Fiesta Stuffed Shells

18 large pasta shells (stuffable kind)

1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce

1 (12-ounce) jar picante sauce

1 cup water

1 pound ground round or lean ground beef

1 small white onion, chopped

Salt, to taste Pepper, to taste

1 small can chopped green chiles

1 cup grated reduced-fat Cheddar cheese, divided use

1 small can french-fried onion rings, divided use

 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Cook pasta shells according to directions. Drain them when cooked and let cool a few minutes until they’re cool enough to handle. Separate them carefully so that they don’t tear or stick together. Set aside.  In bowl, combine tomato sauce, picante sauce and water. Set aside.  Brown meat with onions, salt and pepper. Add green chiles, 1/2 cup cheese, half a can of onion rings and 1/2 cup prepared sauce. Stir well and cook a minute or two, stirring. Stuff shells with meat mixture. Pour remaining sauce over the shells and bake for 30 minutes uncovered. Sprinkle on rest of cheese and onions and cook another 5 minutes, until cheese is bubbling.