It was my father-in-law’s 72nd birthday this past Sunday. Despite the non-stop bustling from all the grandchildren and the incredible mess created by both children and adults alike, he seemed peaceful and happy to be surrounded by family. We are his best medicine w/o all the unpleasant side effects :).
The Hungryman and I met the newest member of the family, Matthew, for the first time. He was so wrinkly and hairy in the most adorable kind of way. Now that’s something I never thought I’d say. I had to wait in line to hold the baby, and let me tell ya, the competition was fierce. Combative almost. Despite being manhandled, Matthew slept peacefully wherever he landed, waking up only when the hunger pangs hit every two hours. After what seemed like eternity, it was finally my turn…it was def worth the wait.
As for my FIL’s present, all the children chipped in and bought him a spacious, buttery smooth, powered leather recliner. He seems to enjoy the manual ones that they have scattered throughout the waiting room at MD Anderson on his treatment days, so we just thought it was time that he got his own to relax in. We had to head back home before it was delivered to the house, but from the pictures, he seems happy ;).
Now onto the chicken enchilada casserole. Perhaps it was the Mexican feast we had on my father-in-law’s special day that prompted me to make this. Or tiredness getting the best of me and causing me to want nothing more than to make a no-fuss dish with guaranteed leftovers to eat for days to come. Regardless, this was the perfect meal for this “I have no desire to do anything” week.
I couldn’t bookmark this recipe fast enough when I saw it on Cooking Light. I’ve always used that famous enchilada sauce that comes in a can, so when I didn’t see it on the ingredient list, I was intrigued. I made some slight adaptations as I tend to do. This took no time to make, and we enjoyed it two more times during the week. As much as I like being in the kitchen, I enjoyed the lil’ break.
This sort of reminded the Hungryman of the Mexican Chicken and Quinoa Casserole. I guess I could see that. This tasted a lot more corn-y though ;). I love them both! What is your go-to meal(s) when you don’t feel like cooking much?
Ingredients
- 1 Ib. ground chicken breast
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 Tbs butter
- 1 Tbs minced garlic
- 1 jalapeno seeded and minced
- 1 1/2 Tbs flour
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 Tbs low-sodium no MSG taco seasoning mix
- 1 15 oz can no-salt-added tomato sauce
- 1 15 oz can no-salt-added black beans
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 12 corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded Mexican Blend cheese
- Cilantro and lime for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400F.
- Heat a large nonstick skillet over med-high heat. Add chicken and onion and cook, breaking it up into crumbles.
- Melt butter in a medium saucepan over med-high heat. Add garlic and jalapeños and saute 1 min. Sprinkle with flour and cook 30 sec stirring constantly. Add broth, taco seasoning, tomato sauce, corn, and black beans. Bring to a boil. Cook for about 5 min, stirring occasionally. Add chicken mixture to tomato mixture.
- Place 4 corn tortillas in a greased baking dish. Top with 1 cup of mixture. Repeat layers, ending with a final sheet of tortillas and a last layer of mixture spread over the tortillas. Top with cheese. Bake for 10 min or until cheese melts. Cool slightly before slicing. Top with cilantro and lime juice.
Niiiice what a cool present you guys got him! 😀 Awwww and Matthew is sooo cute! Gosh, thank you for posting about Matthew because this is a reminder to enjoy every single second of little Selah that I have RIGHT NOW. Seriously. And my go-to-dish when I want something yummy and easy is crockpot pulled chicken and I make it into quesadillas! 😀
I hear that babies grow up so fast…Enjoy this precious time w/Selah ;). She is so adorable! I bet your crockpot has been working really hard lately hehe. Hang in there! I’m glad she’s not allergic to coffee.
This is unrelated to food, but I hope the tiredness is a sign the Clomid worked!!! 🙂
Hi Ali..hmm..that thought never crossed my mind but boy do I hope so!!
Happy birthday to your father in law! As you say, I’m sure you and his other family around him was the best medicine, and no doubt the best present too. Little Mathew is also gorgeous and no wonder you had to wait for a hold! Beautiful 🙂
I love layered Mexican casseroles like this and your version looks exquisite – not to mention far neater than the ones I make!
Thank you! My FIL was in really great condition that day, and for that we were grateful. Matthew is freakin adorable, isn’t he? I got to hold him for 2 whole hours as he slept on my chest. I may have teared up a lil’…
gosh girl your recipes are awesome! I’d make this without the beans but I’m sure it would still be delicious!
Thanks, Danielle! Yup, you can def skip the beans…Perhaps throw in some more vegetables. This is a very versatile recipe in my opinion.
Aww, what a lovely family you have, Min! It’s nice that you all were able to get together for your FIL’s birthday!
This looks so good. I’m a sucker for any type of Mexican casserole or food. In fact, tomorrow I’m making my Taco Lasagna. Yum! I love your casserole. Pinning! Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
Hi Julie! Mm..taco lasagna..that sounds delicious ;). Hope you share the recipe with us!
This recipe looks so delicious!
Thank you, Sheena 😉
Hello Min! I’m happy to meet you. The enchilada looks scrumptious. I plan to try it myself. I came across your blog on the “Let’s Get Social Sunday” Linky Party. I am now following you via Bloglovin’. Please follow me back. Have a great day!
Vashti
Hi Vashti! It’s nice to meet you as well. I look forward to following your blog ;). Hope you have a wonderful day as well!
What an awesome gift, and an adorable baby all in the same day! You are so lucky to have family around, I really miss that. Your casserole looks so delicious, I cannot wait to make it!!!
I know..I am so lucky to have them in my life ;). Even though it’s exhausting driving down every weekend, we wouldn’t have it any other way. Ooh! I can’t wait for you to try this casserole, Lisa!
Just love the family photos, and what a wonderful day for your father-in-law! The casserole looks delicious, and I know if I made it, I’d be munching on leftovers for lunch every day, just as I have been munching on my leftover Asian salad ever since I made it 🙂 Have a wonderful week!
Even though my FIL didn’t have much energy, he seemed to really enjoy having everyone around. Haha..I actually ate the this for the next 3 days. Time to cook now ;). Your Asian salad is on the menu for this week – Wednesday to be exact! Hope you have a lovely week as well!
Lovely pictures with your family Min! So glad your FIL seems happy : ) And, I’m definitely going to check out the cooking light website! Thanks for the recommendation my dear!! xoxo
I know..I was happy too! Cooking Light is a wonderful website…just get ready to spend tons of time clicking through all the delicious recipes 😉
Happy Birthday to your FIL! That is a really nice recliner – I have never seen one that wide! I am sure he will enjoy it 🙂
This casserole looks delicious. I might have to try it soon….like tonight! Hmm, I sure hope I have tortillas laying around. …and I have those “no desire to do anything weeks” all. the. time.
I know, right? Unfortunately we had to leave before it was delivered so I didn’t get to see it myself..but from the pictures, I thought the same thing – it’s so wide! Yes..this casserole was mighty tasty. Can’t wait for you to try ;). Hehe..I feel ya.
Oh my, I made this tonight and added refried beans because I didn’t have enough black beans (for a double batch) and it was sooo yummy! I think I ate half the pan myself! (And that’s a 9×13!)
Yayyy! I’m so glad you liked it, Laura!! I hope your husband did as well ;). I had to make a conscious effort to stop eating so I’ll have leftovers…it was a very hard thing to do, indeed. Glad you made a double batch! Now you have the other half to enjoy throughout the week..hopefully? hehe
casseroles look so delicious….will definitely make them for the weekend, thanks for sharing 🙂
Enchiladas anything is fine by me–but in casserole form? Genius! I love how it saves a step (no more rolling). Stopping by from Tasty Tuesdays–can’t wait to explore!
That’s right! One less step required ;). Thank you for stopping by, Amy!
I love anything with chicken and black beans! Thanks for sharing at foodie friends friday!
oh my goodness these look so good! I pinned so I can make this sometime. 🙂 I’m Deanna one of the co-hosts from Tasty Tuesday. Thank you for linking up. I’m your newest Bloglovin, google plus, and Twitter follower. I’d love follow backs if you are interested. I’m also a fellow Austinite! When I went to your google plus page I saw that you live here as well. I’m a food blogger and my husband and kids are my taste testers too. 🙂 So nice to meet you.
Have a great day!
Deanna
Hi Deanna! Thank you so much for stopping by and for the follow! It’s so nice to meet another Austin blogger! Are you part of the AFBA as well? I hope we can meet sometime ;). I look forward to following your lovely blog.
This recipe looks delicious! Thanks for linking up with us at Tasty Tuesdays this week! Ruth x
I think a new baby would be the best medicine for anyone. My son and wife are expecting twins in October. Twice the goodness! Thanks for bringing this comfort food by Saturday Dishes.
Linda @ Tumbleweed Contessa
Hi Linda! Congratulations on your exciting news! oh my goodness..October is just around the corner! I’m sure everyone’s incredibly eager to meet them ;).
This one looks so easy and yummy! Will try it for sure 🙂
Btw, your blog looks awesome! Hard to believe you can achieve so much within so short time. Bravo! 🙂
Aww..thank you so much, Maggie! I never in a million years imagined I would one day be a blogger…but now I wouldn’t have it any other way ;). So much fun!
Thanks for linking up at Share Your Stuff Tuesdays Min! Your blog is lovely..so glad you could join us 🙂