Easy Taco Bake

I have heard that the state of Minnesota where I live is the casserole capital of the USA. Actually in my neck of the woods we call them “hot dishes”. Not sure where that name came from and people that move into this area and hear the name “hot dish” find it kind of silly. That would include my husband Mike. It doesn’t matter what you call them they are one of the great comfort foods.

 I grew up eating a lot of casseroles and loving them all my life. Our kids on the other hand were not always so impressed with them, so as they were growing up I didn’t make them too often. But now that they are grown and most of them have moved out of the house  I am trying to make some of my favorite comfort casseroles and starting to try a few new one as well.

I found this recipe in my local grocery store flyer that sounded quite yummy and decided to try it. I did change a few things around to make it to more of our taste. It is nice to be getting back in the swing of enjoying delicious casseroles.

Easy Taco Bake
Ingredients:
1 1/2 pounds ground beef
2 cups of salsa
1 package taco seasoning mix
1- 15 ounce can black beans, rinsed
1 –  7 ounce can chopped green chiles
6 flour tortillas shells
1 cup of crushed corn chips
2 cups of cheddar cheese
Optional
Sour cream
Salsa for adding after the casserole is baked
Shredded lettuce
Chopped tomatoes
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a skillet cook beef over medium heat until meat is no longer pink, stirring occasionally. When the ground beef is cooked drain any grease that is in the skillet. Reduce heat and stir in salsa and taco seasoning, simmer for about 5 minutes. Stir beans and 1 cup of the cheddar cheese, and green chiles into the beef mixture. Cook until the cheese is melted.
Place 3 large flour totilla shell into the bottom of a 9 x 13 ungreased baking dish. Spoon in half of the beef mixture and repeat the first step.
Bake in heated oven for 15 to 20 minutes take of oven and sprinkle the crushed corn chips and the remaining cup of cheddar cheese. Place bake into the oven for about another 10 minutes or until cheese is melted.
Serve with the desired toppings.