The Bean that is Black

One of the reasons I love my kids going to daycare is they get to try all sorts of food we don't have at home. One of those foods is black beans. They eat them at school and love them. Me? Um... nope - hard pass. Until... I found this Taco Casserole recipe, it called for all sorts of good things - but oh those black beans...

I opened the can and oh... that black goo that poured out when I rinsed them. Blech!! I put the casserole together a few days ahead - because if there's something I love other than my family - it's a make-ahead meal.

I read that this casserole can be eaten by itself - or as a dip for tortilla chips. When we sat to eat - I took a small amount - not sure about it. Added some salt - picked up a chip - winner. Yes. SO good. I even ate this several times as leftovers. Add tons of chopped tomatoes and green onions. Very good, even those crazy black beans. Perhaps - just perhaps I will try them in other things now that I've someone gotten over my fear of the black bean. Maybe.... not...

Taco Casserole
1 lb ground chicken breast or turkey
1/2 diced white onion
1 can whole kernel corn
1 can black beans
1 tbsp taco seasoning
2 tbsp taco sauce
1/4 cup fat free sour cream
1/2 cup fat free shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup diced fresh tomatoes
1/3 cup green onions
Saute meat, beans, onions, taco seasoning, sauce, and corn on medium-high heat until meat is browned (or soy crumbles are thoroughly cooked).
Spoon half your meat mixture into your casserole dish in an even layer, top with a thin layer of sour cream, then sprinkle with some cheese.
Repeat. Cover with cheese.
Bake at 350 for 15 minutes, then serve topped with diced tomatoes and green onions.