Taco casserole

I got a new phone this last week and uploaded the Blogger app.  I was super tired on Thursday night, so I thought I'll quickly write my blog, save it and come back and finish it later.  I think it is harder to type out on the app, even though I have the amazing new Galaxy S8.  Yep, I love the infinity screen.  Anyway, went back to finish the blog yesterday and well it didn't save, so here I am writing this blog again.

We are a crazy busy family, trying to eat healthy and inexpensively.  One of the ways I find to cut cost and keep us eating healthy is to plan our weekly meals.  Depending upon our week, sometimes my husband has dinner he cooks, or I put something on the list my girls can get started if I am running a bit late.  More on meal planning for another blog.

This past week Thursday was a day where I needed to prep early and make it ready to go. Taco Casserole is the perfect meal for that.  I cut up the onions, peppers and cook up the meat ahead of time.  Then the casserole can be put in the oven at any time and it is only 15-20 minutes till dinner is served.  Which my husband can just turn on the oven if it is  his night.  This recipe also allows for it to be changed up and you can add any add ins your family might enjoy. One thing my husband and I like is crumbling up chips as the first layer of the casserole.  It gives it a wonderful texture.  My kids don't love it though, so I do it every couple times.  Oh you have to love a family of picky eaters, mix in kiddos that have allergies and it is loads of fun to cook.  I got to the point of hating it, until I decided to look at it like it was a challenge, hence the blog.

Paleo Taco Casserole

1. 25 pound lean ground turkey meat
 1 pound grown chicken meat
1 pepper
1 onion
3/4 cup salsa
1 can sliced onions

Taco Seasoning
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/46653/taco-seasoning-i/?lnkid=usspnt

1 Tablespoon Chili Powder

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 teaspoon dried oregano

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1 teaspoon paprika

1 1/2 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon pepper

1 teaspoon sea salt

Add all ingredients to a small container that has a lid then shake until mixed.  You can make each recipe, as spicy as your family likes, by adding more or less of the seasoning.  I use this for any recipe that ask for taco seasoning.  I normally have this mixed up all the time, so it is read to go.  The problem is, I got tired looking up the recipe each time, so I wrote it on my taco seasoning container.

Cook up the ground turkey and chicken, then drain.  Add the taco seasoning, chopped onion, pepper and salsa.  Cook until stirred well.  Put in a casserole dish.  Remember you can put a layer of crushed chips if you want first.  Add the meat mixture, then spread out the olives on top. Layer on any other toppings you may like such as jalapenos, tomatoes, or cheese. Cook on 350 for 15-20 minutes or until cheese is melted.

As you can see in mine, I added cheese to half of it for my son, daughter and ok I admit, myself too.  Oh I love my cheese! I normally serve with chips, although you could put out soft tacos to wrap the casserole in.  We also set the table with verde and all the many hot sauces my husband and daughter love! Be creative and let your family each choose what they want to add to make it their own.