Mexican Hot Dish

Country-Style Pork Hot Dish Recipe with Tangy Tomato Sauce

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4-6

Introduction

Mexican Hot Dish is a delicious and comforting meal that combines the flavors of pork sausage, macaroni, tomatoes, and spices. This hearty dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a potluck gathering.

History

Mexican Hot Dish has been a popular comfort food in American households for decades. It is a versatile dish that can be customized with different ingredients to suit individual tastes.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) pork sausage
0.25 cup chopped onion
0.5 cup chopped green pepper
1 cup uncooked macaroni
2 tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt
1 tsp chili powder
1 - 1 lb (454 g) can tomatoes
0.5 cup dairy sour cream
grated cheese

How to prepare

Lightly brown the meat. Drain off the excess fat. Add onions and green pepper. Cook until they become tender.
Stir in the next six ingredients. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Check the macaroni to ensure it is cooked thoroughly.
Stir in the sour cream and heat it throughout.
Serve this hot dish with grated Cheddar. It makes 4 to 6 servings.

Variations

Substitute ground beef or turkey for the pork sausage.
Add black beans or corn for extra flavor and texture.
Top with sliced avocado or jalapenos for a spicy kick.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to drain off excess fat after browning the pork sausage to reduce the overall fat content of the dish.

- Adjust the amount of chili powder to suit your spice preference.

- For a creamier texture, you can add more sour cream or even some cream cheese to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Mexican Hot Dish with a side of cornbread or a green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the macaroni until it is al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy in the dish.

- Simmer the dish covered to allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use any type of pasta in place of macaroni.

- Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a healthier alternative.

Make Ahead Tips

Mexican Hot Dish can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake. Simply reheat in the oven before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Mexican Hot Dish in individual ramekins for a cute and personalized presentation. Top with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Mexican Hot Dish with a cold beer or a glass of red wine for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Mexican Hot Dish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Mexican Hot Dish contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

The carbohydrates in this Mexican Hot Dish primarily come from the macaroni and sugar. Each serving contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

The fats in this dish mainly come from the pork sausage and grated cheese. Each serving contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

The protein in this dish comes from the pork sausage and dairy sour cream. Each serving contains approximately 15 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of vitamin C from the tomatoes and green pepper. It also provides calcium from the dairy sour cream and grated cheese.

Alergens

This dish contains dairy (sour cream, grated cheese) and pork sausage, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Mexican Hot Dish is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a hearty and satisfying dish that is perfect for a family dinner.

Summary

Mexican Hot Dish is a comforting and flavorful meal that is perfect for a family dinner or potluck gathering. With a mix of pork sausage, macaroni, tomatoes, and spices, this dish is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a magnet. It was a cool autumn evening, and I had just finished a long day of work in the kitchen. As I was flipping through an old cookbook that belonged to my mother, I stumbled upon a recipe for Mexican Hot Dish that immediately caught my eye.

The ingredients were simple yet intriguing - ground beef, onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, corn, black beans, and a blend of spices that promised to create a flavorful and comforting dish. As I read through the instructions, I could almost taste the savory mixture of flavors melding together in my mouth.

I knew I had to make this dish. But there was one problem - I had never made anything quite like it before. Growing up, my mother had always stuck to traditional recipes passed down through generations, and Mexican cuisine was not something we often ventured into.

But I was determined to give it a try. So, I gathered the ingredients and set to work in the kitchen, following the recipe step by step. As the aroma of sizzling beef and spices filled the air, I felt a sense of excitement and anticipation building within me.

When the dish was finally ready, I scooped a generous portion onto a plate and took a hesitant bite. The flavors exploded on my taste buds - the savory beef, the sweetness of the corn, the earthy beans, and the kick of the spices all came together in perfect harmony. I knew I had stumbled upon something special.

From that day on, Mexican Hot Dish became a regular on my dinner table. I would make it for family gatherings, potlucks, and even just for myself on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Each time I made it, I would tweak the recipe slightly, adding a dash more of this spice or a handful more of that vegetable, until it became my own unique creation.

Over the years, I would share the recipe with friends and family who would rave about its deliciousness. Some would ask where I had learned to make such a dish, and I would simply smile and say that it was a recipe that had found its way to me.

But the truth was, I had learned to make Mexican Hot Dish through a series of happy accidents and chance encounters. I had picked up tips and tricks from Mexican neighbors who had taught me how to properly season the beef, from a friend who had shown me how to roast peppers to bring out their sweetness, and from a cookbook that had introduced me to the concept of layering flavors to create a rich and satisfying dish.

Each time I made Mexican Hot Dish, I would think back to those moments of learning and discovery, grateful for the knowledge that had been shared with me. And I would carry on the tradition by passing the recipe on to others, hoping that they too would find joy and comfort in its flavorful embrace.

As I sit here now, reflecting on the journey that led me to this recipe, I am filled with a sense of gratitude for all the people and experiences that have shaped my culinary skills. And I am proud to say that Mexican Hot Dish has become not just a recipe, but a symbol of the love and passion that I pour into every dish I create.

So, if you ever find yourself in need of a comforting and delicious meal, look no further than my recipe for Mexican Hot Dish. And remember, sometimes the best recipes are the ones that find their way to you when you least expect it.