Taco Stuffed Pasta Shells Recipe

By ldelmas

Ingredients

• 18 uncooked jumbo pasta shells
• 1-1/2 pounds lean ground beef (90% lean)
• 1 bottle (16 ounces) taco sauce, divided
• 3 ounces fat-free cream cheese, cubed
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 3/4 cup shredded reduced-fat Mexican cheese blend, divided
• 20 baked tortilla chip scoops, coarsely crushed

Details

Servings 6
Preparation time 25mins
Cooking time 50mins
Adapted from tasteofhome.com

Preparation

Step 1

Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, cook beef until no longer pink; drain. Add 1/2 cup taco sauce, cream cheese and chili powder; cook and stir until blended. Stir in 1/4 cup cheese blend.

Drain pasta and rinse in cold water; stuff each shell with about 2 tablespoons beef mixture. Arrange in an 11x7-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Spoon remaining taco sauce over the top.

Cover and bake at 350° for 20 minutes. Uncover; sprinkle with remaining cheese blend. Bake 5-10 minutes longer or until heated through and cheese is melted. Sprinkle with chips.

Freeze option: Sprinkle casserole with remaining cheese blend. Cover and freeze unbaked casserole. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 350°. Bake casserole as directed, increasing time as necessary to heat through and for a thermometer inserted in center to read 165°. Sprinkle with chips.
Yield: 6 servings.