Recipe Of The Week - Mexican Halloween

Lately I have been trying real hard to find and try new recipes that me and my family love. I'm a big fan of the kraft foods magazine "Food & Family" and I often find new things to make that aren't intimidating and are something that I can kind of play with and make my own. Recently I came across a recipe called the "layered mexican bake" that is seriously about the best thing ever (although we're calling it Mexican Halloween for reasons I will not disclose here). It's a lot like a mexican lasagna. The texture and flavor is something that I end up craving and I'm always wishing there were leftovers the next day - cause there never are. The entire family absolutely loves it, which is always key. I know how difficult it is to keep it fresh and healthy and please everyone too....which is why I've decided to share.

Remember that most of the recipes I make/post should totally be played with. Add stuff, take stuff out that you don't like. When you make , make it yours.

Mexican Halloween

• 1 lb. Hamburger (steroid/hormone free)
• 1 Chopped Onion
• 1 Chopped Pepper (you can do any combination of peppers or one whole pepper - green or red. Your preferrence. I used quarters of red, yellow and orange peppers this time)
• 2 Cloves Garlic
• 2 Tsp. Chili Powder
• 1 1/4 cup Salsa (Organic Medium)
• 1 pkg. (10 oz.) Frozen Organic Corn
• 1 Can Black Beans
• 1 Can Spanish Rice
• 4 Tortillas (Fajita size)
• Organic Sour Cream
• Shredded Mexican Cheese
• Cilantro (Fresh or Dried)

Heat Oven to 350 Degrees

Brown your hamburger with the onions, peppers and garlic. Stir in Chili Powder and cook for another minute. Add Salsa, Frozen Corn and Black Beans and mix well. Cook for 5 minutes.

Spoon a layer of the mixture into a 9x13 baking dish and top with layers of tortillas. Spoon another layer of mixture over the tortillas, add a thin layer of the Spanish Rice, Sour Cream and Cheese and top with remaining two tortillas. Put the rest of the mixture on top of the tortillas and cover completely with cheese. Cover with foil and place in oven until heated through (about 20 minutes).

So to break it down, here are your layers -

mixture

tortillas

mixture

rice

sour cream

cheese

tortillas

mixture

cheese

yummmmmm......

Makes about 8 servings