Southwestern Tater Tot Casserole

It feels somewhat strange to post a recipe like this after one about the veggies, but comfort food has a place too!  Also, this is a great recipe for tailgating, picnics, anytime you're on the go.  Make it up ahead and heat it at your destination.  All together it takes about 45 - 50 minutes.

You need:

1# Ground Beef
16oz jar of  Salsa
14oz bag of Southwestern Veggie Blend
8oz  Velveeta Cheese cut in small pieces
30oz bag of tater Tots
2 medium size flour tortillas

Grease two 8" square pans with butter
Arrange tortillas on bottom of pan and about 1 inch up the sides
(Cut to fit)
Brown the ground beef in a large skillet, drain off the fat
Add the salsa and the veggies, mix well
Place the Velveeta on the top of the meat mixture
As the mixture warms, stir in the cheese
Stir often until the cheese is totally melted and mixed in
Pour over tortillas into the pans and level with spatula
Arrange tater tots 1 deep over top of mixture
Cook in 350*F oven for 30 mins
Let set for 10 mins before serving

This is a recipe that is great for tailoring to how you like it.
Line the bottom with tortilla strips instead of tortillas
Use turkey or pork instead of beef
Choose your poison of salsa: mild, medium, hot or "OH NO!" LOL
Use whichever veggies (or none) that you like
EXPERIMENT!  HAVE FUN!

Pasta dinner in one pan

This is a camping recipe that I like because it does taste good (always #1) but is also easy to make on those busy days.  You can cook it all in one covered skillet.

You need:
1 pound ground beef
1 jar pasta sauce (I use Classico 24oz jars)
1/2 package pasta (1/2 pound)
2 cups water
1 small onion, diced (optional)
2 cloves garlic, diced (optional)
Grated cheese

Brown the ground beef, onion and garlic in the skillet
Drain off the fat
Stir in the pasta sauce and the water and bring it to a boil
Add the pasta
Reduce heat to a simmer, cover and cook for the time specified on the pasta package (usually about 10 mins)
Remove from heat, top with grated cheese, cover and allow to sit for 5 mins.
Enjoy!

As a side note, when camping I use Classico Italian Sausage Sauce with peppers and onions,  without adding the ground beef, additional onions or garlic.  Cook the same way without the browning & draining step.