SWEET PORK BURRITOS & CILANTRO RANCH DRESSING

For my Mom & Dad's 50th Jill's family made these for dinner after the reunion.  We also had homemade ice cream.  It was so yummy!

Put following in a burrito - can do beans as well and of course cheese.

Sweet pork burritos:
3 lbs. pork loin
cup of salsa
cup of brown sugar

Cook on low all night in crock pot. Shred an hour before eating and add a little more brown sugar (against Jimmie's wishes :) and sprinkle with garlic salt.


Cilantro ranch dressing for burritos:

UPDATE: My family didn't like this as much as I thought they would - 1/2 recipe

3/4 cup mayo
3/4 cup sour cream
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 package of ranch dressing
bunch of cilantro (don't add too much and chop up little)
lime

BREAKFAST BOWLS

BREAKFAST BOWLS
http://www.thirtyhandmadedays.com/2016/02/hearty-make-ahead-breakfast-bowls/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+30handmadedays+%2830days%29

My family loved these!  I added a meat to it as well.  I had Yukon Gold potatoes on hand.  Forgot to add the salsa.  Would be good. I added spinach to the eggs. Would be good with peppers added.  We liked the potatoes so much when we had waffles a couple of days later I made the potatoes to go with them.

Hearty Make Ahead Breakfast Bowls

 

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Ingredients

• 3 lbs. red potatoes, cubed
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• pepper to taste
• 9 large eggs
• Olive oil spray
• 1½ cups salsa
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
2. Cut red potatoes into 1 inch cubes.
3. Put in a bowl, add 1 Tbsp olive oil and mix to cover well.
4. Bake for 45 mins or until golden brown, stirring once.
5. Make scrambled eggs - whisk 9 eggs and add to pan with olive oil spray.
6. Sprinkle with pepper to taste.
7. Add potatoes, eggs, salsa if desired and cheese over 6 bowls.
8. Store in fridge for up to a week.
9. Reheat at 30-45 seconds in the microwave.

CHICKEN QUESADILLA

CHICKEN QUESADILLA
These are very good!

16 flour tortillas
1 (16 oz) refried beans
1 pkg taco seasoning mix
1/2 pound chicken, shredded (I did cubed)
2 cups cheddar cheese (any kind would work)
1 cup salsa

Combine beans and taco seasoning in large frying pan.  Boil chicken in pot until it is no longer white, then shred it. on 1/2 tortilla layer beans, chicken and cheese. Fold in half and fry on medium heat in frying pan until cheese is melted.  Serve with salsa.

GOOD 'N' HOT DIP

GOOD 'N' HOT DIP

Had New Year's Eve 2006.  We all really liked it.  Found in crock pot book pg. 10.

1# ground beef
1 # bulk sausage
1 can cream of chicken soup
24 oz jar salsa
1 # Velveeta cheese, cubed
Chips

Brown beef and sausage.  Combine meat, soup, salsa and cheese in slow cooker.

Cover and cook on high 1 hour.  Stir.  Cook on low until ready to serve.

Serve with chips.

SLOW COOKER TENDER BEEF FOR ENCHILADAS, NACHOS OR QUESADILLAS

Slow Cooker Tender Beef {For Enchiladas}

This is super, super yummy!  I made the meat days before the actual meal which was nice.  After being cooked I kept the meat and sauce in separate containers.  Then I heated the liquid up again and added the cornstarch.

http://www.melskitchencafe.com/slow-cooker-mexican-shredded-beef-for-enchiladas/

YIELD: MAKES ABOUT 16 ENCHILADAS (SEE NOTE ABOUT FREEZING}

It kind of depends on how full you stuff each enchilada (and the size of tortillas you use) to determine how many total you'll get from this recipe. I've detailed the recipe for a 9X13-inch pan of enchiladas (about 10). If you used a slightly larger roast or used less meat mixture for each enchilada and have more enchiladas, simply fill up another pan and freeze before baking. To bake from frozen, bake the dish at 350 degrees covered for about an hour and a half, uncover and bake until heated through and bubbly, another 20-30 minutes.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 (2-3 pound) chuck or sirloin beef roast
• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup (8 ounces) salsa
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch or flour
• 10 6- or 7-inch flour or corn tortillas
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• Fresh cilantro (optional)

DIRECTIONS

1. In a 4- or 5-quart slow cooker, add the beef roast. Whisk together the broth, vinegar, salsa, cumin, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Pour over the roast, cover the slow cooker, and cook on low for 8-10 hours until the beef is tender and shreds easily.
2. Remove the roast from the slow cooker and place in a large bowl or shallow pan (like a 9X13).
3. Pour the mixture from the slow cooker into a saucepan and bring to a simmer. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch (or flour) with about 2-3 tablespoons water (a bit more water if using flour). Whisk the slurry into the simmering liquid and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture is thickened slightly, 4-5 minutes. Add additional salt and pepper to taste, if needed.
4. Pour about 1/2 cup sauce in with the beef and toss. Spread another 1/2 cup sauce on the bottom of a 9X13-inch pan. Toss the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses together.
5. Fill each tortilla with some of the beef mixture and a sprinkle of cheese. Roll up and place in the pan. I usually try and fit ten enchiladas in a 9X13-inch pan (if the pan is lengthwise, two rows of five).
6. Pour the remaining sauce over the enchiladas (you may not need to use all the sauce if you feel like it will drown the enchiladas or you may need to reserve some for an additional pan if you made more enchiladas due to a larger roast, etc.).
7. Top with any remaining cheese and bake at 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes until bubbly and hot. Let the enchiladas rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
8. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro, if desired, and serve.

QUICK BASIC SALSA

QUICK BASIC SALSA

Lisa made this for a party we had.  It was yummy and disappeared quickly.

This is a great salsa for any occasion. Use in burritos, tacos or with your favorite tortilla chips. It's really easy and tastes great!

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups seeded, chopped tomatoes (6-7 medium tomatoes)
• the leaves from one bunch of fresh cilantro, chopped*
• 6 cloves fresh chopped garlic
• 1/2 an onion chopped
• 1 jalapeno, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• about 1 tablespoon lime juice

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

Mix all ingredients until well incorporated. Refrigerate overnight for maximum flavor.

*If you grab a handful of leaves from the top of the bunch and pull them out firmly, you will get mostly leaves. If a few stems are in there, it's okay.

None

Just ok. -Romas or sweet but firm hot house tomatoes. -Cut the cilantro and garlic in half. -Nix the ubiquitous jalapeno for a serrano or two. Refined heat. -Double the lime juice. -Add a tablespoon of wine or rice vinegar. Adds a tang and extents shelf life. -1/4 tsp white pepper, adds different kind of heat. What's unique about this salsa you get all five flavors. Sweet. Sour. Hot. Bitter. Umami.

SALSA

• QUICK AND EASY BLENDER SALSA
• Scott really liked this.  I would have liked it better with mild.  So easy to make.  Fresh tomatoes work too.
• 
  
• 1- 14 oz can diced tomatoes (had a can with oregano and other spices)
• 1- 10 oz can orginal Rotel (prefer Mild)
• 1/2 small onion, roughly chopped
• 1 clove garlic, peeled and smashed
• 1/2-1 jalapeno, seeded or not (depends on how spicy you like it)
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• small to medium size handful of cilantro, washed (didn't add)
• juice of 1 lime

Put all the ingredients in the base of a food processor or good blender and pulse to combine for 30 seconds or so until all the ingredients are finely chopped and salsa is desired consistency. Taste for seasoning and adjust to taste. Serve with chips or over tacos.

FRESH TOMATO SALSA

This is the salsa recipe Lisa likes to use.  She got it from allrecipes.

3 tomatoes, chopped
1/2 cup finely diced onion
5 serrano chiles, finely chopped
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 tsp salt
2 tsp lime juice

In a bowl mix all together and chill 1 hour before serving.

DIY HARD TACOS

DIY HARD TACOS
http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2012/11/how-to-make-hard-taco-shells-in-your-ovenplus-a-recipe-for-baked-tacos.html

I was kinda surprised this really worked. I had my doubts.  Everyone really liked them. I didn't love the meat mixture, but thought it was okay.  Scott and the kids really liked it.  I would definitely make these again. So much healthier and cheaper than buying boxed taco shells.

UPDATE: SEE BELOW FOR RECIPE TO USE LEFTOVERS

HOW TO MAKE HARD TACO SHELLS IN YOUR OVEN, PLUS . . . A RECIPE FOR BAKED TACOS!

This recipe has got to be one of the bigger successes I have had in the kitchen in a long time! Everyone in the family LOVED these!  Not a speck was leftover, which is always a sign that it really and truly was a HIT.

This dish has so many things going for it, that there wasn’t much chance it would be a FAIL, but one never knows with me. :-)

First of all….it’s TACOS!  I honestly don’t think I’ve ever met anyone that doesn’t like tacos in one form or another.

It’s quick and easy to make.

It’s got a “Make Your Own”aspect to it…which always makes me happy.

AND…it’s gluten-free!

Oh yeah…and it’s delicious.

Let’s start with the DIY portion of this dish…making the taco shells.

I can count on ONE HAND the number of times I have actually ever purchased hard taco shells from the store. I like the way one guy referred to them in a comment I read. He called themoverpriced preformed tortilla shapes. lol.  That pretty much sums it up right there. They are always a disappointment. Especially since crisp taco shells are my favorite.

So this tip for making crunchy taco shells in your oven was mind-blowing to me. Why oh why haven’t I known about this before now!  All the wasted years that have gone by! ;-)

Let’s not waste another minute!

How to Make Your Own Baked Taco Shells

by Eating Well

Working with 6 tortillas at a time, wrap in a barely damp cloth or paper towel and microwave on High until steamed, about 30 seconds. Lay the tortillas on a clean work surface and coat both sides with cooking spray. Then carefully drape each tortilla over two bars of the oven rack. Bake at 375°F until crispy, 7 to 10 minutes.

What??? That’s IT?? Ridiculously easy. The only thing that makes it even slightly difficult is having to do more than one batch. Of course, in hindsight, I could have definitely done another row of shells on the back of the oven rack. Oh well, next time…because there is definitely going to be a next time…and a next time…and a next time…

Now that we have our shells, we are ready to make Baked Tacos! Why I never thought of this before completely mystifies me. It makes perfect sense. I especially like how the cheese is nice and melty instead of cold like on a traditional taco.

I have posted my version of the recipe from Lynn’s Kitchen Adventures below…but you really just need to make taco meat/filling like you usually do, fill the shells and bake them casserole style! I decided to try a variation on Lynn’s recipe and we all liked it a lot! We might just have a new go-to way to eat tacos around here. (Just between you and me, I didn’t tell No. 3 son – aka The World’s Pickiest Eater – that there was refried beans in the taco meat…and he didn’t even notice. I think he ended up having six! lol. shhhhh)

Baked Tacos

Adapted from Lynn’s Kitchen Adventures

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 can refried beans
• 15 ounce tomato sauce
• 1 pkg taco seasoning or 2 – 3 Tablespoons of homemade taco seasoning)
• 1 – 2 cups shredded cheese (I didn’t measure)
• 18-20 hard taco shells (I think I used 15, but I crammed them pretty full)
• Your favorite taco toppings.

Brown ground beef. Drain off any fat and add refried beans, tomato sauce, and seasoning.
Spoon mixture into taco shells.
Place filled shells into a 9×13 pan, standing up. Sprinkle with cheese.
Bake at 400 for 10-12 minutes or until heated through.

As you can see from the picture…I topped my taco with a Tomatillo Salsa that I purchased at a local restaurant called Loco Lizard Cantina. It is THE BEST green salsa! I really need to figure out how to make a homemade version of it. It was soooooooo good on the baked tacos! (If anyone has a good recipe…please share!)

FRITO DISH

Made this dish with the leftovers.  We all really liked it.  I had the Fritos scoops.  Crushed them with hands so they weren't so big.  Didn't add any extra salt or pepper.  Put one cheese in the mixture and 1 cup on top with Fritos.  Had with fresh cut up tomatoes, lettuce and guacamole. 

Ingredients

1 1/4 pounds ground beef
1 (16 oz.) can refried beans
1 (4 oz.) can mild green chiles, diced
2 cups cooked rice
2 cups cheddar cheese, grated, or Mexican cheese blend
2 cups Fritos (or corn chips of your choice), divided
1 cup salsa
1/4 cup water
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
1 (1.25 oz.) package taco seasoning
kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350º.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown beef until cooked through and no longer pink.
3. Drain fat, reserving 1 tablespoon, and saute onions until softened and translucent. 6-8 minutes.
4. Season with salt and pepper and add taco seasoning. Return beef to pan, then add salsa, chiles and water.
5. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 5 minutes.
6. Remove from heat and stir in rice, cheddar cheese, and refried beans, and transfer mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
7. Top with 1 cup Fritos and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until cheese is melted and dish is warmed through.
8. Remove from oven, top with remaining Fritos and serve hot.

MEXICAN PASTA SKILLET

HEALTHIFIED MEXICAN PASTA SKILLET
Yum! Easy! Quick!

1# cooked ground beef
1 jar (16 oz) salsa
1 cup tomato sauce
1 1/2 cup water
2 cup uncooked macaroni
1 cup frozen corn
1/2 cup cheddar cheese

Cook beef then stir in salsa, tomato sauce and water.  Heat to boiling.  Stir in macaroni and corn.  Reduce heat; cover and simmer 12-15 min, stirring occasionally, until macaroni is tender.  Then sprinkle with cheese. Cover; let stand 1-2 minutes or until cheese is melted.

STRATA - BACON, CHEESE AND TOMATO

HEALTHIFIED BACON, CHEESE AND TOMATO STRATA

Prep Time 15 min

 

Total Time 3 hr 15 min

 

Servings 12

Ingredients

7 

cups lightly packed 1-inch cubes French bread (8 oz)

2 

cups shredded reduced-fat Cheddar cheese (8 oz)

2 

cups chopped plum (Roma) tomatoes (6 medium)

6 

eggs or 1 1/2 cups fat-free egg product

1 1/2 

cups fat-free (skim) milk

1 

teaspoon Dijon mustard (just did normal mustard)

1 

teaspoon dried basil leaves

1/2 

teaspoon salt

6 

slices bacon

Directions

• Step1Spray 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray. Spread bread in baking dish. Sprinkle evenly with 1 1/2 cups of the cheese; mix lightly with bread. Sprinkle with tomatoes.
• Step2In medium bowl, beat eggs, milk, mustard, basil and salt with fork or wire whisk; pour over bread mixture. Cover tightly and refrigerate at least 2 hours but no longer than 24 hours.
• Step3Heat oven to 350°F. Bake uncovered 40 to 45 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Meanwhile, in 10-inch skillet, cook bacon over medium heat 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until crisp; drain on paper towel.
• Step4Crumble bacon. Sprinkle bacon and remaining 1/2 cup cheese over strata. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

TACO BAKE

TACO BAKE

We loved!  Great with spanish rice and green salad.  Used 8" springfoam pan.  Instead of salsa con queso I used: mixed 1# velveeta and 1 can mild rotel and microwaved 5 minute stirring every 1-2 minutes.

UPDATE: We also like with corn, chips and guac.  This is one of Scott's favorite dishes.

http://www.thecountrycook.net/2012/05/taco-bake.html

1 pound ground beef

1 packet taco seasoning

* water as called for on back of seasoning packet

3 large flour tortillas (8-inch size) (can crisp in oil first - we liked)

1/2 cup salsa con queso

1 1/2-2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (any kind of cheese is good or a mixture)

sour cream, optional

olives, optional

fresh tomatoes, optional

Brown and crumble ground beef. Drain excess grease. Add in taco seasoning and water (following directions on back of seasoning packet).

Once the taco meat is ready, turn off heat and add in 1/2 cup salsa con quest. I like a mild salsa con queso. This is a spicy dish so a hot salsa con queso would just be too spicy for us. If you have anyone in your family that is very sensitive to spicy dishes, you could always use a regular, spreadable cheese dip.

Give it a good stir, until thoroughly combined. It don’t look all that pretty, but don’t worry, we’re gonna dress her up a bit.

Preheat oven to 350F degrees. Spray an 8-inch round baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Layer the bottom of the pan with a flour tortilla.

I like to use a springform pan just to make it a bit easier to get out after it is finished baking. But this taco bake is pretty easy to slice up and serve even without the springform pan. Now add about 1/3 of the ground beef taco filling on the the first layer.

Then add 1/3 of the shredded cheese.

Continue until you are done with all the layers: another tortilla, more taco mixture, more cheese.  Bake at 350F degrees for about 15-20 minutes. Until cheese is melted and edges are slightly golden brown.

Allow to cool for a couple of minutes. Add toppings (sour cream, tomatoes, olives).  Then slice and serve.  

BEEF TACO BAKE
http://foodisablessing.blogspot.com/2011/10/beef-taco-bake.html 
Goes good with tortillas or chips.  I agree with what Emily McCleve said about this recipe when she posted it on her blog:
One of my neighbors gave me this recipe a few weeks ago.  It sounded simple and tasty, so I was excited to try this week.  I tweaked it just a bit to my personal preference, and it tasted great.  Each night, it gets better and better somehow.  And the best part is that it's lasted us three dinners so far, and we still have some left--which is surprising.  Usually a dish like this will last two nights max, but this one is really filling, so you don't have to eat much to be satisfied.  I'm definitely keeping this one. 


1 cup rice, uncooked (white or brown works just as well here)
3/4 lb ground beef
1 package taco seasoning (or just under 1/4 cup taco seasoning and about 1/2 cup water)
1 can black beans
1 can corn
1 can tomato soup
1 cup salsatortillas (optional)
sour cream (optional)
cheese (optional) 

1. Cook rice according to package directions and preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Meanwhile, brown ground beef and drain the fat.  Stir in taco seasoning (and however much water the taco seasoning tells you to add). 
3. Combine rice, ground beef, black beans, corn, tomato soup, and salsa in a 9x13 baking dish.  Cover and bake for 25 minutes, or until bubbly.
4. This dish can be served alone or rolled up in a tortilla with a dollop of sour cream.  Enjoy it again and again until it's gone.