3 Super Simple Super Bowl Recipes by Sandra Lee

Did your lazy football Sunday turn into an all out Super Bowl bash? No problem. When your (unexpected) guests start rolling in, there’s no need to panic. Turn on the game, and head into the kitchen, and look to time-saving celebrity chef Sandra Lee. With these tips and tricks, you’ll be back on the couch in no time. Who knows, maybe you’ll even win the half-time box score pool!

The Right Salsas

According to Lee, salsa is one of those foods that can taste just as good from a jar. So, if you are pressed for time, but still want something new, pick up a few jars of these decidedly non-traditional flavors. The staff at TLK polished off a whole bag of chips “testing” three Ortega brand salsas, recommended and approved by Lee: the Garden Vegetable Salsa, a flavorful blend of crunchy veggies like peppers, onions and carrots with spices and herbs; the Salsa Con Queso, cheesy deliciousness on it’s own, but also great for adding to nachos or quesadillas; and the Black Bean & Corn Salsa, a Southwestern spin on the traditional salsa that ranked as our favorite.

Super Bowl Snacking 2.0

Super Bowl Sunday is the one day of the year when couch snacking is actually encouraged. Even so, something more substantial than chips are required.  Lee let TLK in on some of her ideas for fast and easy ways to transform salsas and dips into a “super” spread:

• Stir together sour cream and a little taco sauce for a simple one-step dip with zing.

• Arrange fresh ingredients like cilantro, diced grilled chicken and shredded cheese, open a jar of salsa, heat a can of refried beans, and serve with whole wheat tortillas for a healthy, make-your-own burrito bar.

• Make simple hamburger sliders and serve with guacamole and Monterey Jack cheese.  

• Pair chunky salsa with fried polenta rounds for finger foods that are anything but boring.

Make it a Meal

If you’re looking for a dish with more bite (and heft), and aren’t scared to spend time in the kitchen, try these three “super” quick, “super” easy recipes from Ortega and Sandra Lee.

Chimichangas

• 1 16-ounce jar Ortega Salsa Verde
• 1 whole rotisserie chicken, shredded
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 package Ortega Whole Wheat Soft Tortillas
• 1 16-ounce can Ortega Refried Beans or Fat Free Refried Beans
• 1 bunch scallions, sliced
• 1 16-ounce package Mexican blend shredded cheese
• 1 8-ounce pineapple chunks, drained
• 1 8-ounce can crushed pineapple

Get the full recipe and ingredient list.
 

Salsa Sopes

• 1 18-ounce package prepared polenta
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 1 15-ounce can Ortega Black Beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 1/4 cups Ortega Thick & Chunky Medium Salsa
• 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons Ortega Thick & Smooth Mild Taco Sauce
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 cup shredded lettuce

Get the full recipe.
 

Southwest Burger

• 1 pound ground chuck
• 1 package Ortega Taco Seasoning (or Ortega 40% Less Sodium Taco Seasoning)
• 4 slices Colby-Jack cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• 8 slices Texas toast
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 cup French-fried onion rings
• 1/2 cup Ortega Thick & Chunky Mild Salsa
• 2 tablespoons Ortega Thick & Smooth Hot Taco Sauce

Get the full recipe.

Let the games begin!