Burrito Bake

Adapted from Rosarita.

4 burrito-size flour tortillas
1 can red enchilada sauce (or green, if you prefer, we like red)
1 can refried beans
shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 lb hamburger
chopped onion

Brown hamburger and onions together and set aside. Spray an 8x8 pan with cooking spray and spoon in enchilada sauce to cover the bottom of the pan. Generously spread one tortilla with a thick layer of refried beans and place in pan (beans side up). Top with 1/3 of the hamburger-onion mixture, about 1/4 of the remaining enchilada sauce, and a layer of cheese. Repeat twice more, making 3 layers and using all of the meat. Spread remaining tortilla with beans and place on top, beans side down. Cover top of tortilla with remaining sauce and cheese. Bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, until cheese is melted and casserole is bubbly. Let cool for 15 minutes, then slice and serve with sour cream, lettuce, guacamole, and other cool garnishes.

Beef, Tomato, and Macaroni Soup

Loertscher re-creation of the Dairy Keen's classic - fondly known simply as 'Dairy Keen soup'

1 can tomato juice (12 oz)
1 can V8 juice (12 oz) - we use the spicy hot flavor
1/3 lb hamburger
worcestershire sauce
tabasco
penné pasta
parmesan cheese

Cook pasta according to package directions. Brown hamburger and combine with vegetable juices in medium pot. Add worcestershire sauce and tabasco to taste. Heat soup until hot.
Place pasta in bowls, spoon soup over the top, and top with cheese.

Serves 2-3.

Shepherd's Pie

Mom Carlile makes this receipe. I've seen others that use tomato sauce or tomato soup and they just don't appeal to me like the cream of mushroom soup does.

.5 lb ground beef
1 can green beans (not French cut)
1 can mushrooms
onion to taste
1 small can cream of mushroom soup
2 cups mashed potatoes (instant or real)
shredded cheddar cheese

Brown ground beef with onion. Place in an 8x8 pan. Mix in cream of mushroom soup. Layer green beans and mushrooms on top. Cover with potatoes, and top potatoes with cheese. Bake at 350 °F for 20 minutes or until soup is bubbling.

Serves 3-4.

Easy Chili

Another easy Loertscher recipe. I don't know the origin. Great for potlucks or large family gatherings.

½ lb hamburger
2 cans kidney beans
1 can diced tomatoes
½ onion, chopped
½ c ketchup
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

Brown hamburger with onion. Add to large pot or slow cooker. Add remaining ingredients plus as much water as needed. Mix well. Let simmer for 20-30 minutes on the stove or several hours in the slow cooker.

Serves 4.