Ingredients

  • 1 (14 1/2 ounce) can diced tomatoes (reserve juice)
  • 1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chilies
  • 1 (16 ounce) can refried beans (I use home made)
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 3 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
  • 1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef
  • 1 (1 1/4 ounce) package taco seasoning mix
  • 12 taco shells
  • 3 scallions, sliced thin

Method

  • Adjust oven rack to upper middle position and heat oven to 475 degrees.
  • Combine half of tomatoes, beans, hot sauce, and cilantro in bowl. Spread evenly in 13 by 9 inch baking dish. Sprinkle with 1 cup cheese.
  • Cook beef in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Pour off fat, then stir in taco seasoning, remaining tomatoes, and reserved tomato juice. Simmer over medium-low heat until thickened and nearly dry, 5 to 7 minutes.
  • Spoon 1 tablespoon cheese into each taco shell and top with beef mixture.
  • Arrange tacos upright in bean mixture, cover with foil, and bake until bubbling, about 10 minutes.
  • Remove foil, top with remaining cheese, and bake until cheese is melted, about 6 minutes. Sprinkle with scallions. Serve.