Mexican Casserole, One Dish Meal

Today’s recipe is another easy and tasty one dish meal but with a Mexican flavor. I’m using lean ground beef, 93% fat free, but you could also use ground turkey. Start with a bed of crushed tortilla chips and then add sauteed ground beef with salsa, taco seasoning, and chili beans. Spread low-fat sour cream over the beef and bean layer. Sprinkle the fresh tomatoes, green onions, and black olives over the sour cream and top with grated Cheddar cheese. Bake until it’s hot and bubbly for a great dinner. I’d serve it with a green salad. I always look for lower fat sour cream and cheese as it’s better for you but still gives you great flavor. Regular sour cream is fairly high in fat and calories. Reduced fat sour cream has a similar nutrient profile and a pleasant taste but with fewer calories and about 38% less fat. I don’t recommend fat free sour cream as they add fillers to give it a creamy texture.

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Fiery Jalapeno Cheddar Grits

Several weeks ago I wrote about my childhood and my love of southern grits in the post of Low Country Shrimp and Grits. There are countless ways to serve grits. Today I’m recreating a spicy version I got recently at a restaurant down in Tarpon Springs, Florida, fiery grits.  It’s similar to the shrimp and grits but with more fire. You can use either the white or yellow corn grits, sharp cheddar, and fresh jalapeno peppers to create a side dish with a bite.

 

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