Taco Casserole and Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta

Here are a couple very easy recipes, that kids like and are filling.  Add some veggies on the side and you've got a filling dinner!

TACO CASSEROLE


1 pound ground beef
1 cup salsa
½ cup mayonnaise (or salad dressing)
2 tsp. Chili powder
2 cups crushed tortilla chips
1 cup (4 oz) shredded Colby
1 cup (4 oz) shredded Monterey Jack
1 medium tomato
2 cups shredded lettuce.

Brown beef in skillet, drain. Add salsa, mayo and chili powder; mix well. In an ungreased 2 qt. Baking dish layer half the meat mixture, chip and cheeses. Repeat layers. Bake uncovered at 350 for 20-25 minutes or until heated through. Just before serving top with tomato and lettuce. I also serve it with sour cream for topping and refried beans on the side. Makes 6 servings.



BACON CHEESEBURGER PASTA

This is one of my familys’ very favorites.

8 oz uncooked tube (penne) pasta
1 pound ground beef
6 slices of bacon, diced
1 can (10 ¾ oz) condensed tomato soup, undiluted
1 cup (4 oz) shredded cheddar cheese.

Cook pasta according to directions, to al dente. Meanwhile, in skillet brown the meat; drain and set aside. In the same skillet, cook the bacon until crisp (note – don’t cook burger and bacon together to save time – the bacon will not get crispy, I’ve tried it) – drain bacon on paper towels. Discard drippings. Drain pasta, add to skillet. Add the beef, bacon and soup (straight from the can, it will not look like enough but it is). Heat through. Sprinkle cheese over top (I am sure I use more cheese than the recipe calls for); cover and heat on low until cheese is melted. 4-6 servings.