Healthy Taco Casserole
Author: 
Recipe type: Entree
Serves: 4 to 6 servings
 
Ingredients
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium orange, red or yellow sweet pepper, seeded and thinly sliced
  • 1 lb. lean (at least 80%) ground beef
  • 1 packet taco seasoning mix
  • ½ cup water
  • 2 cups hot-cooked brown rice (I like Trader Joe's frozen brown rice bags)
  • 1 cup mild or medium salsa
  • 1½ cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (not the "taco" cheese with seasoning)
  • 1 cup crushed whole grain tortilla chips
  • Lettuce, guacamole, and sour cream for serving, if desired
Instructions
  1. Heat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 13x9-inch baking dish. Set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add in the peppers and onion and cook, stirring occasionally, 10 to 12 minutes or until onions are browned and peppers are tender.
  3. Meanwhile, brown ground beef; drain. Return beef to skillet and add in ½ cup water and the taco seasoning mix. Simmer 1 to 2 minutes, then remove from heat. Stir in the brown rice and the sauteed peppers and onions, along with the salsa and 1 cup of the cheese.
  4. Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining ½ cup of the cheese and the crushed tortilla chips. Bake 25 to 30 minutes, until mixture is bubbly and hot. Cool 10 minutes before serving. Serve with desired toppings.
Recipe by Espresso and Cream at https://www.espressoandcream.com/2018/09/healthy-taco-casserole.html