A spicy taco meat casserole surrounded by cheesy soft breading, topped with sour cream, lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, and green peppers

Meat:

2 pounds ground chuck
2 large onions, chopped
1 cup chopped green pepper
1 clove minced garlic
2 teaspoons cumin
1 Tablespoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
Tapatio or other hot sauce, to taste

Filling:

2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups original Bisquick mix
2 cups milk
4 eggs
1 Tablespoon Tapatio hot sauce or hot sauce of your choice

Toppings: 

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups sour cream
4 cups shredded or thinly sliced Iceberg lettuce
1 cup diced tomato
diced bell peppers or green onions, optional

1. Fry beef with onion, pepper and garlic. Drain grease. Add cumin, chili powder, pepper, salt, and hot sauce.

2. Grease a 9 x 13 inch baking dish. Spread meat in bottom of dish. Spread 2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese over beef.

3. In mixing bowl, whisk together the Bisquick, milk, eggs, and hot sauce. Pour over cheese.

4. Bake at 400 degrees for 40-50 minutes, or until fork inserted into the center comes out clean. Cover loosely with foil after about 25 minutes, to prevent over-browning. If desired, sprinkle top with cheese during final 10 minutes of baking time.

5. When casserole is finished baking, cut into pieces. Spread a layer of sour cream on top. Sprinkle shredded lettuce, cheese, tomatoes and bell peppers (optional) on top.

This recipe was created and submitted by guest chef Judee L. She notes that if you wish to conserve on the cheese, leave out the cheese between the layers of meat and Bisquick. Instead, sprinkle cheese on top about 10 minutes before the taco pie is finished baking.

I really like this dish. It was created by my mother-in-law, Judee, and I had it for the first time when she visited earlier this year. It's so easy to make, and really tasty! It's almost like eating a chalupa casserole... or a soft taco casserole... but less mess, because you can just use a fork to eat it. :) We like ours fairly spicy. The sour cream on top really complements the other textures and flavors... so don't skip it!! :) If you need a quick and affordable dish to feed a large number of people... or even a way to use up leftover taco meat, this is your recipe!! My rating: 10/10.