Three Mexican-Inspired Comfort Foods

If you’re looking for a cozy meal that warms your heart and satisfies your cravings, these Three Mexican-Inspired Comfort Foods are just what you need! They are easy to make and packed with flavors that will make your family come back for seconds. Get ready to enjoy a delightful combination of flavors and textures that makes every bite special!

Why Make This Recipe

These comfort foods are not only delicious, but they also bring people together. Great for family dinners or weekend gatherings, they are perfect for sharing with loved ones. Plus, with simple ingredients and easy steps, anyone can whip up these meals without hassle. They’ll make your house smell amazing and leave everyone asking for your secret recipe!

How to Make Three Mexican-Inspired Comfort Foods

Ingredients:

1 pound of lean ground beef
1 cup of diced yellow onion
1 teaspoon of salt
1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
1-ounce packet of taco seasoning
1/2 cup of water
4-ounce can of mild chopped green chiles
15-ounce can of seasoned black beans, excess liquid drained but not rinsed
17.5-ounce package (10 count) of flour tortillas (8-inch soft taco sized)
16-ounce jar of mild chunky salsa
8-ounce block of sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
8-ounce block of Monterey jack cheese, shredded
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
Sour cream (for optional garnish)
Roma tomatoes, seeds removed and diced (for optional garnish)
2 pounds of lean ground beef (for meatloaf)
1/2 cup of whole milk (for meatloaf)
2 large eggs (for meatloaf)
1 packet of taco seasoning mix (1/4 cup) (for meatloaf)
1 cup of finely chopped white onion (for meatloaf)
4-ounce can of green chilies, drained (for meatloaf)
1 cup of crushed tortilla chips (for meatloaf)
2 teaspoons of minced garlic (for meatloaf)
1 1/2 cups of grated cheddar jack cheese, divided (for meatloaf)
1 cup of salsa, divided in half (for meatloaf)
Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish (for meatloaf)
24 jumbo pasta shells, cooked according to package directions (for taco stuffed shells)
2 pounds lean ground beef (for taco stuffed shells)
1 cup finely diced sweet yellow onion (for taco stuffed shells)
1 tablespoon fresh minced garlic (for taco stuffed shells)
2 (1-ounce) packets mild taco seasoning mix or homemade taco seasoning (for taco stuffed shells)
3/4 cup water (for taco stuffed shells)
1 (16-ounce) container of mild salsa (for taco stuffed shells)
2 1/2 cups shredded Colby jack cheese (for taco stuffed shells)
Taco sauce (for optional garnish)

Directions:

For Lasagna: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a skillet, brown ground beef with diced onion, salt, pepper, and taco seasoning. Add water, green chiles, and black beans. Layer tortillas, meat mixture, salsa, and cheeses in a baking dish. Repeat layers, finishing with cheese on top. Bake for 30-35 minutes until bubbly. Garnish with cilantro and serve with sour cream and diced tomatoes.
For Meatloaf: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, combine ground beef with milk, eggs, taco seasoning, onion, green chiles, tortilla chips, and garlic. Shape into a loaf and place in a baking dish. Spread half the salsa on top and sprinkle with cheese. Bake for 60-70 minutes. Let cool before slicing; garnish with cilantro.
For Taco Stuffed Shells: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a skillet, cook ground beef with onion and garlic until browned. Add taco seasoning and water, then stir in salsa. Stuff the mixture into cooked pasta shells and place in a baking dish. Top with remaining salsa and shredded cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted. Serve with taco sauce.

How to Serve Three Mexican-Inspired Comfort Foods

These dishes are great served hot right from the oven. You can also serve them with a dollop of sour cream, some fresh cilantro, and a side of diced tomatoes for added freshness and flavor. They’re perfect for sharing, so set up a big table and let everyone dig in!

How to Store Three Mexican-Inspired Comfort Foods

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the best taste, reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. You can also freeze any of these dishes for up to a month. Just make sure to cover them well to avoid freezer burn!

Tips to Make Three Mexican-Inspired Comfort Foods

You can easily customize these recipes by adding your favorite vegetables or switching up the cheeses.
For a spicier kick, try using a hotter salsa or adding jalapeños to the meat mixture.
Make sure to let meatloaf cool for a few minutes before slicing to keep it from falling apart.

Variation

Try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option. You can also swap the flour tortillas for corn tortillas to make gluten-free versions of these comfort foods.

FAQs

Q: Can I make these recipes ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the meat mixture and assemble the dishes ahead of time. Just bake when you’re ready to serve.

Q: How can I make these recipes vegetarian?
A: Substitute the meat with black beans or lentils, and use fresh veggies for added texture.

Q: What sides go well with these comfort foods?
A: Serve them with a simple salad, rice, or some fresh corn on the cob for a complete meal!