Taco Stuffed Shells

Step 1

Lightly oil a 9x13 inch baking dish and preheat the oven to 375

Step 2

With the stem still on your peppers cut them in half lengthwise (top to bottom) and remove the seeds and pith with a small paring knife.

Step 3

Place the pepper halves cut side down in the prepared baking pan and place in the oven for 10-15 minutes until the peppers are slightly softened.

Step 4

While the peppers are baking you can make the filling.

Step 5

First finely chop the onion.

Step 6

Place the onions in a large skillet with a small amount of your preferred cooking oil and sauté over medium-high heat until the onion is translucent.

Step 7

Add in ground beef, and seasonings and continue cooking, stirring, and crumbling as it cooks until it is cooked through.

Step 8

*If you've used a higher fat ground beef and need to drain it do that now

Step 9

Add 1 cup of salsa and into the cooked ground beef and stir until well mixed.

Step 10

Add in ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese and continue mixing until cheese is melted and well incorporated.

Step 11

Scoop the meat mixture into each pepper half and place back in the pan filled side up.

Step 12

Repeat until all of the peppers are filled. .

Step 13

Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese across the top of the peppers.

Step 14

Place in the oven and bake for 20 minutes.

Step 15

Serve warm with additional taco toppings if desired.

Step 16

Store leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container.