Muy Bueno!

When my four kids were growing up, this was the kind of main dish they would actually eat without complaining. I remember making a similar version of this – only it was a cheeseburger pie! This recipe is from Simply Simpatico (1992), billed as A Taste of New Mexico from the Junior League of Albuquerque. I do remember buying it because of one specific memory. I was attending a Fraternity Editors’ conference in Albuquerque and we had dinner one evening on an Indian reservation. Planned entertainment included rides in hot air balloons. I was terrified and tried to beg off but was talked into finally taking a ride. I vividly remember screaming the entire time as we rose in the air. Did I mention the balloon was tethered to the ground? Of course, we all know what happened to that hot air balloon in the Wizard of Oz. Need I say more?

In any case this recipe was a hit with the husband and – and it was even better the second day. Betting you could substitute ground turkey if you prefer. Look for Junior League cookbooks in your city! Real people, real cooks = really good food. One reason I have so many cookbooks is because for a while there I tried to pick one up in every city I visited. This one is still available on Amazon and other sites.

Main Dish Mexican Pie

1 pound lean ground beef

1 cup chopped onion

1 envelope taco seasoning mix

1 4-ounce can green chilies, chopped

1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded

1¼ cup milk

¾ cup prepared biscuit mix (like Bisquick)

3 eggs

¼ teaspoon hot sauce

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Lightly grease a 10-inch pie plate. In a skillet over medium heat, cook beef and onion until beef is browned; drain off excess fat. Stir in seasoning mix and spread mixture in pie plate. Sprinkle chilies and cheese over beef. Beat remaining ingredients until smooth about 20 seconds in blender or 90 seconds with a hand mixer. Pour egg mixture gently over mixture in pie plate. Bake about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and a knife inserted in center comes out clean. Let stand 5 minutes before cutting. Garnish if desired with chilies or shredded cheese.