Charley’s Mexican Salad

Hey, the kids will love this (so will you), and its cheap to make.  Yup, that's my kind of dinner.  Being a single parent I am all about making new things to try that are on the cheap but fun.  It was a friend of mine, Jerry Clark, who sent this to me awhile a back and finally decided to try it over the weekend.

So here is what you will need for this concoction:

• 1lb lean ground beef
• 1/2 medium onion chopped fine {so the kids don't see it}
• 30 oz can of chili beans (or 2- 15oz cans if you prefer that math)
• 12 to 15 oz bag of nacho chips (I prefer the cheap ones - your stomach will never notice) crushed
• 8 oz bag of shredded cheddar cheese or colby jack
• 1/2 head lettuce shredded
• 1/3 cup french dressing
• 1/3 cup water
• chili powder

So all you have to do is brown the ground beef cooking the chopped onion with it.  Then drain well, add beans the french dressing and water adding some chili pepper to taste, mix well and simmer 15 minutes.

In a large mixing bowl add the shredded lettuce, crushed nacho cheese chips and shredded cheese.

After meat and bean mixture have simmered to your liking, pour over the lettuce, etc in the mixing bowl. Mix everything together very well and serve.

Cheap, easy, and really good!  WARNING: Chances are highly likely your kids will be asking for a second helping!

Enjoy and happy cooking!