Mexican Egg Rolls

Jennifer S.

photo credit simplecomfortfood.com

2 cups grilled boneless skinless chicken breasts (I marinade mine in 1 T oil, 2 cloves garlic, 1 t cumin, and the juice of one lime)
2 cups Monterrey jack cheese or 2 cups Mexican blend cheese, shredded
1 (15 ounce) can drained black beans
2 cups frozen sweet corn (unthawed and drained of liquid)
1/2 chopped sweet red pepper
4 -5 diced green onions
2 minced fresh garlic cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin (can put 1/2 t more if desired)
1 (16 ounce) package egg roll wraps
oil (for frying)

Chop the chicken into small dices.
Mix all ingredients, except egg roll wrappers and oil, together.
Moisten the edges of an egg roll wrap and put approx 2 tablespoons of filling in the middle.
Fold like you would an egg roll (directions and picture are usually on the egg roll wrapper container).
Make sure the flap is sealed to keep the filling inside.
Heat oil to 350°F and cook just until golden browned (approximately 3-5 minutes). Cut diagonally and serve with guacamole, salsa and sour cream.

Southwestern Chicken Layered Salad

Jennifer S.

This salad is really close to the one they serve at Paradise Bakery.

6 cups torn romaine lettuce
2 cups shredded deli rotisserie chicken (from 2- to 2 1/2-lb chicken)
1 can (11 oz) Southwestern style corn, drained, liquid reserved
2 tablespoons taco seasoning mix (from 1-oz package)
1/2 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend (2 oz)
1/2 cup ranch
1/4 salsa or BBQ sauce
1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup corn chips (1 1/2 oz)
1/2 cup tomato, seeded and diced


Arrange lettuce on large platter. In 10-inch nonstick skillet, place chicken and reserved liquid from corn. Sprinkle with taco seasoning mix. Cook over medium heat 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until blended and thoroughly heated.
Arrange chicken mixture over lettuce. Sprinkle with cheese, corn and beans.
Combine dressing and salsa (or bbq sauce) together.
Drizzle with dressing; top with corn chips. Garnish with tomatoes.

Fiesta Chicken and Rice Bake

Jennifer S.

Recipe can easily be doubled.

1 (10.75 ounce) can Cream of Chicken Soup or
1 cup Chunky Salsa or Picante Sauce
1/2 cup water
1 cup whole kernel corn
3/4 cup uncooked regular long-grain white rice
4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
paprika
1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
Directions
1.Mix soup, salsa, water, corn and rice in 2-quart shallow baking dish. Top with chicken and sprinkle with paprika. Cover.
2.Bake at 375 degrees F for 45 minutes or until done. Sprinkle with cheese.

Quick Bean Salsa (Cowboy Caviar)

Jennifer S.

Makes 12 servings

1 cup black beans drained and rinsed
1 cup corn, canned, whole kernel drained
1 cup pinto beans drained and rinsed
2 cups salsa prepared
1/2 cup cilantro chopped
1/2 cup red or white onion chopped

Stir and serve!

Totally Veggie Soup

Jennifer S.

This recipe makes a nice, light dinner for a night you might not be up to cooking or eating a hearty meal. It's also versatile in that just about any vegetable can be put into the pot. Use either leftover, frozen or fresh veggies. It freezes nicely, so take out large and small freezer-safe containers and pack up the soup for lunch- and dinner-size portions. Freeze and serve whenever you want a deliciously light meal.
And if you happen to have leftover "meat" in the fridge or freezer (chicken, roast, ground beef) you can add it during the last hour of cooking to heat through, if you don't want a "veggie" meal.

* 3 (14-oz.) cans chicken or vegetable broth
* 1 (29-oz.) can tomato purée
* 1 cup water
* 2 stalks celery, chopped
* 1 (1-lb.) bag frozen mixed vegetables
* 1 cup frozen corn
* 1 cup frozen green beans
* 1 onion, chopped
* 1 (15.8-oz.) can Great Northern beans, drained
* 2 TBS Worcestershire sauce
* 1/2 tsp. coarse-ground black pepper
* 1 tsp. minced garlic

1. Put all ingredients into slow cooker and cook on Low for 6 to 8 hours.

The Whole Enchilada Chicken Soup

Jennifer S.

* 3 cups chicken broth
* 1 1/4 cups finely chopped celery
* 1/2 cup diced sweet yellow onion
* 3 cups green enchilada sauce
* One 15-oz. can pure pumpkin
* 10 oz. canned cooked and shredded chicken breast, drained
* 1 cup frozen white (or yellow) corn
* Optional: dash hot sauce, or more to taste
* Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, crushed tortilla chips

Add all except for hot sauce, cheese and tortilla chips to crock pot.
Simmer on low for 3-5 hrs or high for 1-2 hr.
Before serving stir in a dash or two of hot sauce or NOT it's your soup!
Top with cheese and tortilla chips.

Chicken Corn Chili

Jennifer S.

2 TBS olive oil
1 1/4 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite size pieces
1 large onion, chopped
1 green pepper, cored and diced
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp ground coriander
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 can (14.5-oz) chicken broth
1 can (14.5-oz) diced tomatoes, drained
1 can corn, drained OR 1 10-oz box frozen corn, no need to thaw
2 cans (15-oz each) beans, drained and rinsed. This is where you can choose to mix or match your favorite beans (dark kidney, light kidney, white kidney, pinto, white, black, Navy, garbanzo)
grated cheddar cheese

In a skillet heat oil, brown chicken, onion and pepper together until chicken is no longer pink. Add to crock pot.
Add all ingredients except for cheese to crock pot, stir.
Set on low for 5 hrs or high for 2 hrs.
Serve topped with grated cheese.

BEEF STEW

Shelli C.

Season to taste, salt, pepper, garlic.
1 can of Basil Spaghetti Sauce
1 can tomato sauce
1 can diced Italian (Flavor) Stewed Tomatoes, pour in entire can, not drained
1 can kidney beans, pour in entire can, not drained
1 can Corn, pour in entire can, not drained
1 can Green Beans, pour in entire can, not drained
1 cup noodles, (noodles will cook in stew)
1 lb ground beef, cook ground beef and drain, season to taste w/ Italian herb, salt and pepper

Put all contents in Cock pot for a few hours, on high.

Crock Pot Hearty Ground Beef Chili

Jennifer S.

1-1/2 lb. lean ground beef
1 can (16 oz.)tomato sauce
1 can (15 oz.) dark red kidney beans, rinsed
1 can (15 oz.) light red kidney beans, rinsed
1 can (15 oz.) black beans, rinsed
1-1/2 cups Thick 'N Chunky Mild Salsa
1 can (15 oz.) corn, drained
1 onion, chopped
2 Tbsp. chili powder
1 cup Mexican Style Finely Shredded Four Cheese

Brown meat; drain. Add to slow cooker with remaining ingredients except cheese; stir. Cover with lid.
Cook on LOW 5 to 6 hours (or on HIGH 3 to 4 hours).
Stir just before serving.
Serve topped with the cheese.

Slow-Cooker Chunky Chicken Chili

Jennifer S.

1 can (15 oz.) dark red kidney beans, rinsed
1 can (15 oz.) light red kidney beans, rinsed
1-1/2 cups Thick 'N Chunky Mild Salsa
1 can (16 oz.)tomato sauce
2 Tbsp. chili powder
1-1/2 lb. boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
1 onion, chopped
1 can (15-oz)corn, drained OR 1 cup frozen corn
1 cup Mexican Style Finely Shredded Four Cheese

Combine beans, salsa, tomato sauce and chili powder in slow cooker. Top with chicken, onions and corn. (Do not stir.) Cover with lid.
Cook on LOW 6 to 8 hours (or on HIGH 4 to 5 hours).
Stir before serving.
Ladle into bowls.
Top with cheese.

Velveeta & Ham Chowder

Jennifer S.

1 large onion, chopped. Cooked in 1 TBS oil, and drained
3 cups milk
3/4 lb. (12 oz.) Velveeta Pasteurized Prepared Cheese Product, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
3 cups frozen broccoli
1/2 lb ham, chopped
1 15-oz can corn, drained or 1 1/4 cup frozen corn
salt and pepper

Add cooked onions, milk and Velveeta to crock pot (set on high). Stir occasionally, until cheese is melted. Takes about 30 minutes. Turn to low before adding the rest of the ingredients.
Add broccoli, ham, and corn.
Simmer on low for 2-5 hours. Stir from time to time to make sure you don't burn milk and cheese.
Add salt and pepper if needed before serving.

Hearty Mexican Chicken Soup

Jennifer S.

1 large yellow onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
4 cups fat-free reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 can (15.5 oz.) cannellini beans, rinsed
1 cup Thick 'N Chunky Salsa
2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
1 cup frozen corn, thawed
2 green onions, chopped
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 cup Mexican Style Finely Shredded Four Cheese

Place onions, garlic, cumin, broth, beans, salsa, chicken and corn in crock pot. Low for 5 hours and high for 2-3 hours.
Serve topped with green onions, cilantro and cheese.

Spicy Southwest Bean & Corn Salad

Jennifer S.

1/2 cup Light Ranch Dressing
1/4 tsp. hot pepper sauce
1 pkg. (10 oz.) torn mixed salad greens
1 can (15 oz.) black beans, rinsed
1 pkg. (10 oz.) frozen corn, thawed, drained
1/2 cup red pepper strips
1/4 cup finely chopped red onions
1/2 cup tomato, seeded and diced
1/2 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese

MIX dressing and hot pepper sauce.
TOSS greens with beans and vegetables in large bowl.
ADD dressing mixture; toss to coat. Top with cheese.
For a complete meal you can also add baked chicken breast cut into strips.

A quick way to enjoy your favorite salad on-the-go is to wrap it in a flour tortilla. Simply spoon salad onto tortilla and roll up! Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve. This is also a great way to use leftover salad.

Easy Baked Taco Pie

Jennifer S.

1 lb. extra-lean ground beef
1 onion, chopped
1 Tbsp. chili powder
1 can (14-1/2 oz.) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 pkg. (10 oz.) frozen corn, thawed, drained OR 1 can whole kernel corn drained
6 whole wheat tortillas (6 inch)
1 cup Mexican Style Finely Shredded Four Cheese, divided
1/4 cup Reduced Fat or Light Sour Cream

HEAT oven to 375ºF.

BROWN meat with onions and chili powder in large skillet on medium-high heat. Add tomatoes and corn; cook 5 min. or until heated through, stirring occasionally.

SPOON 1 cup meat mixture into 2-qt. round casserole; cover with 3 tortillas, overlapping if necessary to fit in dish. Top with 2 cups of the remaining meat mixture and 1/2 cup cheese. Cover with remaining tortillas and remaining meat mixture; cover.

BAKE 25 to 30 min. or until heated through. Top with remaining cheese; bake, uncovered, 5 min. or until melted. Cut into wedges. Serve topped with sour cream.

Garnish each serving with 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro or thinly sliced green onions.

Two-Bean Vegetarian Chili

Jennifer S.

2 cups long-grain brown rice, uncooked
2 Tbsp. Light Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing
2 carrots, cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices
1 onion, chopped
1 red pepper, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cans (14.5 oz. each) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (15.5 oz.) red kidney beans, rinsed
1 can (15.5 oz.) cannellini beans, rinsed
1/2 cup Barbecue Sauce
1/4 cup chili powder
1 cup frozen corn
1-1/2 cups Mexican Style Finely Shredded Four Cheese

COOK rice as directed on package. Meanwhile, heat dressing in large saucepan on medium-high heat. Add vegetables and garlic; cook and stir 6 to 8 min. or until vegetables are crisp-tender.

ADD next 5 ingredients; stir. Bring to boil; simmer on medium-low heat 30 min., stirring frequently. Stir in corn; cook 5 min.

SERVE over rice; top with cheese.

Crock Pot Mexican Chicken

Amber E.

4 chicken breasts
1 jar favorite salsa
1 can drained corn
1 can drained black beans


Put it all in a crock pot and let cook on low 6-8 hours or high 4 hours. When
the chicken is falling apart mix it up a bit and its ready. Put it over lettuce
to make a yummy salad. Or make it into tacos or burritos.

Happy eating!

Southwestern Pasta

Jessica S.

16 oz. Penne
1 can(14.5 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
2 TBS vegetable oil
1 med onion chopped
1/2 cup chunk-style salsa
1 tsp chili powder
1 can (4 oz) green chilies,
1 tsp cumin drained
1 tsp coriander
1 tomato chopped
1 lb. ground beef
1 can (11 oz) whole kernel corn, rinsed and drained
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro

Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile heat oil in large pot/dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, chili powder, cumin, and coriander and saute for 3 minutes, until soft. Add meat and brown- about 8 minutes. Drain pasta and stir into pot along with corn, beans, salsa, chilies, cheese, and tomato. Serve with cilantro and sour cream. serves 4-6

Southwest Cheese 'n Pasta

Jennifer S.

1 1/2 cups milk
1 cup green salsa (salsa verde)
1 can (15 ounces) cream-style corn
1 can (11 ounces) Mexican style whole kernel corn with red and green peppers, drained
8 ounces uncooked cavatappi pasta or elbow macaroni
8 ounces process cheese product loaf (Velveeta), cubed

1. Mix all ingredients except cheese in 12-inch nonstick skillet. Heat to boiling, stirring occasionally; reduce heat to low. Cover and cook 10 to 14 minutes, stirring frequently, until pasta is tender.
2. Add cheese; stir until melted.

Mexican Pasta Skillet

Jennifer S.

1 lb extra-lean ground beef
1/2 cup onion, minced
16 oz mild salsa
1 cup tomato sauce (from 15-oz can)
1 1/2 cups water
2 cups uncooked regular or multigrain elbow macaroni
1 can corn, drained
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese (2 oz)

In 12-inch skillet, cook beef and onion over medium-high heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly cooked; drain.
Stir in salsa, tomato sauce and water. Heat to boiling. Stir in macaroni, corn and beans. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until macaroni is tender.
Sprinkle with cheese. Cover; let stand 1 to 2 minutes or until cheese is melted.