Make Weeknight Meals Easy: Taco Casserole with Kraft Natural Cheese

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With the kids going back to school, it also means that activities and sports are also starting again. This can lead to quite a few hectic weeknight evenings. On evenings like this, it can often be difficult to put together a delicious meal that the whole family can enjoy.

One of these meals is the fantastic taco casserole featuring Kraft Natural shredded cheese. This dish is sort of a twist on the traditional taco recipe and even uses many of the same ingredients. You will be making this recipe in an 8×8 baking dish which will make between 4 and 6 servings (you can double the ingredients listed in this post and use a 9×13 baking dish in order to serve more people). 

You will need:

• tortilla chips
• 1 lb. ground meat (you can use either beef or turkey)
• 1 can refried beans
• 3/4 cup salsa
• 1 cup Kraft Natural shredded cheese (divided)

Brown the ground meat and add in taco seasoning according to directions on the package. 

Combine the can of refried beans with the 3/4 cup salsa and 1/2 cup of the Kraft Natural shredded cheese. Mix until all the ingredients are melted together.

You then layer the components in the baking dish as follows: tortilla chips, refried beans mixture, meat, and then add the other 1/2 cup of shredded cheese (more if you want it cheesier) on top.

After layering the ingredients, put the casserole in the oven for about 15 minutes at about 350 degrees or until it is melted and bubbly. If you aren’t planning on serving for a couple of hours you can simply cover the casserole and hold off on heating it up until shortly before it is time to serve. This is ideal since you can make up the meal earlier in the day, put it in the refrigerator, and then pop it in the oven later. 

You can then serve the casserole with tortilla chips. Plus, if you have any left over you can either eat it as lunch the following day or even freeze it and have it at a later date.

A great addition that complements the taco casserole is a cheesy salsa chip dip. This dip is also really easy to make when you are pressed for time. This recipe is also great when you have to quickly whip something up for a party or even just for a football game. 
Use the Kraft Natural chunk and cut off small cubes. You will want to cut enough to fill approximately 1/2 of a microwave-safe container. Fill the other 1/4 with salsa. Then microwave, covered, until the cheese is completely melted. Then all you have do is mix, sprinkle a little of the shredded cheese on the top, and serve!

Kraft Natural cheeses are some of my favorites to use because not only is Kraft a brand I trust, but it also tastes great, comes in multiple types of cheeses, and multiple packaging variations such as chunk and slice. With the casserole, the shredded cheese was the best (and easiest) option, but with the dip the Kraft Natural chunk was the best option. Plus, they are easy to find in the refrigerated cheese section at your local Walmart. 

Need some additional ideas on what you can make for game day using Kraft Natural as well as other Kraft brand products? Check out the Game Time demo at Walmart on September 26, 2015 and get some additional inspiration on ways to make your spread the best your guests have ever tasted!

Since I also love saving money (eating in saves you a bunch of money!) I’m excited about the fact that now through September 14, 2015 if you visit the Walmart Coupon portal you can download coupons for $0.75 off of a 16 oz. package of Kraft Natural shredded cheese or Kraft Natural chunk cheese as well as $0.55 off a 2-pack of Philadelphia cream cheese.

Comment On: What would you make with Kraft Natural cheeses at Walmart using your coupons? 

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