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

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It was one of those, "use up what we've got" nights, when I threw this casserole together! Luckily I thought to write everything down as I went along, because it turned out so good I make it on purpose now! LOL!! Just a quick, easy-peasy weeknight meal! Nothin' wrong with that! ;) :D Add/omit what you like, just have fun! Could...

Provided by Kelly Williams

Categories     Casseroles

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!

Connor Osborne
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I wouldn't recommend this casserole. It was bland and unflavorful.


Angel Valtierra
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I thought this casserole was just okay. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't anything special either.


Amber Messinger
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This casserole was a bit too spicy for my taste, but my husband loved it.


Syed Haris
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I've made this casserole several times now and it's always a hit. It's a great way to use up leftover taco meat.


Amsira tareena
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This is my new favorite casserole recipe. It's so easy to make and always turns out delicious.


Sayed Zohaib
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I made this casserole for a potluck and it was a huge success. Everyone loved it!


Deep Saab
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I followed the recipe exactly and it turned out perfectly. My family loved it!


TikTok Bhojpuri
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This dish was easy to make and very flavorful. I will definitely be making it again.


Phyllis Zenani
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I'm not a big fan of casseroles, but this one was really good. I loved the crunchy topping and the cheesy filling.


Dean Reichert
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This casserole was a hit with my family! It was easy to make and so delicious. I loved the combination of flavors and textures.