Category: TEXMEX / CAJUN / CUBAN

BARBACOA BURRITO BOWLS with CILANTRO LIME RICE

BARBACOA BURRITO BOWLS with CILANTRO LIME RICE serves 8

BARBACOA BEEF
2 1/2 pounds chuck roast, cut into 2 inch cubes
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup homemade bone broth
Juice of 2 limes
4-5 pepperoncinis
1 tablespoon pampered chef TEX MEX seasoning
1 red onion, halved and sliced thin
2 cloves garlic, minced
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper

  • Whisk together the broth, lime juice, vinegar and seasoning.
  • Add beef chunks to pressure cooker.
  • Pour broth mixture over top.
  • Add pepperoncinis, garlic and onion slices.
  • Bring to a gentle simmer.
  • Add lid and pressure rocker.
  • Simmer with the rocker gently rocking for 40 minutes.
  • Allow to steam to release naturally.
  • Carefully open and remove beef chucks to cutting board.
  • Shred beef with 2 forks.
  • Strain broth and set aside.

NOTE: Chipotle seasoning with chipotle peppers are a great alternate flavor.

CILANTRO LIME RICE
1 1/2 cups long grain rice, rinsed
2 cups homemade bone broth
1 garlic clove, minced
1/3 cup FRESH chopped cilantro leaves
1 LARGE lime, juiced

  • Add the rice, broth, garlic and half of the cilantro leaves to a sauce pan.
  • Bring to a boil.
  • Reduce heat to simmer, cooking until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.

ASSEMBLY
garnish toppings – sour cream, lime wedges, Cotija cheese, hot sauce…

  • Fluff rice with remaining cilantro leaves and lemon.
  • Divide rice into serving bowls, top with shredded beef, a drizzle of the strained broth and your favorite Tex Mex toppings.

CHIPOTLE CHICKEN

CHIPOTLE CHICKEN

2 boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite sized pieces
1 + 1 tablespoons butter
1 Poblano pepper. stemmed, seeds removed and sliced
1 small yellow onion, sliced thin
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
¼ cup Cornstarch
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 +/- teaspoons Chipotle chile paste
¼ cup FRESH cilantro FINELY chopped
1 tablespoon QUALITY honey
Prepared white rice, mashed potatoes or pasta
2 tablespoons grated Cotija cheese

  • In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, honey, 1 teaspoon of warm water, and as much of the chile paste as you’d like, depending on how spicy you’d like the dish to be – set aside until needed.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon butter in non stick skillet.
  • Add onions and peppers, sautéing 3-5 minutes until soft and beginning to caramelize.
  • Season chicken pieces with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.
  • Coat chicken pieces with cornstarch, shaking off excess.
  • Add remaining 1 tablespoon butter to skillet.
  • When butter is melted add chicken pieces in a single layer cooking 3-4 minutes or until lightly browned on all sides.
  • Pour reserved sauce over chicken, stirring to coat well.
  • Garnish with Cotija cheese and cilantro. Cilantro is also good added to rice, pasta or potatoes.

TACO SPAGHETTI

I loved this recipe because it was ALL made in the same pan so it’s quick and easy clean up, but also because I can no longer eat a lot of grain products so I still feel like I’m getting my tacos without have to deconstruct them! After making it exactly as written the first time, I adapted it the next time and found it was just easier and tastier to prepare the noodles separately.

You can always add your favorite taco toppings such as extra cheese, green onions or a dollop of sour cream to make it your own.

TACO SPAGHETTI servings 2 – adapted from Space Ships & Laser Beams

2 teaspoons avocado oil
1/3 pound QUALITY ground beef
1/4 cup chopped yellow onions
2 teaspoons taco seasoning
1/3 cup original Rotel tomatoes with juice
spaghetti noodles for 2, prepared al dente
1/3 cup homemade bone broth (chicken or beef – your choice)
1/2 cup Mexican style shredded cheddar/Jack cheese
scant 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
minced green onions, for garnish
chopped olives, for garnish
chopped jalapeños, for garnish

  • Heat oil in a LARGE skillet over medium heat. 

  • Brown ground beef and onion in skillet until meat is no longer pink and onions are soft and translucent.

  • Add taco seasoning, tomatoes (including juice) and broth.

  • Cover and simmer for 10 minutes until most of the liquid is absorbed.

  • Stir in noodles, stirring to coat well and simmer 5 minutes more.
  • Remove from heat.
  • Sprinkle half of the cheese and half the cilantro into the pan and stir to coat the spaghetti with the cheese and sauce.

  • Top with remaining cheese and cilantro.
  • Serve with a dollop of sour cream and your favorite taco toppings.


NOTES

  • For the best flavor, grate your own cheese rather than using a store bought bag of grated cheese. The store bought grated version usually has an anti-caking agent on it so it doesn’t melt as well.
  • For a quicker weeknight cooking time, ground beef can be cooked ahead of time. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to a month.

YUCATAN CITRUS CHICKEN

This was originally a recipe from Hello Fresh that I have adjusted and adapted to our liking.

In my opinion tangy citrus is probably the most key ingredient in the Yucatan’s vibrant cuisine. Lemon and orange juices are often used to marinate pork, chicken and even beef as well as also used as pickling liquid for a tangy onion garnishes. When paired with zesty spices it adds a savory note to the tang as it tenderizes the meat and creates mouth watering results.

SAUCE
2 tablespoons sour cream
1 teaspoon Ancho Chili Powder
1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika

  • In a small bowl whisk together the sour cream, paprika, chili powder and a pinch of salt.
  • Add water 1 teaspoon at a time until mixture reaches a drizzling consistency.
  • Set aside until needed.

QUICKLED ONIONS
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
2 tablespoons lemon juice
¼ teaspoon sugar

  • In a small microwave safe bowl toss the onion slices, lemon juice, sugar and pinch of salt together.
  • Microwave 30 seconds to 1 minute until onions are softened.
  • Set aside until needed.
  • Drain before serving.

TEX MEX RICE
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
½ cup Jasmine Rice
1 cup water
LARGE pinch sea salt
1 tablespoon butter

  • In a small pan combine rice, water, spices, and a large pinch of salt.
  • Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover and simmer 15-18 minutes until rice is tender.
  • Keep covered off heat until ready to serve.

YUCATAN CITRUS CHICKEN
1 LARGE lemon, zested and juiced
1 yellow onion, halved and sliced thin
1 Poblano pepper, halved, cored and thinly sliced into strips
¼ cup ROUGHLY chopped cilantro
3/4 pound chicken strips, cut into small pieces
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
3-4 tablespoons Tex-Mex Paste (2 “cubes” from recipe below)
1 tablespoon avocado oil

  • Pat chicken dry with paper towels.
  • In a small bowl whisk together Tex-Mex paste, mandarin juice, lemon juice, lemon zest, cumin, chili powder and garlic powder.
  • Toss chicken in bowl with mixture.
  • Chill for at least an hour, preferably overnight.
  • Heat a drizzle of avocado oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
  • Add poblano and season with FRESH ground salt and pepper.
  • Cook, stirring, until slightly softened, 3-4 minutes.
  • Add another drizzle of oil and remaining onion; season with salt and pepper.
  • Cook, stirring, until veggies are tender, 4-6 minutes.
  • Transfer to a plate.
  • Heat a drizzle of oil in the same pan over medium-high heat.
  • Add chicken in a single layer and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly charred and cooked through, 4-6 minutes.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning with FRESH ground sea salt and pepper.
  • Stir in cooked veggies, then remove pan from heat.

ASSEMBLY

  • Fluff rice with a fork.
  • Stir in butter and season to taste with salt.
  • Divide rice between bowls and top with chicken and veggies, crema, and as much pickled onion as you like.
  • Sprinkle with cilantro.
  • Serve with lemon or lime slices.

TEX MEX PASTE
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon coriander
1 teaspoon smoky paprika
4-5 teaspoons QUALITY cocoa
3 teaspoons sugar
3 teaspoons sea salt
3 teaspoons unseasoned rice wine vinegar
3 cloves garlic, mashed
2-3 ounces pureed Chipotle chilis
1 FULL bulb roasted garlic
3-4 teaspoons tomato paste
14 ounce can fire roasted tomatoes
1 white onion, FINELY diced

  • Puree diced onion and minced garlic in food processor.
  • Add chipotle chilis, roasted garlic and fire roasted tomatoes blending until smooth.
  • Add  vinegar and remaining ingredients blending until well mixed.
  • Portion into an ice cube tray or herb keeper for freezing to use at a later date.

ENCHILADA MEATBALLS, RE-FRIED BEANS & TEX MEX RICE

ENCHILADA MEATBALLS, RE-FRIED BEANS & TEX MEX RICE

ENCHILADA MEATBALLS
1 slice sourdough sandwich bread
2 pounds QUALITY ground beef
1 LARGE egg, lightly beaten
1-2 cloves garlic, smashed
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
2+ tablespoons avocado oil
2 cups enchilada sauce (see recipe below)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

  • Pulse bread into fine crumbs.
  • Combine bread crumbs, ground beef, egg, garlic, salt and pepper until well mixed.
  • Shape into small balls.
  • Heat oil in cast iron skillet over medium heat.
  • Work in batches searing the meatballs quickly, but not cooking all the way through.
  • After they are all seared add the enchilada sauce to the pan and nestle meatballs into the sauce.
  • Simmer sauce and meatballs 10 minutes over low heat.
  • Top with grated cheese and serve with re-fried beans and rice.

SAUCE
2 tablespoons avocado oil
1 LARGE yellow onion, sliced thin
6 dried Ancho chiles, stems and seeds removed
6 dried California chiles, stems and seeds removed
6 dried Guajillo chiles, stems and seeds removed
2-3 Arbol chiles, stems and seeds removed (optional – these chiles bring more heat)
3 cloves garlic, minced
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
5 cups homemade chicken bone broth
28 ounce can crushed tomatoes

  • Heat oil in large sauce pan over medium heat.
  • Add onion slices, sauteing until beginning to caramelize.
  • Add chiles.
  • Add garlic, sauteing 1 minute more until fragrant.
  • Season with salt and pepper.
  • Add chicken stock and tomatoes. Bring to a SLOW boil.
  • Turn off heat, cover and let chiles steep 20-30 minutes.
  • After steeping time, use an immersion blender to make smooth.
  • Bring to a SLOW boil again.
  • Adjust seasoning to taste.
  • Add a bit more chicken stock if sauce is too thick.

RE-FRIED BEANS
2 1/2 cups pinto beans
1 small onion, FINELY chopped
4 tablespoons bacon grease
4 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon each FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 cup sour cream
1 cup cheddar/ Monterey Jack grated cheese

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • Rinse beans and pick out any bad ones.
  • In a small stock pot cover the beans with about 3 inches of water. If there are still any bad beans in there they will float to the top.
  • Bring them to a boil, lower heat and simmer 2 hours or until skins break.
  • Drain.
  • In a heavy skillet (cast iron works best), melt the bacon grease and butter.
  • Saute’ onion until translucent.
  • Add beans and stir well.
  • Smash beans continuously until desired texture is reached.
  • Transfer beans into a large mixing bowl.
  • Use hand mixer and beat smooth.
  • Add sour cream, salt, pepper and red pepper.
  • Beat smooth again.
  • Transfer into a 9×9 casserole and top with cheese.
  • Bake 20 minutes.

TEX MEX RICE
1 MEDIUM yellow onion, FINELY diced
1 tablespoon avocado oil
1 tablespoon QUALITY tomato paste
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
2 cups jasmine rice
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 small can chopped green chiles, drained
4 cups homemade bone broth
1 teaspoon Pampered Chef TexMex Chipotle South Western spice
1/2 cup FRESH chopped cilantro
1 LARGE bunch green onions, minced
Juice of 1 LARGE lime

  • Heat the oil in a sauce pot over medium heat.
  • Add diced yellow onion, sauteing 3-4 minutes, but not browning.
  • Add tomato paste, salt, pepper and Tex Mex spice, cooking 2-3 minutes more.
  • Add the rice and garlic, cooking 2-3 minutes more.
  • Add the green chiles and chicken broth. Increase heat to high and bring to a SLOW boil.
  • Reduce heat to low and cover, simmering 15-20 minutes until rice is tender and all the liquid is absorbed.
  • Fold in the cilantro, lime juice and green onions.

ROASTED TOMATILLO CHILI

ROASTED TOMATILLO CHILI
10 tomatillos
1 jalapeno
2 tablespoons avocado oil
1 SMALL red pepper, diced
1 Vidalia onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
2 teaspoons dried Mexican oregano
2 teaspoons red chile flakes
3 cups homemade chicken bone broth
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can small great northern (Navy) beans, drained and rinsed
1 can diced fire roasted tomatoes
1/2 cup chopped FRESH cilantro
2 cups chopped rotisserie chicken OR 2 cups diced cooked tri-tip pieces OR crumbled cooked ground beef
sour cream, garnish
grated cheddar cheese, garnish

  • Preheat oven to 425°.
  • Peel papers from tomatillos and wash well.
  • Wash jalapeno halve and seed if preferred.
  • Arrange tomatillos and jalapeno on baking sheet.
  • Roast 15-20 minutes until tomatillos burst and brown.
  • Remove from oven and cool.

 

  • Heat avocado oil in soup pot over medium heat.
  • Sweat onions, red pepper, garlic and spices 5-7 minutes.
  • Chop tomatillos and jalapeno. Add them to soup pot.
  • Simmer 10-15 minutes.
  • Add chosen meat pieces.
  • Add stock, tomatoes and drained beans. Simmer 20-30 minutes more.
  • Fold in cilantro.
  • Serve with sour cream and grated cheese.

CHILI RELLENOS CASSEROLE

This is one of those recipes I found in an antique recipe box. It was neatly typed and attributed to Fran Thompson. I did do a bit of research on the origin of chile rellenos.

I’ve modified very little of this antique recipe except to add a protein and a bit of cinnamon to make it more authentic. During my research I found that proteins were normally incorporated during the early years. A chile relleno is literally a stuffed chile that originated in Mexican cuisine. As early as 1858 it was described as a green chile pepper stuffed with minced meat and coated with an egg batter before being fried. Poblano peppers are the most commonly used pepper, but a pepper is a pepper, so use what your taste buds ask for 😀

Typically they are stuffed with a melted cheese and a meat such as a diced pork and even raisins or nuts and seasoned with a Mexican cinnamon. Sauces vary, but some form of tomato sauce is often served these days.

CHILI RELLENOS CASSEROLE
12 ounces (canned) whole green chiles seeded and drained
2 cups grated Monterey Jack cheese**
2 cups grated Cheddar Cheese**
3/4-1 pound ground beef, seasoned as it’s browned crumbly with the green onions and drained of grease
1/3 cup flour
1 cup half and half
2 LARGE eggs
1 bunch green onions, sliced
8 ounces tomato sauce
1 teaspoon QUALITY cinnamon (Mexican cinnamon if you have it)
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper

GARNISHES
chopped olives halved grape tomatoes
chunks of FRESH avocado
favorite salsa
chopped green chiles
sour cream
lime slices
jalapeno slices

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • Mix cheese together. Reserve 1/2 cup for topping.
  • Whisk eggs together with the half and half and the flour.
  • Fold in ground meat mixture.
  • Fold in half the cheese.
  • Spray an 8×8 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
  • Pour egg and meat mixture into baking dish.
  • Whisk tomato sauce, cinnamon and a generous twist of FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper together. Spread on top of egg and meat mixture evenly.
  • Top with the other half of the cheese.
  • Bake 1 hour until bubbly and golden.
  • Top with reserved cheese and let sit in the off oven for 5 minutes.
  • Top with your favorite garnishes.

**Tillamook makes a Spicy Mexican Blend that works well with this recipe.

RANCH CHICKEN QUESADILLA FOLD OVERS aka STACKED TACOS

I’d been making something similar to Ree Drummond’s version of these for several years now that we called stacked tacos. When I saw her recipe in a magazine it reminded me how much we enjoyed these. For some reason they are a cold weather meal for us that we made regularly when we were back east 😀

RANCH CHICKEN QUESADILLA FOLD OVERS aka STACKED TACOS
6 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
1-2 cups rotisserie chicken pieces
2 cups of shredded Mexican blend cheese
1 bunch green onions, thinly sliced
1 batch Jalapeno ranch dressing
4 (8-10) inch flour tortillas
2 tablespoons butter
Salsa, for dipping
Sour cream, for dipping

  • On each tortilla make a slit from the center to the edge.
  • Spread a dollop of the dressing over the entire tortilla.
  • Toss chicken pieces and green onions with the remaining dressing.
  • Arrange a layer of chicken pieces over one quarter of the tortilla.
  • Fold tortilla over chicken.
  • Add a layer of cheese to the quarter of tortilla that overlaps the chicken.
  • Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the cheese.
  • Spread a thin layer of salsa on the next layer.
  • Fold last quarter of tortilla over the cheese and bacon layer. You should now have a stacked triangle looking quesadilla.
  • Press down gently to secure the pieces.
  • Heat butter in large skillet or griddle over medium high heat.
  • Grill each quesadilla, carefully flipping to toast and crisp until both sides are golden, the cheese is melted and the chicken is heated through.
  • Serve with salsa and sour cream.

JALAPENO RANCH DRESSING
2 cups buttermilk
2 cups mayonnaise
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon crushed parsley flakes
2 tablespoons Penzey’s California crushed jalapenos
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon celery salt
1/4 teaspoon white pepper

  • Whisk all together and chill overnight before serving if you have time. The flavors meld together better with time.

MEXICAN STREET CORN LOADED TOTS ~ FAITH & FOOD FRIDAY #13

I’m still featuring my Mary & Martha GRACE meal prayer box on Faith and Food Friday, hosted by Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom.

THIS WEEK’S PRAYER: Dear God, Thank you for dinner time when we pause and reflect on our day. Teach usto love You more, follow You more closely, and be a reflection of You to others. Thank you for our food and all the ways You bless us. Amen.

MEXICAN STREET CORN LOADED TOTS

PICKLED RED ONIONS
1 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 large red onion, sliced thinly

  • Heat the vinegar, sugar, salt and 1 cup water in a small saucepan, stirring until the sugar and salt dissolve.
  • Pour over the onions in a small jar.
  • Let cool completely, then refrigerate.

CHILI LIME CREAM
2/3 cup sour cream
1/3 cup mayonnaise 
1 teaspoon chili powder, plus more for garnish 
FRESH ground sea salt, to taste
Zest of 1 lime 

  • Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, chili powder, salt and lime zest. Set aside.

LOADED TOTS
One 1 3/4-pound bag frozen tater tots
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
1 pound ground chuck
1 1/2 cups frozen corn kernels or FRESH 2 ears corn, kernels removed
1 can rotel tomatoes, drained
8 ounces shredded mozzarella
6 ounces crumbled queso fresco
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped 
1/2 bunch green onions, sliced 
Pickled Red Onions
Lime wedges, for garnish 

  • Preheat the oven to 450°.
  • Place the tots on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper, then sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper.
  • Bake until golden and crispy, 25 to 30 minutes.
  • Meanwhile brown ground beef until crumbly and just about cooked through. Drain of excess grease.
  • Add most of the green onions, reserving a few for garnish, and saute’ a minute more.
  • Add rotel tomatoes and corn, stirring to combine well.
  • Remove the tots from the oven and sprinkle evenly with browned beef mixture, all of the mozzarella and half of the queso fresco to cover.
  • Bake until melty, 3 to 5 minutes.

ASSEMBLY

  • Sprinkle with remaining queso fresco and add big dollops of the lime cream.
  • Garnish with the chopped cilantro, green onions, Pickled Red Onions, a dash of chili powder and salt.
  • Squeeze fresh lime juice on top and enjoy!

CRISPY HOT HONEY WINGS

CRISPY HOT HONEY WINGS
WINGS
2 1/2 pounds chicken wings
2 teaspoons kosher salt 
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper 
1 teaspoon smoked paprika 

  • Preheat the oven to 400°.
  • Line a sheet pan with foil, then place a metal rack on the pan.
  • Mix together the salt, pepper and paprika to make a dry rub.
  • Pat the wings dry, then generously sprinkle with the rub on all sides.
  • Place them on the rack, making sure they are not touching.
  • Bake for 25 minutes, then pull them out.
  • Use tongs to turn them over, then put them back in the oven and bake another 20 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

SAUCE
1 cup QUALITY honey
1 tablespoon Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce 
1 tablespoon Frank’s original hot sauce 
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 
1 jalapeno, thinly sliced
1 serrano chile, thinly sliced

  • Add the honey, barbecue sauce, hot sauce, vinegar, jalapenos and serranos to a small pot over low heat, stirring to combine well.
  • Bring to a simmer and continue cooking 20 minutes or so until reduced and slightly thickened. Stir regularly.
  • Remove the wings from the oven and turn the oven to broil.
  • One by one, dunk the wings in the sauce.
  • Place them back on the rack and broil for 2-3 minutes to caramelize. Watch so they don’t burn.

GARNISH (if desired)
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or green onions
Bleu Cheese dressing, for serving 

  • Place the wings on a platter and sprinkle over the chopped parsley.
  • Serve with a bowl of dressing for dipping.

 

CHICKEN, CORN & BLACK BEAN SALAD with BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE

CHICKEN, CORN & BLACK BEAN SALAD with BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE

CHICKEN, CORN & BLACK BEAN SALAD
2 cups grape tomatoes, halved
1/3 cup FINELY sliced red onion or shallot
1/4 cup FRESH chopped cilantro
1 can seasoned black beans, drained and rinsed WELL
1 LARGE can fire roasted corn, drained WELL
1/2 cup sour cream
Juice of 1 LARGE lemon
2 1/2 cups chopped OR shredded rotisserie OR grilled chicken
1 cup shredded spicy Mexican blend cheese
4-6 cups salad greens of choice
FRESH chopped cilantro for garnish (optional)
Lime wedges for garnish (optional)
1 batch balsamic vinaigrette (see below)

  • Whisk together sour cream and lemon juice. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl toss together the beans, corn, red onion, cilantro, tomatoes and vinaigrette.
  • Toss together the chicken and sour cream mixture until well coated.
  • Fold in cheese.
  • Transfer bean mixture to platter.
  • Top with chicken mixture.
  • Sprinkle with FRESH ground pepper, cilantro and FRESH lime wedges if desired.

BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE
GENEROUS 1/2 cup QUALITY balsamic vinegar
3/4 cup avocado oil
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
1 tablespoon QUALITY honey
1 tablespoon QUALITY Dijon mustard
1-2 cloves garlic, minced

  • Add all ingredients to a lidded mason jar and shake WELL.
  • Refrigerate until needed and shake WELL again before using.

F3 FAITH & FOOD FRIDAY #3 ~ TEX MEX a.k.a. MEXICAN MANICOTTI ~ BEEF or CHICKEN

I’m still featuring my Mary & Martha GRACE meal prayer box on Faith and Food Friday, hosted by Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom.

THIS WEEK’S PRAYER:

Some days are busy- we have lots of things to do, and we might not always take a break just to stop and talk to God. But most of us still find the time to eat even when we’re very busy. Taking time to pray before our meals gives us a great opportunity to connect with God. Next time you have a really busy day, enjoy a few minutes in prayer with God before your meal.

CHICKEN MEXICAN MANICOTTI
1 box Uncooked manicotti shells
2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
1 1/2 cups salsa, divided
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/4 cup FRESH chopped parsley
1 bunch green onions, sliced thin
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2-1 teaspoon Frank’s hot sauce, as desired
1/2 cup shredded Mexican cheese

  • Preheat oven to 400°.
  • Cook manicotti per package directions, al dente.
  • In a medium bowl combine the chicken pieces, 3/4 cup salsa, parsley, most of the green onions, garlic, hot sauce and ricotta cheese.
  • Spread half of the remaining salsa on the bottom of baking dish.
  • Gently fill manicotti shells with chicken mixture and layer on top of salsa in baking dish in a single layer.
  • Spread the remaining salsa on top of manicotti.
  • Cover and bake 40 minutes.
  • Uncover and sprinkle shredded Mexican cheese over top.
  • Bake 10 minutes more.
  • Garnish with remaining green onion and olives.
  • Serve with sour cream.

BEEF MEXICAN MANICOTTI
1 box Uncooked manicotti shells
2 cups browned ground beef
1 1/2 cups salsa, divided
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/4 cup FRESH chopped parsley
1 bunch green onions, sliced thin
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2-1 teaspoon Frank’s hot sauce, as desired
1/2 cup shredded Mexican cheese

  • Preheat oven to 400°.
  • Cook manicotti per package directions, al dente.
  • In a medium bowl combine the chicken pieces, 3/4 cup salsa, parsley, most of the green onions, garlic, hot sauce and ricotta cheese.
  • Spread half of the remaining salsa on the bottom of baking dish.
  • Gently fill manicotti shells with chicken mixture and layer on top of salsa in baking dish in a single layer.
  • Spread the remaining salsa on top of manicotti.
  • Cover and bake 40 minutes.
  • Uncover and sprinkle Mexican cheese over top.
  • Bake 10 minutes more.
  • Garnish with remaining green onion and olives if desired.
  • Serve with sour cream.