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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Taco Salad

Today’s recipe is for a tasty taco salad that’s a one dish meal.  This is a quick recipe which is great for busy week nights, and it can be modified in so many ways. You can use lean ground beef, turkey, or chicken for the meat. You can also used leftover shredded pork or beef. If you’re a fan of summer grilling, try grilled chicken or steak strips on your bed of lettuce. You can even buy a rotisserie chicken and shred the meat. I have used black bean, pinto beans or kidney beans. There are so many wonderful variations to meet your taste needs or adjust for items in  your pantry. Have a vegetarian or vegan in your family or need a meatless meal?  Add sliced avocado, fresh corn, and skip the meat for a meatless entree.

 

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Taco Seasoning – Great Small Gift Idea!

This is a simple, fantastic seasoning recipe which will make you give up those packets of seasoning. The flavor is so much richer, and it is such a money saver too. Modify the recipe to fit your taste and spice requirements. Be sure to use fresh spices.  Over time, spices will lose their potency and not flavor your food as intended. As a general rule, whole spices will stay fresh for about 4 years, ground spices for about 3 to 4 years and dried leafy herbs for 1 to 3 years.  The best way to know if the spices on your shelf are still good is by color and smell.

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