Cold Days / Cozy Nights

Yesterday marked the first cold snap of the season in my little corner of the world.

Digging out gloves and scraping the windshield made me long for the warmer days of the summer. Only for a moment though. I do love the beautiful, cold, crisp autumn days when the sun is shining and the leaves are bright gold, orange and red.

This kind of day calls for a warm, cozy, hearty enchilada pie of the same color combination. 

 

Shredded Pork Enchilada Pie

2 C cooked shredded pork, seasoned with 1 tsp taco seasoning (good use of leftover pork roast)

12 small corn tortillas

1 small can green chiles

1/2 C chopped onion

up to 1 T red pepper flakes, depending on how spicy you desire

3 C cheese of choice (I use cheddar)

1 C re-fried beans

2 C enchilada sauce, red or green

Toppings of your choice: shredded lettuce, chopped tomato, olives, green onions. Cilantro, sour cream, guacamole, hot sauce, salsa, tortilla chips for dipping.

Preheat oven to 350*

Oil or butter a 9” inch pie plate. Arrange 4 corn tortillas on the bottom, breaking up to fit, if desired (over-lapping is okay)

Pour the enchilada sauce into a shallow bowl.

Spread half the beans on the tortillas, spread a little enchilada sauce on beans, top with half the pork, chiles, onions and 1 C of the cheese. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes if desired.

Add another 4 tortillas, that have been dipped in enchilada sauce. Spread the rest of the beans, spread a little enchilada sauce on beans, top with remainder of pork, chiles, onions and 1 C of the cheese.

Add the last 4 tortillas, that have been dipped in enchilada sauce. Spread more enchilada sauce over the tortillas, letting it drip down into the pan. There may be a little enchilada sauce left.

Save the last of the cheese for later.

Bake, uncovered, in a 350* oven for about 30 minutes. Placing a cookie sheet on the rack below is helpful in catching any drips that may occur.

Since ovens vary, check the temperature of the middle of the pie with a thermometer after 30 minutes. If it's at least 165*, top with the remaining cheese and continue baking until the cheese is melted and starting to brown. If it's not quite hot enough, keep baking until the center reaches at least 165* (safe temperature for reheating cooked foods)

Remove from oven and let sit for a few minutes before serving.

Adding corn, black beans, diced jalapenos, cilantro and other Tex-Mex favorites is encouraged for variety. I also make this with cooked shredded chicken.