Taco Stuffed Shells!

Okay, so I saw this recipe on one of my new FAVORITE blogs, and had to try it.  I am trying to find recipes that I can prepare on Sundays, and then pop in the oven or crockpot for convenience.  I am trying to alter some of the recipes to make them a little healthier, but without sacrificing the taste. Now that we have two babies in daycare I am also looking for something a little more affordable than what my palate was used too:)  We ate this one last night and it was so good!  I am taking some to my fourth grade team for lunch today:)

Taco Stuffed Shells

1 lb. ground beef (I used ground turkey)

1 pkg. taco seasoning

1 {14 oz.} pkg. cream cheese ( I used reduced fat)

12 large pasta shells

1 cup salsa {I used World Casera}

1 cup taco sauce {I used Taco Bell}

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese ( I used 2%)

1/2 cup tortilla chips, crushed ( I used baked)

3 green onions, chopped (optional)

1 cup sour cream (optional)

First on the list, go ahead and brown your meat. Drain and return to pan. Add taco seasoning & prepare according to package directions. Then go ahead and toss in your cream cheese, cover, and let it simmer until the cream cheese is melted. Mix it around until it’s nice & blended and then set it aside. You’ll want to make sure this little mix has time to cool off before stuffing your shells.

In the meantime, cook your shells according to package directions. Drain, return to pot, and mix with butter. Pour some salsa in the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish. 

Now stuff your shells with the meat mix and place them in the baking dish on top of the salsa. Cover the tops of the shells with taco sauce. I know the recipe called for a cup, but I just eyeballed it and put on as much…or as little…as I wanted :)

Cover the baking dish with foil and cook at 350 for 30 minutes. I put this in the refridgerator Sunday afternoon and pulled it out yesterday around 5:30 and had to cook it for about 45 minutes as it had been sitting in the fridge.  Remove from oven, uncover, and sprinkle crushed tortilla chips and the cheeses on top of the shells. Cook for about 15 more minutes {uncovered} or until cheeses are all melted.

Remove from oven and top with whatever makes your little heart happy. We didn't top our with anything,and it was still good!  

**Recipe courtesty of Pearls, Handcuffs, and Happy Hour blog