Mexican Fiesta Dinner

This is not to be confused with my previous post.  It is just a coincidence that the word “fiesta” is in each recipe.  The previous recipe is expensive and, these days, expensive is not usually what you need.   It also takes much preparation time on the stove, which equals heat in the kitchen.   This recipe is great for hot days, because the only heat is from the microwave chili recipe I will include at the end.  Even though it is made in the microwave, it is one of the best I have tasted.  It is great for a potluck at your house where you make the chili and your guests each bring an item on the list following.  You’ll understand by the end of the post.  Just bear with me….

Oh, and yes, we really do not eat much meat at home.  I save it for company!  Does that make us flexitarians?  That really is a term being used these days – people who eat mostly vegetarian, but will eat meat on occasion.  If you are vegetarian, you can easily change to a veggie chili.

OK, here’s the Mexican Fiesta Dinner.  If you decide to do it potluck, people each bring one or two items on the list below.  Here’s a tip – don’t assign a critical item to a person who is always late!  I did that once.

 

Arrange this meal buffet style and let people pile up their plates as they wish.

Lay out food in this order on the buffet:

Fritos or Doritos chips

Rice

Chili

Grated cheese

Lettuce

Chopped tomatoes

Chopped onions

Green olives

Black olives

Pecans

Shredded coconut

Salsa

Sour cream

Microwave Chili

1 lb. very lean ground beef

1 chopped onion

1 chopped green pepper

1 or 2 cans kidney beans

1 14 oz. can tomatoes

1 6 oz. can tomato paste

Crushed garlic clove or powder

1 t. salt (I omit)

½ teaspoon cumin

2 tablespoons chili powder

Put all ingredients in one microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 5 minutes.  Stir.  Microwave for 10 minutes.  Stir.  Microwave for 10 minutes and it’s done!