CASSEROLE ESSENTIALS: SPICY CHICKEN & BEEF W/ RICE

Steps:

• 1. PREP/PREPARE
• 2. To make this recipe, you will need a good size skillet, or pot with a lid.
• 3. Taco/Italian Seasonings There are a lot of good taco seasonings out there; they come in mild, medium, hot, and fiery. If you have a favorite, please use it. And, the same is true of Italian seasonings. Here are two of my favorites: https://www.justapinch.com/recipes/sauce-spread/seasoning-mix/spicy-beef-taco-seasoning.html?r=10 https://www.justapinch.com/recipes/sauce-spread/seasoning-mix/italian-essentials-aunt-josephine-s-seasoning-mix.html?r=2
• 4. Rice The choice of rice is up to you. For example, brown rice is more nutritious than white; however, it will get mushy if reheated, so I usually stick to long-grain white rice for things like casseroles. For this recipe I am using arborio rice.
• 5. The Beef and Chicken My reasoning for using shredded beef and chicken is because that is something I had on hand. You could leave out the chicken and/or use ground beef, cut into bite-size cubes; maybe pork?
• 6. How 'Bout Some Cheese Please I just love the combination of a sharp cheddar combined with the kick of some Monterey Jack, but have some fun with it, and choose what you have on hand. Freshly grated, if at all possible.
• 7. Gather your ingredients (mise en place).
• 8. Add the chopped bacon to a skillet over medium heat.
• 9. Cook until the bacon has rendered its fat, and begins to crisp, about 5 - 7 minutes.
• 10. Remove with a slotted spoon and reserve.
• 11. Add the onions to the pan with the bacon grease, and cook until softened, about 3 - 5 minutes.
• 12. If your bacon was really lean, you might need to add a bit of oil to pan.
• 13. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 60 seconds.
• 14. Toss in the rice and stir for 2 minutes.
• 15. Add all the dry spices and stir for 2 minutes.
• 16. Add the vegetable stock and stir to combine for 2 minutes.
• 17. Add the tomatoes and chilies and stir to combine for 2 minutes.
• 18. Add the shredded beef, chicken, and reserved bacon, then stir and bring up to a simmer.
• 19. Simmer for 15 - 18 minutes, covered, occasionally stirring, until the rice is tender.
• 20. As the casserole is simmering do a tasting for proper seasoning, adding salt, or additional spices as needed.
• 21. Take off the heat, stir in the lime juice, and sprinkle with the shredded cheese.
• 22. Cover and allow the residual heat to melt the cheese, about 3 - 4 minutes.
• 23. PLATE/PRESENT
• 24. I like to serve this family style by putting out some bowls, spoons, and napkins. Place the casserole on a trivet, and put out sides: diced tomatoes, black olives, sour cream, etc. Then stand back and let your guests have at it. Enjoy.
• 25. Keep the faith, and keep cooking.