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The Mashup: Re-inventing Classics

March 20, 2024

Food

Discover the delicious fusion of familiar favorites.

In the ever-evolving world of culinary innovation, an enticing new trend is emerging- the mashup.

Imagine this: two tried-and-true favorite dishes coming together to create something entirely new and totally delicious. That’s the excitement of the latest food trend taking the social media world by storm: the ‘mash-up’. It’s all about taking the best of two classics and blending them into one mouthwatering masterpiece. Whether it’s the unexpected textures, flavor combos or just the thrill of trying something new, this trend has everyone buzzing. Chefs and home cooks alike are getting in on the action, giving old favorites a fresh twist and making mealtime more exciting than ever.

Bacon Ramen Carbonara

In the area of culinary experimentation, it’s sometimes the simplest ingredients that hold the potential for the most unique creations. Take, for instance, the humble ramen noodle – a staple of college dorm rooms and quick meals alike. While it’s easy to dismiss ramen as basic and mundane, it is a very versatile ingredient. With a bit of creativity, this simple ingredient can be transformed into something surprisingly unique. In this Bacon Ramen Carbonara, the smoky richness of Black Label® bacon and the creaminess of carbonara sauce take simple ramen noodles to a new level, creating a dish that is comforting and familiar, but still unique.

Bacon Ramen Carbonara

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1 (16-ounce) package HORMEL® BLACK LABEL® Bacon Original, chopped
3 (3-ounce) packages ramen noodle soup, seasoning packets discarded
4 large eggs
1 cup grated Parmesan
Freshly cracked black pepper and salt, to taste
Chopped Italian parsley

Directions

  1. Heat large skillet over medium-high heat. Add bacon; cook 5 to 7 minutes, or until crispy. Remove from pan with slotted spoon to a paper towel lined plate. Remove all but 2 tablespoons bacon fat from skillet.

  2. Bring 2 quarts of water and to boil. Cook ramen according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.

  3. In medium bowl, whisk eggs and cheese until well combined.

  4. To same skillet, add ramen noodles, stirring and shaking pan to combine.

  5. Remove the pan from the heat. Add egg mixture, stirring quickly until the eggs thicken. If the sauce seems too thick, thin it out with the reserved pasta water a bit at a time.

  6. Season liberally with freshly cracked black pepper. Divide the ramen into bowls, top with remaining bacon and garnish with parsley. Serve immediately.

Cheeseburger-dilla

This dish joins the beloved classic cheeseburger with the versatility and simplicity of a quesadilla. When these two dishes collide, magic happens. Combining the best elements of these two iconic dishes, this melty mash-up offers a delicious twist on perennial favorites. But don’t take our word for it. Sink your teeth into a warm, gooey, perfectly toasted tortilla packed with all the savory goodness of a classic cheeseburger – meat, melted cheese, pickles, ripe tomato, and a special burger sauce – all melded together in perfect harmony. Whether you opt for ground beef, or the lean goodness of a Jennie-O® ground turkey like we did, one thing is for sure: This Cheeseburger-dilla will leave you satisfied.

Turkey Cheeseburger-dilla

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6 servings
 
½ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons ketchup
2 tablespoons chopped dill pickles
1 tablespoon minced white onion
1 (16-ounce) package JENNIE-O® Ground Turkey
cup ketchup
2 tablespoons mustard
1 tablespoon butter, divided
6 CHI-CHI’S® Burrito Style Tortillas
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Additional fillings: chopped and crisply cooked HORMEL® BLACK LABEL® Bacon Original, chopped onions, sliced pickles and chopped tomatoes

Directions

  1. In small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, chopped pickles, and minced white onion. Set aside.

  2. In nonstick skillet over medium-high heat cook turkey 8 to 12 minutes or until crumbled and cooked through. Remove from heat. Stir in ketchup and mustard.

  3. Heat large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon butter to melt. Place 1 tortilla in skillet. Sprinkle a layer of cheese on tortilla. Top with 1/3 turkey mixture. Sprinkle with desired additional fillings. Sprinkle with another layer of cheese. Top with another tortilla.

  4. Once tortilla on bottom has browned, flip over. Continue cooking 1 to 3 minutes, or until second tortilla has browned. Remove quesadilla to cutting board. Let cool 5 minutes before cutting into quarters. Repeat with remaining ingredients to create 3 quesadillas. Serve with reserved sauce.

Taco Spaghetti

It’s no coincidence that tacos and spaghetti are among the most beloved dinner options for a lot of families. Both dishes offer robust flavor and easy preparation. As a result, meshing these two classics was a no-brainer. We took the essence of tacos – ground beef seasoned with Chi-Chi’s® Taco Seasoning Mix, crisp veggies, and zesty Heredez® salsas – and intertwined them with the familiar, hearty comfort of spaghetti noodles for a new spin on two classics. This flavorful dish is an easy way to combine the best of both worlds!

Taco Spaghetti

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1 pound ground beef
½ cup onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilis
1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (4-ounce) can CHI-CHI’S® Diced Green Chiles
1 (1.25-ounce) packet CHI-CHI’S® Taco Seasoning Mix
1 cup canned corn, drained
1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
½ cup water
Salt and pepper to taste
8 ounces spaghetti, cooked and drained
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Optional toppings: chopped fresh cilantro, chopped green onions, sliced jalapeños, sour cream, sliced black olives, CHI-CHI’S® Thick & Chunky Salsa Medium, HERDEZ® Avocado Hot Sauce and HERDEZ® Traditional Guacamole Mild

Directions

  1. In large skillet over medium-high heat, cook beef 6 to 8 minutes or until crumbly and cooked through. Drain excess grease. Add onion and garlic. Cook 1 to 2 minutes or until softened.

  2. Stir in diced tomatoes and green chilis, tomato sauce, canned chilis, taco seasoning mix, corn, black beans and water. Simmer 5 to 8 minutes or until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

  3. Add cooked spaghetti to skillet. Toss together. Sprinkle cheese on top. Cover skillet with lid. Cook on low heat 1 to 2 minutes or until cheese has melted.

  4. Garnish with cilantro and serve with optional toppings.

Pepperoni Mac N’ Cheese Pizza

This mash-up is the epitome of kid-friendly dishes. Pepperoni pizza and mac ‘n’ cheese are combined into one in this irresistible dish. A golden pizza crust, topped with pizza sauce and Hormel® Original Pepperoni and shredded mozzarella cheese is the starter for this perfect pie. Add creamy macaroni and cheese, and top with Hormel® Pepperoni Cup N’ Crisp for the perfectly crispy, cuppy delightful finishing touch. With each delicious bite, experience the perfect fusion of pizza plus mac ‘n’ cheese, which promises to please the entire family and satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.

Pepperoni Mac N' Cheese Pizza

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1 pound pizza dough, at room temperature
½ cup pizza sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ (6 oz) package HORMEL® Original Pepperoni
1 (14-ounce) package macaroni and cheese sauce, prepared
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 (5-ounce) package HORMEL® Pepperoni Cup And Crisp

Directions

  1. Heat oven to 475°F.

  2. Roll or stretch dough to 14-inch round; transfer to pizza pan. Spread with sauce, add layer of HORMEL® Original Pepperoni, sprinkle with cheese. Top with prepared macaroni and cheese sauce, salt and pepper to taste, and HORMEL® Pepperoni Cup N’ Crisp.

  3. Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until crust is browned and pepperoni is crisped.