ENCHILADA CASSEROLE #2

Enchilada Casserole
Posted by Sandee

2 packages enchilada sauce mix, prepared (I used can sauce)
Star's Taco meat recipe, prepared (follows)
1 can (16 oz) refried beans
1 pkg corn tortillas (8)
2 cups Mexican blended cheese

Optionals - Layer with other ingredients:
chili peppers
green bell peppers
olives

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

In a greased 9 x 13 pan (I used a glass dish), pour in approx 1/2 cup
enchilada sauce, or enough to cover the bottom of the pan. Put in a layer
of tortillas, spreading evenly,cutting to fit, if necessary. (I used 7,
then cut the 8th one in strips and used that on the top of the casserole).
Spread tortillas evenly with refried beans (use all); 1/2 the meat
mixture, 1/2 cheese and 1/2 optionals (I kept out 1/4 cheese to top
casserole after baking).

Spread another layer of tortillas. Pour on top 1/2 of the remaining sauce.
Spread the rest of the meat and cheese; top with remaining sauce.

Bake, covered, 20 minutes, or until bubbly and cheese is melted. Uncover,
sprinkle with reserved cheese and bake 4-5 minutes, until cheese is
melted. Sprinkle with shredded lettuce and tomatoes, if desired.

******************

Star's Taco Meat

2 lbs ground beef ( I used the very low fat kind so I didn't have any fat
to drain out)
1 tsp salt (I probably used a little less, you won't miss it)
2 Tbsp Chili powder (use all of this)
2 Tbsp Paprika (use all of this)
1 tsp Cumin (I probably used two because I found a recipe that said that
cumin was one of the secrets to making the taco flavor so good)
1 tsp Garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper


Brown ground beef. If you have a lot of grease in the pan, you'll need to
drain it. If not, proceed. When beef is done, immediately stir in spices
over low heat and stir until blended. Do not add any liquid. Remove from
heat.