“Touchdown” Season Meals

By Cindy Adams

Football season is fast approaching and it will be time for watch parties and tailgating. Whether you’re planning an all-day party at your home for the “Big Game” or are invited for tailgating, here are few easy dishes you can make.

Worried about the drinks at your party? Most people will drink beer, but what can be fun for those non-beer drinkers is setting up a Bloody Mary Bar. Check out page 103 and get ideas on how to create the best Bloody Mary.

Sheet Pan Nachos

INGREDIENTS:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound ground beef
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1.25-ounce package taco seasoning
12 ounces tortilla chips
1 15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup corn kernels, frozen, canned or roasted
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 Roma tomato, diced
1/4 cup diced red onion
1 jalapeno, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons sour cream 2 tablespoons chopped
fresh cilantro leaves

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly oil a baking sheet or coat with nonstick spray.

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add ground beef and garlic, and cook until beef has browned, about 3-5 minutes, making sure to crumble the beef as it cooks; stir in taco seasoning. Drain excess fat.

3. Place tortilla chips in a single layer onto the prepared baking sheet. Top with ground beef mixture, black beans, corn and cheeses.

4. Place into oven and bake until heated through and the cheeses have melted, about 5-6 minutes.

5. Serve immediately, topped with tomato, onion, jalapeno, sour cream and cilantro.