Seven-Layer Bean Dip

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Start to Finish: 20 minutes
16 servings.

16 oz canned refried beans
1.25 oz package taco seasoning mix
8 oz cream cheese, softened
4.5 oz canned chopped green chilies
1 C salsa, any variety
2 C shredded lettuce
2 C shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend
2.25 oz canned sliced ripe olives, drained (1/2 C)
1 medium tomato, diced (3/4 C)
Tortilla chips, if desired
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1. In medium bowl, stir together beans and taco seasoning mix. Spread mixture on large platter.

2. In another medium bowl, stir together cream cheese and chilies. Carefully spread over bean mixture.

3. Top with salsa, lettuce, cheese, olives and tomato. Refrigerate until serving time. Serve with tortilla chips.

Slow Cooker Mexican Beef Stew

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Start to Finish: 9 hours, 35 minutes
6 Servings

2 lb beef stew meat
28 oz can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 C frozen small whole onions
1 t chili powder
1.25 package taco seasoning mix
15 oz canned black beans, drained and rinsed
11 oz canned whole kernel corn with red and green peppers, drained
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1. In 3 1/2 – 4-quart slow cooker, mix beef, tomatoes, frozen onions and chili powder.

2. Cover; cook on Low heat setting 9 to 11 hours.

3. Stir in taco seasoning mix, using wire whisk. Stir in beans and corn. Increase heat setting to High. Cover; cook 15 to 30 minutes or until thickened.

Slow-Cooker Tex-Mex Chicken

Prep Time: 15 min
Total Time: 6 hr 15 min
Makes: 4 servings

1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch-wide strips
2 Tbsp. taco seasoning mix
2 Tbsp. flour
1 each green and red pepper, cut into 1-inch-wide strips
1 cup frozen corn
1-1/2 cups thick ‘n chunky salsa
1 cup finely shredded Mexican-style cheese blend
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Toss chicken with taco seasoning and flour in slow cooker. Stir in vegetables and salsa; cover with lid.

Cook on LOW 6 to 8 hours (or on HIGH 3 to 4 hours).

Stir just before serving; top with shredded cheese.

Easy Layered Taco Pie

Prep Time: 5 min
Total Time: 24 min
Makes: 4 servings

1 lb. lean ground beef
1-1/4 oz taco seasoning mix
1/2 cup water
4 flour tortillas (6 inch), cut into quarters
1 cup thick ‘n chunky salsa
1 cup finely-shredded cheddar jack cheese
2 cups shredded lettuce
2 green onions, sliced
1/4 cup sour cream
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Crumble meat into microwaveable (plastic) colander; place over microwaveable bowl. Microwave on HIGH 8 min., stirring every 2 min. to break up meat. Discard fat. Transfer meat to 9-inch microwaveable pie plate. Stir in seasoning mix and water. Microwave 5 min., stirring after 3 min.

Remove half of meat mixture; set aside. Cover remaining meat mixture in pie plate with half of the tortilla quarters. Repeat layers of meat mixture and tortillas; top with salsa and cheese. Microwave 4 min.

Top with remaining ingredients. Cut into wedges to serve.

Chipotle-Beef Fajitas

Makes 2 servings.

2 tablespoons taco seasoning mix
2 tablespoons lime juice
2 teaspoons finely chopped chipotle chiles in adobo sauce
1 teaspoon honey
1/2 lb boneless beef sirloin steak, cut into thin bite-size strips
1 medium green or red bell pepper, cut into thin bite-size strips
1 medium red onion, cut into thin wedges
4 fat-free flour tortillas (8 inch), heated
Guacamole, sour cream, shredded lettuce and/or chopped tomatoes, if desired
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1. Heat closed contact grill 5 minutes. In shallow nonmetal dish, mix taco seasoning mix, lime juice, chipotle chiles and honey. Add beef, bell pepper and onion; toss to coat.

2. When grill is heated, place beef and vegetables on bottom grill surface. Close grill; cook 4 to 6 minutes, turning mixture occasionally, until beef is desired doneness and vegetables are crisp-tender.

3. Spoon beef and vegetables evenly down center of each warm tortilla. Top with guacamole, sour cream, shredded lettuce and/or chopped tomatoes. Roll up each tortilla around filling.