1 teaspoon vegetable oil
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 package taco seasoning mix
1 (29 ounce) can tomato sauce
2 1/2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
1 (16 ounce) can refried beans
2 cups grated Cheddar cheese
12 corn tortillas

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the peppers and onions and saute until soft. Add the taco seasoning mix and tomato sauce. Remove one cup of the sauce from the skillet and set aside. Add the shredded chicken and simmer 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, warm refried beans in a microwave-safe bowl or in a small saucepan.

Spread 1/2 cup of the reserved sauce in the bottom of a pie, spring-form or cake pan. Layer with corn tortillas, about 3 1/2 per layer, tearing them to cover the bottom completely. Top with half the chicken mixture and 1/2 cup grated cheese. Top with more tortillas. Spread refried beans over top and sprinkle with 1/2 grated cheese. Repeat with another layer of the tortillas, and top with the remaining chicken mixture and 1/2 cup grated cheese. Top with one more layer of tortillas, the reserved sauce and another 1/2 cup of cheese.

Bake in a 350-degree oven for 30 to 40 minutes, until completely heated.

Makes 6 to 8 servings.

NOTE: Once prepared, the Chicken Tortilla Pie can be refrigerated overnight or frozen for up to one month before baking. Allow additional baking time if pie is cold when put into the oven.