Mexican Shells Casserole

I got this recipe years ago in high school. After moving overseas and not being able to find the large pasta shells I adapted it. I have made this and sold it for fund raising for a military function and made a killing! It is great and quick and everyone loves it! Hope you enjoy!

• Ready In: 1 hr 5 mins
• Serves: 4-6

Ingredients

• 16  ounces small shell pasta
• 1  lb ground beef
• 12  ounces salsa (hot or mild) or 12  ounces  picante sauce (hot or mild)
• 1  cup water
• 8  ounces tomato sauce
• 1  medium green pepper
• 2  cups  four-cheese Mexican blend cheese
• 2 7⁄8 ounces  French-fried onions

Directions

1. Preheat over to 350°F
2. Brown beef and drain fat.
3. Boil shells and drain.
4. In bowl, combine salsa or picante sauce, water, and tomato sauce.
5. Chop green pepper and add to sauce mixture along with 1 cup of the cheese and half the can of onions (I crush them in my hands to break the huge pieces up some!).
6. Add browned ground beef to this mixture along with prepared shells.
7. Pour entire mixture into 9x13-inch baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove from oven, remove foil and cover with the remaining cheese and crushed french fried onions.
8. Bake uncovered for another 5 minutes.
9. Serve with garlic toast and a salad!