Beef and Bean Tortilla Bake

INGREDIENTS

• 1.5 lbs ground chuck
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2.5 c salsa
• 8 fajita-sized tortillas (whole wheat if your grocer has them)
• 1 16-oz can refried beans
• 4 c (16 oz) shredded Mexican blend or taco cheese

PREPARATION

1. Heat oven to 375 (it says)
2. Spray 13" x 9" baking pan with cooking spray
3. In large skillet, brown ground beef with onion; drain.
4. Add chili powder, cumin and salt; cook one minute.
5. Add 1 cup of the salsa and heat through.
6. Line the prepared baking pan with 2 tortillas and cut a third one in pieces to completely cover bottom.
7. In a mixing bowl, combine the refried beans and 1 cup salsa. Spoon mixture over tortillas in baking pan.
8. Sprinkle with 1 cup of cheese.
9. Make another layer of 3 tortillas like the first one. Evenly spoon beef mixture over second layer of tortillas.
10. Sprinkle with another layer of 1 cup cheese.
11. Top with the remaining two tortillas, the remaining salsa and the remaining cheese.
12. Cover with foil and bake 45 minutes. Let rest 10 minutes before serving

( adapted from familycircle.com -- which used kidney beans and half as much cheese )

-- JMag Guthrie - 2018-01-11