Leftovers #48 ~ Chicken Taco Penne

I know that I may be creating a culinary sacrilege here but when leftovers are a concern the rules may bend according to your creativity. Creating fusion meals are a great way to use up leftovers. I am defiant on this one. Simply add leftover taco meat to a lightly seasoned homemade pasta sauce, warm through and toss with cooked penne. Sprinkle with finely grated cheese when serving. You get a nice sweet tomato flavour mixed with a bit of spiciness, from the taco flavouring. Absolutely delicious! Love your leftovers.
      
Hope everyone is having a good week which will bring on a great weekend! - JD 

Leftovers #37 ~ Turkey Taco Pizza

I always find that there are a few leftovers when having made tacos. So this time we decided to make a taco pizza. Once the pizza dough was shaped a mixture of refried beans and salsa was slathered on top; then the leftover seasoned ground turkey was sprinkled over top. Any leftover veggies were placed on top of that. Then a generous helping of grated Tex Mex cheese; then into the oven to bake. Once baked and removed from the oven chopped lettuce and crushed tortilla chips were added. Delicious and very filling with a combination of flavours that work well together in a taco and in a pizza.   

- JD 

Leftovers #17 ~ Taco Macaroni and Cheese

Deciding what to do with leftover taco filling became this simple dish. Classic macaroni and cheese with a spicy twist. Simple and fun to make with kids. Very reminiscent of Hamburger Helper. 

Taco Macaroni and Cheese

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3 cups/750ml elbow macaroni

1/4 cup/50ml butter or margarine

1/4 cup/50ml all purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon powdered mustard

3 cups/750ml warm milk

pinch of salt

3 cups/750ml shredded old cheddar cheese

leftover taco seasoned mince (about 1cup to 1 cup and half), warmed

Cook macaroni as directed on the package. Once drained add the leftover taco meat to the macaroni. Toss to coat. Set aside. 

In a large sauce pot melt butter over medium heat. Add the flour and powdered mustard. cook and stir for about 3-4 minutes. 

Gradually whisk in the milk; cook, stirring constantly until thickened.

Season with salt.

Remove from heat; stir in the cheese until melted.

Pour the cheese sauce over the macaroni mixture and toss to coat.

Serve.

Hope everyone is having a good week. - JD