Easy Taco Casserole

Mama's Kitchen (Hope)'s Note:

This is what I would serve at a typical supper here at my house when I am pressed for time and need something fast and filling. I have used ground turkey or ground chicken with great results but there is no reason that you could not use plain old ground beef. Hope you like it!

• Total Time: 30 mins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

• 1 lb ground turkey or 1 lb ground chicken or 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, minced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon cumin, ground
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 10 ounces tomatoes and green chilies, undrained (Rotel)
• 14 ounces pinto beans, drained
• 1 cup corn kernel
• 10 ounces tortilla chips
• 2 cups monterey jack cheese, shredded

Directions:

1. Brown meat, onion and garlic in large skillet until no pink remains and onion is clear. Drain grease.
2. Add spices, tomatoes, beans and corn and mix well.
3. Continue to cook over medium heat until some of the liquid has evaporated. You want a little liquid but not alot- like a sloppy joe mixture.
4. In an 8x8 greased pan crush a handful of chips and place on the bottom of the pan, adding more chips until you have a good layer. **** I like to get it as dry as possible here so that it holds together like a lasagna. PLEASE use your taste and judgment here and make it as dry or as liquid as you like. :)
5. Layer meat mixture on top of chips.
6. Crush some more chips and place on top of meat. Press down on chip layer to draw some moisture into the top layer of chips.
7. Top with cheese.
8. Bake at 350F for about 20 minutes or until cheese is thoroughly melted.

Reviews

[BABYBOP]

Great dish. I used baked Tostitos, thats what I had on hand and topped each servicing with fat free sour cream for those who wanted it. Simple and delicious. Thanks Mama!

[breezermom]

I followed Mama's instructions and reduced the liquid. After cooking, I found this to be a bit dry, so I'll not reduce the liquid as suggested next time. This is not a hot or spicy dish, so don't be afraid of it if you aren't a pepper lover! I am a pepper lover, and served mine with green salsa and jalapenos. The salsa helped with the dryness due to my liquid reduction, and the peppers gave this the added kick for me! Made for Zaar Cookbook Tag!

[Lainey6605]

This is delicious and so simple to make. I used ground beef and served it with taco rice. This is a keeper!