Thing Thirty-Seven: Layered Mexican Casserole

[badseed1980]

Last night, I wanted to make something super-easy for dinner. I knew I'd be getting a phone call at 6:00, and didn't want that to interrupt any extensive prep or anything. I'd recently seen some kind of chicken enchilada skillet online, which got me thinking about Mexican flavors. I looked around at a few different Mexican-ish recipes, and then decided to do something inspired by them but created by me. Here's what I came up with:

Start the oven preheating to 350. While that's going on, sauté half a pound of lean ground turkey (or ground meat of your choice, or soy crumbles) with some chopped onions and chili powder, and maybe a little extra cumin. When it's all cooked, pour in a quarter cup of enchilada sauce (I used Trader Joe's bottled stuff). Turn off the heat and set it aside.

Next, slice up some pre-cooked polenta. I used Trader Joe's, and used about 10 oz. of the tube. If you have the inclination, you can make it from scratch, but I didn't feel like dirtying another pot last night. Place those slices in the bottom of an 8x8" baking dish, sprayed with a little olive oil or cooking spray. Put your saucy meat on top of that.

On top of the meat, spread a can of refried beans. I used the fat free ones from Trader Joe's. Noticing a pattern here? Yes, there's a TJ's near my office. Anyway, smear 'em around good. Top them with half a cup of shredded Mexican cheese blend (mine: reduced fat type from...you guessed it). Sprinkle with sliced black olives if you like them and happen to have them lying around.

Bake at 350 until bubbly and melty and good. I had 1/3 of the recipe (9 PP on Weight Watchers) and my fiancé had another third plus half of the last third. For the love of all that is green and healthy, serve this stuff with a salad or other veggies as we did. :)

EDIT: I have to wonder if anyone who's taking as long between their 100 Things project entries as I am is still actually working at it!

Comments

[aristabulus.livejournal.com]

Did you make them in a row? :D?

[badseed1980.livejournal.com]

The project is basically that you do 100 blog entries on a single general theme. Mine is "100 things I have cooked or would like to cook." This was the 37th entry I made. I don't write up ALL the stuff I cook, but when I try something new, or when I want to explain something that's a staple for me that I do really well, sure. :)

By the way, happy birthday!!!

[aristabulus.livejournal.com]

37th recipe, (posted on) my 37th birthday.

But really, I was going for the Clerks reference. I'm determined to really beat it to death today. ^_____^

Try not to cook anymore recipes on your way out to the parking lot!!! ;)