| It is often difficult to come up with a quick and easy, | | | | Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. |
| hearty dish every night. This taco casserole dish helps | | | | Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high |
| that problem, at least for one night. The optional | | | | heat. Drain off the excess fat. |
| toppings allows picky eaters to add whatever they | | | | Stir in the seasoning mix, pinto beans, tomato sauce, |
| want upon serving. This is comfort food in a Tex-Mex | | | | and the corn. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce |
| tradition. | | | | the heat to low. Simmer for about 5 minutes, or until |
| 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef | | | | the mixture has thickened some. |
| 1 package of your favorite taco seasoning mix | | | | Spoon the mixture into a 2-quart baking dish, then |
| 15-ounce can pinto beans, drained and rinsed | | | | sprinkle with the cheddar cheese and tortilla chips |
| 15-ounce can tomato sauce | | | | equally across the casserole dish. |
| 11-ounce can whole kernel corn, drained | | | | Bake in the oven for about 10 minutes, uncovered, until |
| 4 ounces shredded cheddar cheese | | | | the cheddar cheese is fully melted and just begins to |
| 1 cup coursely-crushed tortilla chips | | | | bubble. |
| Assorted toppings, including sliced green onions, salsa, | | | | Serve with the assorted toppings, if desired. Top with |
| shredded lettuce, sour cream, chopped jalapeno | | | | the jalapenos and/or salsa if you really like your food |
| peppers, and chopped tomatoes | | | | spicy. This taco casserole makes 12 servings. |