Mexican Stuffed Shells

Sounds weird, right? Mexican+Italian= ??? But let me just tell you these are just awesome!!! Who would have thought that a "Mexican" style filling would work so well with stuffed shells!!!

I found this fabulous recipe on the Love deliciousness blog and all I can say is they were just awesome. I'm embarrassed to admit that my husband and I devoured them until we felt sick from eating so much. So make this and enjoy it...I promise you will!!!

Ingredients

1 lb. ground beef

1 package taco seasoning

4 oz. cream cheese (we used non-fat)

12 jumbo pasta shells (we used about 20)

1 cup salsa (omitted-my husband doesn't like "chunky" stuff...weird I know)

1 cup taco sauce (I used an entire small jar)

1 cup cheddar cheese

1 cup monterey jack cheese

(we used 2 cups mexican blend cheese)

1 1/2 cups crushed tortilla chips (we omitted)
3 green onions (omitted because I didn't have any)

Sour cream

Directions

1. In a frying pan cook ground beef; add taco seasoning and prepare according to package directions.

2. Add cream cheese, cover and simmer until cheese is melted. Blend well. Set aside and cool completely.

3. While ground beef is cooking, cook the pasta shells according to directions; drain. Set shells out individually on cutting board/baking sheet so that they don't stick together.

4. Pour salsa (I used taco sauce) on bottom of 9x13 baking dish.

5. Stuff each shell with the meat mixture. Place shells in 9x13 pan open side up. Cover shells with taco sauce.

6. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees.

7. After 30 minutes, add shredded cheese and bake for 10-15 more minutes.

8. Add any condiments you'd like (onions, black olives, etc.) Serve with sour cream and/or more salsa. Enjoy!