- LS
- LC
It is a Keeper
March 11, 2026
Itisakeeper.com
Looking for a delicious twist on traditional stuffed shells? My Mexican stuffed shells with veal are the perfect fusion of Italian and Mexican cuisines. Tender veal, zesty spices, and gooey cheese come together in a comforting dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.
From the Cook
From the Cook
From the Cook
From the Cook
From the Cook
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Instructions
1
Preheat oven to 350℉.
2
Add the ground veal, diced onion and diced pepper to a large skillet; Cook over medium high heat until meat is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
3
Stir in taco seasoning and water; Stir to combine.
4
Break chunks of the cream cheese and add them to the skillet; Simmer for 3-4 minutes, or until the cream cheese melts into the veal mixture.
5
Remove from the heat and add ½ cup of Colby Jack cheese; Stir to combine.
6
While the veal is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the pasta shells.
7
Cook according to the package directions and drain.
8
Immediately separate the shells on plate so they don’t stick together.
9
Pour the salsa into a 13×9 baking dish and spread to cover the bottom.
10
Fill each pasta shell with 1-2 tablespoons of the veal mixture and place them in the baking dish.
11
Top the stuffed shells with taco sauce and sprinkle the remaining 1 ½ cups of Colby Jack cheese on top.
12
Bake for 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the shells are heated through.
My Calorie Intake
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Tips & Tricks (5)
- Roast Poblanos First 🌶️Char poblano peppers directly over a flame or under the broiler, then steam in a sealed bag for 5 minutes before peeling—this removes the skin easily and intensifies their smoky flavor.
- Brown Veal Thoroughly 🥩Ensure ground veal is fully browned in batches without crowding the pan; this develops deep flavor through the Maillard reaction rather than steaming the meat.
- Balance Cheese Ratios ⚖️Mix cream cheese and Colby Jack in a 1:2 ratio to prevent the filling from becoming too heavy while maintaining creamy richness and melting quality.
- Partially Cook Shells 🐚Cook pasta shells to just under al dente (2 minutes less than package directions) so they finish cooking perfectly during baking without becoming mushy.
- Layer Sauces Strategically 🍲Place taco sauce on the baking dish bottom, filled shells in the middle, and salsa on top for optimal moisture distribution and to prevent the filling from drying out.
Recipe Facts
Diet at a Glance
Low Sugar
Low Carb
My Calorie Intake
Smart Nutrition 
Nutrition Per Serving
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Glycemic Analysis
Glycemic Index
Glycemic Load
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