Saturday, January 17, 2009

Mexican Beef Casserole

I am part of a meal exchange group as part as the Jax parents of multiples. We get together once a month. We make 10 of an entree or, like this month, we make 5 of something and 5 of another. Then we get together and swap meals. It helps stretch the grocery bill and also gives us a break form our own cooking. I made Chicken tortilla Soup this month and also a Mexican Casserole. The Casserole originally called for Chicken, but there were already alot of chicken items listed, so I decided to make it with Beef. Then I noticed the other ingredients were meant for use with chicken. So I took the basic recipe idea and made it completely different. Sometimes that works and sometimes it doesn't! This time it worked and actually turned out really good.. so here is is;

MEXICAN BEEF CASSEROLE
Ingredients;
*1 pound of ground beef
*1 pkg taco seasoning
*3/4 cup water
*2 cans bean w/ bacon soup
*1 can rotel tomatoes (your choice of original, mild, or hot- there are green chiles in with the tomatoes) Do Not Drain.
*1 bag corn chips, crushed or broken up (I used regular, but the original recipe was with Doritos.)
*2 cups cheddar or cheese of your choice
*1 4.5 oz can green chiles (optional)
*sour cream (optional, amount based on your preference)

Prep;
*Cook ground beef, drain off all fat.
*Add 3/4 cup water and 1 pkg. taco seasoning. Stir well, then cover and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
*Add 2 cans bean with bacon soup & 1 can (undrained) rotel tomatoes. Stir well until all ingredients are combined.

Use any medium - large casserole or baking dish. Layer items as follows;
*1/2 the bag of crushed corn chips
*1/2 the beef mixture
*remaining crushed corn chips
*remaining beef mixture
*spread 2 cups cheese of your choice over mixture
*sprinkle green chiles on top (optional)

Bake in 350 degree oven for 20-30 minutes, until cheese is melted.
Can be served with sour cream (optional)

My family also enjoyed it as a dip using the chips to scoop it up rather than having them in the casserole.

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