okay, so these two things are a favorite in our house!  i can get the whole family to eat the meal, and the margaritas are a great compliment to the meal for the adults!  i have doubled the recipe and served the shells for a party too.  they are so good, i promise you wont be disappointed!  AND you can make them ahead of time and bake them when you are ready to serve them!

taco shells

what you need:

1 lb ground beef

1 package taco seasoning

1 4oz cream cheese

1 box of large pasta shells

1 cup salsa

1 cup taco sauce

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded monterey jack cheese

tortilla chips

sour cream, pico, guacamole

directions:

brown the ground beef and drain excess liquid.  add taco seasoning and 3/4 cup of water, mixing well.   add cream cheese and simmer until cheese is melted.  set aside and allow to fully cool.  while meat is cooking/cooling, cook pasta shells, drain and toss well in butter.

pour salsa in the bottom of 9×13 baking dish.  stuff each shell with the meat mixture.  place the stuffed shells in the baking dish and drizzle the taco sauce over the shells.  cover and bake at 350˚ for 30 minutes.

after, uncover, and sprinkle shells with crushed up tortilla chips and shredded cheeses.  cook for 15 more minutes (uncovered).  i love to serve mine with pico, gauc and sour cream, but feel free to add whatever you think goes good with tacos – you will not be disappointed!!!

and since we are kinda doing a mexican theme, i added my favorite margaritas!!!!

blood orange margaritas

ok, so i will admit, one of my favorite drinks (especially in summer on a patio!) is margaritas!  this recipe is so simple, yet SO good!  and a nice change from the lime or strawberry margarita!  let me know what you think :)

what you need:

1 cup  freshly squeezed blood orange juice (about 7-8 oranges)
1/3 cup  freshly squeezed lime juice
3/4 cup sauza silver tequila
splash of cointreau
orange slices for garnish

combine first 4 ingredients in a shaker and shake well.  pour into chilled, salted rimmed glass with ice, garnish with orange.   aaaamazing!!!

cheers friends!