Casseroles can be a lifesaver for busy parents. They’re quick, they’re easy, cleanup is a snap and you don’t have to make a side dish. Many casseroles can be made the night before or even frozen for an easy meal in the future. Yep, we all agree, casseroles are pretty great.
In this particular casserole, we’ve combined everything your family loves about taco night into one super simple dish. Ground taco meat (we use beef, but feel free to substitute ground turkey for a leaner meal) is layered with pinto beans, tomatoes and onions for a hearty base. The casserole is then topped with corn bread mix and smothered in shredded cheese. Oh yeah, it’s good. The top cooks up crusty and golden brown while the interior is juicy and moist, almost like a thick chili.
If you’re thinking of freezing this casserole, just leave off the corn bread batter and the cheese; add that the day before you bake. This also makes delicious leftovers, so don’t be afraid to bake a couple at once and eat for a week.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of Randall Pinto Beans
- 1/2 cup chopped onions
- 1 tablespoon margarine or butter
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 (1 1/4 oz.) package taco seasoning mix
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 1/2 teaspoons crushed dried red pepper (optional)
- 2 cups canned whole peeled tomatoes, chopped without juice
- 1 cup grated sharp cheese
- 1 8 oz. package corn muffin mix
- 1/2 cup grated sharp cheese
Instructions
In a skillet saute onions in margarine, add ground beef and cook until well browned. Drain off fat. Stir in taco seasoning, salt, pepper, and crushed red peppers. Stir in beans and tomatoes.
Cook for 10 minutes over low heat, stirring frequently. Add grated cheese, stir until melted. Put mixture into 2 quart buttered casserole.
Prepare corn muffin mix according to package directions.
Spoon batter around edge of casserole, leaving center uncovered. Top corn muffin mixture with 1/2 cup with grated cheese.
Bake in 400 degree oven for 20 to 30 minutes until corn muffin mixture is done and meat and bean mixture is hot and bubbly.
Randall beans are fully cooked and all natural. There are no preservatives, heavy seasonings or artificial additives to get in the way of this ORIGINAL recipe.
Summertime is the perfect time to try this tasty recipe featuring Randall Pinto Beans.
