Best Taco Casserole

A recipe shared by my friend Ellen Grunig...

Best Taco Casserole
1 pound ground turkey (or ground beef)
1 packet taco seasoning mix
3/4 cup water
1 can (16 oz.) diced tomatoes
1 can (16 oz.) pinto beans, drained & rinsed
2 cups tortilla chips or broken taco shells
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
4 green onions
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 cup lettuce, chopped:
Cook ground meat in skillet until browned. Drain. Add taco seasoning packet and water. Cook about 5 minutes or until sauce is thickened. Add diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat. Cover and simmer about 10 minutes stirring occasionally.
Add pinto beans. Cook uncovered another 5 - 10 minutes or until liquid from tomatoes is reduced.
In an ungreased 2-quart casserole dish, place broken tortilla chips or taco shells. Top with beef mixture. Sprinkle with cheese. Microwave about 3 minutes to melt cheese.
Top with lettuce, green onions, and red bell pepper. Serve warm.