Mexican haystack Recipe

This summer has been so fun and busy at my house.  I must admit that I have been a very lazy cook..something about the warm weather and running around.  There has been more than one night spent enjoying take out.

I decided that I had to put a stop to my food tomfoolery and I started to cook again.  I whipped up a yummy dish that my family loved.  Mexican Haystacks!!  Similar to Hawaiian Haystacks only about a million times more delicious.  I thought the Mango would be a little odd..but it was amazing!  Just the flavor pop that this dish needed.  Give it a try!  For reals..you won't be sad..you'll be satisfied. 

You will need Ground Turkey, Onion, Bell Pepper, Taco Seasoning, Cilantro, Mango, Salsa, Rice, Avocado, and Black Beans.

Start cooking the Rice according to package instructions.  Chop up the Onion and Bell Pepper and toss them in a warm pan with just a bit of oil.  Saute until softened.

Add the Turkey to the Bell Pepper/Onion mixture, toss in a little Taco Seasoning,  and cook until the meat is no longer pink.  Pour in some Salsa and let simmer a few minutes.  This is my top secret ingredient in all Taco meat. 

Dice the Mango (check here for instructions) and chop up the Cilantro.

Mix the Cilantro into the cooked rice.  Cilantro makes most things better.

Arrange the Meat, Rice, and toppings nicely so folks can put what they want on their Haystack.  See how tasty mine is!  Wowzers!  Enjoy!

Mexican Haystacks Recipe
Source:  Whole & Free

2 C Uncooked Brown Rice
1 Bunch Cilantro
1 tsp Olive Oil
1 Lb Ground Turkey
1 Onion, Diced
1 Bell Pepper, Diced
2-4 TBSP Taco Seasoning
1 C Salsa

Toppings:
1 Mango, Diced
1 Avocado, Diced
Black Beans

Cook the Brown Rice according to package instructions.

Meanwhile add the Onion and Bell Pepper to a pan with a drizzle of Olive Oil.  Cook for a few minutes until they begin to soften.  Add in the Ground Turkey and Taco Seasoning.  Cook until no longer pink.  Add in the Salsa and simmer about 20 minutes.

Chop up the Cilantro, Mango, and Avocado.  When the rice is done mix in a handful of the Cilantro.

Arrange all of the toppings so everyone can garnish as they please.  Start with rice on the bottom followed by the meat.  From there the possibilities are endless!

Enjoy!

Spaghetti Taco Recipe

Yes, I made the famous iCarly Spaghetti Tacos!  I don't know what it was about this recipe that called out to me.  Perhaps it was the opportunity to mix Marinara and taco seasoning.  Or perhaps the opportunity to put spaghetti noodles in my taco shell.  Or perhaps it was just the absolute absurdity of making Spaghetti Tacos that appealed to me.  But whatever it was when I heard about this I just had to try it.  The idea came from a gag on a Nickelodeon show and apparently it is taking the world by storm.  So grab your umbrella and give em a try.

You will need Marinara Sauce, Taco Shells, Ground Beef, Tabasco Sauce, Spaghetti, Onion, Avocado, Pepper, Taco Seasoning, Salsa, Sour Cream, Shredded Cheese, and Lettuce.

Start by warming up a non-stick skillet.  Add your chopped up Onion and Pepper.  I used a lovely Anaheim Pepper but you could use any kind of pepper.  Then you will add your meat and brown it all up.

You will add Taco Seasoning to the meat mixture.  I used about a Tablespoon but think next time I would use 2.   And yes, I did just say next time.

Now cook half a package of Spaghetti noodles according to package directions.

Add the Marinara into the meat mixture.  Weird, Marinara and Taco meat.  Strange friends to say the very least.

When the Spaghetti is done drain it well and add it back into the pan.  Add a few dashes of Tabasco Sauce to spice it up a little.  I just added a few dashes because I have a little one who is anti hot and spicy.

Now mix together your Spaghetti and the marinara taco meat mixture.  Weird.

Now get your taco shell ready for the adventure of a lifetime.  I used these fancy flat bottomed Old El Paso shells and found them to be useful.  Although a bit large for my 3 year olds little mouth.

Add a bit of TacoMeat /Marinara mixture and top with shredded cheese.  I like to get the cheese just on top of the warm meat mixture to help it melt a bit.

Then add lettuce and avocado chunks.

Top with plenty of Salsa and Sour Cream.

Enjoy!

 Spaghetti Tacos
Source:  iCarly

1/2 package Whole Wheat Spaghetti Noodles
Taco Shells
1 Lb Ground Beef
1/2 Onion Chopped
Pepper Chopped
1-2 TBSP Taco Seasoning
1/2 Jar Marinara Sauce
Few Dashes Tabasco Sauce

To top:
Avocado chopped
Lettuce chopped
Salsa
Sour Cream
Shredded Cheese

Nutritional info for one Taco

283 Calories
31 Carbs
15 Fat
9 Protein

Enjoy!