Fiesta Taco Casserole

Taco Tuesday is a weekly occurrence in our house. With the twins being sick (still), I wanted something that I could prep during nap time and put in the oven for 30 minutes before we ate. Let's just say it was a family favorite that will be in our regular rotation - both girls (and my husband) devoured the entire thing.

Ingredients

• Package of Mexican flavored Rice Sides (note: you could use any rice here, I opted for this because it was already seasoned).

• 1/2 cup white rice (added some in to make sure there was enough rice for leftovers)

• 1.5lb ground beef (or ground turkey)

• Corn, black bean, and peppers (I opted for a frozen medley, but you could add them individually)

• Taco seasoning

• Salsa

• Shredded mixed cheese

• Sour cream (optional on the side)

• Tortilla chips (optional on the side)

Instructions

1. Prepare the rice as indicated on the packaging. Once cooked, add some salsa for texture and flavor.

2. Brown the beef, strain off excess grease, and add 1/4 cup water + taco seasoning. Return to heat and stir.

3. Mix in the bean/corn/pepper combo.

4. Spray a 13x9 baking dish

5. Layer the bottom with rice. Top with the beef/corn/bean combo. Sprinkle mixed cheese on top and cover with tinfoil.

6. Bake in oven at 350 for 30 minutes. Remove tinfoil for the last 5 minutes

Option to serve with tortilla chips to "dip" into the dish.

Picture of dish before adding the cheese:

Deliciousness delivered from the oven

Mid-way through the meal - all is quiet:

Empty Bowl on the head: