This is a staple for summer bbq potlucks. It makes a large batch that holds well for two or three days. Serve with pickled jalapeño slices for people who like spicy food. Calories and salt intake can be shaved off by using low fat ingredients
SERVES 12 (change servings and units)
* 1 lb radiatore (short coiled pasta, uncooked)
* 2 teaspoons olive oil
* 3 garlic cloves, minced
* 1 1/2 lbs ground turkey or ground beef
* 2/3 cup water
* 1 1/4 ounces taco seasoning (I use recipe below)
* 2 cups Mexican blend cheese
* 2 cups chopped tomatoes, seeded
* 1 cup red bell pepper, chopped
* 1/2 cup green onion
* 1/2 cup sliced ripe olives (optional - I put them on the side)
* 1 (15 1/2 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
* 2 tablespoons lime juice
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon cumin
* 1 (8 ounce) sour cream
* salsa (optional)
Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain and rinse with cold water. Drain; set aside.
Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic; sauté 1 minute. Add turkey; cook until browned, stirring to crumble. Stir in water and taco seasoning; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 4 minutes or until liquid almost evaporates and the turkey is done, stirring frequently. Remove from heat; cool slightly.
Combine pasta, turkey mixture, cheese, and next 6 ingredients (through beans) in a large bowl.
Combine lime juice, salt, cumin, and sour cream, stirring until well blended. Pour over pasta mixture; toss gently to coat. Serve with salsa, if desired.
Taco Seasoning Mix
1 package (change servings and units)
* 2 teaspoons instant onion, Minced
* 1 teaspoon chili powder
* 1/2 teaspoon dried red pepper, Crushed
* 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
* 1/2 teaspoon instant garlic, Minced
* 1/2 teaspoon cumin, Ground
Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and blend well.
Spoon mixture onto a 6-inch square of aluminum foil and fold to make airtight. Label as Taco Seasoning Mix.
Store in a cool, dry place and use within 6 months.
Makes 1 package (about 2 T) of mix.
Using the above recipe as a guide you can increase the amounts to make any number of packages.
Taco Filling: Brown 1 lb lean ground beef in a medium skillet over medium-high
Reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Makes filling for 8 to 10 tacos.
