Cheesy Chili Hash Brown Bake

Now that Thanksgiving is over with and we are all back into the hustle and bustle of the school/work week, I'd like to share this recipe with y'all.  This comes from the October 2011 issue of Southern Living's Best Fall Recipes.  This one caught my eye because it looked so easy to make.  And I did discover, that it was pretty simple to cook.

  What's interesting about this dish is that it does double duty.  You can make it for a busy weeknight dinner or you can make it as an appetizer of sorts.  Don't ya just love recipes like this?  ;)  I added a few ingredients to the recipe because, well....that's just my style and that's how I roll ;)  Make it tonight.  Your family will <3 ya for it ;)  

Cheesy Chili Hash Brown Bake

(adapted from the October 2011 issue of Southern Living's Best Fall Recipes)

(serves 8)

Ingredients:

1 and 1/2 lbs. lean ground beef or turkey

1 can sloppy joe sauce

1 can chili with beans

1/2 a package of frozen country-style shredded hash browns (about 4 cups)

2 cups of Shredded Cheddar Cheese

1 to 2 tbsp. of molasses (optional)

1 to 2 cups of Frito chips (optional)

Directions:

1.  Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

2.  Brown ground beef until ready and no longer pink.  Drain.

3.  Stir in sloppy joe sauce, chili, and molasses.

4.  Place meat mixture in a lightly greased 9x13 inch casserole dish.

5.  Top with frozen hash browns.

6.  Cover and bake for 30 minutes.  Uncover and bake 10 more minutes or until hash browns are browned and crisp.

7.  Sprinkle cheese and Fritos on top and bake for 5 more minutes or until cheese is melted.