Domestic: Taco Bake

1 can refried beans
1 lb ground beef (I use ground turkey)
1 onion, chopped
1 large bell pepper chopped (I just take the stir fry peppers in the frozen food section and put in my food processor for a few seconds to get them chopped and I use mixed peppers)
8 oz mushrooms, coarsely chopped (keeping this here but I never use mushroom as my stomach can't handle them)
1 can green chilis
2-3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2-3 TB chili powder
1 TB cumin
1-2 t garlic powder
1 can tomato paste
1 to 2 Cups shredded cheese, your choice on how much and what kind (cheddar mixed with some mozzarella is what I use)

Garnish - any, all work well:
chopped black olives
sour cream
chopped lettuce and tomatoes
chopped cilantro
chopped onion
salsa

Preheat oven to 450. Take a flat casserole dish, spray with cooking spray and spread refried beans on the bottom. Bake for 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, saute meat, onions, bell pepper, garlic until onion begins to soften and meat beings to brown. (Add mushrooms and cook until they've released their water and meat is thoroughly browned.) Drain fat and add all spices, green chilies and tomato paste, along with a little bit of water, if needed. The mixture should be moist but not runny.

Take the casserole dish with the beans, pour mixture on top and top with cheese. Bake in the oven for another 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and just starts to bubble. Serve on plate with garnishes on top.