MEXICAN STUFFED SHELLS

### Instructions for Mexican Stuffed Shells

#### Step 1: Prepare the Shells
1. **Cook the pasta shells** according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool. Be careful not to overcook the shells, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
2. While the shells cook, **preheat your oven** to **375°F (190°C)** and grease a **9×13-inch baking dish** with olive oil or cooking spray.

#### Step 2: Prepare the Filling
3. **Cook the ground meat**: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the **ground beef** (or turkey) along with the **chopped onion** until the meat is browned and the onions are softened, about 6-8 minutes. Break up the meat as it cooks.
4. **Add garlic and seasoning**: Add the **minced garlic** and **taco seasoning** to the skillet, and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
5. **Add tomatoes, beans, and corn**: Stir in the **diced tomatoes**, **black beans**, and **corn kernels**. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until heated through. Season with **salt and pepper** to taste.
6. **Stir in the sour cream**: Once everything is combined and heated, remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the **sour cream**. This will create a creamy and flavorful filling for the shells.

#### Step 3: Stuff the Shells
7. **Stuff the shells**: Using a spoon, carefully stuff each cooked pasta shell with the filling mixture. Place the stuffed shells seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Continue until all the shells are filled.

#### Step 4: Bake the Mexican Stuffed Shells
8. **Top with salsa and cheese**: Spoon the **salsa** evenly over the stuffed shells, then sprinkle the **shredded Mexican blend cheese** on top.
9. **Bake**: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for **20-25 minutes**. Remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the cheese to melt and become bubbly and slightly golden.

#### Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
10. **Garnish**: Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with **fresh cilantro** and additional **sour cream** if desired.
11. **Serve**: Serve the Mexican Stuffed Shells hot, and enjoy with a side of rice, a simple salad, or tortilla chips.

### Why Mexican Stuffed Shells Are So Special

– **Fusion of Cultures**: Combining the classic comfort of stuffed pasta shells with the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine, this dish offers a unique and satisfying experience for your taste buds.
– **Versatile**: You can easily swap out the meat for a vegetarian filling, use different cheeses, or add your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, to the mix.
– **Great for Meal Prep**: Mexican Stuffed Shells store well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, making them an excellent option for meal prep or leftovers. Simply reheat and enjoy!

### Tips for Perfect Mexican Stuffed Shells

– **Don’t Overstuff**: Be sure not to overstuff the shells, as this can cause them to break. Just a generous amount of filling in each shell will do.
– **Use Your Favorite Salsa**: The salsa you use will heavily impact the flavor of the dish. Opt for a flavorful, medium-heat salsa that complements the other ingredients.
– **Add Extra Heat**: For a spicier version, add some diced jalapeños to the filling or use a spicy salsa on top.
– **Make Ahead**: You can prep these stuffed shells the night before, cover the baking dish with plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge. Just bake it the next day!

### Variations of Mexican Stuffed Shells to Try

– **Vegetarian Version**: Swap out the ground meat for a mixture of black beans, spinach, and corn for a hearty vegetarian option.
– **Cheesy Delight**: Add layers of cheese between the shells for an extra cheesy, gooey experience.
– **Taco Meat Version**: For even more taco flavor, use ground beef seasoned with taco seasoning and load up the shells with your favorite taco toppings like guacamole, salsa, and shredded lettuce.

### Conclusion

**Mexican Stuffed Shells** offer a delicious and creative twist on the classic Italian stuffed shells. With a flavorful Mexican-inspired filling, topped with salsa and melted cheese, this dish is the perfect way to bring some bold, comforting flavors to your dinner table. Whether for a family meal, party dish, or weeknight dinner, Mexican Stuffed Shells are sure to be a hit. Easy to make, full of flavor, and customizable to your taste, this recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite in your home. Enjoy!