taco casserole

I cooked the other night. This is a big deal considering the fact that I rarely have time to cook because I still live in the dorm. Without an oven. or a dishwasher. or a washer. or a dryer. Can you tell I'm ready to live in an apartment? 

I made taco casserole (adapted from this recipe). I've made it before and let me tell you, it was just as good the second time around. 

Ingredients:

I lb ground beef

1 package taco seasoning

2 cups shredded cheese (I used the mexican blend)

1 cup salsa

tortilla chips

rice (I used the microwavable Spanish rice)

1 can Rotel (optional)

Directions:

Brown ground beef, drain, and mix in taco seasoning

Line the bottom of the pan with the chips (crushed up usually works better)

After microwaving the rice, pour the rice, the salsa, and the cheese in a bowl and mix together

Pour this over the chips, along with the beef

Sprinkle remaining cheese and Rotel on the top

Put in oven at 375 until the cheese is melted

The original recipe called for beans, onions, and black olives. If you want to get all fancy, go for it. But the recipe also did not originally include rice. So choose wisely.