Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps for perfect results

Ingredients

0/8 checked
6
servings
12 unit

pasta shells

cooked and drained

1 lb

ground beef

browned and drained

12 ounce

picante sauce

jarmild

0.5 cup

water

8 ounce

tomato sauce

4 ounce

green chilies

chopped, drained

1 cup

monterey jack cheese

shredded

2.88 ounce

French-fried onions

Step 1
~5 min

Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat.

Step 2
~5 min

Drain any excess grease from the ground beef.

Step 3
~5 min

In a bowl, combine the picante sauce, water, and tomato sauce.

Step 4
~5 min

Stir 1/2 cup of the sauce mixture into the ground beef.

Step 5
~5 min

Add the chopped green chilies, 1/2 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese, and 1/2 can of French-fried onions to the ground beef mixture.

Step 6
~5 min

Mix the ground beef mixture well.

Step 7
~5 min

Pour half of the remaining sauce mixture on the bottom of a 10-inch round or 8x12-inch baking dish.

Step 8
~5 min

Stuff the cooked pasta shells with the ground beef mixture.

Step 9
~5 min

Arrange the stuffed shells in the baking dish.

Step 10
~5 min

Pour the remaining sauce over the stuffed shells.

Step 11
~5 min

Cover the baking dish with foil.

Step 12
~5 min

Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes.

Step 13
~5 min

Remove the foil and top with the remaining shredded Monterey Jack cheese and French-fried onions.

Step 14
~5 min

Bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Pro Tips & Suggestions

Expert advice for the best results

For a spicier dish, use a hotter picante sauce.

Add a layer of refried beans to the bottom of the baking dish for added flavor and texture.

Garnish with fresh cilantro and sour cream before serving.

Cooking Experience

Everything you need to know before you start

Time & Preparation

Cleanup Time

15 minutes

Batch Cooking
Friendly
Make Ahead

Can be assembled ahead of time and baked later.

Freezable
Kid Friendly

Cooking Environment

Messiness Level
Medium
Smell Intensity
Medium
Noise Level
Low
Elder Friendly
Suitable for seniors

Plating & Presentation

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a side salad and some Mexican rice.

Offer a variety of toppings, such as sour cream, guacamole, and salsa.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

Mexican Rice
Refried Beans
Guacamole

Drink Pairings

Cultural Heritage

Discover the story behind this recipe

Origin & Tradition

Region of Origin

Tex-Mex

Cultural Significance

Popular in Tex-Mex cuisine, blending Mexican and American flavors.

Style

Occasions & Celebrations

Festive Uses

Cinco de Mayo
Family Gatherings

Occasion Tags

Family Dinner
Weeknight Meal
Party Food

Popularity Score

65/100

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