Taco Casserole

PREP TIME: 20 minutes – Bake Time: 20 to 30 minutes – TOTAL TIME: 40 to 50 minutes

Yeilds: 5 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 16oz can refried beans
• 2 Cups chunky salsa
• 1 package taco seasoning mix
• 2 ½ Cups broken tortilla chips (reserve ½ cup)
• ¾ Cup green bell pepper chopped
• ¼ Cup green onions sliced
• 1 ½ Cup tomatoes chopped (reserve ½ cup)
• 1 cup shredded Cheddar or Mexican 4 cheese blend
• ¼ Cup sliced olives
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• Sour Cream
• Guacamole
• Flour or Corn Tortillas

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 350°
2. In fry pan cook beef 5 to 7 minutes until cooked. Drain beef stir in refried beans, salsa and taco seasoning mix and reduce heat to medium.
3. Heat to boiling, stirring occasionally.
4. Grease 2 quart casserole and place 2 cups of the broken tortilla chips.
5. Top evenly with beef, bean and taco seasoning mix.
6. Sprinkle with green peppers, onions, and 1 cup chopped tomato, cheese and olives.
7. Bake uncovered 20 to 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly and cheese is melted.
8. Top casserole with lettuce, 1/2 cup chopped tomato and 1/2 cup tortilla chips.

Serve with side of Sour Cream, Guacamole and if you like, Flour Tortillas or Corn Tortillas.