Taco Casserole
Makes 4 servings.
Note: Recipe is easily doubled to be made in a 9-by-13-inch pan.1/4 cup butter (1/2 stick)
1/2 cup milk
1 packet (1.25 oz) taco seasoning mix
2 cups instant mashed potato flakes
1 lb. ground beef
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
1 can (15 oz.) refried beans
1/2 cup barbecue sauce
Favorite taco toppings, such as shredded cheddar cheese, shredded lettuce, chopped fresh tomatoes, diced onions or sour cream
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the milk and 2 tablespoons of the taco seasoning. Remove from the heat and stir in the mashed potato flakes. Press the mixture into the bottom and slightly up the sides of an ungreased, 10-inch ovenproof pie plate.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, sprinkle it with the salt and pepper, and cook, using a wooden spoon to break it into small, crumbled pieces, until fully browned, about 10 minutes. Carefully drain off and discard the grease. Add the refried beans, barbecue sauce, 1/4 cup water, and the remaining taco seasoning to the skillet and cook, stirring until the mixture is bubbly, 10 minutes.