The Apple Street Cottage

It's almost May and that means Cinco De Mayo will be here before you know it.  In addition to tacos and margaritas, how about an easy casserole along the same theme?   Yes?   I've got you covered. Here's what you need: 1/2 pound of ground beef.    We grind our own. taco seasoning - my recipe 1 tsp. olive oil tortilla chips 6 oz. of shredded pepper jack cheese - divided 15 can black beans - rinsed 1/2 cup corn 1/4 to 1/2 cup diced red onion 15 oz. diced tomatoes - drained 7 oz. can diced green chilis small jar of salsa 8" x 8" casserole dish Serves 6. The steps are easy. First, brown your ground beef with some taco seasoning.  I do not measure, but if I had to, I'd say it was about 2 tablespoons.  My philosophy?  Season to taste! While the meat is cooking, wipe the bottom of your dish with the oil and crumble a handful of tortilla chips over it. Sprinkle half the cheese over the chips. Over the cheese, spread the black beans and corn. Nex...

We've been on a healthy eating journey for several years now and our recent discovery is the benefits of grinding your own beef.  Why ground your own you ask?  It all started when we learned about pink slime. Pink slime (aka Lean Finely Textured Beef) is a term for a meat by-product (lean meat trimmings and connective tissue) that is added to ground beef and beef-based processed meats.  It is processed by adding ammonium hydroxide, (an antimicrobial agent) to it.  You can do a search and read all about it, but, personally, I say, "No, Thank You." and leads me to grinding your own.  Let me show you the quick and easy process. 5 steps that take less than an hour.  I promise! This post may contain affiliate links. 1.  Start by cutting a chuck roast (we always buy one when there's a sale) into small pieces and popping them in the freezer for about 15-20 minutes. We used a 2 and 1/2 pound roast and spread it out on an old baking sheet. 2.  Set up your ...