Via PM I was asked for this recipe. I almost forgot to post it!
Ingredients:
18 Jumbo pasta shells (about 1/2 12 oz package)
2 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted
1 1/4 pounds ground beef
3-4 ounces of cream cheese (opt. chives) cubed
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup taco sauce
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterrey jack cheese
1 1/2 cups crushed tortilla chips
Chopped green onions and parsley sprigs for garnish
Directions:
1. Cook pasta shells according to package directions. Drain and toss with melted butter or margarine.
2. Brown ground beef, stirring to crumble; drain. Stir in cream cheese, chili powder and salt; simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Preheat oven to 350*. Fill shells with beef mixture. Arrange in greased 9x13 baking dish. Spoon taco sauce over shells. Cover and bake for 15 minutes. Uncover; top with cheeses and tortilla chips. Bake for 15 minutes longer (uncovered). Sprinkle with green onions; garnish with parsley. Makes 6 main dish servings.
Don't ask me for any tips...my wife always makes it.
She usually skips the chives and onions as it bothers some of my family member's stomachs.
Hope you enjoy it!
PS - I'll often spice it up with a little Tabasco Sauce, preferably the Habanero version!
And it's best accompanied by an ice cold beer!