Busy school days demand meals that can match the pace of life. A Mexican-themed meal is a sure way to keep things festive and lively around the family dinner table. Not only does a meal centered on Mexican-style foods let you spice up your menu, it also allows for plenty of personalization so even the pickiest of palates can be satisfied. That means less time for preparation and more time spent together. Put a fresh twist on your next school-night fiesta with these ideas:
An ethnically-inspired meal is a great opportunity to encourage kids to try out new flavors and experiment with foods they wouldn't normally eat. Sample variations of classic salsa, incorporate seasonal ingredients like jicama and diced sweet peppers to freshen up your dishes, or put a spicy spin on classic Italian favorites by creating Mexican-inspired stuffed shells.
Get creative with proteins. Chicken and beef are common options, but heart-healthy fish and shrimp are also great candidates for a Mexican-style meal. Pork is another good choice for many Mexican dishes, and beans provide an excellent source of added protein, along with some flavor variety.
Mex-up your taco night. Try an alternative to the traditional corn shell with an option like Ortega Good Grains Taco Shells, crafted with artisanal blends of real corn, unique grains, and ingredients baked into each shell. They're made with whole kernel corn, giving them an authentic taste and a distinctive flavor, aroma, and texture.
Keep things kid-friendly and fun by focusing on finger foods. A large taco can be difficult for little hands to handle, but a street taco portion, a chimichanga, or even nachos are more hands-on.
Look for fun toppings that add and extra crunch. For example, new Ortega Crispy Taco Toppers, lightly breaded slices of real jalapeno or onion, provide a bold kick and are the perfect finishing touch for tacos, salads, and even Mexican-style burgers.
Don't forget dessert. No meal is complete without a sweet treat, such as a churro, flan, empanda, or sopapilla. Many of these favorites can be prepared ahead of time so you can simply cook and server for a perfect ending to your family fiesta.
Find more mealtime inspiration like these recipes, perfect for the busy back-to-school season, at ortega.com, or find Ortega on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.
Slow Cooked "Pulled" Chicken Tacos
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 2 hours
Serves: 5
1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken tights
1 bottle (8 ounces) Ortega Chipotle Taco Sauce
1/2 cup chicken stock
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 package (10 shells) Ortega Good Grains White Corn with Chia Taco shells, warmed
Taco toppings
In medium pan, combine chicken, taco sauce, chicken stock, salt, and pepper, and cook on low, covered, approximately 2 hours, or until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. Remove chicken from pan and shred using forks.
Turn heat to medium-high and reduce cooking liquid into thick sauce, cooking 3-5 minutes and stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and combine sauce with shredded chicken. Serve in taco shells with desired toppings.
Baja Chicken Pizza
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Serves: 5
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, about 1 pound
1 bottle (8 ounces) Ortega Green Taco Sauce
1 can Ortega Vegetarian Refried Beans
3/4 cup Ortega Homestyle Salsa
1 Mama Mary's prepared pizza crust
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 can (4 ounces) Ortega Diced Green Chilies
1 bag (8 ounces) Mexican-style shredded cheese
1 bottle (8 ounces) Ortega Original Taco Sauce (any variety)
1 bag Ortega Crispy Onion Taco Toppers
In a large bowl or re-sealable plastic bag, combine chicken with green taco sauce. Stir or shake to coat. Marinate at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours. Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Bake chicken 15-20 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. Let chicken cool 10 minutes, then cut into small cubes.
In a medium bowl, combine refried beans and salsa. Transfer prepared pizza crust to baking sheet. Spread bean mixture over dough, leaving 1/4 inches at the edges for crust. Top with peppers, green chilies, chicken, and cheese. Bake 10-15 minutes, or until crust is golden brown and cheese is melted. Top with taco sauce and crispy onion toppers and serve.
Mexican Style "Totchos"
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Serves: 5
1 package (32 ounces) tater tots
1 1/2 pounds ground beef
1 packet Ortega Taco Seasoning
1 cup water
16 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
2 medium tomatoes, diced
1 container (16 ounces) sour cream
1 bag Ortega Crispy Jalapeno
Taco toppers
Prepare tater tors according to package directions. Heat medium skillet over medium heat. Cook ground beef 4-5 minutes until browned, using wooden spoon to break into small pieces. Add taco seasoning and water. Cook until water evaporates and sauce thickens.
Top the tater tots with cooked ground beef and cheese, and broil in oven 5 minutes. Top with tomatoes, sour cream, and crispy jalapeno toppers, and serve.