Taco Perogies

This is a hit with the younger crowd. I made it with a group of middle school students and they loved it so much some were going home and making it for the family.

This is fusion cooking like no other, Ukranian and Mexican, in one easy to make casserole. Supper is on the table in less than an hour. And do make the taco seasoning mix. You will never buy the packaged stuff again.

Just add a crisp green salad and dinner is ready.

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Taco Perogy Casserole

Purchased or thick dough perogies work best in this recipe. Thin dough perogies may break apart.

1 35 oz. package of bacon flavoured perogies 1 kg

1 lb. lean ground beef 500 g

1 onion, finely diced

1 green or red pepper, chopped

2 tbsp. taco seasoning (recipe follows) 30 mL

1/2 c. beef stock 125 mL

1/2 c. sour cream 125 mL

2 – 3 ripe tomatoes, seeded and chopped

1 c. cheddar cheese, grated 250 mL

2 green onions, cut on the bias

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook perogies until warmed through. Drain and set aside.

While the perogies are cooking brown ground beef in a large pan that has been lightly oiled. After meat begins to brown add onions and peppers and cook until the beef is completely cooked. Stir in taco seasoning.  Add beef stock and cook until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in sour cream and tomatoes.

Assemble by lightly oiling a 9 inch x 9 inch (22 cm x 22 cm) baking dish. Put half of the perogies on the bottom and top with half of the beef mixture. Top with half of the grated cheese. Repeat with another layer of perogies, ground beef and grated cheese.

Broil until cheese melts. Garnish with green onions and serve.

Taco Seasoning

A well stocked spice cabinet does not require any seasoning mixes.

2 tbsp. chili powder 30 mL

1/2 tsp. garlic powder 2 mL

1/2 tsp. onion powder 2 mL

1/4 tsp. cayenne 1 mL

1/2 tsp. oregano 2 mL

1 tsp. paprika 5 mL

1 tbsp. ground cumin 15 mL

sea salt and ground black pepper, to taste

2 tbsp. flour 30 mL

Mix thoroughly and store in a container with a tight fitting lid.