Tacos in Pasta Shells

By june

Ingredients

• 18 dried jumbo pasta shells
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 1/4 lb ground beef
• 1 3-oz pkg cream cheese, cut up
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 16-oz jar salsa
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (4 oz.)

Preparation

Step 1

Cook pasta shells according to package directions; drain. Return to pan; toss with butter. Cool until easy to handle.
Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook ground beef until browned, stirring to break up ground beef; drain off fat. Stir in cream cheese and chili powder until combined. Remove from heat; cool slightly. Divide beef mixture evenly among the pasta shells. Spread about 1/2 cup salsa in a large 2-quart rectangular baking dish. Arrange filled shells in dish. Spoon remaining salsa over. Cover; bake in a 350 degree oven for 15 minutes. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake, uncovered, for 15 minutes more. Sprinkle with chopped tomato and sliced ripe olives, if desired.

Per serving: 454 cal.; 29g total fat (13g sat. fat); 100mg chol.; 758mg sodium; 27g carbo.; 1g fiber; 29g protein