Sassy Southwest Stuffed Shells

Sassy Southwest Stuffed Shells 24 uncooked jumbo pasta shells 1/2 pound lean ground beef (90% lean) 1/2 pound lean ground pork 1 large carrot, shredded 3 green onions, chopped 3 garlic cloves, minced 2 cans (4 ounces each) chopped green chiles 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend, divided 1 can (6 ounces) french-fried onions, divided 1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro 1 jar (16 ounces) picante sauce 2 cans (8 ounces each) tomato sauce 1 cup water Preheat oven to 350°. Cook pasta according to package directions for al dente. Drain and rinse in cold water. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook beef and pork over medium heat until no longer pink, breaking into crumbles, 8-10 minutes; drain. Add carrot, green onions and garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in chiles, 1 cup cheese, half of the fried onions and the cilantro. In a large bowl combine picante sauce, tomato sauce and water; stir 1 cup picante mixture into pan. Spread 1 cup remaining picante mixture into a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Fill pasta shells with meat mixture; place in baking dish, overlapping ends slightly. Top with remaining sauce. Cover and bake 30 minutes. Uncover; top with remaining cheese and remaining fried onions. Bake until cheese is melted, 5-10 minutes.