Flavor layers
Tomatoes and cilantro top this Enchilada Casserole
Comfort food and diet aren’t two words usually spied together, but the title of a recent Taste of Home publication grabbed my attention, especially when I saw the cover featuring a casserole oozing with beefy layers of black beans, onions, tomatoes, shredded lettuce and shredded cheese.
I love Mexican food, and this dish combines most robust flavors found in enchiladas and burritos. I thought it would be perfect for Cinco de Mayo, and it was absolutely spectacular. The whole casserole lasted just two days. That’s how good it was. I made few alterations to the original recipe, which called for reduced-fat Italian salad dressing, taco seasoning and reduced fat Mexican cheese blend. I omitted the first two ingredients and opted for the full-fat Mexican cheese blend. The ground beef was lean, however, so I didn’t feel totally guilty.
You can spice this dish up or down according to taste. I don’t like the taste of taco seasoning in packets, so I substituted Williams Chili Powder. Topping variations are endless. The original recipe suggested cilantro and tomatoes, but I added sliced black olives to my version.
Enchilada Casserole
1 pound lean ground beef
1 large white onion, chopped
2 cups salsa (I used Taco Bell mild)
1 15-ounce can black beans, drained
4 tablespoons Williams Chili Powder
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
6 flour tortillas
3/4 cup reduced-fat sour cream
1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican cheese
1 cup shredded lettuce
1 tomato, chopped
1/4 cup fresh cilantro
1/4 cup sliced black olives, for garnish
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink. Stir in salsa, beans, chili powder and cumin. Place two or three tortillas (depending on dish size) in a baking dish coated with cooking spray. Layer with half of the meat mixture, sour cream and cheese. Repeat layers.
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and sprinkle top with additional cheese; bake for 5 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes and top with shredded lettuce, tomato, olives and cilantro.
Servings: 8.
– Adapted from Comfort Food Diet Cookbook by Taste of Home
Tortilla layers a beefy mix with fresh herbs
Short URL: https://flavorfixx.com/?p=857
Posted by 
