Taco Pasta Bake

I made this last night and everyone liked it, so I thought I'd share. It was quick and easy, so that is a definite plus! Also, on the site I got the recipe from (canadianmomscook.com) some of the people that commented said they added a cup of salsa as well. I am going to try that next time. You could also add corn or other veggies if you like.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 - 3/4 of a bag of large noodle pasta like ziti 
• approx. 1lb of ground beef
• 1 pkg/envelope of taco seasoning
• 1C water
• 1/2 pkg of cream cheese (about 4oz)
• 1 1/2C shredded cheese (I used colby jack)

Directions:
1. boil pasta until just cooked, drain, run cold water over it
2. brown ground beef
3. mix together taco season and 1C of water, pour over cooked beef and let simmer for about 5 minutes until the liquid has reduced
4. add the 1/2 pkg of cream cheese to the beef mixture, stir until melted and combined, remove from heat
5. put pasta in your casserole dish or pot, mix in 1C of the shredded cheese
6. top pasta and cheese with beef mixture, gently mix until the pasta is coated
7. top with remaining 1/2C of shredded cheese
8. bake at 350 uncovered for approx 30 minutes 

Submitted by: Gina