Taco Dip

We are having a family game night tonight.  We all put the phones away (even the teen and the college girl!) and play board games, listen to music and eat fun foods.  Tonight we each are making our own pizza.  It's always hilarious to see what my Old School Italian Hubby comes up with and we all know my Pickiest Eater Ever Son will make pepperoni, never anything else, ever.  My Adventurous Daughter and I will add lot's of stuff and gross the guys out.  It's a good time.  I wanted to make a fun snack to go along with game night so I made a Taco Dip.  It's quick, easy and good.  I made it early in the day so it can chill in the fridge and all the flavors can mingle and meld together.  This is a wonderful dip to take to a potluck or office party because you can even make it the day before you need it and keep it in the fridge.  It just gets better.

TACO DIP

1 (16 oz) can refried beans
1 pkg taco seasoning mix
1 cup salsa
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar (or Mexican blend) cheese
1 roma tomato, diced
2 green onions, sliced

In a large bowl combine the refried beans and taco seasoning.

Mix until thoroughly combined.

Carefully spread the bean mixture into the bottom of a pie plate or clear bowl.  You just don't want it to get all over the sides because you are layering the ingredients.

Spread the salsa on top.  Try to completely cover the bean mixture.

Dollop the sour cream all over the top (this just makes it easier to spread).  Spread it evenly over the salsa.  Don't worry if the salsa bleeds through.

Sprinkle the cheese evenly over the top.

Sprinkle the diced tomatoes over the cheese.

Lastly, add the green onions.  I find the easiest way to cut them is to use a clean pair of scissors and just snip off what you need.

That's it!  I told you it was easy.  Now chill it in the fridge for at least an hour.  Like I said earlier, you can even make this the day before you serve it.

I serve it with tortilla chips or Fritos Scoops.

You can modify it easily.  Don't like tomatoes?  Leave them out.  Love black olives?  Add them.  Layer in some guacamole on top of the beans or add diced bell pepper.  Use whatever you like.  It'll be great.  I hope you make this for your next potluck or family game night or Taco Tuesday.  Let me know how you customize it.  Enjoy!

Taco Tuesday (on Monday)

Everyone loves Taco Tuesday!  And, yes, I know it's Monday.   Monday means Red Beans and Rice around these parts.  But, we're having tacos tonight and red beans tomorrow.  Confused yet?  OK, here's what happened:  I forgot to soak the red beans overnight.  I always soak the beans on Sunday night so I can put them in the crock pot on Monday morning.  But, of course, I forgot.  So, we are flip flopping Red Beans and Rice Monday with Taco Tuesday.  There you go.

I usually give you set recipes in this blog but today I just wanted to give you a few ideas for Taco Night.

The first idea is how to make crispy tortilla bowls.  I just bought these cute pans:

You don't need any special pan to make these.  Just ball up a large piece of aluminum foil, lay a tortilla over it, spray with cooking spray and sprinkle with salt.  Bake at 400 degrees until lightly browned and crisp, about 8 - 10 minutes.  Let cool a bit before removing from the ball of foil.  Serve your salsa in these or use them as a bowl for a taco salad.

 The next idea is a quick side dish to go with your tacos, Salsa Rice.  Just warm up some leftover cooked rice, add a little salsa and season to taste with salt and pepper.  Easy and a great way to use leftover rice.


Another tip is to use an upside down muffin tin to hold your taco shells while you fill them.  Great tip for little ones! (Or older ones who are a little clumsy, like me)


                                  

You can use another muffin tin (right side up) to hold all the fixings.

Finally, here is a recipe for Make Your Own Taco Seasoning.  This recipe replaces that packet you buy at the store.  If you have these seasonings in your kitchen, there is no excuse not to have a Taco Tuesday (any night of the week).

MAKE YOUR OWN TACO SEASONING

1 TBS chili powder
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
1/4 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp paprika
1 1/2 tsp cumin
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper

Blend everything together.  Sprinkle over 1 lb cooked and drained ground beef or ground turkey (vegetarian version: use a large can of black beans, rinsed and drained).  Add 3/4 cup water.  Stir well.  Bring to a boil, lower heat and simmer for a few minutes until thickened.

Here's a taco bowl with all the fixings:

Fun, right?

So, there are a few tips to make Taco Tuesday (even if it's Monday) a success.  Enjoy!