Cosa de Horno - Mexican Baked Delight

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) chicken or beef, cut into bite-sized pieces 500g (1.1 lb) chicken or beef, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 bell peppers, sliced 2 bell peppers, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced 1 onion, sliced
• 2 tomatoes, sliced 2 tomatoes, sliced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 200g (7 oz) shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend) 200g (7 oz) shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories: 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat: 18g (7g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 9g (5g sugars)
• Protein: 38g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, cumin powder, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
3. 3.
   Add the chicken or beef to the bowl and mix well, ensuring the meat is coated with the spice mixture.
4. 4.
   In a baking dish, layer the marinated meat, bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes.
5. 5.
   Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top.
6. 6.
   Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
7. 7.
   Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
8. 8.
   Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken or beef — Ensure the meat is cut into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
• Bell peppers — Choose a variety of colors for a visually appealing dish and a range of flavors.
• Shredded cheese — Opt for a high-quality cheese that melts well, such as cheddar or a Mexican blend, to achieve a gooey and flavorful topping.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to the spice mixture.
• Serve with warm tortillas or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices.
• Customize the dish by adding your favorite vegetables, such as zucchini or mushrooms.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties, such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack, for a unique twist.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated for a quick and delicious meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Mexican Fiesta Bake hot, straight from the oven, garnished with fresh cilantro. Accompany it with a side of Mexican rice and a dollop of sour cream for a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

Present the Cosa de Horno on a vibrant and festive serving platter to showcase the colorful layers of meat, vegetables, and melted cheese. Sprinkle some additional fresh cilantro on top for an added pop of green.