Creamy and Cheesy Beef and Bean Casserole

Taco seasoned ground beef, cheese, refried beans, all in a super-simple casserole. DH likes with chips, I also like it in tortillas. We like to use spicy salsa and taco seasoning, but use your preference.

• Ready In: 45 mins
• Serves: 6-8

Ingredients

• 2  lbs ground beef
• 3  garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (1 1/4ounce) envelope  taco seasoning (or homemade)
• 1 (32 ounce) can  refried beans (again, homemade is great if you have the time)
• 1 (10 ounce) can  cream of mushroom soup
• 1⁄3 cup salsa, of your choice plus 1/2-3/4 cup additional
• 2  cups  shredded cheese (I use cheddar and a colby jack blend, then throw some crumbled queso fresco on top for good measure)
•  sliced  jalapeno (optional)
•  sliced black olives (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350. Spray a 9x13 baking dish with vegetable oil spray; spread the refried beans in the bottom and set aside.
2. Brown the ground beef and garlic, drain, season with taco seasoning and stir in the cream of mushroom soup and the 1/3 cup salsa.
3. Layer on top of the beans: salsa, half of the cheese, the meat mixture, jalapeños and olives, if using, remaining cheese.
4. Bake for 30 minutes, and enjoy!