Recipe for the most awesome Mexican Casserole you will ever eat

So one of the best things about bringing home a new baby is all our wonderful friends brought over DELISH meals for us.  Here’s the recipe for a Mexican Casserole given to us by the Bushell’s. I have made this 5 times in the last 4 months, yes it is that good.  I ALWAYS make two and freeze one. (However, the one in the freezer never lasts more than a couple of weeks.  I see it in there and it speaks to me –“Eat me for dinner!” I’m weak and cannot say no to talking casseroles.) Its super easy, can throw it together in about 20 minutes and you have TWO dinners.  Off one casserole, we can usually get dinner, lunch, and another dinner out of it for the two of us. I would say it serves 6 very generous portions for a 9x11 pan. Made it last night and thought I would share with you. Enjoy!

Burrito Casserole (Mexican Lasagna)

Ground Beef – 2 lbs (or ground turkey)

Refried beans – 1 large can and 1 small can (approx 32 and 15 ounces. The cheapest kind taste fine. You add enough seasoning so it doesn’t matter what brand))

McCormick’s Burrito Seasoning – 1 or 2 packets

Tortillas – (the fajita or taco sized small ones. Will need approx 8-12 per casserole. I usually buy the 20

pack and just make it work)

Cheese – a big bag! Like the 7 cup bag. I use the jack/cheddar Mexican or Taco combo, but can use any

shredded cheese that goes well with Mexican food

Jar of Salsa – will need about half of a big jar. More or less depending on taste

Brown the beef and add the beans.  Heat through and add the burrito seasoning packets. Add ½ cup of water and mix together in a pan over medium high heat until mixed well and heated through.

Spray your 9x11 baking dishes with Pam and put a couple of spoonfuls of meat/bean mixture on the bottom.  Layer it like lasagna: tortillas (2 or 3 per layer), meat, cheese, salsa (only use about 5 spoonfuls. One in each corner and one in the middle. Spread around). End with a layer of tortillas. Put about ½ cup of salsa in a bowl and add ½ cup of water. Stir it up and pour over the top.  Cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.  Let cool for about 10-15.  Serve with chopped lettuce, shredded cheese, salsa, and sour cream.  I like to eat it with tortilla chips.  Just typing this made me really hungry. Can’t wait to get home to eat some leftovers for dinner!

Notes on the second casserole that is speaking to you from your freezer: when you decide that tomorrow is the day you want to eat it, put it in the fridge the night before. About an hour before dinner, take it out of the fridge let it sit out on your counter uncovered for about 15 minutes. THEN preheat your oven and cook it for about 15-20.  Can't wait that long? Microwave individual thawed portions on high. Tastes just as good!