Taco Pasta Shells

Name: Taco Pasta Shells
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 10-15 servings.
Ingredients: 1-1/2 pounds ground beef; 1 medium onion, chopped; 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, cubed; 2 envelopes taco seasoning; 1 to 2 tablespoons minced chives; 1 package (12 ounces) jumbo pasta shells, cooked and drained; 2 cups taco sauce; 2 cups shredded plain or Mexican process cheese (Velveeta); 1 cup coarsely crushed tortilla chips

I tease my family that we have to save leftovers of this dish for my lunch the next day. This wonderful recipe uses pasta shells instead of taco shells or tortillas.—Laura Pope, Bloomville, Ohio

Ingredients

1-1/2 pounds ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, cubed
2 envelopes taco seasoning
1 to 2 tablespoons minced chives
1 package (12 ounces) jumbo pasta shells, cooked and drained
2 cups taco sauce
2 cups shredded plain or Mexican process cheese (Velveeta)
1 cup coarsely crushed tortilla chips

Directions

In a large skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in the cream cheese, taco seasoning and chives; cook until cream cheese is melted. Stuff into pasta shells.
Place in a greased 4-qt. baking dish. Top with taco sauce. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 20 minutes or until heated through. Sprinkle with cheese and tortilla chips. Bake 5 minutes longer or until the cheese is melted.

For best flavor, use fresh chives in recipes when possible. Wrap fresh chives in a paper towel, place in a plastic bag and refrigerate for up to 1 week. Or snip fresh chives and freeze in an airtight container for up to 6 months.