Comfort foods are one of the best medicines around. After a long, hard day at work or a bad breakup you could use some cheering up. I know for myself I always resort to a big hearty bowl of pasta. There is just something about it that momentarily eases the pain. The other day I made tacos for myself  due to my intense craving for some. As I was debating what to cook last night for dinner, I had an idea to combine the taco meat with pasta and add lots of cheese. That is some good looking comfort right there. I added some golden raisins to the taco meat for sweetness, capers for some extra saltiness and diced green chilies for that extra zing.. yum. This dish could easily be made into a vegetarian or vegan version with some seitan and vegan cheese

 

Cheesy taco bake

 



1 teaspoon olive oil

1 package ground turkey-seitan crumbles for vegetarian

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon Mrs. Dash Original Blend

1/2 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder

1 tablespoon diced green chilies (can)

1 tablespoon grated onion

2 teaspoons capers

4 oz. unsalted tomato salt

2 tablespoons taco sauce
1/4 cup golden raisins 

1 box pasta of choice or gluten free pasta

1/2 cup Mexican shredded cheese blend + 1/2 cup shredded pepper jack cheese or 1 cup Daiya pepperjack shreds for vegan

 

1. Heat non-stick skillet with olive oil and grab another pot to bring water to a boil. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

2. Add turkey to skillet and cook for a couple minutes.

3. Throw in seasonings, chilies and onion. Cook for around 7-9 minutes or until fully brown and cooked through. While cooking, add pasta to boiled water and cook according to package

4. Add capers, raisins, taco and tomato sauce to meat and cook for another 5 minutes.

5. When everything is finished cooking, throw together in casserole dish and add cheese. Mix through and add some extra taco sauce.

6.Place in oven and cook for around 5-7 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbling