Meatless Friday: Quick and Easy Nacho Cheese Casserole

  What do you call cheese that isn't yours? Give up? Nacho Cheese! OK, OK, maybe not the best joke but it's a good opener for a fun family dinner. Tough crowd? Set this warm plate of Meatless Nacho Cheese Casserole on the table and they'll quickly forgive your "Dad joke" humor. I came up with this one day when it was 5:30 PM and I still didn't know what to make for dinner. I looked around and found five basic ingredients that go well together: rice, beans, salsa, cheese, and tortilla chips!

In the past, I've simply warmed everything but the chips into a big microwavable or stove-top bowl and let everyone dip the chips in for a really lazy simple dinner. I've also made something similar using fried and cut-up corn tortillas. Alas, I only had the chips but decided to try baking it all together. And guess, what -- I discovered a new delicious and super fast and easy meatless meal my family can really enjoy! It's so simple, anyone can make this by following these easy steps:

1. First, gather the rice, beans, salsa, cheese and tortilla chips.
2. You'll also need some taco seasoning of your choice.
3. Cook the rice.
4. Add in a can of drained black beans to the cooked rice and mix.
5. Mix in the taco seasoning.

Next, assembly time! 

1. Grease an 11x13 baking pan
2. Spread a little salsa on the bottom.
3. Next, add some of the rice and beans over top the salsa, then sprinkle on a layer of cheese, add a little salsa over that, top with a layer of tortilla chips. First layer done!
4. Continue this layering process until you're out of the rice and beans and top everything with a last layer of cheese.

1. Cover your pan with foil, bake in a preheated 350-degree oven for about 10 minutes. (This keeps the cheese from burning.)
2. Remove the foil after 10 minutes and bake for another 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted to your liking.
3. Remove the pan from the oven, call everyone to the table, say a family prayer. (Remember to tell the joke!)
4. Eat and enjoy!