Warm & Cozy Winter Recipes {Day 11}

Hey there!

I hope you have found a recipe or two to add to your box! If not, hang tight, here come some more!

Today's recipe is FANTASTIC! Grab a pen and paper, you are gonna want this one. It is THE favorite of my kids and husband!

Tex-Mex Chicken and Rice Casserole

(from the Better Homes and Gardens website)

prep time: 20 minutes, bake: 25 minutes

ingredients:

1/2 cup chopped onion (1 medium)

1 Tbsp. olive oil

1 6.9 ounce package chicken flavored rice and vermicelli mix

1 14 ounce can chicken broth

2 cups water

2 cups chopped cooked chicken or turkey

1 cup chopped seeded tomatoes (2 medium)

3 Tbsp. canned diced green chile pappers

1 tsp. dried basil, crushed

1-1/2 tsp. chili powder

1/8 tsp. cumin

1/8 tsp. black pepper

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (2 ounces)

preparation:

1. In a medium saucepan cook onion in hot oil over medium heat until tender. Stir in rice and vermicelli mix (including seasoning packet); cook and stir for 2 minutes.Stir in broth and water. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes (liquid will not be fully absorbed).

2. Transfer the rice mixture to a large bowl. Stir in chicken, tomatoes, chile peppers, basil, cumin, chili powder, and black pepper. Transfer to a 2 quart casserole dish.

3. Bake, covered, in a 425F ove rfor 25 minutes. Sprinkle with cheese. Let stand 5 minutes before serving. Makes 6 servings.

Make Ahead Directions:

Prepare as above through step 1. Cover and chill for up to 24 hours. Bake, covered, in a 425F oven about 40 minutes, or until heated through. Uncover and sprinkle with cheese. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Honestly, you can skip the baking time on this one for a faster meal, but the baking does help meld the flavors together nicely. I always add way more cheese than the recipe calls for, and sometimes we use this as burrito filling along with lettuce and sour cream, in soft flour tortillas. It is so good!

And, did I mention cheap? This meal will cost you about $7.oo to make, for the chicken, rice mix, broth, and veggies. Most of us have an entire cupboard of spices already, so we get off easy there, and get to put them to good use!

It's a keeper! Give it a try!

Thanks so much for stopping by! And, thanks for all your sweet comments, I am so glad you are finding some new ideas for your families.

See you tomorrow!