Taco Stuffed Shells

This is one of the best dishes I have ever made, A family favorite!

Ingredients

•  2 pounds ground beef

  2 envelopes taco seasoning
  1-1/2 cups water
  1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, cubed
  24 uncooked jumbo pasta shells
  1/4 cup butter, melted
  ADDITIONAL INGREDIENTS (for each casserole):
  1 cup salsa
  1 cup taco sauce
  1 cup (4 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
  1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  1-1/2 cups crushed tortilla chips
  1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream
  3 green onions, chopped

  Directions

  In a Dutch oven, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain.Stir in taco seasoning and water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes. Stir in cream cheese until melted. Transfer to a bowl; cool. Chill for 1 hour.
  Cook pasta according to package directions; drain. Gently toss with butter. Fill each shell with about 3 tablespoons of meat mixture. Place 12 shells in a freezer container. Cover and freeze for up to 3 months.
  To prepare remaining shells, spoon salsa into a greased 9-in. square baking dish. Top with stuffed shells and taco sauce. Cover and bake at 350° for 30 minutes. Uncover; sprinkle with cheeses and chips. Bake 15 minutes longer or until heated through. Serve with sour cream and onions.
  To use frozen shells: Thaw in the refrigerator for 24 hours (shells will be partially frozen). Spoon salsa into a greased 9-in. square baking dish; top with shells and taco sauce. Cover and bake at 350° for 40 minutes. Sprinkle with cheeses and chips; proceed as directed. Yield: 2 casseroles (6 servings each).