Taco Thursday

Enjoy a 

meal as Taco Tuesday can be overrated.

 Ground Beef Enchilada Casserole

Cook's note: The dish was a real winner in my book. Easy to put together and can be made early in the day. A no-fuss meal even kids will enjoy. You can kick up the flavor of the dish depending on the "heat" of the salsa and and enchilada sauce.
Recipe serves 6 and is an Ever Ready Special.
Ingredients:

• 1-1/2 lbs. ground beef cooked, drained and crumbled
• Salt and pepper to taste 
• 1 cup sweet onions, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1-1/2 cups black beans, drained and rinsed or chili beans, rinsed
• 1-1/2 cups frozen corn, no need to thaw
• 1 can (28 oz.) enchilada sauce 
• 1/2 cup chunky salsa
• 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
• 1 box Spanish Rice with seasonings
• 1/2 tsp. sugar
• 14-6 inch corn tortillas
• 4 cups Mexican Blend Cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup green onions, diced
• Optional toppings include: 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, salsa, sour cream, diced grape tomatoes and shredded lettuce, avocado slices 

Directions:

• In a deep dish skillet brown hamburger with salt and pepper, onions and garlic. Crumble meat, drain meat juices and wipe skillet clean. 
• Add to the meat, black beans, corn, enchilada sauce, salsa, broth, Spanish rice (with seasonings in the box) and sugar. Mix well and cook covered 20 minutes on a medium low heat or until rice is done. Stir a few times so rice does not stick. Add more broth if meeded.
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Cut 14 corn tortillas in half. Lightly spray a 13 x 9 pan. Arrange 14 halves in bottom of pan. Tear one corn tortilla to fill in any spaces along the sides. 
• Pour half the ground beef mixture over the tortillas halves. Sprinkle evenly over the meat, 2 cups of cheese. Repeat with another layer of tortillas halves, ground beef mixture and rest of cheese. Top with diced green onions.
• Bake covered for 20 minutes. Remove foil and cook 5 minutes longer. Let set 8 minutes.
  

"Study nature,

Love nature, stay close to nature.

It will never fail you."

Frank Lloyd Wright

Swarms of dragonflies rush here, there and everywhere these past June days.