Cheesy Taco Pasta

Tonight was one of those use what you have left in the refrigerator and pantry kind of nights because I haven't made it to the grocery store...yet. I had a pound of ground beef that needed to be cooked and a few other ingredients to help throw together my own version of a taco pasta dish. I didn't go by a recipe, however I'm sure it is much like several I've previously read. I get tired of using recipes because they require too much focus with little ones running around and asking for this or that. So whatever I can make with as little mental focus, the better. This option is the healthiest, but it was very tasty.

Cheesy Taco Pasta 

Ingredients: 

1 lb of ground beef 

1 small jar of salsa

1 can of chili beans

taco seasoning (pkg or two tablespoons of homemade taco seasoning) 

one box of cooked shell pasta

1 8oz pkg of cream cheese 

2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese 

Brown the meat, add the salsa and taco seasoning (all while pasta is cooking). Add half the cream cheese to the meat and half to the cooked pasta until it is all blended. Add 1 cup of the shredded cheese to the pasta. In a baking dish place one layer of the meat, then a layer of the pasta, then meat, then pasta, and then lightly cover with cheese. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes. You could easily mix everything together and totally skip the baking option, but I like the way it all settles together when it is baked. Enjoy! 

iPhone pictures are not that appetizing, but this was a really great, filling meal. Although it is not one I recommend to dieters or those on the 24 day challenge. I love these flavors and cheese. I choose to eat more greens during the day so I can enjoy a few meals like this once and a while.