Tortilla Casserole

Here's a recipe from my friend Jennifer.

Tortilla Casserole

1 lb ground beef
1 package taco seasoning
1 can black beans (drained and rinsed)
1 can corn kernels (drained)
1 package shredded cheese (I use the Mexican mix)
corn tortillas

*sour cream, tomatoes, salsa, black olives, etc. can be added to taste.

Preheat oven to 350
Brown the ground beef, drain and add the taco seasoning
Add the black beans and corn
*You can add black olives if you prefer....

In a casserole dish, spread a thin layer of filling and top with cheese and a layer of corn tortillas.
Add another layer of filling, cheese and tortillas until you run out!

I usually stop with the cheese layer.

Cover with foil and put in 350 degree oven for 30 minutes. Remove foil and cook for an additional 5 minutes.

Serve with sour cream, salsa, etc.

Tips:
Whenever I brown ground beef, I use my Tupperwave Stack Cooker so that I drain off all the fat/grease. Thanks Jennifer!

Eww . . . How Much Grease/Fat in Ground Beef?

One of my favorite ~and most used~ kitchen tools is my Stack Cooker by Tupperware. I've had it for 15+ years. I originally bought it so that I could cook meals in my microwave, but I soon discovered what it was most handy for; browning ground beef. It only takes 6 minutes per pound, but the best thing is that it drains off the grease/fat while cooking.

This is a picture of how much grease/fat is cooked off of 1lb of ground beef. I don't get that much grease/fat off when I brown it on the stove.

The other tool that I use when I brown ground beef is from Pampered Chef. It's the Mix'n Chop.

Easy Tacos
1 lb ground beef
1 pkg taco seasoning
Sour cream
Shredded lettuce
Grated cheese
Salsa
Taco shells

Place ground beef in Colander inside of 1 3/4 qt Casserole, cover and microwave for 3 minutes. Break-up meat with Mix'N Chop and return to microwave for 3 minutes. Remove meat from colander and place in 3 qt casserole, add taco seasoning and 1/2 pouch of water. Stir well; and microwave covered for an additional 2 minutes. Serve with toppings of choice.