Southwest Beef Shells

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef round
• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
• 3 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 12 ounces monterey jack cheese, shredded
• 1 (21 ounce) jar picante sauce, mild
• 1 (16 ounce) package jumbo pasta shells

Directions

1. 1

   Cook shells in 3 qts. boiling water for 12 minutes, stirring often. Drain. Rinse with cold water; drain well.

2. 2

   Heat skillet over high heat. Add oil and brown beef until no longer pink. Remove from heat; pour off drippings.

3. 3

   Add all other ingredients to the meat except picante sauce.

4. 4

   Spread 1/4 cup picante sauce in bottom of 9x13 inch casserole.

5. 5

   Stuff shells with a spoonful or so of meat mixture and place on sauce. Any extra meat mixture may be placed on top.

6. 6

   Pour remaining picante sauce over shells. (May be frozen. Thaw completely before baking).

7. 7

   Bake covered in a pre-heated 375 degree oven for 30 minutes or until hot in center.

8. 8

   Serve shells with sprinkling of cheese and fresh cilantro.