"RAID THE PANTRY" SHELLS-N-CHEESE TACO CASSEROLE

Provided by Kelly Williams

Time 45m

Number Of Ingredients 22

1 1/3 lbs. hamburger, can sub shredded rotisserie chicken if preferred
1/4 tsp. each: salt & pepper, or to taste
1/4 tsp. each: garlic powder, chili powder and cumin
1/2 of an onion, chopped
1 (1 1/4 oz.) packet taco seasoning mix, or homemade
1/3 cup picante sauce
2/3 cup water
1 (14 1/2 oz.) can delmonte original stewed tomatoes with the juice
1 (12 oz.) box velveeta shells & cheese
3 cups sargento shredded 4-cheese mexican blend cheese, can sub sharp cheddar
paprika
1/2 tsp. oregano
TOPPINGS OF CHOICE:
shredded lettuce
chopped fresh tomato
sour cream
guacamole
sliced or chopped black olives
jalapeno rings
finely sliced green onion
additional shredded cheese
hot sauce

Steps:

1. In deep frying pan, cook beef (lightly seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic powder, chili powder and cumin), and onion til done. Drain grease. Stir in taco seasoning, picante sauce, water and stewed tomatoes. Break up tomatoes. Simmer at least 10 minutes til water has evaporated and sauce is thickened. Meanwhile, in saucepan; make shells and cheese according to package directions, using lowest time alotted for cooking of shells. Fold shells and cheese mixture into beef mixture. Pour into greased casserole dish. I used a 1 ½ quart glass baking dish just slightly smaller than my 13x9 one. Top evenly with shredded cheese. Sprinkle cheese with paprika. Sprinkle lightly with oregano using about a 1/2 teaspoon. Bake in 350º oven, uncovered for 20 minutes, or til hot . Serve topped with any or all "Toppings of Choice".
2. Serve with a nice salad if desired!