The peak of summer vacation is here! Patriotic celebrations, fairs, festivals, concerts, and baseball season! This means gatherings and potlucks to celebrate, share food, and enjoy the company of friends and family.
If there is such a thing as the friendliest food, it must be Tex-Mex. Tex-Mex is such a comfort food-associated with casual dining and a relaxed atmosphere. Making it the perfect dish to bring for potlucks or game day parties. The best part is that it is relatively easy to make, even with basic cooking skills.
Tex-Mex is a regional American cuisine. Tex-Mex developed and evolved in the United States, specifically in the state of Texas. a fusion of Mexican and American culinary traditions. It incorporates ingredients and cooking techniques from both cultures and has been adapted to suit the preferences and availability of ingredients in Texas. The use of beef, yellow cheese, wheat flour, and canned goods, which are not as prevalent in traditional Mexican cuisine, is common in Tex-Mex dishes. So while Tex-Mex cuisine draws heavily from Mexican culinary traditions, it has developed its own distinct identity and is considered an American cuisine with Mexican influences.
Ingredients:
- 1 Box (7 oz.) Spanish Style Yellow Rice (cooked as per directions)
- 1 Can Small Tomato Sauce
- 1 Shot Bourbon
- 1 Bulb Onions (diced)
- 1/2 Bulb Garlic (Chopped)
- 1 Can Black Beans
- 1 Can Whole Sweet Corn
- 1 Cup Fresh Peas
- 1 Cup Sweet Bell Peppers
- 1 Lb. Ground Beef
- 1 Cup Mozzarella (Cubed or shredded) or Mexican Cheese Blend
- 1 Pack Taco Seasoning*
- As Needed Vegetable Oil
- As Needed Salt & Pepper
- Fresh Garnish Pico de Gallo**
*cumin, coriander, paprika, oregano, cayenne, onion powder, salt and pepper
**Mix of chopped onions, tomato, cilantro and fresh lime juice; seasoned with salt and cumin.
Directions:
Heat oven to 350 degrees F
In a skillet, drizzle oil on medium heat to brown the ground beef and season with salt and pepper-skim and set aside
Using the same skillet, sauté the garlic until brown, followed by the onions and the tomato sauce. Upon simmering, add the bourbon and Taco seasoning
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, ground beef, black beans, peas and bell peppers. Once mixed homogeneously, Layer the mixture on top of the sauce in the skillet (do not stir). Arrange the mozzarella slices on top of the dish, cover with a foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove from the oven, season to taste and garnish generously with the fresh pre-prepared Pico de Gallo
Serve with sour cream on the side and taco shells
The Pairing:
Sweet and spice bomb of peppers and mandarin oranges
Wyoming Whiskey
59.6 ABV
