welcome to austin
We have company! Keith’s god-daughter, Courtney, is staying with us for a week! She is from Arizona and we are glad to have her!!! Having someone stay with you really makes you realize how boring you are. ha! Seriously! I am trying to branch out and show her what Austin is all about.
I feel like I fall into a trap of not exploring Austin. I have lived here my entire life and therefore don’t take advantage of all the touristy things to do here. So I am hoping that this will be a fun week for me and even teach me a few more things about my fabulous city!!
In honor of Courtney’s arrival I made some “tex-mex” for her to enjoy!! Welcome to Austin, Courtney!
Turkey Enchilada Casserole
1 lb lean ground turkey or extra lean ground beef (I used lean ground turkey)
1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 (15 oz) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (16 oz) jar salsa
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
1 (14.5 oz) can Mexican-style tomatoes
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
12 (6 inch) corn tortillas (I only used 10)
2 cups shredded reduced fat cheddar cheese, divided
In a large saucepan coated with nonstick cooking spray, cook the turkey (or beef), green pepper, onion, and garlic over medium heat until meat is no longer pink.
Stir in the beans, salsa, tomato sauce, stewed tomatoes, onion powder, garlic powder, and cumin. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.
Spread 1 cup meat sauce into a 13×9 inch baking dish coated with nonstick cooking spray. Top with six tortillas, covering the sauce. Spread half of the remaining meat sauce onto tortillas; sprinkle with 1 cup cheese. Layer with remaining tortillas and meat sauce.
Cover and bake at 350 for 20 minutes. Uncover and sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake 5-10 minutes longer or until bubbly and cheese is melted.
What Kelly Said 
Yum! That looks delicious! Have fun with Courtney!
P.S. I decided not to come this weekend. I want to come sometime when I know I’ll get to spend time with everyone I want to!
Bummer! But I do completely understand! We still need to plan a visit and I don’t mind meeting you halfway! 🙂
I think I live in my little bubble until visitors come- I go from exploring my neighborhood to the ENTIRE city. And I’m still a nerd and love to do all the super touristy things… or at least most of them!
I love reading about all the things you do in Chicago! It is on mine and keith’s list of places to travel and we are definitely calling you!!
Ok that casserole looks delicious!
And I know what you mean — we’ve had friends come and stay with us and they are all excited and we have no idea what to do with them. I like where we live but there isn’t a ton of exciting things to do, which is good for me since I am very low-key.
It’s impossible to be bored in Austin!! It’s the best place ever! 🙂
HAHA! I do love it here! 🙂
I definitely don’t take advantage of living in DC as much as I should. There are free museums everywhere to explore and I’ve been to like two.
omg you’re the first blogger i’ve seen that also lives in austin!!!!!!! i go to the blanton museum of art at least twice a year and in the summers i go to barton springs pool all the time! You could also take your niece to mount bonnell or the lbj presidential library or go kayaking in the river. 🙂
I think we are going to go to Hamilton Pool tomorrow!
I need more casseroles in my life – put it in a pan and let it do its magic 🙂
Those enchiladas look awesome- that is definitely a dinner I’d like to be greeted with 😉
& I live in Orlando..which everyone of course thinks I live at DisneyWorld or something, but it is so much more than that. I do like Orlando, but I don’t love it. Definitely will not be our forever home!
How fun! I totally know what you mean, too. When someone comes to visit me, I really have to make myself get out and do things. Have fun exploring your city!
Enjoy your time together! Yummy dish!
Casseroles are so quick and easy and perfect for leftovers, which is great because Lee always has to eat at random times bc of his funky work schedule! I can’t wait to try this!
Have fun with your guest!
That looks so good!
I think the best part of having people stay with you is getting to explore your own city. Its just not something you would usually do on your own, and its always so much fun.
Ooooh, thanks for the recipe! Have fun with Courtney…she is super cute (and has a great name!)
Yummo. If I cooked I’d totally make this.
HAHA…if I cooked….
Yey for having company! I totally agree that when friends and or family come to town I do so much more than I usually do and realize how lazy I am on my own!
Hope you all have a wonderful time exploring Austin! I need to visit the fabulous city someday ! 🙂
Can’t wait to try the recipe! And WAY more excited about hanging out on Saturday 🙂
Great recipe!!