South Of The Border Strata Recipes

SOUTH OF THE BORDER CASSEROLE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 325 and grease 1 1/2 qrt casserole dish.
• Brown meat and drain.
• Add onion and jalapeno (if using) and cook with meat until tender.
• Stir in tomato sauce and seasonings.
• Layer one-third of meat mixture, cheese and one half of tortillas in casserole dish; repeat layers, ending with cheese.
• Bake at 325 for 20 minutes.
• Note: Corn tortillas will soften and absorb the sauce.
• These are recommended.
• Flour tortillas will expand and the casserole will be too doughy-therefore flour tortillas are not recommended.

CALDILLO -- SOUTH OF THE BORDER STEW

Steps:

• Sauté the beef and onions in the bacon drippings.
• Add tomatoes, sliced green chilies, stocks and seasonings.
• Cook over low heat until meat is tender (about two hours).
• Add cubed potatoes and carrots during last 30 minutes.

QUICK SOUTH OF THE BORDER CASSEROLE

Steps:

• 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 2 1/2 quart or 9x13" casserole dish with nonstick spray; Set aside.
• 2. Heat large skillet on medium high and add oil; Add ground beef, salt, garlic powder and dried onion. Stir and cook until beef is cooked, about 5 minutes.
• 3. Don't drain meat; Add the enchilada sauce, beans and chiles (or jalapeno peppers for a hotter dish); Stir and cook 2 minutes on medium low, then remove from heat and set aside.
• 4. In a medium bowl, mix cottage cheese and 1 cup of cheddar cheese.
• 5. Layer 1/3 of the meat mixture to the bottom of the casserole; Top with half of the cheese mixture and half of the crushed chips.
• 6. Repeat this one more time, ending with the last third of the meat mixture. Top with the remaining 1 cup cheddar cheese.
• 7. Bake uncovered 30 minutes. Serves 8

SOUTH OF THE BORDER PASTA

Steps:

• In a bowl, bring cream cheese to room temperature to soften.
• Add minced jalapeños, cilantro, garlic, green onions chopped, spinach, milk, sour cream, and pinch of salt.
• Mix well.
• Warm over *low heat* while cooking pasta.
• DO NOT BOIL or BURN!
• Cook pasta al dente; drain and let it cool a bit.
• Add to cream cheese sauce and mix well.
• Serve sprinkle with more cilantro, if desired.