Cheesy Tex Rice

Tex-mex Beef & Rice Casserole

Made: February 3, 2014

Ingredients
- 1 pound extra-lean ground beef
- 1 14 ounce can fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 11 ounce can corn with red and green bell peppers, undrained
- 1/2 cup chopped onions
- 1 10 ounce tub PHILADELPHIA Santa Fe Blend Cooking Creme, divided
- 3 cups cooked long-grain white rice
- 1 cup KRAFT Shredded Colby & Monterey Jack Cheeses, divided
- 1 cup crushed tortilla chips
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

Directions
- Heat oven to 350 F
- Brown meat in large nonstick skillet; drain
- Return to skillet
- Add tomatoes, corn, onions and 3/4 cup cooking creme; mix well
- Combine rice and 1/2 cup shredded cheese in 13x9-inch baking dish sprayed with cooking spray; spread to cover bottom of dish
- Top with layers of meat mixture, remaining cooking creme and remaining shredded cheese; cover
- Bake 30 min. or until heated through
- Top with crushed chips and cilantro

I had to improvise, as the store didn't have the Santa Fe Cooking Creme, so I used onion and chive. I think it came out good, very tasty. My rice still stuck to the bottom of my dish, but that's rice for you! I didn't use cilantro though, it's not a welcomed flavor in the house.

(Recipe used: Recipe.com)

Semi-Mexican Chicken

Chicken Taco Casserole

Made: January 30, 2014

Ingredients
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 12 ounces chicken breast strips for stir-frying
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons canola oil
- 1 medium onion, halved and thinly sliced
- 1 medium red or green sweet pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1 10 - ounce package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 1 1/2 cups purchased salsa
- 4 6 - inches corn tortillas, coarsely torn
- 3 ounces reduced-fat Monterey Jack cheese, shredded (3/4 cup)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, chopped (optional)
- 1/2 of an avocado, pitted, peeled, and chopped (optional)
- Fresh cilantro leaves (optional)

Directions
- Preheat oven to 350 F
- Coat an unheated large nonstick skillet with cooking spray
- Preheat skillet over medium-high heat
- In a medium bowl, toss together chicken, garlic, and chili powder
- Add to hot skillet
- Cook for 4 to 6 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink, stirring frequently
- Remove chicken from skillet; set aside
- Pour oil into hot skillet
- Add onion and sweet pepper
- Cook over medium heat about 5 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally
- Stir in spinach
- Coat a 2-quart square baking dish with cooking spray
- Spread about 1/2 cup of the salsa into the bottom of the baking dish
- Top with half of the tortilla pieces, half of the chicken mixture, and half of the vegetable mixture
- Pour half of the remaining salsa over the vegetables and top with half of the cheese
- Repeat layers once, except do not top with the remaining cheese
- Bake, covered, for 30 to 35 minutes or until heated through
- Sprinkle with the remaining cheese
- Let stand for 5 minutes before serving
- If desired, garnish with cherry tomatoes, chopped avocado, and/or fresh cilantro

I didn't use avocado or cilantro, but I used the tomatoes and sour cream to use as toppers. I also used onion powder and onion flakes instead of onions. I think it came out very flavorful and I plan on making this sometime again.

(Recipe used: diabeticliving.com)

Taco spin-off

Beef Tostadas

Made: May 25, 2013

Ingredients
- 1-1/2 pounds boneless beef round steak
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeno, seeded and finely chopped
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 12 packaged tostada or hard taco shells
- 3/4 cup fat-free refried beans
- 1-1/2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
- 1 cup reduced-fat shredded Mexican-blend cheese
- 3/4 cup salsa

Directions
- Sprinkle steak with salt and pepper
- Place 3 tablespoons of the lime juice, the garlic, jalapeno, onion, chili powder, cumin and cayenne in a slow cooker
- Place beef on top and cook on HIGH for 6 hours or LOW for 8 hours
- Remove beef to a cutting board and when cool enough to handle, shred with fingers or using two forks
- Place shredded beef in a large bowl
- Strain remaining liquid in slow cooker over a bowl or measuring cup, discarding solids
- Add strained liquid and remaining 1 tablespoon lime juice to beef in bowl and stir to combine
- Cover; keep warm
- Warm tostada shells in oven according to package directions
- While tostadas are baking, heat refried beans in microwave for 1-1/2 minutes on HIGH, stirring halfway through until warm and spreadable
- Spread each tostada with 1 tablespoon refried beans
- Place 1/3 cup beef over beans and divide lettuce equally among tostadas
- Top each with 1 heaping tablespoon cheese and 1 tablespoon salsa

I made mine slightly different ... I used ground beef instead of round steak. I browned the beef in a pan with the spices and I used lemon juice instead of lime juice. I also added in a touch of taco seasoning. I also used spinach instead of lettuce and I also used sour cream to add a touch of cool. Also makes a good salad

(recipe used: recipe.com)

Fajitas unwrapped

Warm Fajita Salad

Made: May 9, 2013

Ingredients
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1/4 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon snipped fresh cilantro
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 3/4 pound boneless beef top sirloin steak, cut into thin, bite-size strips
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 2 small onions, cut into thin wedges
- 2 small green, red, and/or yellow sweet peppers, cut into thin strips
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- 1 10-ounce package torn mixed greens (8 cups)
- 12  cherry tomatoes, quartered
- Red or green salsa (optional)

Directions
- Combine lime juice, chicken broth, cilantro, garlic, and cornstarch; set aside
- Sprinkle beef with cumin, salt, and black pepper; toss to coat
- Coat an unheated large skillet with cooking spray
- Add onions and sweet peppers
- Stir-fry over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes or until crisp-tender
- Remove vegetables from skillet
- Carefully add cooking oil to the skillet
- Add beef strips; stir-fry about 3 minutes or until desired doneness
- Push to side of the skillet
- Stir lime juice mixture; add to skillet
- Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly; cook and stir 1 minute more
- Stir meat and vegetables into mixture in skillet; heat through
- To serve, arrange greens and tomatoes on four dinner plates
- Divide beef-vegetable mixture among plates

I wanted something different and this was just what I was looking for. I also topped mine with sour cream and cheese, opted out of onions and cilantro and garlic. I did use Garlic salt in both the cornstarch mixture and with the steak rub too. I used red, green, yellow and orange peppers, romaine lettuce and some baby spinach.

(Recipe used: Better Homes & Gardens)

Meaty Taco Pasta

"Baked Taco Ziti"

Made: May 6, 2013

Ingredients
- 3/4 bag ziti noodles
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 package taco seasoning
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 package cream cheese
- 1 1/2 cup shredded cheese

Directions
- Boil pasta until just cooked (al dente)
- Brown ground beef; drain
- Mix taco seasoning and 1 cup water in the ground beef; stir for 5 minutes
- Add in cream cheese, stir until melted & remove from heat
- Add pasta into a casserole dish, top with 1 cup of the shredded cheese
- Gently pour beef mixture on top and mix with the pasta
- Top with remaining shredded cheese
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, uncovered, at 350 F, until cheese is melted and the dish is heated throughout

I used a normal sized box of pasta, used about 1/2 for this dish. We made over 4 servings with leftovers. I used a little more than 1/2 of a package of cream cheese and used cheddar jack & mozzarella cheeses. Overall, it came out nice and creamy, gooey and hot!

(Recipe used: via facebook)

Rice & Beans

Salsa, Black Bean, and Rice Salad

Made: March 14, 2013

Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked long grain rice, chilled
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 2 cups chopped tomatoes
- 1 cup chopped yellow or red sweet pepper
- 1 cup frozen whole kernel corn, thawed
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons snipped fresh cilantro
- 1 cup bottled picante sauce or salsa
- 4 ounces Monterey Jack cheese with jalapeno chile peppers, cut into 1/4-inch cubes (optional)
- Lettuce leaves
- 1/2 cup fat-free or reduced-fat sour cream

Directions
- In large bowl, stir together chilled rice, beans, tomatoes, sweet pepper, corn, onions, and cilantro; add picante sauce or salsa
- Toss to coat
- Stir in cheese, if using
- Line six salad bowls or plates with lettuce leaves
- Top with rice mixture
- Serve with sour cream

I made this with a couple exceptions. (When don't I?) I didn't add in the cilantro or green peppers and I used cheese without the jalapeno chile peppers in it. But I did love the flavor the chili and sour cream gave the mixture. I made mine more like a layered salad. I had my lettuce (strips) on the bottom and then I added the rice. Next came the mixture and then I topped it with the cheese (cheddar and Mozzarella). I really liked this for there not including a main protein.

(Recipe used: Better Homes & Gardens)

Mexcio meets Pie

Mexican Sheppard's Pie

Made: February 19, 2013

Directions
- 1 lb extra lean (at least 93%) ground beef
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions
- 1 cup Old El Paso® Thick ‘n Chunky Salsa
- 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
- 3/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1 can Green Giant® SteamCrisp® Mexicorn® corn, drained
- 1 pouch Betty Crocker® loaded mashed potatoes
- 1 1/3 cups water
- 2 tablespoons butter or margarine
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese (2 oz)
- 1 medium tomato, sliced into thin wedges
- Tortilla chips, if desired

Ingredients
- In 10-inch skillet, cook ground beef and 1/4 cup of the green onions over medium-high heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally until beef is thoroughly cooked; drain
- Stir in salsa, chili powder and cumin
- Spoon corn evenly over beef mixture in skillet
- Cover and cook over low heat until mixture is thoroughly heated
- Meanwhile, in 2-quart saucepan, heat water and butter to boiling
- Remove from heat
- Stir in milk and 1 pouch potatoes with seasoning just until blended
- Let stand about 1 minute or until liquid is absorbed; beat with fork until smooth
- Spoon potatoes over corn in skillet; spread evenly
- Sprinkle with cheese and remaining 1/4 cup green onions
- Cover; cook over low heat about 5 minutes or until cheese is melted
- Arrange tomato wedges in spoke fashion over potatoes
- Garnish with tortilla chips around outside edge of skillet



I didn't use those exact brands, I had Gaint Mexicorn, Chi-Chi's Thick & Chunky Mild salsa & Velveeta cheesy Potatoes. I opted against the green onions and tomato. I topped mine with some sour cream, extra salsa and shredded cheese. I also used a little more salsa in with my beef to fully coat and mix around the spices so you didn't get one bite of nothing but chili powder. The extra cheese in the potatoes really kicked it up a notch

(Recipe used: Betty Crocker)

Beany Chicken

Chicken with Black Beans and Rice

Made: February 7, 2013

Ingredients
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 1/2 - 3 pounds meaty chicken pieces (breast halves, thighs, and drumsticks)
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes with onion and green pepper, undrained
- 1 cup tomato juice
- 1 cup frozen whole kernel corn
- 2/3 cup long grain rice
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced

Directions
- In a large resealable plastic bag combine flour, 1 teaspoon of the chili powder, the salt, and pepper
- Add chicken pieces, half at a time
- Seal bag; shake to coat
- In a very large skillet brown chicken on all sides in hot oil over medium heat about 10 mintues, turning occasionally
- Remove chicken from skillet and set aside; discard drippings
- Add beans, tomatoes, tomato juice, corn, uncooked rice, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, the cayenne pepper, and garlic to the skillet
- Bring to boiling
- Transfer rice mixture to a baking dish
- Arrange chicken pieces on top of rice mixture
- Bake, covered, in a 375 F oven for 45 to 50 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink and rice is tender

I did a couple of things differently. I didn't put the chicken in a bag or use boned chicken. I used what we had; which was boneless breast tenderloins. I think it worked just fine coating them by hand in a bowl. I used a can of corn (drained) and a little more than 2/3 cup rice, since the box was almost empty, I just poured the rest in and added an extra 1/2 cup tomato juice (low sodium V8). Overall, I thought it was very good. Although I could've used more tomato juice as the rice sucked up more than I thought!

(Recipe used: Better Homes & Gardens)

Quesadilla Mishap

Chicken Veggie Quesadillas

Made: January 16, 2013

Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 2 cups chopped cooked chicken
- 1 package frozen corn, thawed and drained
- 6 green onions, sliced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- 8 flour tortillas (8in)
- 1/4 cup salsa
- 1/4 cup sour cream

Directions
- Heat the canola oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat
- Saute the bell pepper in the hot oil, stirring continually until tender, about 3 minutes
- Combine the bell pepper, tomato, chicken, corn and green onion in a large bowl
- Add in the salt & pepper and mix well
- Mix the Jack cheese and the Cheddar cheese in a small bowl
- Wipe out the skillet you used for the bell pepper with a paper towel, then heat
- Place a tortilla in the pan and spread on a quarter of the chicken mixture
- Sprinkle with a quarter of the cheese mixture
- Top with another tortilla
- Cook for 2 minutes
- Turn over and cook for 2 more minutes or until browned
- Set aside and repeat with the rest of the tortillas
- Cut each one into 4 wedges
- Serve with the salsa and sour cream

I had quite a bit of an issue with trying to turn the quesadilla over in the skillet.

So after this fiasco, I put them in the oven. I set the oven to 375 F and prepared them like normal. I let them bake (without flipping) for 15 minutes. Much better!

(Recipe used: Cooking my way)

Twist on Tacos

Crispy Beef and Bean Tacos (Beef & Beans mixture)

Made: January 12, 2013

For Crispy shells
Ingredients
- 8 6in corn tortillas
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions
- Position the oven rack in the center of the oven
- Preheat the oven to 375 F
- Wrap tortillas in damp paper towels
- Microwave on high about 40 seconds until warm and softened
- Lightly brush both sides of tortillas with oil, sprinkle with salt
- Slide oven rack out slightly
- Carefully drape each tortilla over two bard of oven rack, forming shells with flat bottoms
- Bake about 7 minutes until crispy
- Using tongs, transfer warm shells to a plate (or allow to cool completely on oven rack)
(These can be made a day in advance)

Ingredients
Beef & Bean filling
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can black beans, drained & rinsed
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 cup water

Toppings (examples given from the book)
- 1 medium tomato, diced and seeded
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1'2 cup shredded romaine lettuce
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves

Ingredients
- In a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, cook beef for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally and breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon until no longer pink
- Add beans and garlic
- Cook and stir for 2 minutes
- Add chili powder, oregano, salt, cayenne pepper and the water
- Cook and stir for 2 minutes until heated through
- To serve, divide the filling among the shells
- Serve toppings in separate bowls to top the meat

Cripsy Beef and Bean Tacos (finished tacos)

I'm a soft shell person, so I had soft shells for mine. I topped mine with sour cream, shredded lettuce, shredded Cheddar/American cheese mix and cherry tomatoes diced. Overall, this is a lighter version of a taco seasoning that you would get from the packets. It wasn't as powerful or overwhelming with the seasoning you'd be used to, but I did like the change in taste,

(Recipe used: Better Homes and Gardens - Annual Recipes 2012)

Oven Taco

Beef Taco Casserole

Made: January 5, 2013

Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can Cambell's Condensed tomato soup
- 1 cup Pace Chunky Salsa or Picante sauce
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup uncooked instant white rice
- 1/2 cup slightly crushed tortilla chips
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Directions
- Cook beef in skillet over medium-high heat until beef is well browned, stirring to break up meat
- Drain off fat/grease
- Stir soup, salsa, milk and rice into skillet with beef
- Spoon beef mixture in 1 1/2qt casserole dish
- Cover
- Bake at 400 F for 25 minutes or until hot
- Stir
- Arrange chips around edge of casserole
- Sprinke with cheese

I used Tostitos chips and salsa (mild) for our recipe. I also plated each serving before sprinkling with cheese and chips.

(Recipe used: Campbell's)

Veggies from the South

Southwest Vegetarian Bake

Made: October 27, 2012

Ingredients
- 3/4 cup uncooked brown rice
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 can black beans, drained & rinsed
- 1 can mexicorn, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes and green chilies
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup (8 oz) reduced-fat sour cream
- 1 cup (4 oz) shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
- 1/3 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion
- 1 can sliced ripe olives, drained
- 1 cup (4 oz) shredded reduced-fat Mexican cheese blend

Directions
- In a large sauce pan, bring ride and water to a boil
- Reduce heat, cover & simmer for 35-40 minutes or until tender
- In a bowl, combine the beans, mexicorn, tonatoes, salsa, sour cream, cheddar cheese, pepper and rice
- Transfer to a shallow 2 1/2 qt baking dish coated with cooking spray
- Sprinkle with onions and olives
- Bake, uncovered, at 350 F for 30 minutes
- Sprinkle with Mexican cheese
- Bake 5-10 minutes longer or until heated through and cheese is melted
- Let stand 10 minutes before serving

Since I just used things I had in the house, it wasn't really that southwestern. Regular corn and tomatoes, and also plain white rice. I did add in a bit of taco seasoning to help with the missing spices. And I forgot about the salsa, so that was a bummer. 

(Recipe used: Taste of Home 2012 Diet Comfort Food)

Taco Pasta

Taco Supper Skillet

Made: October 9, 2012

Ingredients
- 1/2 pound gounf beef
- 1 package Old El Paso taco seasoning mix
- 2 1/4 cups water
- 1 1/2 cups uncooked wagon wheel pasta
- 1 1/2 cup frozen corn (thawed)
- 1 can (15oz) kidney or pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 medium tomato, chopped
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Directions
- In a 12in skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until thoroughly cooked; drain
- Stir seasoning mix, water, pasta, corn, beans and tomatoes into beef
- Heat to boiling
- Stir, reduce heat to medium
- Cover, cook 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is cooked and most of the liquid has been absorbed
- Stir in sour cream
- Remove from heat
- Sprinkle with cheese, cover and let stand for 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted

I didn't have any wagon wheel (or rotelle) pasta, so I used eblows instead. I also used a can of stewed tomatoes and chopped them into smaller pieces. I topped with extra cheese, it didn't say too, but you can't say no to extra cheese!

(Recipe used: Best of Betty Crocker 2013)

Chicken visits Mexico

Crisp Taco Chicken

Made: May 4, 2012

Ingredients

- 2 cups finely crushed tortilla chips
- 1 envelope taco seasoning mix
- 24 small chicken drumettes
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing

Directions

- Preheat oven to 350F
- Grease a 13x9in baking dish
- Combine the crushed tortilla chips and the taco seasoning mix in a shallow bowl
- Dip the chicken into the salad dressing
- Then coat the chicken in the tortilla chip mixture
- Arrange in the prepared baking dish
- Bake for 30 minutes
- Turn the chicken
- Bake until cooked through; about 10 minutes more

I didn't really follow the measurements for this recipe. I crushed up a lot of tortilla chips (but not too finely) and added enough taco seasoning until it looked well mixed and not overpowering. I didn't use drumettes (even though I love dark meat) but I did have one thigh broken apart for Mom. I used breast tenderloins for the other pieces. I had to crush tortilla chips x2 and added in about the same amount of taco seasoning with plenty left over for more.

We also made our own "lettuce wrap tacos" with sour cream, cherry tomatoes, cheese on romaine hearts. The combination worked well together :)

(Recipe used: Everyday cooking my way)

Cheesy and pineappley goodness

Pineapple-Black Bean Enchiladas

Made: May 10, 2011

I've always wanted to make something other than soup and tacos; so I saw this recipe in my e-mail and it sounded really yummy! So I decided to take a chance :)

Ingredients

- 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
- 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped (about 1 cup)
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple tidbits in juice, drained (keep 1/3 juice on reserve)
- 1 can (15 oz) Progresso black beans, drained & rinsed
- 1 can (4.5 oz) Old El Paso chopped green chiles
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10 oz) Old El Paso mild enchilada sauce
- 8 whole wheat flour tortillas (8 or 9 in)
- 1/3 cup sour crean
- 8 teaspoons chopped fresh cilantro

Directions

- Preheat oven to 350 F
- Spray 13x9 in baking dish with cooking spray
- In 12in non-stick skillet, heat oil over medium heat; add onion and bell pepper - cook 4-5 minutes or until softened.
- Stir in pineapple, beans, green chiles & salt; cook & stir until thoroughly heated - remove from heat.
- Stir in 1/2 cup cilantro & 2 cups of the cheese
- Spoon & spread 1 tablesppon enchilada suace onto each tortilla.
- Spoon about 3/4 cup vegetable mixture over sauce on each.
- Roll up tortilla; place seam side down in baking dish.
- In small bowl, mix reserved 1/3 cup pineapple juice & remaining enchilada sauce; pour over entire surface of enchiladas in dish.
- Sprint with remaining 1 cup cheese.
- Spray sheet of foil with cooking spray (large enough to cover the dish); place sprayed side down over baking dish & seal tightly.
- Bake 35-40 min; removing foil during last 5-10 minutes of baking until cheese is melted & sauce is bubbly.
- Top each baked enchilada with 1 tablespoon south cream & 1 teaspoon cilantro.

I overstuffed & the first one is always the hardest to get out!

I edited the recipe a smidgen since Mom isn't a big fan of cilantro; so I didn't add any at all. Also, I used Giant brand black beans. :) Side note; if you can't find tidbit sized pineapple ... used crushed. Cubed/Sliced was too big and hard to chop down for me. :/ Other than that, it was a quite delish dish :D

All mixed up soups

"Kimmi's Chicken Tortilla Soup"

Made: January 17, 2011

I mixed up two recipes; so I'll post both and you can make it how you see fit :)

"Chicken Tortilla Soup"

Ingredients:

-  1 pound skinless chicken breasts
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped (1/2 cup)
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles, undrained
- 1 can (10 oz) Old El Paso® mild enchilada sauce
- 1 can (4.5 oz) Old El Paso® chopped green chiles
- 1 3/4 cups Progresso® chicken broth (from 32-oz carton)
- 1 cup Green Giant® Valley Fresh Steamers™ Extra Sweet Niblets® frozen corn (from 12-oz bag), thawed
- 3 teaspoons dried minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 soft corn tortillas (5 to 6 inch), cut into 1-inch strips

Directions:

- Spray 3 1/2- to 4-quart slow cooker with cooking spray.
- Place chicken in slow cooker.
- Add all remaining ingredients.
- Cover; cook on low heat setting 6 to 7 hours.
- Remove chicken; shred with 2 forks.
- Return to slow cooker; stir well to blend

 "Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup"

Ingredients:

- 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs (1 1/4 lb)
- 1 medium onion, chopped (1/2 cup)
- 3 (6-inch) corn tortillas, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 1/2 cups Green Giant® Niblets® frozen whole kernel corn, thawed
- 1 can (15 oz) chick peas or garbanzo beans, drained, rinsed
- 1 can (4.5 oz) Old El Paso® chopped green chiles
- 3/4 cup salsa verde
- 2 cans (14 oz each) chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper (cayenne)
- 2 tomatoes, seeded, chopped
- Chopped fresh cilantro leaves, if desired

Directions:

- In 3- to 4-quart slow cooker, mix all ingredients except tomatoes and cilantro.
- Cover; cook on Low heat setting 5 to 7 hours or until juice of chicken is clear when center of thickest part is cut
- Stir to break up chicken thighs.
- Stir in tomatoes before serving.
- Garnish with cilantro. 

"Kimmi's Chicken Tortilla Soup"

Ingredients:

- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup of chopped onion (I used a red onion since we still had one)
- 1 can (10oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles, undrained
- 1 can (10oz) El Paso® mild enchilada sauce
- 1 3/4 cups of chicken brot
- 1 bag (8oz) frozen whole corn
- 1 can black beans; drained & rinsed
- 2 tablespoons salsa verde
- 1 teaspoon ground red pepper (cayenne)
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 large round soft tortilla cut into roughly 1 inch squares

Directions:

- Put everything into the slow cooker
- Use low heat for 5-7 hours (I cooked it roughly 6 hours)
- Mix throughout the cooking time
- Pull out chicken and shred with fork (I did this around hour 5)
- Top with strips of tortilla and cheese

:) I love this soup. It has awesome flavor, nice texture .. but it's not too overly spicy and hot, but does has some kick to it.

Super Bowl Munchies

Pizza in Crescents

Ingredients: 
- Crescent roll dough
- Pizza sauce
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Favorite Pizza toppings

Directions:

- Preheat oven to 375°F
- Separate the crescent pieces
- Put pizza sauce on one part of the piece
- Add toppings and cheese
- Fold over and around to make a cute little pouch

** I used Olives for myself, Pepperonis for Rob & Mom just wanted cheese. I had olives ontop of mine so I knew which ones were which :)

My kisses taste like tacos

Ingredients:

- Tortilla shells/taco shells
- Shredded Cheddar cheese or "Taco" cheese
- Lettuce
- Tomatoes
- Sour Cream
- 1lb ground beef
- Taco Seasoning packet

Directions:

- Cook meat until no longer pink; drain
- Add 1 cup water & taco seasoning; cook according to the packet.
- Dice up tomatoes and lettuce
- Make tacos however you  please!

** I had olives on mine. :) (Yea, I love olives <3)

Meatball sliders

 Ingredients:

- 5 Tbsp. canola oil, divided
- 1/2 cup each red bell pepper and red onion,fine dice
- 1 Tbsp. each fresh basil and flat leaf Italian parsley, minced
- 1 tsp. each minced garlic, kosher salt and red chili flakes
- 2 tsp. fresh cracked black pepper
- 25 RITZ Crackers, crushed (about 1 cup)
- 1 1/2 Tbsp. milk
- 1 pound ground beef 80/20
- 1 egg
- 48 RITZ Crackers
- Roasted Red Bell Pepper Aioli
- 12 KRAFT Deli Fresh Provolone Cheese Slices, quartered 

Directions:

Red Bell Pepper Aioli
- IN the bowl of a food processor fitted with steel blade, process 1/2 cup KRAFT Real Mayo Mayonnaise, 1/3 cup chopped roasted red bell pepper and 1 clove garlic, peeled and smashed until thoroughly combined.
- Refrigerate 1 hour.

Meatballs
- In a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, heat 2 Tbsp. oil. Add red bell peppers and the red onion. Sauté 4-5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and red chili flakes and cook 1 minute, stirring occasionally. Add the basil, parsley, salt and pepper, stir to combine. Cool.
- Mix cracker crumbs and the milk, set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef and the egg. Add the vegetables and the crumb mixture; mix well.
- Form into 1” meatballs. Cover with plastic wrap and press to flatten slightly.
- Heat the remaining oil in same skillet over medium-high heat. Add meatballs in batches and cook until done, turning occasionally. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Place 48 RITZ on foil-lined baking sheet. Top each with 1 meatball, 1/2 tsp. Roasted Red Bell Pepper Aioli and a piece of cheese. Bake 3-4 minutes or until cheese melts.
- Serve immediately.

**I didn't know I had to make the aioli ahead of time, so I opted it out. Next time, I'm definitely going to try it!

I hope you guys had a yummy spread while you were watching the Super Bowl! (Congrats Packers) <3

Chili with Beef

Hearty Black Bean Chili

Made: January 29, 2011

Ingredients:

1 pound dried black beans
1 pound ground beef
2 boneless skinless chicken breast halves, cubed
3/4 cup chopped onion
3 cups water
1 can (15oz) tomato sauce
1 can (14 1/2oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 tablespoon chili powder
2 & 1/4 teaspoons salt
1 & 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Shredded cheddar cheese & thinly sliced green onions - optional

Directions:

- Sort beans & rinse with cold water.
- Place beans in a Dutch oven; add water to cover by 2 inches.
- Bring to a boil; boil for 2 minutes - remove from heat, cover & let stand for 1-4 hours or until beans are softened.
- In Dutch oven, cook the beef, chicken and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain.
- Add the water, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes & seasonings; mix well.
- Add the beans & bring to a boil. Reduce heat.
- Cover and simmer for 3 1/2 - 4 hours or until beans are tender.
- Serve with cheese and green onions if desired.

At the beginning of making this recipe, I didn't have a dutch oven and planned to make this in a slow-cooker. So I sorted, rinsed and cooked my beans in a slow-cooker on low for about 4-5 hours as I had a couple things that had to be done while cooking. This worked out well for the beans, as they were nice and soft by the time I was home and ready to start making the chili.

To my surprise today, my Dutch Oven arrived early! So I was able to finish the recipe in there. Which really saved me a step from cleaning out the pan of the bean goo. (Or whatever it may be called, it's kinda gross to be honest). So I used a slow-cooker bag/saver and it worked to my advantage with draining the beans into my strainer to rinse/drain.

The Dutch oven is pretty amazing, as this was my first time cooking with one. I'll definitely be using more recipes requesting it. :)
(Recipe used came from Taste of Home)

Ricey Chicken

Cheesy Chicken & Rice Casserole

Made: January 11, 2011

Ingredients:

1 can (18.5 oz) Progresso® chicken enchilada soup

3/4 cup water

3/4 cup uncooked regular long-grain white rice

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 can (15 oz) Progresso® black beans, drained, rinsed

1 box (9 oz) Green Giant® Niblets® frozen corn

1 package (1 lb) boneless skinless chicken breast halves

1 cup shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese blend (4 oz)

Directions: 

 - Heat the oven to 375°F.

- In ungreased 2-quart glass baking dish, mix soup, water, rice, cumin, pepper, beans and corn.

- Top with chicken. 

- Cover & bake about 30 minutes.

- Stir rice around chicken.

- Top with cheese.

- Bake uncovered 5 to 10 minutes or until cheese is melted.

I had to tweak the recipe a bit as I couldn't find the chicken enchilada soup ... so I substituted that for Chicken Tuscany. I also used any brand of frozen corn & black beans. I had a little bit of a mishap while cooking. My middle chicken breasts were still pink all over while only the outside breasts were cooking. Turns out that when I ripped my foil while putting it back on to cook for another 30 minutes (My one fear is serving raw chicken) it worked a lot better. Everyone said it was delish! So that makes me happy. :)

(Recipe used came from Pillsbury)