Taco Stuffed Shells

Name: Taco Stuffed Shells
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: North America, Mexican
Ingredients: 18 uncooked jumbo pasta shells; 1-1/2 pounds lean ground beef (90% lean); 2 teaspoons chili powder; 3 ounces fat-free cream cheese, cubed; 1 bottle (16 ounces) taco sauce, divided; 3/4 cup shredded reduced-fat Mexican cheese blend, divided; 20 baked tortilla chip scoops, coarsely crushed

Total Time Prep: 25 min. Bake: 25 min.

Yield 6 servings

Test Kitchen Approved

Taco stuffed shells are a welcome twist on Taco Tuesday—easy to make, with results that are sure to please. Make it once, and this recipe just may end up with its very own weeknight slot.

Ingredients

18 uncooked jumbo pasta shells
1-1/2 pounds lean ground beef (90% lean)
2 teaspoons chili powder
3 ounces fat-free cream cheese, cubed
1 bottle (16 ounces) taco sauce, divided
3/4 cup shredded reduced-fat Mexican cheese blend, divided
20 baked tortilla chip scoops, coarsely crushed

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse in cold water; drain again.
Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook and crumble beef over medium-high heat until no longer pink, 6-8 minutes. Stir in chili powder, cream cheese and 1/2 cup taco sauce until blended. Stir in 1/4 cup shredded cheese.
Spoon about 2 tablespoons filling into each shell. Place in an 11x7-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Top with remaining taco sauce.
Bake, covered, until heated through, 20-25 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining cheese; bake, uncovered, until cheese is melted, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle with chips.

Nutrition Facts

3 stuffed shells: 384 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 665mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 33g protein.

Here's a kid-friendly dish so flavorful and fun, nobody is likely to guess that it's also lower in fat. It's a great family supper for busy weeknights! —Anne Thomsen, Westchester, Ohio

Recipe Creator