Chili Tortilla Chip Casserole

Sharing with your today my new recipe for left over chili.  Most left overs at my house are either eaten the second night or reconfigured into something that carries it to the next level.  Tonight with my leftover 4 Alarm Chili from a package (yes....I do boxed mixes, canned green beans, and macaroni and cheese from the box quite often), I made a quick meal that both my little Audrey and Scott liked.  Not sure if I can pass it off one more night, but I figure tomorrow night on the side of Tortilla Soup this dish will still be perfect!  

Chili Tortilla Chip Casserole

4 cups chili (fresh made) - although you could use a good quality store bought - I actually used deer sausage meat with this chili...Audrey never knew the difference ;o)
1 - 16 ounce diced tomatoes, not drained
1 - 8 ounce Green Chili Enchilada Sauce
4 cups Tostitos Tortilla Chips
4 cups grated cheddar cheese (or Mexi-blend by Kraft would be excellent)

In a medium sized casserole dish sprayed with Pam or greased, pour diced tomatoes spreading evenly over the bottom to cover.  Add Tostito chips.  I chose not to crush mine and they did well.  Sprinkle 2 cups of cheese on top of chips.  Pour 4 cups of chili over the cheese.  Top with entire casserole with a can of Green Chili Enchilada Sauce.  Cook on 375 until mixture is bubbly in the center about 30 minutes.  Add remaining two cups of cheese during the last five minutes of cooking.  Serve with refried beans, salad, and Spanish rice.  I also had salsa and sour cream out as a garnish.  

 Example of first few layers.

With the Green Chili Enchilada Sauce added just before placing in the oven.

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***Be creative.  I usually would have added one chopped onion, but I felt I had enough in the chili already.  Cilantro would have been a fresh touch, but I was 'fresh' out!  Even adding the sour cream in a layer under the chili would have brought the casserole to a whole new level.  Just some good ideas I think for the next time I make this.  Even if the chips you use are slightly stale, I've tasted similar casseroles that turned out find as the chips moisten in the sauces.  

Enjoy and remember, take those left overs to a new height.  Take what you have and make something your family won't remember as 'left overs'!  My pictures above sometimes just don't do my recipes justice!  Promise...this casserole is a keeper!