Taco Casserole (Fritos)

I’ve already posted one recipe for tacos, but here’s another. This is my favorite way of eating tacos! I learned this right around the time I learned how to make taco soup. It's crunchy and really yummy.

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 can of condensed tomato paste
• 1 package of taco seasoning mix
• 2 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cans of Cheez Whiz
• 1 to 2 bags of corn chips (tortilla is fine as well)
• 1 pack of flour tortillas, the big ones.

Optional

• 1 can of seasoned diced tomatoes
• ¼ cup of chopped onions
• 1 can of refried beans.

Directions

Brown your meat, I would hold off on seasoning if the meat is really greasy. Once it is done, drain it of all fat and rinse it if necessary (I normally rinse the meat because I cannot stand excess grease in my food). Now that the meat is back in the pan, pour in your packet of seasoning mix - I also season my meat with salt, pepper, and all seasoning salt. Let it simmer.

After all the water is gone and the meat is done, add in the refried beans, tomato paste, Cheez Whiz, and a bag of the corn chips (don't use the entire bag of corn chips if you aren't making much or if you don't want it too crunchy). Mix it together. Get out a casserole dish that is oven safe. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

While you are waiting for your oven to preheat, it’s time for the layering. I start out with the tortillas, lay them flat on the bottom of the tray, top that with the meat, and then sprinkle some cheese. Repeat until there isn’t any more room in the dish. On the top, sprinkle even more cheese. (I love cheese. So does my family.) Slide it into the oven for about 10-15 minutes. Let it cool and dig in.

You can also add some lettuce, sour cream, olives...whatever you like on your tacos.

Enjoy!