Everyday Mom's Meals: A Twist On Mexican Night
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Monday, February 23, 2015

A Twist On Mexican Night

Do you love making Mexican food at home? Yeah, me too. Do you find yourself falling into a little bit of rut with what you make? Yeah, me too. Tacos, burritos, enchiladas....they seem to get into a rotation at our house, and I have to remind myself to switch things up now and again.

Back at the beginning of the month, the night of the Super Bowl in fact, we were getting dumped on with a foot of snow. Yep, over 12 inches in 24 hours. Needless to say, any plans we had to go to a big game day party were put on hold due to treacherous roads.

So, we were at home, just the three of us, watching the game, and I promised little man I would still make it fun for him since he was bummed we couldn't go anywhere. Well, one way I can usually put a smile on his face is something yummy to eat, especially with a Mexican flare! Add in the fact that it has crushed Doritos on top and I'm going to score extra Mommy points!

However, this night I didn't want to put too much effort into supper. After all, it was supposed to be a party night for me too, and while I was taking some snacks to share, I was going to be off full kitchen duty, so in a way I was kind of protesting cooking a big meal. What to do? Find a way to give him his Mexican meal, in a simple to make casserole! Done!

This is a great weeknight meal, potluck take-a-long, or party food. It's going to feed a crowd, taste great, and oh, be totally budget friendly too!

Don't fall into a rut when comes to Mexican night at home, Switch it up. Put a twist on it. Give them something new, but with so many familiar flavors they will gobble it down! 

Nacho Grande Casserole
2 lbs. ground beef
1 medium white onion, chopped
1 packet taco seasoning
2 (15 oz.) cans chili beans, mild or spicy, undrained
1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce
16 oz. frozen corn, thawed
3 c. shredded Monterrey Jack cheese, divided 
3 Roma tomatoes, seeded and chopped
1 bunch green onions, finely chopped
1 1/2 c. Doritos, crushed
Salt and Pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 350. Lightly grease a 9 x 13 pan. In a large skillet brown beef and onion until no longer pink. Season with salt and pepper. Drain if necessary. Add chili beans, corn, tomato sauce and taco seasoning. Stir well to combine. Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes. Add 1/2 ground beef mixture to bottom of dish. Top with half the cheese. Repeat layers. Top with crushed chips. Bake for 30 minutes until hot and bubbly. Top with tomatoes and green onions before serving.





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