Hearty Pinto Bean Casserole

Ingredients

Green onions

2, sliced for garnish

Tortilla chips

2 cups, crushed

Shredded cheddar cheese

2 cups

Black pepper

1/2 teaspoon

Salt

1 teaspoon

Chili powder

1 tablespoon

Cumin

1 teaspoon

Tomato sauce

1 can (15 oz)

Bell pepper

1, diced

Garlic

2 cloves, minced

Onion

1 medium, diced

Ground beef

1 pound

Pinto beans

2 cans (15 oz each), drained and rinsed

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain the excess fat.
3. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the drained and rinsed pinto beans, tomato sauce, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
6. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
7. Spread the crushed tortilla chips evenly over the cheese.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Garnish with the sliced green onions before serving. Enjoy this hearty Southwest classic!