Mexican Stuffed Shells

So I LOVE LOVE Pinterest.  Any chance I get I am searching for new recipes and decorating ideas for our house when I get back home.  I came across this next recipe there, which then led me to another great blog.  http://www.the-girl-who-ate-everything.com/2012/03/mexican-stuffed-shells.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2FofLCo+%28The+Girl+Who+Ate+Everything%29

Let me tell you I am no food stylist/photographer like she is, but I at least try and give you the general idea of what my dinner turned out like.  Her website is really amazing and I have found lots of other recipes to try so stayed tuned for more :)

RECIPE

Ingredients:1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)1 package low-sodium taco seasoning
4 ounces cream cheese
20 jumbo pasta shells
1 1/2 cups salsa
1 cup taco sauce
1 cup cheddar cheese
1 cup Monterrey jack cheese
For toppings:

3 green onions

Sour cream
Preheat oven to 350°.

In a pan brown the ground beef; add taco seasoning and prepare according to package directions. Add cream cheese, cover and simmer until cheese is melted. Stir together and mix well. Set aside and cool completely.

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

Pour salsa on bottom of a 9×13 baking dish. Stuff each shell with 1-2 tablespoons of the meat mixture. Place shells in 9×13 pan open side up. Evenly cover shells with taco sauce. Cover dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.

After 30 minutes, add shredded cheese and bake for 10-15 more minutes with the foil removed. Top with green onions or olives if desired. Serve with sour cream and/or more salsa.

Nothing about this recipe is hard but it does take a long time to prepare everything and then bake for 45 minutes. It is a make ahead of time recipe or make on the weekend type!! It was delicious, but may not be exactly toddler friendly.  Salsa and taco sauce are just a little spicy for Jackson still.  Still really yummy and fun for a change!