QUICK SOUTH OF THE BORDER CASSEROLE

Quick South of the Border Casserole image

Provided by Paula Todora

Time 45m

Number Of Ingredients 11

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1 Tbsp vegetable oil
1 lb 93% lean ground beef
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 Tbsp dried onion
10 oz can mild enchilada sauce
16 oz can refried beans
2 Tbsp canned chopped mild green chiles (or pickled jalapeno peppers)
1 c 2% cottage cheese
2 c shredded mild cheddar cheese, divided
6 oz crunchy tortilla chips, crushed by hand (2 handfuls)

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 2 1/2 quart or 9x13" casserole dish with nonstick spray; Set aside.
2. Heat large skillet on medium high and add oil; Add ground beef, salt, garlic powder and dried onion. Stir and cook until beef is cooked, about 5 minutes.
3. Don't drain meat; Add the enchilada sauce, beans and chiles (or jalapeno peppers for a hotter dish); Stir and cook 2 minutes on medium low, then remove from heat and set aside.
4. In a medium bowl, mix cottage cheese and 1 cup of cheddar cheese.
5. Layer 1/3 of the meat mixture to the bottom of the casserole; Top with half of the cheese mixture and half of the crushed chips.
6. Repeat this one more time, ending with the last third of the meat mixture. Top with the remaining 1 cup cheddar cheese.
7. Bake uncovered 30 minutes. Serves 8