Recipes

[lavendersage]

My mom got this recipe from a friend several years ago and she shared it with me. It's so good! I like the chew of the filled pasta shell mixed with the cheesy-crunchy top. My whole family enjoys this one.

Tacos in Pasta Shells~ lavendersage

20 jumbo pasta shells (not the whole box)
2 tablespoons butter-melted
1 pound ground round
¼ cup chopped onion
(3 oz.) package cream cheese –cubed
1 teaspoon chili powder
salt and pepper to taste
pinch of celery salt
½ teaspoon sweet Hungarian or smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon oregano
1 cup taco sauce (I like Ortega)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 ½ cups crushed tortilla chips

Cook pasta shells according to directions. Drain and toss with melted butter. Brown beef with onion. Salt and pepper to taste. Drain. Stir in cream cheese, chili powder, celery salt, paprika and oregano. Simmer 5 minutes on low. Stir in some of the taco sauce to the meat (about 2-3 tablespoons) along with about ½ cup of cheese. Preheat oven to 350. Fill shells with beef mixture. Arrange in a greased 9 x 13 baking dish. Pour taco sauce over shells. Cover with foil and bake 15 minutes. Uncover and top with the rest of the cheese and tortilla chips. Bake 15 minutes longer. Garnish with chopped green onion and parsley if desired.