RECIPE: Taco Casserole

My kids love taco casserole, It’s kinda like chip-less nachos, which to me means that pretty much any topping I can get excited about will be great.  It is REALLY easy to make and leaves lots of room for creativity and fridge cleaning. ;)  

Ingredients:

• 1-2 lb Ramstead Ranch ground beef, or pork (amount depends on if you want meat or veggie heavy meal)
• 1 onion, coarsely chopped
• 1 pkg taco seasoning
• 2 c shredded cheese

Layers: use some creativity

There are a lot of options for layers.  Here are some good ones:

• beans (black or refried)
• olives
• salsa
• sour cream
• fire-roasted peppers

Garnishes:

• Salsa
• Tortillas or tortilla chips
• Green onions
• Other veggies like lettuce and tomatoes

Tools:

A baking dish (or dishes) that are big enough to fit all your fabulous layers.

Instructions:

1. Combine onion and meat in a pan and brown.  Once they have released a little liquid, add the taco seasoning.  Continue to cook until meat is cooked through.
2. Preheat oven to 350°F.
3. Layer ingredients into a greased baking dish.
4. Top with a nice layer of cheese.
5. Bake for 15 minutes until the cheese is all melty and the dish is hot through.
6. Garnish as desired and serve.

This recipe is also great for making ahead.  Simply cover, refrigerate, bake for 25 minutes covered and 5 minutes uncovered.

Ready to bake!

Make a second pan ahead.