you can sauté diced bell peppers, onions, or even corn kernels along with the ground beef. This can add more flavor and nutrition to the dish.
10. Can I make this recipe spicy?
Yes, if you prefer a spicier version, you can add chopped jalapenos or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the meat mixture. You can also use a spicier variety of salsa or taco sauce to enhance the heat level. Adjust the spiciness according to your taste preferences.
