Spice Up Your Game Day: Delicious Recipes from the Old El Paso & Watt Brothers Collab

Get ready to tackle your taste buds! Old El Paso has teamed up with the Watt brothers – JJ, T.J., and Derek – to bring you a lineup of game-changing recipes that are perfect for tailgating, watching the game at home, or any occasion that calls for delicious, shareable food. This collaboration combines the fun and flavors of Old El Paso with the Watt brothers’ passion for food and family, resulting in a collection of recipes that are both exciting and easy to make.

In this article, we’ll dive into some of the most mouthwatering recipes from this exciting collaboration, providing you with detailed instructions and helpful tips to ensure your culinary touchdown is a success. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, these recipes are designed to be approachable and enjoyable. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and let’s get cooking!

## Why This Collaboration Works So Well

The partnership between Old El Paso and the Watt brothers is a natural fit. Old El Paso is a household name synonymous with delicious Mexican-inspired cuisine, while the Watt brothers are known for their athleticism, family values, and genuine love of food. They represent the perfect combination of fun, flavor, and family bonding – all key ingredients for a winning recipe.

This collaboration isn’t just about slapping a celebrity name on a product. The Watt brothers have been actively involved in the recipe development process, ensuring that each dish reflects their personal tastes and preferences. They’ve shared stories about their family traditions and favorite game-day meals, which have helped to inspire the creation of unique and flavorful recipes.

## Must-Try Recipes from the Old El Paso & Watt Brothers Collab

Here are some of the standout recipes from the Old El Paso & Watt Brothers collaboration. Each recipe includes a list of ingredients, detailed step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips to ensure a perfect result every time.

### 1. Watt Brothers’ Spicy Fiesta Dip

This dip is a crowd-pleaser! It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, making it the perfect appetizer for any gathering.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 lb ground beef
* 1 packet Old El Paso Taco Seasoning
* 1 (16 oz) can Old El Paso Refried Beans
* 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
* 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
* 1/2 cup sour cream
* 1/4 cup chopped green onions
* Old El Paso Tortilla Chips, for serving

**Instructions:**

1. **Brown the ground beef:** In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
2. **Season the beef:** Stir in the Old El Paso Taco Seasoning according to package directions. Add the diced tomatoes and green chilies. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
3. **Combine ingredients:** In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, refried beans, and sour cream. Mix well until smooth.
4. **Layer the dip:** Spread the cream cheese mixture in the bottom of a serving dish. Top with the seasoned ground beef mixture, followed by the shredded cheddar cheese.
5. **Bake (Optional):** For a warm and melty dip, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Alternatively, you can microwave the dip for a few minutes until heated through.
6. **Garnish and serve:** Garnish with chopped green onions and serve with Old El Paso Tortilla Chips.

**Tips and Variations:**

* **Spice it up:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the ground beef mixture for extra heat.
* **Add more veggies:** Incorporate chopped bell peppers, onions, or corn into the ground beef mixture for added flavor and texture.
* **Make it vegetarian:** Substitute the ground beef with crumbled vegetarian ground beef or black beans.
* **Use different cheeses:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a blend of your favorites.

### 2. Watt Brothers’ Ultimate Taco Bar

Take your taco night to the next level with this ultimate taco bar! It’s all about customization and offering a variety of toppings to please everyone’s preferences.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 lb ground beef
* 1 packet Old El Paso Taco Seasoning
* Old El Paso Taco Shells (hard or soft, or both!)
* Shredded lettuce
* Diced tomatoes
* Shredded cheddar cheese
* Sour cream
* Guacamole
* Salsa
* Diced onions
* Jalapeños, sliced
* Black olives, sliced
* Cilantro, chopped
* Lime wedges
* Optional: Rice, refried beans, corn

**Instructions:**

1. **Brown the ground beef:** In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
2. **Season the beef:** Stir in the Old El Paso Taco Seasoning according to package directions.
3. **Prepare the toppings:** Wash and chop all the vegetables. Place each topping in its own separate bowl.
4. **Warm the taco shells:** Warm the taco shells according to package directions. For hard shells, you can bake them in the oven for a few minutes to crisp them up. For soft shells, you can warm them in a skillet or microwave.
5. **Assemble the taco bar:** Arrange all the ingredients on a table, allowing everyone to build their own tacos.

**Tips and Variations:**

* **Offer multiple protein options:** In addition to ground beef, consider offering shredded chicken, carnitas, or fish tacos.
* **Include vegetarian options:** Provide black beans, lentils, or grilled vegetables for vegetarian guests.
* **Make your own salsa:** Homemade salsa is always a crowd-pleaser. Try making a classic tomato salsa, a fruity mango salsa, or a spicy habanero salsa.
* **Get creative with toppings:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings, such as pickled onions, roasted corn, or crumbled queso fresco.
* **Keep it warm:** Use slow cookers or warming trays to keep the protein and side dishes warm throughout the party.

### 3. Watt Brothers’ Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas

These enchiladas are packed with flavor and are surprisingly easy to make. They’re perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 1 packet Old El Paso Taco Seasoning
* 1 (10 oz) can Old El Paso Enchilada Sauce
* 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
* 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
* 12 Old El Paso Flour Tortillas
* Optional: Sour cream, guacamole, salsa, for serving

**Instructions:**

1. **Cook the chicken:** Cook the chicken breasts using your preferred method (bake, boil, or grill). Once cooked, shred the chicken with two forks.
2. **Season the chicken:** In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the Old El Paso Taco Seasoning and the diced green chilies. Mix well.
3. **Assemble the enchiladas:** Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Fill each tortilla with the chicken mixture and a sprinkle of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Roll up the tortillas and place them seam-side down in the baking dish.
4. **Top with sauce and cheese:** Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the enchiladas and top with the remaining cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
5. **Bake:** Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. **Serve:** Let cool slightly before serving. Top with sour cream, guacamole, and salsa, if desired.

**Tips and Variations:**

* **Use rotisserie chicken:** Save time by using rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own.
* **Add vegetables:** Incorporate chopped onions, bell peppers, or corn into the chicken mixture.
* **Make it spicier:** Use a spicier enchilada sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture.
* **Freeze for later:** Enchiladas can be assembled ahead of time and frozen for later use. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

### 4. Watt Brothers’ Walking Tacos

Walking tacos are a fun and portable snack that’s perfect for tailgating or outdoor events. They’re essentially tacos in a bag of chips!

**Ingredients:**

* 1 lb ground beef
* 1 packet Old El Paso Taco Seasoning
* Individual bags of Old El Paso Tortilla Chips (such as Doritos or Fritos)
* Shredded lettuce
* Diced tomatoes
* Shredded cheddar cheese
* Sour cream
* Salsa
* Diced onions
* Jalapeños, sliced (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. **Brown the ground beef:** In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
2. **Season the beef:** Stir in the Old El Paso Taco Seasoning according to package directions.
3. **Prepare the toppings:** Wash and chop all the vegetables. Place each topping in its own separate bowl.
4. **Assemble the walking tacos:** Open each bag of chips. Spoon some seasoned ground beef into each bag, followed by your desired toppings. Eat directly from the bag with a fork.

**Tips and Variations:**

* **Use different types of chips:** Experiment with different flavors of tortilla chips, such as nacho cheese, ranch, or chili cheese.
* **Add beans:** Include refried beans or black beans for added protein and fiber.
* **Make it a chili walking taco:** Substitute the seasoned ground beef with chili for a heartier snack.
* **Offer a variety of sauces:** Provide different types of salsa, hot sauce, and creamy sauces to customize the flavor.

### 5. Watt Brothers’ Taco Pasta Salad

This taco pasta salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that’s perfect for potlucks or picnics. It’s a unique twist on traditional taco flavors.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 lb pasta (such as rotini, penne, or elbow macaroni)
* 1 lb ground beef
* 1 packet Old El Paso Taco Seasoning
* 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
* 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
* 1 red bell pepper, diced
* 1/2 red onion, diced
* 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
* 1/2 cup mayonnaise
* 1/4 cup sour cream
* 1/4 cup salsa
* 2 tablespoons lime juice
* 1 teaspoon cumin
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Shredded cheddar cheese, for garnish
* Tortilla chips, crushed, for garnish

**Instructions:**

1. **Cook the pasta:** Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
2. **Brown the ground beef:** In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
3. **Season the beef:** Stir in the Old El Paso Taco Seasoning according to package directions.
4. **Prepare the dressing:** In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, salsa, lime juice, cumin, salt, and pepper.
5. **Combine ingredients:** Add the cooked pasta, seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro to the bowl with the dressing. Toss to combine.
6. **Chill:** Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
7. **Serve:** Garnish with shredded cheddar cheese and crushed tortilla chips before serving.

**Tips and Variations:**

* **Add avocado:** Diced avocado adds a creamy and delicious element to the salad.
* **Use a different type of bean:** Substitute black beans with pinto beans or kidney beans.
* **Add jalapeños:** Add diced jalapeños for a spicier kick.
* **Make it lighter:** Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a healthier dressing.
* **Add a vinaigrette:** For a lighter dressing, use a lime vinaigrette instead of the mayonnaise-based dressing.

## Beyond the Recipes: The Watt Brothers’ Impact

The Old El Paso & Watt Brothers collaboration is more than just a collection of recipes. It’s a celebration of family, food, and fun. The Watt brothers’ genuine enthusiasm for cooking and sharing meals with loved ones shines through in every recipe. Their involvement has helped to elevate the Old El Paso brand and connect with a wider audience.

This collaboration also highlights the importance of incorporating healthy habits into your lifestyle. While these recipes are undeniably delicious, they can also be adapted to be more nutritious by using leaner proteins, adding more vegetables, and opting for lower-fat dairy products.

## Get Inspired and Get Cooking!

The Old El Paso & Watt Brothers collaboration offers a wealth of delicious and easy-to-make recipes that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a game-day party, planning a family dinner, or simply looking for a new and exciting way to spice up your meals, these recipes are sure to impress.

So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to experience the flavors of the Old El Paso & Watt Brothers collab. With a little creativity and enthusiasm, you can create memorable meals that will bring joy to your table and leave everyone wanting more!

**Don’t forget to share your culinary creations on social media using the hashtag #OldElPasoWattBros!**