Dorito Casserole

Layers of crushed Dorito chips, ground beef, salsa and cheese all baked to perfection for those busy weekday meals. A great option for family dining so you concentrate on holiday meal preparations. Everyone comes out a winner with this recipe. Pair the meal with a slice of cornbread and a clementine 

INGREDIENTS

• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef (I used 90% lean)
• 3/4 cup onion finely diced
• 1 cup sweet mini peppers, diced 
• 1/2 packet taco seasoning mix
• 1- 16 oz. jar of you favorite thick salsa 
• 1 cup frozen corn (no need to thaw) 
• 1 cup light sour cream
• 2 cups shredded cheese I used cheddar and Monterey Jack
• 4 cups Dorito chips (I used plain but nacho cheese flavor works great too)
• 1 cup grape tomatoes,  diced
• Garnish 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
• Cooking spray
• Optional topping suggestions include:cilantro and diced avocados 

DIRECTIONS:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Coat a 2-3 quart baking dish with cooking spray.
• Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium high heat. Add the beef, onions and peppers. Cook for 6 minutes breaking up the meat with a spatula and onions are  translucent.
• Stir in the taco seasoning and salsa. Simmer uncovered for 3-4 minutes.
• Remove the pan from the heat, stir in the sour cream, corn and diced tomatoes. 
• Lightly crush the Doritos. Spread 1/3 of the chips over the bottom of the prepared pan. Place 1/2 of the meat mixture on top of the chips, then add 1/3 of the cheese in an even layer.
• Repeat the process with another 1/3 of the chips, the rest of the meat, and 1/3 of the cheese.
• Add the remaining chips, then the final layer of cheese. Cover the baking dish with foil.
• Bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 5 minutes 
• Sprinkle green onions over the casserole, add a few crushed chips and your favorite toppings.