Tostado Casserole

shared by Patty H. (this was a hit with the grandchildren and easy to put together; I made my own taco seasoning instead of using the packet; see below; I used half the chili powder for those who like it milder)

Ingredients:

1 lb. ground beef

1 (13 oz.) can tomato sauce

1 pkg. taco seasoning mix *

2 ½ cups corn chips

1 (15 oz.) can refried beans

½ cup shredded cheese

Directions:

1.     Brown meat in skillet

2.     Add 1 ½ cups tomato sauce and seasoning, stirring to mix well

3.     Line bottom of a 9x13 baking dish with 2 cups of corn chips; crush remaining corn chips and set aside.

4.     Spoon meat mixture over chips in baking dish

5.     Combine remaining tomato sauce with the refried beans. Spread over the meat mixture

6.     Bake at 375 for 25 minutes or until heated through

7.     Sprinkle with cheese and crushed corn chips. Bake 15 minutes more until cheese is melted

Taco Seasoning Mix Recipe

1 tablespoon chili powder

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (didn’t use)

1/4 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Directions: Mix all ingredients together. Store in an airtight container. Equals a 1.25 oz. packet