(Family Features) Ease and convenience can go a long way toward creating weeknight meals that bring the entire family together, which is why it’s helpful to focus your favorite dishes around main ingredients that simplify dinner routines.

Versatile proteins like veal open many possibilities from decadent, romantic meals to easy and beginner-friendly options. Its flavor is light, making it a blank canvas for discovery by pairing it with different combinations of sauces, spices, cheeses and more.

You can be confident in the taste of veal as your main ingredient in these Veal Tex Mex Stuffed Shells, a quick and easy dinner perfect for hectic weeknights. Requiring just over half an hour in the kitchen, jumbo pasta shells are loaded with taco-flavored ground veal and melted cream cheese then topped with your favorite taco sauce.

It offers a new, exciting recipe to add to the family menu while also providing nutrition; a 3-ounce serving of veal includes 27 grams of protein, which is more than half of the daily value for a 2,000-calorie diet.

Discover more quick and easy recipe ideas at Veal.org, funded by Beef Farmers and Ranchers.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Veal Tex Mex Stuffed Shells

Prep time:  20 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Servings: 6

• 1          pound ground veal
• 1/2       cup diced onion
• 1/2       cup diced poblano pepper
• 1          package (1 1/4 ounces) taco seasoning
• 1/2       cup water
• 4          ounces cream cheese
• 2          cups shredded colby jack cheese, divided
• 20        jumbo pasta shells
• 1 1/2    cups salsa
• 1          cup taco sauce

1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
2. In large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground veal, diced onion and diced pepper until meat is no longer pink, 5-7 minutes. 
3. Stir in taco seasoning and water.
4. Break cream cheese into chunks and add to skillet; simmer 3-4 minutes, or until cream cheese melts into veal mixture. 
5. Remove from heat and add 1/2 cup colby jack cheese; stir to combine.
6. Bring large pot of salted water to boil and add pasta shells. Cook according to package directions and drain.
7. Immediately separate shells on plate to avoid sticking together. 
8. Pour salsa into 13-by-9-inch baking dish and spread to cover bottom. 
9. Fill each pasta shell with 1-2 tablespoons veal mixture and place in baking dish.
10. Top stuffed shells with taco sauce and sprinkle remaining colby jack cheese on top.
11. Bake 15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and shells are heated through. 

Source: New York Beef Council

(Family Features) If spending additional time in the comfort of your home has you rethinking the family menu and looking for new ways to enjoy nutritional meals, rest assured you can make better-for-you food choices without losing mouthwatering taste.

Easy, efficient at-home recipes like Thai Coconut Lime Freezer Chicken, Burrito Beef and Cauli Mac and Cheese can all be made in less than an hour while reducing the intake of carbs and unnecessary sugars. All are part of a balanced Atkins low-carb lifestyle, a long-term, healthy eating approach focused on high-fiber carbohydrates, optimal protein and healthy fats.

The eating approach, which is a more flexible version of the popular ketogenic diet, offers a balanced mix of foods containing fiber-rich and nutrient-dense carbohydrates while focusing on reduced levels of refined carbohydrates, added sugars and the “hidden sugar effect” – when carbohydrates convert to sugar when digested. You don’t see the sugar, but your body does.

Introducing your family to smarter food choices can also support your immunity. According to research published in “The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition,” simply substituting whole grains for refined grains has a modest effect on gut microbiota and immunity. Refined grains have had most of the fiber milled out of them, leaving a refined carbohydrate that impacts your body the way sugar would. Opt for whole grains to get the fiber you need, along with protein and healthy fats.

Visit atkins.com for more nutritious recipes

Thai Coconut Lime Freezer Chicken

Prep time: 8 minutes
Cook time: 22 minutes
Servings: 4

• 1 3/4    cups coconut milk
• 2          tablespoons basil
• 1          tablespoon xylitol (sugar substitute)
• 1          ounce cilantro
• 1          ounce fresh lime juice
• 1/2       teaspoon salt
• 1/2       teaspoon garlic
• 1          teaspoon lime zest (optional)
• 20        ounces boneless, cooked chicken breast
• 20        ounces broccoli flower clusters

1. In bowl, mix coconut milk, basil, xylitol, cilantro, lime juice, salt and garlic. For more citrus flavor, add lime zest, if desired.
2. Add chicken, broccoli and sauce to 1-gallon zip-top freezer bag. Squeeze out any air and seal bag. Freeze bag flat up to 1 month.
3. To cook: Thaw in refrigerator overnight. Heat oven to 350° F.
4. Place in glass 8-by-8-inch pan and bake 20-25 minutes.

Burrito Beef

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 8 hours
Servings: 6

• 2          pounds beef arm chuck roast
• 4          tablespoons green taco sauce
• 1          teaspoon minced garlic
• 2          large scallions or spring onions, chopped
• 1          jalapeno pepper, diced
• 2          teaspoons chili powder
• 1/2       teaspoon cumin
• 1/2       teaspoon salt

1. Trim fat from beef. In slow cooker on low heat, cook beef, taco sauce, garlic, onions, jalapeno, chili powder, cumin and salt 8 hours, or until beef is tender.
2. Using two forks, remove beef and shred. Mix beef with 1/2 cup cooking juices before serving.
3. A Low-Sugar Swap to Satisfy Cravings
4. While spending more time at home than normal, those snack cravings can be hard to shake. Rather than relying on easy-to-grab eats from the pantry or freezer, focus on more nutritious choices that don’t sacrifice flavor.
5. Turn to a creamy solution to satisfy your hunger such as the Atkins Milk Chocolate Delight Shake, a filling option for chocolate lovers. The drinks are packed with 15 grams of protein, 5 grams of fiber, 20% of the daily recommended amount of vitamin D and 1 gram of sugar to keep you going throughout the day.

Cauli Mac and Cheese

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6

• Nonstick cooking spray
• 1          teaspoon salt, divided
• 1          head large (6-7-inch diameter) cauliflower
• 1          cup heavy cream
• 2          ounces cream cheese
• 1 1/2    teaspoons ground mustard
• 1 1/2    cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1          clove garlic, minced
• 1/4       teaspoon white pepper
• 1/4       teaspoon pepper sauce

1. Heat oven to 375° F and prepare 9-by-9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Heat large pot of water to boiling and add 1/2 teaspoon salt.
2. Remove stem and leaves from cauliflower. Cut into small pieces and place in boiling water; cook until crisp-tender; about 5 minutes. Drain well then pat between paper towels to remove moisture.
3. In medium saucepan over medium heat, bring cream to simmer. Whisk cream cheese and powdered mustard into simmering cream until smooth. Add 1 cup cheddar cheese, garlic, remaining salt, white pepper and pepper sauce, whisking until cheese melts; about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in cauliflower.
4. Pour into baking dish and top with remaining cheese. Bake 15 minutes until browned and bubbly.

Photos courtesy of Getty Images (Thai Coconut Lime Freezer Chicken, Burrito Beef and Cauli Mac and Cheese)

Source: Atkins

(Family Features) For Mexican food lovers everywhere, Cinco de Mayo provides the perfect excuse to host a fiesta. This year, try spicing up your party menu with Mexican-inspired bold flavors and fresh ingredients using these tips and recipe. With a little planning and some key fresh ingredients, you can host a fiesta everyone will enjoy.

Cinco de Mayo Menu Planning
Here are a few authentic dips and dishes to liven any party spread:

• Green, Green Guacamole - This flavorful dip embodies the festive flavors of the holiday. To make fresh guacamole, add green onions, cilantro and Tabasco green jalapeño pepper sauce to ripe, mashed avocados.
• Mexican Caviar - Not your average salsa dip, this hearty and zesty recipe combines black beans, corn, avocado, tomatoes and cilantro for a muy bueno party starter that is sure to please.
• Spicy Taquitos - Packed with genuine flavor, these savory appetizers can be served all year long. A satisfying blend of chicken, red beans and shredded cheese is rolled into buttery phyllo dough and baked until golden and crispy.

To add more authentic flavor to your table, be sure to serve Fiery Fiesta Empanadas. With a soft cornmeal crust, ground beef, cheese and olive filling, this dish boasts bold notes of cumin, garlic, and mild Tabasco green jalapeño pepper sauce - making these empanadas a sure-fire way to spice up your menu.

For more sizzling, south-of-the-border recipes, visit www.tabasco.com.

Fiery Fiesta Empanadas

Makes 4 empanadas

Cornmeal Crust

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup yellow cornmeal
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter or margarine, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 6 tablespoons water

Filling

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• 3 scallions, chopped
• 1/4 cup taco sauce
• 1/4 cup pitted ripe olives, chopped
• 4 teaspoons Tabasco green jalapeño pepper sauce, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup shredded Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 large egg, beaten

1. Combine flour, cornmeal and salt in medium bowl. Cut in butter until mixture is crumbly. Sprinkle in water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until dough sticks together.
2. On lightly floured surface with lightly floured rolling pin, roll out half of dough until 1/4-inch thick. Cut dough into two 7-inch rounds. Repeat with remaining dough and scraps. Cover; set aside.
3. Cook ground beef and garlic in 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until beef is browned on all sides, stirring occasionally to break up beef.
4. Stir in scallions, taco sauce, olives, 3 teaspoons green jalapeño pepper sauce, oregano, cumin and salt until well blended. Stir in cheese.
5. Preheat oven to 375ºF. Grease large cookie sheet. Spoon about 1/2-cup filling on 1/2 of each round, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
6. Stir together egg and remaining teaspoon green jalapeño pepper sauce.
7. Brush border with egg mixture.
8. Fold dough over filling, pressing out air. Crimp edges with fork or fingers to seal.
9. Place on baking sheet. Bake 25 minutes or until golden.

Source: Tabasco

(Family Features) This Cinco de Mayo, make sure you're prepared to celebrate the Mexican victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Gather your family on this festive day to enjoy music, dancing and, of course, great Mexican food.

As you're getting ready for this year's fiesta, keep Mama Ortega in mind. Maria Conception Jacinta Dominguez Ortega, otherwise known as Mama Ortega, raised a family of 13 children with homemade Mexican meals every night. One hundred fifty years later her traditions still live on with great Mexican foods from Ortega.

Make some of your own family traditions with great recipes such as Pasta and Grilled Vegetable Salad with Cilantro Dressing, Taco Casserole or, perhaps, a Frozen Margarita Pie. From tasty whole kernel corn taco shells and delicious salsas to authentic taco sauces and diced green chiles, Ortega offers a wide variety of Mexican food products to meet all of your family's needs.

To get some new ideas on Cinco de Mayo recipes and valuable coupons, visit www.ortega.com.

Taco Casserole

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Start to Finish: 30 minutes
Makes: 8 servings

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 bottle (8 ounces) Ortega Taco Sauce
• 3/4 cup water
• 1 can (4 ounces) Ortega Fire-Roasted Diced Green Chiles
• 1 packet (1.25 ounces) Ortega 40% Less Sodium Taco Seasoning Mix
• 1 package (12-count) Ortega Whole Grain Corn Taco Shells, broken, divided
• 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• Chopped tomatoes, chopped green bell pepper, sour cream

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease 11 x 7-inch baking dish.
2. Cook beef and onion in large skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until beef is browned. Drain and discard excess fat.
3. Stir in taco sauce, water, chiles and seasoning mix; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low. Cook 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Layer half of broken taco shells on bottom of prepared baking dish. Cover with half of meat mixture; sprinkle with 1 cup cheese.
   Repeat layers with remaining ingredients.
5. Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until bubbly and cheese is melted. Serve with desired toppings.

Pasta and Grilled Vegetable Salad with Cilantro Dressing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Start to Finish: 30 minutes
Makes: 6 to 8 servings

Dressing

• 1 can (4 ounces) Ortega Fire-Roasted Diced Green Chiles
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Regina red wine vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon Polaner minced garlic
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Salad

• 1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded, cut in half
• 1 green bell pepper, cored, seeded, cut in half
• 1 medium zucchini, cut lengthwise into thin slices
• 1 medium yellow squash, cut lengthwise into thin slices
• 1 large red onion, cut into 1/2-inch-thick wedges
• 1 pound pasta shells or penne, cooked
• 1 jar (16 ounces) salsa
• 1/4 cup firmly packed fresh basil, cut into thin strips
• Lettuce leaves (optional)

1. Combine chiles, cilantro, oil, vinegar and garlic in small bowl. Whisk until well blended. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Set aside.
2. Preheat grill to medium-high heat, about 15 minutes. Lightly brush grill grid with vegetable oil.
3. Grill bell peppers, zucchini, squash and onion 3 to 5 minutes per side or until fork-tender. Remove vegetables from grill: cut into bite-size pieces.
4. Toss cooked pasta, salsa, sliced vegetables and basil in large bowl or serving platter. Serve with dressing on lettuce leaves, if desired.

Frozen Margarita Pie

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Start to Finish: 4 hours
Makes: 8 servings

Crust

• 10 Ortega Yellow Corn Taco Shells
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

Filling

• 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
• 1/3 cup frozen limeade, thawed
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 1 drop green food coloring
• 1 cup whipping cream
• Lime curls (optional)

1. Place taco shells in food processor and pulse until evenly ground.
2. Melt butter in medium saucepan over low heat. Remove from heat. Stir in taco crumbs and sugar until well blended. Press firmly over bottom and up sides of 9-inch pie plate.
3. Place in freezer until firm.
4. Combine sweetened condensed milk, limeade, orange juice and food coloring in large mixing bowl.
5. Whip cream until soft peaks form. Fold whipped cream gently into condensed milk mixture until blended. Pour onto prepared crust.
6. Freeze uncovered, 4 hours or until firm. Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with lime curls, if desired.

Tip: To crush taco shells without a food processor, place them in a resealable plastic food storage bag and run a rolling pin over the shells until they're evenly crushed.

Source: Ortega

(Family Features) Cinco de Mayo is a fun and festive holiday that's celebrated with music, dancing, family and delicious food. To bring great Mexican flavors to your fiesta, take a lesson from Maria Conception Jacinta Dominguez Ortega - also known as Mama Ortega.

In the 1800s, Mama Ortega created a loving home for her 13 children, and it centered around a tiny kitchen. From her small charcoal-burning stove, Mama created memorable meals her family loved. Everything for each meal was homegrown, handpicked and homemade.

You may not be able to grow your own ingredients, but you can take advantage of the way Mama did things - through authentic ingredients such as the line of Ortega Mexican Foods products. Fire-roasted chiles, authentic taco seasonings, crisp taco shells made with whole kernel corn and America's number one taco sauce are just a few of the ways that Ortega brings authentic Mexican flavor and fun to your family's dinner table.

For more delicious Mexican recipes to enjoy on Cinco de Mayo - or any day - visit www.ortega.com.

Slow-Cooked Shredded Beef Tacos

Prep Time: 12 minutes
Start to Finish: 6 hours
Makes: 6 to 8 servings

• 1 1/2 pounds beef chuck roast
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 1 cup water
• 1 Ortega Grande Taco Dinner Kit
• 1 can (4 ounces) Ortega Diced Green Chiles
• Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, chopped tomato, shredded mild cheddar cheese, sour cream

1. Place beef and onion in 4-quart slow cooker. Combine water and seasoning mix from kit in small bowl. Pour over beef and onion. Cover and cook on LOW 6 to 8 hours or until fork tender.
2. Transfer beef to cutting board; shred beef with two forks. Place in large bowl. Stir in taco sauce from kit and chilies.
3. Fill warmed taco shells and tortillas from kit with beef mixture. Top with cheese sauce from kit. Garnish with desired toppings.

Smothered Beef and Bean Burritos

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Start to Finish: 40 minutes
Makes: 10 burritos

• 1 can (10.75 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 can (10 ounces) condensed cheddar cheese soup
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 3/4 cup water
• 1 Ortega Soft Taco Kit
• 1 cup Ortega Refried Beans
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup diced tomato

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly coat 13 x 9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Combine soups and sour cream in small bowl; set aside.
2. Heat oil in skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef and onion. Cook and stir 5 minutes or until beef is no longer pink. Drain and discard fat. Add water and seasoning mix from kit. Cook and stir 3 minutes. Stir in refried beans.
3. Wrap tortillas from kit with clean, lightly moistened cloth or paper towels. Microwave on HIGH (100% power) 1 minute, until hot and pliable.
4. Divide beef mixture evenly among tortillas. Fold ends of tortilla to middle, then roll tightly around mixture. Place in baking dish, seam side down. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
5. Spread soup mixture evenly over tortillas. Bake 22 to 25 minutes or until heated through. Garnish with taco sauce from kit, cilantro and tomatoes.

Easy Empanadas

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Start to Finish: 25 minutes
Makes: 12 empanadas

• 1 cup prepared refrigerated barbecue shredded pork
• 2 tablespoons Ortega Taco Sauce, any variety
• 1 tablespoon Ortega Fire-Roasted Diced Green Chilies
• 1 can (12-count) refrigerated biscuits
• 1 egg, well beaten
• 1 cup black bean and corn salsa

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Mix pork, taco sauce and chilies in small bowl.
2. Separate biscuits into 12 pieces. Flatten each biscuit into 6-inch round, using rolling pin. Divide filling evenly among biscuits, spreading over half of each round to within 1/4 inch of edge. Fold dough over filling; press edges with fork to seal well. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Brush tops with beaten egg.
3. Bake 12 to 15 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Immediately remove from cookie sheet. Serve warm with salsa for dipping.

Chili Con Queso Dip

Prep Time: 3 minutes
Start to Finish: 15 minutes
Makes about 3 cups

• 1 package (16 ounces) pasteurized processed cheese spread, cut into chunks
• 1 cup Ortega Thick and Chunky Mild Salsa
• 1 can (4 ounces) Ortega Fire-Roasted Diced Green Chiles
• 1 package (10 count) Ortega Tostada Shells or 1 package (12-count)
• Ortega Taco Shells, broken into pieces
• Additional Ortega Fire-Roasted Diced Green Chiles (optional)
• Chopped tomatoes (optional)

1. Combine cheese, salsa and chilies in small saucepan. Cook and stir over low heat until fully melted and blended.
2. Serve warm with tostada or taco shells. Garnish with additional chilies and tomatoes, if desired.

Chocolate Chile Brownies With Spiced Frosting

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Start to Finish: 1 hour
Makes: 9 servings

Brownies

• 1 package (18 to 19 ounces) brownie mix, plus ingredients to prepare mix
• 1 can (4 ounces) Ortega Diced Green Chiles, undrained

Frosting

• 1 cup powered sugar
• 1 tablespoon Ortega Chili Seasoning Mix
• 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons milk

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 8-inch square baking pan with aluminum foil, extending foil over sides of pan; lightly coat with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Prepare brownies according to package directions. Stir in chilies; mix until well blended. Pour into prepared baking pan. Bake 25 to 30 minutes, or use time recommended on package. Cool on wire rack. Using foil "handles," remove from pan.
3. Blend powdered sugar and seasoning mix in small bowl. Stir in milk, adding more if necessary, until desired consistency. Spread on brownies. Slice and serve.

Source: Ortega

(Family Features) This Cinco de Mayo, gather the whole family together and enjoy a true Mexican fiesta like Mama Ortega would have thrown over 100 years ago. With mariachi music, dancing, piñatas and traditional homemade Mexican meals, Mama's fiestas were always a favorite with family, friends and especially her 13 children!

The flavors and smells of Mama's homemade meals still taste great today, but are easier to create - and more fun to eat! Her legendary meals inspired today's convenient and great tasting Ortega Mexican products. Achieve authentic fiesta flavors by using crisp and crunchy Ortega taco shells made with whole kernel corn, topped with slow simmered Ortega Taco Sauce and authentic fire-roasted green chiles. Ortega's zesty Mexican seasonings and fresh-tasting salsas are perfect for adding flavor to your favorite snack, casserole, dip or soup!

So, gather the family together and enjoy a fiesta of flavors with Ortega. For other great recipe ideas or to learn more about Ortega's line of products, visit www.ortega.com.

Taco Rice and Beans

Prep time: 5 minutes
Start to finish: 15 minutes
Serves 4

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 package (1.25 ounces) Ortega Taco Seasoning Mix
• 1 cup water
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained
• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1/4 cup Ortega Thick & Chunky Salsa

1. In skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion; cook 3 minutes. Add taco seasoning mix and water. Stir until combined and slightly thickened. Add beans, rice and salsa; stir. Cook 5 minutes more or until contents are heated through.

Grilled Margarita Shrimp

Prep time: 40 minutes
Start to finish: 50 minutes
Serves 6

• 1 cup margarita mix
• 1 cup Ortega Taco Sauce, divided
• 2 pounds raw shrimp (21 to 30), peeled and deveined
• 3 tablespoons Ortega Diced Green Chiles

1. In large bowl, pour margarita mix and 1/2 cup taco sauce over shrimp and toss well. Marinate in refrigerator 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
2. Preheat grill until sizzling hot, about 15 minutes. Grill shrimp 4 minutes on each side or until pink.
3. Combine remaining 1/2 cup taco sauce with green chiles to use as dipping sauce.

Ham and Cheese Quesadillas

Prep time: 10 minutes
Start to finish: 20 minutes
Serves 5

• 1/2 pound cooked ham, diced
• 3/4 cup cream cheese, softened
• Zest of one lime
• 2 green onions, white and green parts, diced
• 1 Ortega Soft Taco Kit - includes 10 soft tortillas, 1 package (1.25 ounces) taco seasoning mix and 1 package (3 ounces) taco sauce
• Cooking spray
• 1 tomato, diced
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• 1/2 cup sour cream

1. In mixing bowl, combine diced ham, cream cheese, lime zest, green onions and half of taco seasoning packet contained in soft taco kit. Heat large skillet on medium and spray with cooking spray.
2. Spread about 1 teaspoon taco sauce onto a flour tortilla and then spread about 1/4 cup ham/cream cheese mixture on top.
3. Place tortilla-side down onto hot skillet and top with another flour tortilla. Heat about 4 minutes, until bottom of tortilla is browned; spray top of the other tortilla and flip. Cook another 4 minutes and repeat with remaining quesadillas. Cook two at a time if skillet is large enough.
4. Cut into wedges and top with tomato, cilantro and sour cream and serve.

Mexican Meatballs

Prep time: 15 minutes
Start to finish: 30 minutes
Makes about 30 meatballs

• 3 Ortega Yellow Corn Taco Shells
• 1 pound (16 ounces) lean ground beef
• 1 teaspoon Ortega Chili Seasoning Mix
• 1 egg
• 2 teaspoons Ortega Diced Green Chiles
• 1 bottle (8 ounces) Ortega Taco Sauce
• 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Cilantro, finely chopped (optional)

1. Break taco shells into food processor and pulse several times to create about 1/2 cup taco shell crumbs. Place into large mixing bowl and add ground beef, seasoning mix, egg and green chiles. Mix thoroughly.
2. Form mixture into 30 (1-inch) meatballs and drop into hot skillet. Cook until they begin to brown. Carefully turn over and continue browning. Add taco sauce. Coat meatballs with sauce and simmer over low heat, uncovered, 10 minutes.
3. Sprinkle meatballs with cheese and garnish with cilantro, if desired. Serve with toothpicks.

Photos copyright (c) 2008 Publications International, Ltd. Used by permission.

Source: Ortega