Tator-tot Bake

One of my family's favorite casseroles is this one, unless of course, I have burned them out on making it too many times.  I have even made it for friends, who are almost convinced that this is one of my own personal inventions.  But, truth be told, I found it from another source.  Not sure where, but I guess that doesn't matter.  When our friends hear tator-tot bake, they think of us.

Tator-tot Bake
1 lb. ground beef
1 can green beans
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 can cream of mushroom soup
handful of cheese (cheddar or preferred)
1 bag frozen tator-tots

1. Brown ground beef, drain, then pour into casserole dish.

2. Add the cans of green beans and both soups, with ground beef and mix well.  Sprinkle cheese evenly over meat/soup/green bean mixture.  Place desired amount of tator-tots on top (I use about 3/4 of the bag).

3. Bake about 25-30 minutes at 450 degrees, or until tots are well cooked and cheese has thoroughly melted.

Serves about 4-6, depending on serving size.  You can serve with some bread or a salad. 

Chorizo Tacos

Ground pork is a pretty cheap item to purchase.  It seems to be cheaper than ground turkey and beef, so when I'm on a budget, it's one item I reach for while shopping.  Problem is, I don't really like the flavor of it. However, I have 2 pretty good recipes for using it, and this one is pretty popular with my family.  Very cheap and easy to prepare.

Chorizo Tacos
1 lb. ground pork
1/2 tsp. salt, pepper
2-3 tbsp. chili powder
1 tbsp. oregano
1 tsp. ground cumin
1/2 tsp. sugar
2 tbsp. cider vinegar
1 1/4 tbsp. water
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
1 8oz. can green salsa (Herdez is good)
Handful of shredded/grated cheese (cheddar is good)

1. Add all ingredients (except salsa & cheese) in medium bowl, mix well. Cover and refrigerate for about 30+ mins.

2. Fry chorizo until completely cooked.  Then add salsa and cheddar, mixing well.  Once the cheese has melted, remove from heat.

3. You are now ready to place about 1 tablespoon of the chorizo onto warmed corn tortillas. Garnish with desired items (lime juice, more cheese, cilantro, onion, etc.) or just as is.