Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Tacos in Pasta Shells

Tacos in Pasta Shells


Last Saturday night we were invited to our friends for a potluck/bbq to celebrate their son's 3rd birthday.
I've always agonized over what to take to a potluck. Because I want the perfect dish, of course. I want all the raves to go to....me. LOL
Actually this group consisted of a three or four couples, who we are quite close to and we all know what we want the others to bring. Shelly is famous for her shrimp salad (made with top ramen noodles), Mitzi is famous for her potato casserole, Gina is famous for her chicken pot pies, and me? Well, never bring the same thing twice. But it's all good.
I mean, we (those of you who are reading this ) are food bloggers, so I am taking it as fact that those of us who like to cook and take the time (and it does take time) to blog about it, are good cooks.

There is not doubt in my mind that if any of you invited me for supper, it would be one good meal.

I decided to make these "Tacos in Pasta Shells" to take It's a stuffed shell with a bit of a taco flavoring twist. The perfect potluck fare. Easy to take along and keep warm and most people like pasta dishes covered with cheese.

That evening, little Mattie turned 3 years old. He loves to read and had me read quite a few books to him. The first few were large print, so that was no problem. The 4th one had smaller print, so I said to him, "Mattie, I can't read this one."
He looked at me and shook his head "YES you can!"
So I dug out my "readers" and put them on. He looked so confused. He got on my lap and turned to me and asked "Who are you now?"
We all got a good laugh out of that one, but not nearly as good a laugh and when he wanted me to put my necklace (which was bugging him as he leaned against me) into my cleavage. He began to stick his little hand down my cleavage and said "put that in here." I said, "I can't" He said "yes you can" and proceeded to show me how much of his hand could "go in there."

He was so much fun that evening....and he liked my Tacos in Pasta Shells!




















Tacos in Pasta Shells
1 1/4 lb ground beef
1 cup of your favorite salsa
3 oz cream cheese w/chives ( You can use a bit more)
1 cup tomato sauce
1 tsp chili powder
1/4 tsp salt
18 jumbo pasta shell
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded jack cheese
1 cup crushed tortilla chips
sliced green onions
sliced black olives

Brown the ground beef. Drain off the grease. Add the salsa, tomato sauce, cream cheese, chili powder, and salt. Simmer 5 minutes.
Cook 18 jumbo pasta shells until "almost" done. Drain.
Fill shells with the ground beef mixture. Arrange in a baking dish. Spoon additional sauce over shells if any is left. Cover and bake for 15 minutes at 350 degrees.
Uncover and top with cheese and tortilla chips. Return to oven and bake an additional 15 minutes.
Remove from oven and sprinkle with sliced green onions and sliced black olives.
Serve warm and enjoy.



*******************

The ingredients (minus the jumbo pasta shells)



Ready to go into the oven


Lets eat!




11 comments:

Donna-FFW said...

What a fantastic idea. They look so delicious. I enjoyed seeing all your photos!!

Alison Kelley said...

These look wonderful! I will have to try them, I'm pretty sure my kids will like them too, thanks for sharing your recipe!

Cathy said...

Your little guy is adorable. I love that age. Its amazing how their little minds work.

Love your stuffed shells. What a terrific buffet dish.

Sheila said...

These look so good! I have just added them to my recipes to try list. I am certain they will be a huge hit here.

Netts Nook said...

Can't wait to try they look great. I am glad all is well, we will keep praying.

Karen said...

Great idea! I should think outside the box (or shell, as it were) more often! Aren't 3-year olds great... they just say what they're thinking! Cute :)

Jolina said...

As usual, the pictures were awesome, and it made me want to make them. I think this dish is exactly what my family would want to eat. I think I'll run to the store and make them tonight. Thanks Debbie!

The Blonde Duck said...

(Hyperventilating) I'm so excited I drooled into the keyboard. This is my ultimate dish. I'm crying in delight.

Lara said...

LOL! I love the funny things kids come up with! This dish sounds like something my family would love.

Heidi said...

I have made a recipe very similar to this and forgotten all about it. Thanks for reminding me because it was really good! I can't wait to make them again :)

Patsyk said...

What a great potluck dish! I love the flavor combination - something everyone would love.

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