Beef and Bean Taco Casserole

 

1

lb lean (at least 80%) ground beef

1

can (16 oz) Old El Paso® refried beans

1

jar (16 oz) Old El Paso® Thick ‘n Chunky salsa

1

package (1 oz) Old El Paso® 40% less-sodium taco seasoning mix

2 1/2

cups coarsely broken tortilla chips

1/2

medium green bell pepper, chopped (3/4 cup)

4

medium green onions, sliced (1/4 cup)

2

medium tomatoes, chopped (1 1/2 cups)

1

cup shredded Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (4 oz)

1/4

cup sliced ripe olives

1

cup shredded lettuce

• 1 Heat oven to 350°F. In 12-inch skillet, cook beef over medium-high heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly cooked; drain. Stir in refried beans, salsa and taco seasoning mix. Reduce heat to medium. Heat to boiling, stirring occasionally.
• 2 In ungreased 2-quart casserole, place 2 cups of the broken tortilla chips. Top evenly with beef mixture. Sprinkle with bell pepper, onions, 1 cup of the tomato, the cheese and olives.
• 3 Bake uncovered 20 to 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly and cheese is melted. Top baked casserole with lettuce, remaining 1/2 cup tomato and remaining 1/2 cup tortilla chips.