This dish has so many potential varieties that they’re just too numerous to mention. But that’s what makes this great for household weekly meal prep and planning for other uses for Leftovers.
Every dish you prep should have a potential for at least 3 varieties other than the main way it was dirst made.
For example: You could have a taco night and end up with a lot of leftover tortillas, cheese, sour cream, peppers, etc.
So, be creativem think about it. In many ways, this would be a great way to use leftovers in a 2nd completely different dish, using the leftovers from taco night. Use the leftovers as inspiration, and then just look in your cabinets for the other ingredients.
There is no need to spend more money!
Additionally the “3 meals from 1” methodology, creating 3 meals from just 1 main entree of the week, will help you rotate the older food in your pantry, freezer and/or refridgerater as well. In restaurants, rotation is a key fundamental because having a variety of menu options, which use the same produce, meat, etc, that your entrees use, saves money, and promotes low food waste. So, it just makes sense for households to do the same thing.
This casserole, being the second meal created from the first meal (Taco night), what could be the third meal created from the previous two meals using those leftovers?
I often think in categories to help create recipes for situations like this. The first meal was tacos, and the second meal was a Casserole, so the third meal type should be something different. Creating a soup recipe is always a great option in this situation, and you could easily create an Tortilla Soup or another type.
This “3 From 1” methodology in meal prepping gives your family and/or friends various flavor and texture options during the week.
Additionally, it provides a way to feed your family, keep to a budget, and save money while rotating your food before their shelf life expires.
Chicken Tortilla Casserole:
Preheat oven to 400°
Cook the Casserole uncovered for 20 minutes, take it out and stir above the final layer of tortillas (spreading the moisture). Put it back in the oven for another 10 minutes uncovered and then take it out and let rest for 5 minutes. While resting, add your favorite other ingredient’s. Whether it’s peppers, more produce and /or meat, etc. just be sure to end with cheese or a liquid such as more sauce. This protects your casserole from getting dried out and adds flavor.
1 pound boneless & skinless chicken thighs
