Week 41: Recipe #5--Beef and Bean Taco Casserole

I found this recipe on Pinterest, and it comes from a site called Recipe.com (see link below).  It was easy to throw together, and it was pretty good.  My husband especially liked it.  The meat was a bit spicy for my 4 year old, but the little one ate hers up.  They both loved that there were chips in it.  I served this meal with Mexican rice and applesauce.  Makes 5 servings.

You'll Need:

• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1 can (16 oz.) refried beans
• 1 jar (16 oz.) thick 'n chunky salsa
• 1 pkg. taco seasoning mix
• 2 1/2 c. coarsely broken tortilla chips
• 1/2 med. green bell pepper, chopped
• 4 med. green onions, sliced
• 2 med. tomatoes, chopped
• 1 c. shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 c. sliced ripe olives
• 1 c. shredded lettuce

Preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  In a skillet, cook beef over medium-high heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly cooked; drain.  Stir in refried beans, salsa, and taco seasoning mix.  Reduce heat to medium.  Heat to boiling, stirring occasionally.
2. In ungreased 2-qt. casserole dish, place 2 cups of the broken tortilla chips.  Top evenly with beef mixture.  Sprinkle with bell pepper, onions, 1 cup of the tomato, the cheese, and olives.
3. Bake uncovered for 20-30 minutes or until hot and bubbly and cheese is melted.  Top baked casserole with lettuce, remaining 1/2 cup tomato, and remaining 1/2 cup tortilla chips.

Recipe and link:  http://www.recipe.com/beef-and-bean-taco-casserole/