Mexican Beef and Bean Casserole

Preparation time: 20-25 minutes
Cooking time: 40-45 minutes

Difficulty: Easy - for beginners
Serves: 4

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
2 cans (15-16 ounces each) pinto beans
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
1/2 cup mild chunky-style salsa
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
2 quart baking pan or casserole

Method

Heat oven to 375 degrees. Cook the beef in the skillet over medium heat until done, stirring occasionally, until brown, drain. Rinse and drain the beans in strainer. Mix beef, beans, tomato sauce, salsa and chili powder in the ungreased baking pan. cover with aluminum foil and bake for 40-45 minutes, stirring once or twice, until hot and bubbly. carefully remove foil, sprinkle cheese over top. continue baking uncovered about 5 minutes until cheese is melted.