BEEF TACO CASSEROLE

BEEF TACO CASSEROLE 2 Tablespoons olive oil 1 pound ground beef 1 medium yellow onion diced 1 jalapeno seeded and diced 3 cloves garlic minced 1 package taco seasoning 15 ounce can black beans drained and rinsed 4 ounce can diced green chiles drained ½ teaspoon kosher salt ¼ teaspoon black pepper 3 Tablespoons tomato paste 16 ounce jar of picante sauce or salsa 2 cups Mexican blend shredded cheese divided Preheat oven to 350 F degrees. Spray a 9×13 or 3 quart baking dish with nonstick spray and set aside. Heat a large, deep skillet over medium high heat and add olive oil. Add ground beef and cook, crumbling with a wooden spoon or potato masher, until browned and mostly cooked, about 4-5 minutes. Add onion and jalapeno to beef. Cook, stirring often, until softened and fragrant, about 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook about 1 minute. Beef should be fully cooked and brown at this point. Drain any fat and return to skillet. Stir in taco seasoning, black beans, green chiles, salt, pepper, tomato paste and picante sauce. Cook 1-2 minutes. Set skillet aside and add 1 cup of shredded cheese. Transfer beef mixture to prepared baking dish and top with remaining 1 cup of cheese. Bake approximately 25 minutes, until hot and bubbly and cheese is melted. Top with desired toppings and serve! RECIPE NOTES TO FREEZE Cook beef mixture in skillet and assemble in baking dish, omitting 1 cup remaining cheese on top. Cool completely and cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator until casserole is completely thawed. Remove plastic wrap and aluminum foil, set out on the counter for about 20 minutes, top with 1 cup of cheese, then bake at 350 F degrees for about 45-55 minutes, until hot and bubbly and cheese is melted. Topping Options: Salsa, Shredded iceburg lettuce, Sliced black olives, Chopped tomatoes, Sliced jalapenos, Minced fresh cilantro, Lime wedges, Frito corn chips, Cheddar Cheese, Sour Cream, Refried Beans.