A layer of cooked ground beef, flavored with a packet of taco seasoning, is topped with can of refried beans, a jar of salsa, and two kinds of cheese, baked until hot and then topped with shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, sliced olives and cilantro. Serve with a dollop of sour cream, additional salsa, tortilla chips and a squeeze of lime.

Taco Casserole

1 to 2 pounds ground beef

1 (1.25-ounce) package taco seasoning

1 (16-ounce) can refried beans

1 (16-ounce) jar homestyle chunky salsa

1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

4 cups shredded iceberg lettuce

2 tomatoes, chopped

1 (2-ounce) can sliced olives

Chopped fresh cilantro leaves (optional)

Sour Cream

Additional Salsa

Tortilla Chips

Fresh limes, quartered

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, brown hamburger and drain fat. Stir in the taco seasoning.
3. Spoon browned hamburger into a 9 x 13 x 2-inch glass baking dish. Spoon the refried beans over meat; pour the salsa over beans. Top with the shredded cheeses and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes.
4. Remove from oven and top with a layer of shredded lettuce, tomatoes, olives and cilantro.
5. Serve with a dollop of sour cream drizzled with salsa and tortilla chips. Pass the lime wedges for added flavor!

Makes 6 to 8 servings.