New Mama's Mexican Casserole

For those of us that love some South-0f-The-Border flavor, this recipe is pure comfort food. I love to make this when clients need a dish that will last for multiple meals and has dense nutrition, and awesome flavor. It can be made without onions, garlic, and cheese so if you are avoiding alliums or dairy because they make your baby gassy, please don't pass up this one!

New Mama's Mexican Casserole 

Ingredients 1 package tortillas (wheat or corn) 2 cans refried beans 2 zucchini 1 red bell pepper 4 c chopped spinach 1/2 onion (if eating alliums) 3-4 c grated cheese or 1 batch dairy-free cheese sauce  Salt Pepper optional: 1 lb ground beef/ turkey or shredded chicken cooked with 1t chili powder, 1t cumin powder, and 1 t garlic powder (if eating alliums), 1/2 t salt  salsa 

Instructions 1. If including meat, cook it in a large skillet with spices. Transfer to a bowl and set aside. 2. In the same skillet, sauté zucchini, pepper and spinach (onion too if including) in a bit of oil, ghee or butter. Stir and cook until soft and spinach is wilted.  3. In a 9"x13" baking dish, layer tortillas,1 can of beans, 1/2 the veggies, 1/3 of the cheese (and 1/2 the meat and salsa if including). Then do another layer in the same order. Top with a layer of tortillas, cheese and salsa. 4. Bake at 400 F for 25 minutes until cheese is melted and flavors have combined.  5. Cut into squares to serve. Enjoy! 

Life Beyond Birth provides support for expectant parents, and new babies & their families, online and in-person. Find a class or contact Molly at www.lifebeyondbirth.com.