Mexican Hamburger Casserole

iewe's Note:

A quick meal to throw together, easy to tweak to your spice level -- try adding green chilies or using hot taco seasoning! Best served with tortilla chips (almost like a taco salad!)

• Total Time: 40 mins
• Prep Time: 5 mins
• Cook Time: 35 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

• 2 lbs lean ground beef
• 1 (1 ¼ ounce) package taco seasoning mix
• ½ cup water
• 1 (16 ounce) can refried beans
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese , shredded
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese , shredded
• ¾ cup onion , chopped
• tomato , chopped (optional)
• lettuce , chopped (optional)
• sour cream (optional)
• tortilla chips (optional)

Directions:

1. Brown ground beef; drain off fat. Add taco seasoning and 1/2 cup water. Cook over low heat about 15 minutes or until liquid has been absorbed.
2. Spread meat mixture into greased 9 x 13" baking pan. Spread beans over meat.
3. Sprinkle with cheeses, then with chopped onion.
4. Bake at 325°F for 20 minutes or until hot.
5. Makes 8 Serving suggestion: Serve over tortilla chips and top with sour cream, chopped lettuce and tomato.

Reviews

[MarraMamba]

I made this and used hot salsa in it as well. Terrific casserole, loved it.

[Crafty Lady 13]

This has a taste similar to the Nachos Bellgrande you get at Taco Bell, but with more flavor. I halved the recipe, but still used one packet of taco seasoning. I used 2 cups of Mexican Cheese Blend (cheddar jack), Tostitos Scoops for the tortilla chips and added sliced black olives as a topping. I tried a couple of them and decide that some salsa would make them even better. Made for ZWT5.

[bmcnichol]

I made this for dinner tonight. It was quick and easy to make. I started following the recipe as written. I cooked the beef and added the packet of taco seasoning and water. It seem like it didn't have enough flavor so I added another packet of taco seasoning and another 1/2 cup of water. Followed the rest of the recipe. Served with tortilla chips, lettuce and tomatoes on the side so everyone could "make their own".