Taco Stuffed Shells

This recipe came from Better Home and Gardens  "Ultimate Casseroles" Magazine- with some changes of course.

What you'll need:
12 ounces dried jumbo shell pasta
2 - 16 ounce jars of salsa
2 1/2 pounds ground beef
6 ounces cream cheese
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
chopped tomato (optional)

Now I am only making this for two and Ric gave up red meat for Lent so I altered the recipe to the following...

What you'll need:
1 box jumbo shell pasta
1- 16 ounce jar of salsa
2 pounds ground turkey
4 ounces cream cheese
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
homemade taco seasoning

I always have homemade taco seasoning on hand. Its super easy to make and fits right in your spice cabinet!

Homemade Taco Seasoning includes: garlic salt, cumin, red pepper flakes, chili powder, oregano, and onion powder. I don't measure but I put more garlic salt and cumin then the rest of the ingredients. And you can make it as spicy as you like by adding more red pepper flakes and chili powder.

Preheat your oven to 350 and cook pasta according to package. Drain. Rinse and let sit in cold water. Drain again.

Meanwhile cook ground turkey. Make sure to cook the ground turkey until well done. Ground turkey takes longer to cook then ground beef. Drain off fat. Stir in cream cheese and taco seasoning.

Note! You MUST buy a wooden spoon if you don't have one already! They are my go to tool for everything!
Now the recipe calls for an ungreased baking dish. I always add cooking spray or EVOO. Whatever I'm cooking always sticks to the pan. That being said...add EVOO to baking dish followed by 1/2 the jar of salsa.

Now you will spoon meat mixture into pasta shells and place in baking dish over salsa.

Place remaining salsa on top.

Bake covered for 15 minutes, sprinkle with shredded cheese and bake for 15 more minutes. Add chopped tomato after baking. ENJOY!

This recipe was so delicious! I will definitely be making more casseroles from this magazine. Remember you can always change recipes to fit your diet and tastes.. I always do!

Whats for dinner tonight?
Grilled chicken, tomato/cucumber salad and brown rice (Ric's favorite)

Love Chubby Hubby Ice Cream? Check back for my creation: Chubby Hubby Cupcakes!