Mexican Torte

1/2 lb. - 1 lb. ground beef

dash of minced onion

2 cloves minced garlic or garlic salt

1 4-oz. can chopped green chilies, drained

6 tortillas

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese or Monterrey Jack or Mexican blend

1 16-oz. can refried beans, heated up

salsa, sour cream, guacamole; opt.

Brown ground beef with minced onion, garlic salt & pepper.  If you use fresh garlic then use plain salt instead of garlic salt.  Stir in chilies with meat.  Spray round casserole dish with Pam.  Put in 2 tortillas.  Spread 1/2 of meat mixture on the tortillas.  Sprinkle with one cup of the cheese.  Put 2 more tortillas on top of the cheese layer.  Spread the can of heated refried beans on top of the tortillas.  Place 2 tortillas on top of beans.  Add the rest of the meat mixture and top with the rest of the cheese.  Cover & bake 40 minutes, uncover & bake additional 15 minutes if center isn't hot enough.  * When it's time to serve, remove torte from the bowl completely, place on a cutting board & cut into wedges like a pie.  Serve with salsa, sour cream and/or guacamole on top if you'd like.

My sister Elena gave me a cookbook as a present the Christmas before Tyler & I were married.  Not only was it full of great recipes, but it also had some great tips on how much certain types of meals cost when you go grocery shopping.  It's been extremely helpful, especially during the first year that I was a newlywed.  I made this for Tyler for the first time 8 1/2 years ago & he's loved it ever since.  This is such an easy meal & even both of our kids love this.  :)