Teresa's Recipes
Pinto Bean and Cheese Stuffed Shells
Indulge in these comforting Pinto Bean and Cheese Stuffed Shells, where Italian pasta meets Mexican-inspired flavors. Each jumbo shell is generously filled with a creamy mixture of pinto beans, sharp cheddar, and tangy cream cheese, seasoned with aromatic spices and herbs, then baked to perfection under a blanket of melted mozzarella and rich tomato sauce. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner, bringing a delightful fusion of flavors to your table.
Ingredients
- 12-15 shells Jumbo pasta shells
- 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed Pinto beans
- 4 oz, softened Cream cheese
- 1 cup, shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1 cup Shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups Tomato sauce
- 2, chopped Green onions
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1/4 cup, chopped (for garnish) Fresh cilantro
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 4
- Dish Type: Main Course
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 45g
- Protein: 20g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Sugar: 4g
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained pinto beans, shredded cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, chopped green onions, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Use a fork to mash the beans slightly and mix until well combined.
- Spread half of the tomato sauce evenly on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Carefully stuff each cooked pasta shell with the pinto bean and cheese mixture and place them seam-side up in the baking dish.
- Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the stuffed shells, making sure to cover them evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously on top of the shells.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Tips
- For a spicy kick, consider adding chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling.
- Feel free to substitute black beans or kidney beans for pinto beans for a different flavor profile.
- This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or garlic bread.