Mexican Goulash Recipe

I've been dusting off some old recipes recently. I don't know why we stopped making some of them, because everyone loves them. We do that sometimes though, we have meals we love and then it's like we just forget they exist. 

This is a family recipe from my husband's mother's side. His Grandma Ellen created it years ago, and all of the grandkids grew up eating it. Anytime I make it we always comment that the house smells like Grandma Ellen's house. 

It has kind of an odd name, but it is also like no other recipe I've ever found. It's called Mexican Goulashh. It's not technically 'goulosh', it's more like a Mexican dip...but not like any Mexican dip I've ever seen. I'm kind of a traditional person and I would never attempt to change the name of a recipe that a beloved family member has created. So, it will remain a goulash, although it's technically not. 

We serve this with sour cream, guacamole, fresh jalapeno and tortilla chips. 

Mexican Goulash
(Printable Version Below)

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (browned/drained and seasoned with taco seasoning)

1 can refried beans

1 large package shredded cheddar cheese

2 cups chunky salsa (We use medium, you can use whichever you prefer)

1 onion (finely diced)

Instructions

The layers are listed below. 

Layer 1- Refried beans spread evenly in bottom of 9x13 (or smaller) dish. 

Layer 2- Beef taco mixture

Layer 3 Cheddar cheese

Layer 4- 2 cups salsa, spread evenly

Layer 5- Cheddar cheese

Layer 6- Onions

Layer 7- Cheddar cheese

Yes, it's a lot of cheese...and yes, you really need all three layers of cheese. I've tried cutting back on the layers of cheese, and it just doesn't taste like Grandma's. Something magical happens to all three of those layers when they melt in the oven. It's amazing. 

Bake uncovered at 400° for 20-25 minutes, until golden and bubble. 

*I sometimes follow this recipe but double the meat to stretch the recipe farther. 

Enjoy!

I've made this for a pot luck more than once and I always return home with an empty dish. 

This meal is fast, semi healthy,(if you over look ALL that cheese.) and budget friendly. 

If you give it a try, be sure to come back and leave a comment! 

~ Lyndsay