Mexican Stuffed Shells with Beef, Cheese, and Crispy Corn Chips Recipe

If you love a satisfying, flavor-packed meal that brings a fiesta right to your dinner table, you absolutely must try this Mexican Stuffed Shells with Beef, Cheese, and Crispy Corn Chips Recipe. It’s a delightful combination of tender pasta shells stuffed with a zesty, cheesy beef filling, topped with crunchy corn chips that add an irresistible texture. Every bite bursts with warmth and spice, combining classic Mexican flavors with an Italian twist that makes this dish uniquely comforting and fun to share with family and friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is key to bringing this Mexican Stuffed Shells with Beef, Cheese, and Crispy Corn Chips Recipe to life. Each simple component plays a vital role in layering the textures and bold flavors that make this dish so memorable.

• 12 uncooked jumbo pasta shells: The perfect vessel to hold all that flavorful beef and cheese goodness.
• 1 tbsp canola or vegetable oil: Helps sauté the vegetables and ground beef evenly for rich flavor development.
• 1 medium onion (finely chopped): Adds sweetness and aromatic depth to the savory filling.
• 1 jalapeño pepper (stem, ribs & seeds removed, finely chopped): Brings a mild, fresh heat that perks up every bite.
• 1 lb. lean ground beef: The hearty protein base that keeps this dish comforting and filling (substitute turkey or chicken if you prefer).
• 2 tsp taco or chili seasoning: Infuses the filling with classic Mexican spice and complexity.
• 4 oz. cream cheese: Creates a creamy, luscious texture that binds the filling smoothly.
• 1 tsp kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and balance to the seasoning.
• 3 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (divided): Provides a fresh, herbal brightness that lifts the dish.
• 1 cup taco sauce (divided, mild or spicy): Serves as both a sauce base and accent with a tomato and chili kick (enchilada sauce also works beautifully).
• 1½ cups shredded Mexican blend cheese or Colby Jack: Melts into gooey, flavorful layers that you’ll adore.
• 1 cup crushed corn chips (such as Fritos): Adds the signature crispy, salty crunch on top for textural contrast.
• Garnishes: sour cream, cilantro, scallions or green onions: These fresh toppings finish the dish with creaminess and color.

How to Make Mexican Stuffed Shells with Beef, Cheese, and Crispy Corn Chips Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

First things first, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a 2-quart casserole dish with cooking spray. This step ensures an even baking surface and an easy release once your masterpiece is ready.

Step 2: Cook and Dry the Pasta Shells

Boil the jumbo pasta shells according to package directions until they’re perfectly al dente. Drain them and rinse with cool water to stop the cooking. Lay them open-side down on a paper towel so they dry completely—this keeps them from becoming soggy within the casserole.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

Heat your skillet over medium heat and add the canola oil. Toss in the finely chopped onion and jalapeño, cooking until the onion becomes translucent and releases its natural sweetness, usually about 4-5 minutes. Removing the ribs and seeds from the jalapeño tempers its heat while still giving a wonderful flavor.

Step 4: Brown the Ground Beef

Add your lean ground beef to the skillet and use a spatula to break it apart as it browns. You want the beef just cooked through and lightly golden, as this will create the hearty base of your filling. No need to drain excess fat unless there’s a lot.

Step 5: Build the Flavorful Filling

To the cooked beef, stir in the taco seasoning, cream cheese, kosher salt, black pepper, one tablespoon of chopped cilantro, ¼ cup of taco sauce, and half a cup of shredded cheese. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring gently for 2 to 3 minutes until the cream cheese melts and everything melds into a rich, creamy filling.

Step 6: Sauce the Baking Dish

Pour ¼ cup of taco sauce evenly onto the bottom of your prepared casserole dish. This layer provides a tangy, spicy foundation that keeps the shells from sticking and adds moisture.

Step 7: Stuff the Shells

Using a spoon, fill each jumbo shell with about two tablespoons of the beef and cheese mixture. Arrange the filled shells upright in the casserole dish over the sauce, packing them snugly but without crowding.

Step 8: Add More Sauce

Pour the remaining ½ cup of taco sauce over and around the shells, ensuring every bit is juicy and flavorful when baked.

Step 9: Bake Covered

Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, allowing the shells to heat through and soak up the sauce flavors.

Step 10: Add Crunchy Topping and Finish Baking

Remove the foil and sprinkle crushed corn chips over the top along with the remaining shredded cheese. Return the dish to the oven uncovered for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the corn chips create a golden crust.

Step 11: Garnish and Enjoy

Finally, garnish this beauty with dollops of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and sliced green onions to add brightness, creaminess, and color to your Mexican Stuffed Shells with Beef, Cheese, and Crispy Corn Chips Recipe.

How to Serve Mexican Stuffed Shells with Beef, Cheese, and Crispy Corn Chips Recipe

Garnishes

Adding sour cream and fresh herbs like cilantro or scallions on top elevates the dish with creamy and vibrant notes that balance the spicy, cheesy richness. These garnishes brighten every mouthful and make your presentation irresistible.

Side Dishes

Pair these shells with a crisp green salad dressed in lime vinaigrette or a side of Mexican street corn for a colorful, complementary plate. Refried beans or a simple guacamole also work wonderfully to round out your festive meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the stuffed shells in individual ramekins for a charming single-serve style or build a layered casserole with extra cheese and crushed corn chips for a family-style feast. You could also sprinkle chopped avocado or diced tomatoes on top for extra freshness and flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have some Mexican Stuffed Shells with Beef, Cheese, and Crispy Corn Chips Recipe left over, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making for a cozy next-day meal.

Freezing

This recipe freezes very well! Arrange the filled shells in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the shells with foil and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. For a crispy topping, remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes of baking to refresh that delightful crunch of the corn chips.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works perfectly and will create a lighter version without sacrificing the rich flavors thanks to the seasoning and cheese.

What can I substitute if I don’t have taco sauce?

If you don’t have taco sauce, enchilada sauce is an excellent substitute that brings similar savory, spicy notes. Mild salsa or tomato sauce seasoned with chili powder can also work.

How spicy is this dish?

The heat is moderate, mainly coming from the jalapeño and taco seasoning. You can adjust the spice level by adding or omitting the jalapeño seeds or choosing mild versus spicy taco sauce.

Can I prepare this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Replace the beef with seasoned black beans or a soy-based crumble for a delicious vegetarian version. Just add extra cheese and spices to keep it hearty.

What’s the best way to crush corn chips for the topping?

Use a rolling pin or the bottom of a sturdy glass to gently crush the corn chips into coarse crumbs, which will provide the best crunchy texture without becoming too powdery.

Final Thoughts

This Mexican Stuffed Shells with Beef, Cheese, and Crispy Corn Chips Recipe is truly a joy to make and a delight to eat. Its vibrant flavors, satisfying textures, and approachable ingredients create a meal you’ll want to enjoy again and again. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become one of your go-to dishes for family dinners or casual gatherings. Dive in and savor every delicious bite.

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