Nothing says Mexican like casserole

I wanted to jump on board with the crEATe Recipe Share being done by Nancy over at the Goat and the Kid.  The idea is simple, just add a recipe that your family loves, so moms everywhere can stop feeding their families the same old thing.  I don't have kids yet, but I do like to cook and try out new recipes from time to time.  This is one that I made, that I loved and so did my husband...and my little sister, and her husband.  

Mexican Casserole

Ingredients:

1lb of ground beef (or turkey, or whatever you prefer)

1 onion

1 packet of taco seasoning (I just season to tasted with salt, pepper, chili powder and cumin)

1 cup of salsa

1 cup of cooked instant white rice (cooked as per package directions)

1 cup of sour cream

1tsp cumin

2 tbsp cilantro

2 cups of cheese

Directions:

Dice up the onion, set half aside, add the other half to the ground beef and brown in a skillet.  After cooking, drain the meat, add seasonings to tasted and stir in the salsa, set aside. 

While the meat is browning, mix the rice, sour cream, cilantro, cumin, and 1/2 cup of cheese together. 

Grease a 9x9 pan and press the rice mixture into the bottom.  Pour the ground beef and salsa mix over the rice and top with remaining cheese.  Place in a preheated 350 degree oven until warmed through and cheeses is melted. 

Now....the disclaimer.  I measure almost nothing when I cook.  In fact, most of those measurements are estimated, so that may be way too much cheese, not really sure (but Zac does love his cheese).  I make enough that it fills up the 9x9 pan, if you are cooking for a bigger family, in say a 9x13 pan, I'd probably double it most of it and fly by the seat of my pants :)  Also, I can't ever leave good enough alone when it comes to food so I add chopped green/red pepper  and a drained can of corn to the hamburger mix.  I probably put in more cilantro than 2 tbsp as my husband and I both love cilantro.  I think it would be delicious with a layer of refried beans in between the rice and the beef, or a layer of flour tortillas.  The rice could probably use a squeeze of lime, and I always sprinkle some cilantro on top, it's all about presentation right?  We ususally warm some tortillas on the skillet and make the casserole into burrito filling, or at least Zac does, either way, it's delicious and easy.  Let me know if you try it and love it!

P.S.  Sorry for the complete absence of pictures....I was unprepared even though I knew in advance.