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Easy Pesto Meatballs with Zucchini and Orzo

Easy Pesto Meatballs with Zucchini and Orzo

Easy Pesto Meatballs with Zucchini and Orzo

 

1 lb ground turkey

1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs

1/4 cup pesto

1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

1 egg

1/2 T. olive oil

2 T. butter

2 zucchini, thinly sliced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

1 cup uncooked orzo

1/2 lemon, juiced

1/4 cup white wine

1 1/4 cup vegetable broth

1 cup water

 

Combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, pesto, parmesan and egg in a bowl. Combine with your hands in form into meatballs about the size of a golf ball. Add olive oil to a pan over medium heat. Add the meatballs once the oil is hot and cook until each side is browned, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer the meatballs to a plate. Add butter to that same pan. Once melted, add red pepper flakes. (You can omit this if you don’t like spice!) Stir in the thinly sliced zucchini and cook for about a minute, then add your minced garlic. Add white wine and lemon juice and cook for another 2 minutes. Mix in your orzo, stirring to coat every piece of pasta. Then add broth and water. When you start to see a low simmer, nestle the meatballs back in. Cover the pan and cook for 8 minutes. Uncover and check to make sure your orzo is al dente and your meatballs are cooked all the way through to the center. Serve with additional parmesan cheese on top!

Lasagna Casserole

Lasagna Casserole

Lasagna Casserole

 

1 pound ground beef

1/4 cup chopped onion

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. pepper, divided

1 pound medium pasta shells, cooked and drained

4 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided

3 cups 4% cottage cheese

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 T. dried parsley flakes

1 jar (24 ounces) pasta sauce

 

In a large skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink, breaking meat into crumbles; drain. Sprinkle with salt and 1/4 tsp. pepper; set aside. In a large bowl, combine pasta, 3 cups mozzarella cheese, cottage cheese, eggs, Parmesan cheese, parsley and the remaining pepper. Transfer to a greased shallow 3-qt. or 13×9-in. baking dish. Top with beef mixture and spaghetti sauce (dish will be full). Cover and bake at 350° for 45 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese. Bake, uncovered, until bubbly and cheese is melted, 15 minutes longer. Let stand for 10 minutes before. To Freeze: Sprinkle casserole with remaining mozzarella cheese. Cover and freeze unbaked casserole. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 350°. Bake casserole as directed, increasing time as necessary until heated through and a thermometer inserted in center reads 165°.

Miso Butter Noodles

Miso Butter Noodles

Miso Butter Noodles

 

4 oz dry spaghetti

1 T. miso

1/2 tsp mirin

1 tsp soy sauce

1 clove garlic, chopped or grated

4 T. pasta water

2 tsp cooking oil

4 oz ground chicken, pork, turkey, beef or crumbled extra firm tofu

4 to 5 green cabbage leaves, cut into bite size

pinch of salt

1 T. butter

 

Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water by following the directions of the package you are using. Meanwhile, mix miso, mirin, soy sauce, garlic, and pasta water in a mixing bowl and set aside. Heat a large skillet over high heat, add cooking oil; add ground meat, cabbage and pinch of salt. Cook until pork is fully cooked and cabbages are soften, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the sauce mixture. Mix everything real quick then add the spaghetti and butter. Toss everything together. Transfer to a serving plate and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Ground Pork Egg Roll in a Bowl

Ground Pork Egg Roll in a Bowl

Ground Pork Egg Roll in a Bowl

 

2 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil

1 large onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 lb. lean ground turkey or pork

1 ½ T. sesame oil

1 ½ tsp. ground ginger

1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

½ tsp. kosher salt

½ tsp. black pepper

1 T. brown sugar

½ cup low-sodium chicken broth

8 cups shredded cabbage

1 ½ cups shredded carrots

2 T. low-sodium soy sauce

 

Heat oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Add the sesame oil, ground ginger, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper and brown sugar and stir well to combine. Add the chicken broth and the cabbage and stir well. Bring to a simmer and let cook until the cabbage is slightly wilted. Add the carrots and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until softened. Stir in the soy sauce, taste and adjust seasonings, and serve immediately.

3 Ingredient Pesto Meatballs

3 Ingredient Pesto Meatballs

3 Ingredient Pesto Meatballs

 

1 lb. ground chicken (or beef)

1/3 cup panko crumbs or oat bran

¼ cup jarred pesto

 

In a large mixing bowl, combine chicken, panko and pesto. Salt, to taste. Mix until fully combined. Roll meat mixture into balls using 1 tbsp mixture per meatball. This recipe will make ~24 meatballs. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the meatballs to the pan and cook until browned on the outside and no longer pink on the inside, stirring and flipping the meatballs throughout. They will cook in about 6-8 minutes, depending on the size. Remove from the pan and serve with your favorite pasta recipe.

Taco Stuffed Pasta Shells

Taco Stuffed Pasta Shells

Taco Stuffed Pasta Shells

 

18 uncooked jumbo pasta shells

1-1/2 pounds lean ground beef (90% lean)

2 teaspoons chili powder

3 ounces fat-free cream cheese, cubed

1 bottle (16 ounces) taco sauce, divided

3/4 cup shredded reduced-fat Mexican cheese blend, divided

20 baked tortilla chip scoops, coarsely crushed

 

Preheat oven to 350°. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse in cold water; drain again. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook and crumble beef over medium-high heat until no longer pink, 6-8 minutes. Stir in chili powder, cream cheese and 1/2 cup taco sauce until blended. Stir in 1/4 cup shredded cheese. Spoon about 2 tablespoons filling into each shell. Place in an 11×7-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Top with remaining taco sauce. Bake, covered, until heated through, 20-25 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining cheese; bake, uncovered, until cheese is melted, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle with chips.

Creamy Beef Noodle Bake

Creamy Beef Noodle Bake

Creamy Beef Noodle Bake

 

1 lb ground beef

1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce

½ teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon pepper

1 package (12 oz) wide egg noodles

3/4 cup sour cream

1 container (16 oz) cottage cheese (equals 2 cups)

2 cups shredded cheese

 

Heat oven to 350°F. Prepare a 9×13 baking dish and spray with cooking spray.

Cook the ground beef in a skillet pan, over medium-high heat, until no longer pink. Drain any excess grease.  Add the tomato sauce, onion powder, salt, and pepper into the meat. Stir and let it simmer, over medium heat, while the egg noodles cook.

Cook the egg noodles according to package directions. Don’t forget to add at least 1 teaspoon of salt in with the noodles. In large mixing bowl, stir together the sour cream and cottage cheese. When noodles are done cooking, drain the noodles, but do not rinse. Add the noodles into the mixing bowl with the cottage cheese and stir to coat all the noodles. Pour half the egg noodle mixture into your prepared pan, top with half the ground beef mixture, and then half the shredded cheese. Repeat. Cover with foil and cook for 20 minutes. If you want those crunchy casserole edges and noodle edges then don’t cover with tin foil.

Triple Batch Sam’s Meatballs

Triple Batch Sam’s Meatballs

Triple Batch Sam’s Meatballs

 

1 ½ pounds ground beef

1 ½ pounds ground pork

1 ½ pounds ground veal

1 1/2 cup ricotta

1 cup shredded Parmesan

1 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs

6 large garlic cloves, minced

3 tsp. kosher salt

3 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

1 1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes

3 large egg

 

Makes 36 Meatballs. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Put everything into a large bowl and mix well—with your hands please, not a spoon. Roll into balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until cooked all the way through.

Air Fryer Egg Rolls

Air Fryer Egg Rolls

Air Fryer Egg Rolls

 

2 T. olive oil

2 T. sesame seeds

1 pound ground pork

3 green onions

1 tsp. onion powder

½ tsp. black pepper

½ tsp. ground ginger

1 T. minced garlic

1 T. white wine vinegar

½ T. soy sauce

1½ cups coleslaw mix

8 egg roll wrappers

 

In a saucepan over medium-high heat, add olive oil and sesame seeds. Toast the seeds to golden-brown. Add ground pork. Cook until browned, then add onion powder, black pepper, ground ginger, chopped green onions, minced garlic, white wine vinegar, and soy sauce. Cook until the juices evaporate. Add in the coleslaw mix and mix through. Cook so the slaw mix softens and stir through until everything is nicely combined. Lay out egg roll wrappers in the position of a diamond. Spoon two to three spoonfuls of meat into the center of the wrapper – make sure not to overstuff the egg rolls! Lightly wet the edge of the wrapper with water. Fold the left and right corners towards the center.  Then, fold the bottom corner up, and roll the egg rolls shut, squeezing any air out as you roll them. Lightly wet the exposed corner to press it down and seal your egg roll. Spray the air fryer basket with oil, then place the egg rolls in the basket. Spray the egg rolls with oil. Cook for 8 minutes at 380°F, until crispy and golden brown on all sides. Let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Try serving pork egg rolls with sweet and sour sauce or sweet chili sauce.

Meatballs with Pine Nuts and Summer Savory

Meatballs with Pine Nuts and Summer Savory

Meatballs with Pine Nuts and Summer Savory

 

1/2 cup (120 ml) milk

1/2 cup (55 g) bread crumbs

1 1/2 pounds (680 g) ground lamb

1/3 cup (45 g) pine nuts

1/2 tsp. salt

1 cup (100 g) chopped scallions, green parts only

2 cloves garlic, very finely chopped

2 T. chopped fresh summer savory (or substitute fresh parsley or oregano)

2 T. pomegranate molasses

1 egg

1/4 cup (60 ml) olive oil

 

Pour the milk onto the bread Squeeze them out and reserve. crumbs and let them absorb the liquid for about 3 minutes. In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients except the olive oil and mix very well. If you have time, leave the bowl in the fridge for an hour to allow the flavors to blend. Heat the oil in a heavy-bottomed pan. Start forming the lamb mixture into small balls the size of pingpong balls. Fry until brown on one side, flip, brown, and remove to a plate when cooked. Cook in 3 or 4 batches and do not overcrowd the pan or it will lose heat and you’ll get gray, steamed meatballs. Alternatively, preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) and roast the meatballs on an oiled rimmed baking sheet for 15 minutes, turning once. Serve the meatballs at room temperature.

Chicken Meatballs in Lemon-Dill Cream Sauce with Asparagus

Chicken Meatballs in Lemon-Dill Cream Sauce with Asparagus

Chicken Meatballs in Lemon-Dill Cream Sauce with Asparagus

 

1 cup red onion, minced

extra-virgin olive oil

2 slices country-style bread

½ cup milk

1¾ pounds ground chicken, both dark and white meat together

2 cloves garlic, grated

pinch chili flakes

sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

½ cup minced chives

2 ounces crumbled sheep-milk feta

¾ cup chopped dill, divided

juice and zest of 1 lemon, divided

¼ cup white wine

1 shallot, minced

1 cup heavy cream

16 fat asparagus spears, ends trimmed and stalks peeled

2 T. unsalted butter

 

Preheat oven to 375°F. In a large skillet heat 2 T. olive oil and add the minced red onion. Sauté, stirring, until soft and translucent but not browned, 3–4 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool. In a large bowl soak the bread in the milk until absorbed, then using your hands rub the bread into crumbs. Add the chicken, ¾ tsp. salt, ½ tsp. freshly ground black pepper, chives, feta, half the dill and half the lemon zest. Add the cooled sautéed onion and use your hands to fold all the ingredients together, being careful not to overwork the meat. Place the onion skillet back on the heat and fry 1 tsp. of the meat mixture on both sides to cook it through; taste and add more salt to the meat if needed, mixing thoroughly with your hands. Using wet hands, form the mixture into 1½-inch balls and arrange on a lined baking sheet. Refrigerate at least 1 hour or up to overnight; freeze if desired and defrost before proceeding with the recipe. When ready to cook, brown the meatballs on all sides in olive oil and return to the baking sheet. Finish cooking in the oven while you make the pan sauce. Heat the same skillet you cooked the meatballs in and add the wine and shallot; deglaze the pan and reduce the wine to just a T. or so, then add the remaining lemon zest, the lemon juice and the heavy cream. Whisk to combine, season with salt and pepper and stir in the remaining dill. Keep warm. In another skillet melt the butter with 2 T. olive oil over medium-high heat and add the asparagus. Pan roast, turning and basting, until the spears are bright green and tender, about 6–8 minutes total. Season with salt and pepper and set aside to keep warm. Remove the meatballs from the oven and add to the pan sauce, rolling them around to coat. Serve with asparagus on the side, garnished with extra dill.

Tomato Basil Tortellini Skillet

Tomato Basil Tortellini Skillet

¾ lb ground beef (or use ground turkey)

½ cup chopped onion

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 (24-oz) jar tomato basil pasta sauce

2 cups chicken broth

½ (25-oz) pkg frozen tortellini

 

Cook beef, onion, and garlic in a large skillet over medium heat until beef is browned and crumbly; drain and return to skillet. Stir in pasta sauce, broth, and tortellini; bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat, and simmer 10 minutes or until tortellini is tender.

Polish Kotlety (Mielone)

Polish Kotlety (Mielone)

Polish Kotlety (Mielone)

 

1 pound (500 g) ground pork or turkey approx. 7% fat

1 small stale bun or ½ large, plus water for soaking,

1 small onion

1 medium egg

⅔ tsp. fine sea salt and ½ tsp. pepper

3-4 T. breadcrumbs for coating

2 T. vegetable oil for frying

 

Prepare bun: Place in a bowl, cover with water and set aside for 10 minutes (if the bun floats on top cover it with a small plate, or similar, to make sure it’s fully immersed in the water). Drain then squeeze excess water from the bun (do this thoroughly). Shred the bun (it will be very soft). Prepare onion: Either chop very finely by hand, grate or blend in a food processor (recommended). Make kotlety mixture: Combine the meat, shredded bun, egg, onion and seasoning. Using your hands mix the ingredients together until thoroughly incorporated, the mixture is smooth and doesn’t stick to your hands as much (do this for 3-4 minutes). It will feel very soft. Refrigerate for 10 minutes, if possible. Form kotlety, coat in breadcrumbs: Remove the mixture from the fridge. Form round (or oval shaped) patties, place in the breadcrumbs and coat thoroughly. They will be soft, but this is good as it means they will have a soft texture. You should get about 10 patties. Fry: In a large non-stick pan heat up 2 T. of oil and fry the kotlety over a medium heat for 5-6 minutes on each side until nicely browned (be careful not to brown them too quickly). Do not overcrowd the pan. Remove bits of breadcrumbs from the pan (and add more oil) before frying another batch. Serve immediately or briefly place on top of a paper towel sheet to remove excess oil (if necessary).

Ginger Chicken Tacos with Pineapple-Scallion Rice

Ginger Chicken Tacos with Pineapple-Scallion Rice

Ginger Chicken Tacos with Pineapple-Scallion Rice (budget)

 

1½ lb ground chicken

1 small onion, chopped

2 T. olive or vegetable oil

¼ cup less sodium soy sauce

2 T. brown sugar

2 T. natural rice vinegar

¼ to ½ tsp ground ginger

¼ to ½ tsp crushed red pepper

3 cloves garlic, minced

12 soft taco size flour tortillas

1 (10-oz) pkg shredded carrots

3 green onions, sliced

 

Cook chicken and onion in hot oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat 6 to 8 minutes or until chicken is done and onion is tender. Meanwhile, stir together soy sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, ginger, red pepper, and garlic. Add to skillet with chicken mixture; cook 3 minutes or until thickened

 

1 cup long grain white rice

1 (20-oz) can pineapple chunks in juice, well

drained

2 T. brown sugar

2 T. olive or vegetable oil

2 green onions, sliced

 

Cook rice according to package directions. Meanwhile, cook pineapple and brown sugar in hot oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat 8 to 10 minutes or until pineapple is browned. Stir together rice, pineapple mixture, and green onions.

Cheese-Filled Meat Loaf Muffins

Cheese-Filled Meat Loaf Muffins

Cheese-Filled Meat Loaf Muffins

 

1½ lb. lean ground beef

1 cup crushed saltine crackers

2 T. Montreal steak seasoning

2 T. Worcestershire sauce

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

1 (8-oz) pkg shredded mozzarella cheese

¼ cup ketchup

2 T. brown sugar

 

Preheat oven to 450°F. Stir together ground beef, crackers, steak seasoning, Worcestershire, and eggs in a large bowl. Press half of mixture into 12 lightly greased muffin cups. Place a mound of cheese in center of each muffin. Press remaining meat mixture over cheese. Bake 15 minutes. Stir together ketchup and brown sugar; brush over meat loaf muffins. Bake 5 minutes longer or until beef is no longer pink in center. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Steak Sauce Burgers

Steak Sauce Burgers

Steak Sauce Burgers

 

2 T. butter

1 onion, thinly sliced

¾ lb. ground beef

¼ cup steak sauce, divided

1 slice Swiss cheese

¼ cup mayonnaise

1 T. prepared horseradish

1 T. chopped fresh parsley

2 French steak rolls, split and toasted

 

Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Melt butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion; cook 15 minutes, stirring often, until onion is very tender and browned. Stir in 2 T. steak sauce. Meanwhile, combine beef and 2 T. steak sauce. Shape mixture into 2 oblong patties to match the shape of the rolls. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Grill patties, covered, 5 to 6 minutes per side or until no longer pink. Top each with 1 slice cheese, and grill 1 minute longer or until cheese is melted. Stir together mayonnaise, horseradish, and parsley in a bowl. Serve cheese-topped patties on toasted rolls with saucy onions and mayonnaise mixture.

Creamy Skillet Ziti

Creamy Skillet Ziti

Creamy Skillet Ziti

 

12 oz ziti pasta

1½ lb ground beef

1 (24-oz) jar pasta sauce

1 (15-oz) can tomato sauce with Italian seasonings

1 (8-oz) carton sour cream

½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese

1 (8-oz) pkg shredded Italian cheese blend

 

Cook pasta according to package directions; drain, and keep warm. Meanwhile, cook beef in a large, deep skillet over medium heat until browned and crumbly; drain, and return to skillet. Stir in pasta sauce and tomato sauce; cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add pasta, sour cream, and Parmesan, stirring until blended. Sprinkle with cheese blend; cover, and let stand 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Homemade Taco Bowls

Homemade Taco Bowls

Homemade Taco Bowls

 

1 1/2 lbs. lean ground beef

 

1 T. chili powder

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1/2 tsp. onion powder

1/4 tsp. oregano

1/2 tsp. paprika

1 1/2 tsp. cumin

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

 

1 15 oz. can black beans drained and rinsed

1 15 oz. can whole corn drained

pico de gallo garnish

avocado garnish

cheddar cheese grated

cilantro garnish

brown rice approx. 1 1/2 cups per serving

 

Brown ground beef in a large skillet.  Mix together seasonings and sprinkle over meat.  Stir to incorporate.  Simmer for 3-5 minutes. Add cooked rice to individual serving bowl.

Top with ground beef mixture.  Add toppings – pico, avocado, cheese, corn, black beans, and cilantro.

Easy Taco Bowls

Easy Taco Bowls

Easy Taco Bowls

 

1 lb ground beef

1 (1-oz) envelope taco seasoning mix

2 T. water

1 (12-oz) pkg frozen cauliflower rice

2 green onions, chopped

3 cups chopped romaine lettuce

1½ cups shredded Cheddar cheese

½ cup fresh salsa

1 cup diced or sliced avocado

 

Cook beef in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat 8 minutes or until no longer pink. Add taco seasoning and water, stirring to combine. Cook 2 minutes or until slightly thickened. Cook cauliflower rice according to package directions. Stir onions into cauliflower rice. Arrange lettuce in 4 bowls. Top with cauliflower mixture, beef mixture, cheese, salsa, and avocado.

Tomato-Basil Tortellini Skillet

Tomato-Basil Tortellini Skillet

Tomato-Basil Tortellini Skillet

 

¾ lb ground beef (or use ground turkey)

½ cup chopped onion

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 (24-oz) jar tomato basil pasta sauce

2 cups chicken broth

½ (25-oz) pkg frozen tortellini

 

Cook beef, onion, and garlic in a large skillet over medium heat until beef is browned and crumbly; drain and return to skillet. Stir in pasta sauce, broth, and tortellini; bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat, and simmer 10 minutes or until tortellini is tender.

Easy Beef & Bean Enchiladas

Easy Beef & Bean Enchiladas

Easy Beef & Bean Enchiladas

 

1 1/2 pounds ground beef

3 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil

10 corn or flour tortillas

1 8-ounce package sour cream

cilantro optional

1 cup canned black beans rinses and drained

2 cups shredded Monterrey Jack or Cheddar cheese

1 homemade enchilada sauce recipe

 

Brown ground beef over medium-low heat. Drain meat to remove any excess drippings. Add ¼ cup of enchilada sauce into brown meat and stir until well-combined. For the Enchilada Assembly: Preheat oven to 350º F. Pour ½ cup enchilada sauce into the bottom of a 9×13 oven-safe, casserole dish. Drizzle oil into the bottom of a skillet over a medium-low heat. Add tortillas, one at a time, and cook for about 1 minute each. Do not allow to become crispy. Drain tortilla and then layer on beef, sour cream, cheese, cilantro, and beans. Roll tortilla to keep all ingredients inside. Then place seam side down in the casserole dish. Once all enchiladas have been assembled and placed into casserole dish, pour remaining enchilada sauce over to make sure well covered. Top with remaining cheese. Place in oven and bake 15 minutes, or until cheese has fully melted. Remove from oven and top with additional cilantro, if desired.

Cheeseburger Macaroni in the Instant Pot

Cheeseburger Macaroni in the Instant Pot

Cheeseburger Macaroni in the Instant Pot

 

1 lb lean ground beef drain after cooking if using a fatty beef

16 oz elbow macaroni uncooked

10.5 oz can of cheddar cheese soup

3 cups broth chicken or vegetable (Recently updated from 2.5 cups to 3)

3 cups shredded cheddar cheese

2 tsp. garlic powder

2 tsp. onion powder

salt and pepper as desired

garlic pepper seasoning optional

 

If ground beef is frozen, pour 1 cup water into the Instant Pot, put on the lid, make sure the valve is on “seal”, and select 25 minutes on “high” manual mode. Ground beef should be fully cooked before moving forward. If starting with thawed ground beef, turn the “sauté” setting on and cook the ground beef, garlic powder, and onion powder until beef is no longer pink. Next add in broth, elbow macaroni, can of cheddar cheese soup and salt/pepper if desired. Lock lid and close the valve to “seal” and cook for 4 minutes on manual “high” setting. The pressure cooker will take about 5 minutes to seal, 4 minutes to cook and then quick release the valve to let the pressure out. Add in 2 cups of shredded cheddar and stir until melted. Divide and sprinkle on remaining shredded cheddar on to each serving, for extra cheesy goodness!  Tip: Get creative by sprinkling on seasonings like garlic pepper seasoning, hot sauce, and anything else that you love, to add more flavor! NOTES: This recipe is a basic cheeseburger macaroni recipe. You may want to add seasonings and other flavors to kick it up a notch with flavor. I wanted to keep it very basic for kids! If in doubt, add more cheese! You can never go wrong with more cheese!

Breakfast Sausage

Breakfast Sausage

Breakfast Sausage

 

2 Lb. Ground pork

1 T. Brown sugar

2 tsp. Dried sage

2 tsp. Salt

1 tsp. Pepper

1/4 tsp. Dried marjoram

1/8 tsp. Crushed red pepper flakes

1 pinch ground cloves

 

Combine all ingredients by hand in a bowl. Form mixture into 1/4″ thick patties. Brown patties in a large skillet over medium high heat for 5 minutes on each side.

Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meat Sauce

Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meat Sauce

Instant Pot Spaghetti

1 Pound Lean Ground Beef, or Italian Sausage

½ Tsp. EACH Salt, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Italian Seasoning, or to taste

1 Pound Spaghetti Noodles

1 (24 Ounce) Jar Spaghetti Sauce

36 Ounces Water, 1 ½ Jars

1 (14.5 Ounce) Can Diced Tomatoes, or tomato sauce

 

Set the Instant Pot to sauté’ and add the ground beef.  Add the salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasonings.  Cook the meat and seasonings, breaking the meat up until it’s completely browned.  Turn the Instant Pot off. Drain any excess grease from meat if necessary. Break the spaghetti in half and place on top of meat in the Instant Pot.  Pour over the spaghetti sauce, diced tomato, and water.  Push the spaghetti down with a spoon if necessary to make sure it is completely covered in liquid.   Seal the instant pot and set it to manual mode, high pressure, 8 minutes cooking time.  When the time is up, use manual quick release to open the Instant Pot.  Stir the spaghetti well.  Serve immediately. NOTE:  This spaghetti may appear to be a little liquidy right after cooking.  Be sure to stir well to incorporate all of the liquid into the noodles before serving.

Crispy Beef Bowls

Crispy Beef Bowls

Crispy Beef Bowls

 

1 lb. ground beef

1 T. sesame oil

1 T. ginger root grated

2 garlic cloves minced

1 tsp. chilli flakes

2 T. soy sauce

1 T. honey

1 cup long-grain white rice dry

2 carrots shredded or cut into ribbons

1 cup red cabbage shredded

4 radishes thinly sliced

2 spring onions thinly sliced

1 lime cut into wedges

fresh mint to serve

sesame seeds to serve

salt to taste

pepper to taste

 

In a small saucepan on medium-high heat, combine rice with 2 C. of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce to a simmer and cook until all of the water has been absorbed and the rice can be fluffed with a fork, about 15 minutes. In a cast-iron or heavy-bottom skillet, warm sesame oil to medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, season with a pinch of salt and pepper and cook for 4-5 minutes until lightly browned. Add ginger, garlic, chili flakes, soy sauce and honey, and stir to combine. Continue to cook the beef until dark brown and crispy. Once the beef is cooked, assemble the bowls; divide the rice, vegetables and beef evenly across the bowls. Top with sesame seeds, fresh mint or coriander, and lime wedges to serve.

Kofta-Style Chicken Stuffed Peppers with Yogurt Mint Sauce

Kofta-Style Chicken Stuffed Peppers with Yogurt Mint Sauce

Kofta-Style Chicken Stuffed Peppers with Yogurt Mint Sauce

 

1/2 cup whole-grain bulgur

1 T. extra-virgin olive oil

1 medium chopped yellow onion

4 large cloves garlic, minced

2 tsp. ground cumin

1 tsp. ground coriander

3/4 tsp. red chili flakes

1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt

1 lb. ground chicken

2 medium diced tomatoes (or one 15-oz can diced tomatoes, drained well)

1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

1/2 cup chopped fresh mint

6 medium red, yellow, or green bell peppers

For the yogurt sauce:

1 1/2 C. non- or low-fat plain Greek yogurt

2 T. extra-virgin olive oil

1 1/2 T. fresh lemon juice, from 1 lemon

1/4 cup finely chopped fresh mint

3/4 tsp. kosher salt

 

Preheat oven to 400°F. In a medium saucepan bring 1 1/4 C. water to a boil. Add the bulgur and stir. Reduce the heat to medium low so it simmers. Cover the pan and cook until tender, about 12 minutes. Set aside. In a large skillet set over medium-high heat add the olive oil. Once the oil shimmers, add the onion and garlic and sauté until tender, about 5 minutes. Add the cumin, coriander, chili flakes, salt, chicken, and tomatoes. Cook just until the chicken is done, breaking it up like taco meat, about 7 minutes. Stir in the cilantro, mint, and cooked bulgur. Remove from heat. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and pull out the seeds and membranes. Set the peppers upright in a baking pan large enough to accommodate them. Divide the filling among the peppers. Set the tops on the peppers. Bake until the peppers are tender and slightly shriveled, but still firm, 30 to 35 minutes.  In a small bowl, stir together yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, mint, and kosher salt. Serve peppers warm with yogurt sauce on the side.

Sloppy Cowboys

Sloppy Cowboys

Sloppy Cowboys

 

2 lbs. lean ground beef

1/2 tsp. dried oregano

1/2 tsp. dried basil

1/2 tsp. onion powder

1/3 tsp. garlic powder

0.7-oz. pkg. Italian salad dressing mix

1 T. red wine vinegar

1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

1/3 C. catsup

sandwich buns

1/2 lb. provolone cheese, sliced

 

Brown beef in a large skillet over medium heat; drain. Add remaining ingredients except buns and cheese and mix well. Reduce heat to low; simmer until heated through and slightly thickened. Serve on buns, topped with a slice of provolone cheese. Serves 6 to 8.

Instant Pot Korean Ground Beef (Bulgogi)

Instant Pot Korean Ground Beef (Bulgogi)

Instant Pot Korean Ground Beef (Bulgogi)

 

2 tsp. Vegetable Oil

1 1/2 lb. Ground Beef or Ground Turkey, 90% lean is best

7 cloves Garlic (or 1 T. pressed garlic)

1/3 cup Soy Sauce, low sodium

1/2 cup Water

3 T. Brown Sugar

1 T. Sesame Oil

1 T. Ginger Root, grated (or 1 tsp. powdered ginger)

1/2 Asian Pear, grated (optional)

3/4 tsp. Red Pepper Flakes (or more for some spice)

1/2 tsp. White Pepper (or black)

For the Rice – I use a 7″ x 2.5″ pan

1 1/2 cups Jasmine Rice, rinsed

1 1/2 cups Water

2 T. Butter

To Serve

Tortillas (for tacos)

Lettuce Leaves (for lettuce wraps)

Garnish

2 Green Onions, sliced

Sesame Seeds

 

Get all of your ingredients together and measured out. This will make the process go smoother. Also have the rice in the pan and ready to go. Turn on the pot’s Sauté setting. When it is hot, add the oil, and then the ground beef. Cook beef until it loses the pink color. I use 90% lean beef, so I don’t drain, but drain the excess fat if there is more than a few tsp.. Add garlic, soy sauce, water, brown sugar, sesame oil, ginger, Asian pear (if using), red pepper flakes, and white pepper. Mix well, scraping the bottom of the pot to get up any browned bits so you don’t get the Burn error. Cancel the Sauté setting. Set the trivet in the pot over the beef. Put the rice, water, and butter in the pan and set on top of the trivet. Close the lid and set the steam release knob to the Sealing position. Press the Pressure Cook/Manual button or dial and the + or – button or dial to select 3 minutes. When the cook cycle is finished, let the pot sit undisturbed for 9 minutes (9-minute Natural Release). Then turn the steam release knob to the Venting position and release the remaining pressure/steam. When the pin in the lid drops down, open the lid and use silicone mitts, a pan gripper, or such to carefully remove the pan of rice. Then fluff the rice with a fork.  Remove the trivet and stir the bulgogi. Serve the bulgogi over rice, on lettuce leaves, in taco shells/tortillas, garnish, and enjoy!

Master Recipe Meatballs

Master Recipe Meatballs

Master Recipe Meatballs

 

8 ounces ground beef

8 ounces ground pork

8 ounces ground veal

1/2 cup ricotta

1/3 cup shredded Parmesan

1/2 cup panko bread crumbs

2 large garlic cloves, minced

1 tsp. kosher salt

1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes

1 large egg

 

Preheat the oven to 400. Put everything into a large bowl and mix well—with your hands please, not a spoon. Roll into balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until cooked all the way through. Boom.

 

 

Baked Orecchiette with Fennel and Sausage

Baked Orecchiette with Fennel and Sausage

Baked Orecchiette with Fennel and Sausage

 

1 lb orecchiette (or rigatoni)

1 fennel bulb (OR 1 1/2 tsp. ground fennel seed)

2 T. extra-virgin olive oil

1 pound mild Italian sausage, ground

1 small onion, diced

1 tsp. sugar

1 T. red wine vinegar

1 C. of your favorite tomato sauce (I love Rao’s marinara or tomato basil)

1 1/2 C. heavy cream

2 C. shredded fontina cheese

1/4 C. grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

 

Preheat an oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly oil a 9-by-13-inch (24-by-33-cm) baking dish. Bring a pot of water to a boil over high heat. When the water is boiling, season generously with salt (you want to make it “salty like the sea” which means you should add about 1/4 C.). Add the pasta and cook 3 minutes less than the cook time on the package. Because you’re going to finish this off in the oven, you want to undercook the pasta just a bit, so it retains a bit of a bite and doesn’t get mushy. Drain and place back in the same pot you cooked it. Add about a T. of butter. Remove and discard the stalks and core from the fennel bulb and dice the bulb. In a large sauté pan, over medium heat, heat 1 T. of the olive oil. If you’re using ground fennel seed, add it with the sausage right away. Add the sausage and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the fennel to sausage and cook, stirring, until tender, 4 to 5 minutes. Add sausage and fennel to the pot with the pasta. Add the remaining 1 Tbs. olive oil to the same sauté pan and then add the onions and pinch each of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are tender and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the sugar and vinegar and cook until the vinegar has reduced, about 1 to 2 minutes. Add the tomato sauce and cream and simmer, stirring, until lightly thickened, 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer to the pot with the pasta, add the fontina and stir well. Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared dish and top with the Parmigiano-Reggiano. Bake until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling around the sides, 10 to 15 minutes. Serve directly from the dish. NOTES: To save some time, start boiling the water first. While you’re waiting for the water to boil, start cooking the sausage and fennel. By the time the sausage and fennel is finished, the water should have boiled, and while the pasta is cooking, chop the onion and mix the sugar and vinegar in a small dish. Now it will be time to add the sausage/fennel to the pasta. Give it a stir. Next step is to cook the onion and get the tomato cream sauce cooking. While the sauce is simmering, grate the fontina on a piece of parchment paper (makes cleanup SUPER easy!), and the Parmesan (on a separate piece of parchment).

Lamb and Halloumi Burger Wraps

Lamb and Halloumi Burger Wraps

Lamb and Halloumi Burgers

 

7 oz. halloumi cheese

16 oz. ground lamb

4 T. mint chopped

salt

pepper

2 cups red cabbage chopped

Boston lettuce 4 large leaves

2 T. olive oil

1 T. apple cider vinegar

4 tsp mayonnaise

 

Grate half of the halloumi cheese, saving the other half for later. In a large bowl add the grated halloumi, ground lamb, mint, salt, and pepper to taste. Combine the mixture well with your hands and form into 4 burger patties. Pre-heat a large skillet pan on a stove set to medium-high, then add in the burgers. Turn the patties occasionally and cook for 15 minutes or until cooked through. Meanwhile, prepare the red cabbage slaw by thinly slicing the red cabbage. Place the cabbage in a bowl then coat well with olive oil and vinegar. Season with salt and pepper. Slice up the remaining halloumi cheese. Once the burgers have cooked through, add the slices of cheese into the skillet. Turn frequently until the cheese browns on both sides. This should take about 3-4 minutes. Assemble your burgers with a lettuce leaf, burger, red cabbage, halloumi slice and mayonnaise.

Skillet Bowtie Lasagna

Skillet Bowtie Lasagna

Skillet Bowtie Lasagna

 

1 lb. ground beef

1 onion, chopped

1 clove garlic, chopped

14-1/2 oz. can diced tomatoes

1-1/2 c. water

6-oz. can tomato paste

1 T. dried parsley

2 t. dried oregano

1 t. salt

2-1/2 c. bowtie pasta, uncooked

3/4 c. small-curd cottage cheese

1/4 c. grated Parmesan cheese

 

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown beef, onion and garlic; drain. Add tomatoes with juice, water, tomato paste and seasonings; mix well. Stir in pasta; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, until pasta is tender, stirring once. Combine cheeses; drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto pasta mixture. Cover and cook for 5 minutes. Serves 4.

Ginger Pork Spring Rolls

Ginger Pork Spring Rolls

Ginger Pork Spring Rolls

 

1/4 C. hoisin sauce

1/4 C. soy sauce

2 T. Asian chili-garlic sauce (or to taste; optional)

1/4 C. water

1 (16oz) bag coleslaw mix

1/2 C. chopped fresh cilantro

6 scallions/green onions, white parts minced; green parts sliced thin

1 T. vegetable oil

1 pound ground pork

3 T. freshly grated ginger

12 (9 inch) rice paper wrappers

 

Combine the hoisin, soy, and chili garlic sauces and water in a small bowl. In another bowl, combine the coleslaw, cilantro and scallion greens; set aside.  Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat until just smoking. Add pork and 1/3 C. of the hoisin sauce mixture. (The remaining hoisin sauce will be used as a condiment for dipping.) Cook the pork until no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Stir in the ginger and scallion whites and cook until fragrant. Place this pork mixture into the bowl with the coleslaw, cilantro and scallion greens. Toss to combine.  Spread a clean, damp kitchen towel on the counter. Soak a rice paper wrapper in a shallow bowl of warm water, about 10 seconds, and spread out on towel. Arrange 1/2 C. of filling on each wrapper, leaving a 2 inch border on the bottom. Fold in sides and roll up tightly like a burrito. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling. Serve with the remaining hoisin sauce mixture for dipping.

Greek Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

Greek Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

Greek Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

These Greek cigar-shaped meatballs are known as soutzoukakia smyrneika. The spicing reflects the dish’s origins in Smyrna, a former Greek settlement and now the Turkish city of Izmir. Soutzoukakia often are made with beef or a combination of beef and pork, but we preferred the subtle sweetness and tender texture of all-pork meatballs. An instant thermometer is the best way to check for doneness; alternatively, cut open a meatball—if done, the center should no longer be pink. Soutzoukakia often is served with tiganites patates (potatoes fried in olive oil), but roasted potatoes, crusty bread or a rice or orzo pilaf also are delicious accompaniments.

 

½ cup panko breadcrumbs

1 large egg

1 pound ground pork

2 tsp. ground cumin

3 medium garlic cloves, 2 finely grated, 1 thinly sliced

¾ tsp. red pepper flakes, divided

2 T. finely chopped fresh oregano, divided

Kosher salt and ground black pepper

2 T. extra-virgin olive oil, plus more to serve

128-ounce can crushed tomatoes

½ tsp. ground cinnamon

2 tsp. honey

 

In a medium bowl, combine the panko, egg and ½ cup water, then mix until homogeneous. Let stand for 5 minutes to allow the panko to hydrate. Add the pork, cumin, the grated garlic, ½ tsp. pepper flakes, 1 T. oregano, 1 tsp. salt and ½ tsp. black pepper, then mix well. Divide into 12 portions (each about a scant ¼ cup), then shape each into a 2½-inch-long cigar shape. In a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high, heat 2 T. of oil until shimmering. Add the meatballs and cook without disturbing until browned on the bottoms, 2 to 3 minutes. Using tongs, flip the meatballs and cook until browned on the second sides, another 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat, transfer the meatballs to a paper towel–lined plate and set aside. Return the skillet to medium-high and add the sliced garlic. Cook, stirring, until fragrant and starting to brown, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the remaining ¼ tsp. pepper flakes and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the tomatoes, cinnamon, honey, ½ tsp. salt and ¼ tsp. black pepper, then bring to a simmer. Place the meatballs in the pan and return to a simmer. Cover and simmer, undisturbed, until the centers of the meatballs reach 160°F, 12 to 14 minutes. Transfer the meatballs and sauce to a serving dish. Drizzle with additional oil and sprinkle with the remaining 1 T. oregano.

Beef and Rice Meatballs with Lemon-Olive Oil Sauce

Beef and Rice Meatballs with Lemon-Olive Oil Sauce

Beef and Rice Meatballs with Lemon-Olive Oil Sauce

 

Don’t use uncooked rice, even though many recipes do. If the rice is raw, the grains won’t cook through in time. Thawed frozen, store-bought shelf-stable or home-cooked leftover long-grain rice all do nicely. Make sure it’s at room temperature so the grains are easy to mash with a fork.

 

1 cup cooked long-grain white rice, room temperature

2 slices hearty white sandwich bread, torn into small pieces

1 cup low-sodium beef broth, divided

4 T. finely chopped fresh dill, divided

Kosher salt and ground black pepper

1 pound 85 percent lean ground beef

1 large egg yolk

3 medium garlic cloves, finely grated

2 tsp. dried oregano, divided

5 T. extra-virgin olive oil, divided

2 T. lemon juice

 

In a large bowl, mash the rice with a fork until smooth and pasty. Add the bread, ¼ cup of broth, 2 T. of dill, 2 tsp. salt and 1 tsp. pepper. Using your hands, mix and mash the ingredients to a paste. Add the beef, egg yolk, half of the garlic and 1 tsp. of oregano, then mix with your hands until the mixture is homogeneous. Divide into 12 portions, form into smooth balls and place on a plate. Refrigerate, uncovered, for about 10 minutes. In a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high, heat 2 T. of oil until shimmering. Add the meatballs and cook without disturbing until lightly browned on the bottoms, about 3 minutes. Carefully turn the meatballs and cook until browned on the second sides, about another 3 minutes. Add the remaining garlic and the remaining 1 tsp. oregano and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the remaining ¾ cup broth, then scrape up any browned bits. Bring to a simmer, then cover, reduce to medium-low and cook, gently stirring once or twice, until the centers of the meatballs reach 160°F, 5 to 7 minutes. Using tongs, transfer the meatballs to a serving dish and tent with foil. Bring the liquid in the pan to a boil over medium-high and cook, stirring occasionally, until thick enough that a spatula drawn through it leaves a trail, 2 to 3 minutes. Off heat, whisk in the remaining 3 T. olive oil and the lemon juice. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Pour the sauce over the meatballs and sprinkle with the remaining 2 T. dill.

Meatballs and Peas Tagine with Asparagus and Eggs

Meatballs and Peas Tagine with Asparagus and Eggs

Meatballs and Peas Tagine with Asparagus and Eggs

 

For the meatballs (kefta):

1lb ground beef or lamb

1 small onion, grated

1 garlic, minced

2 tbsp parsley, chopped

2 tbsp cilantro, chopped

½ tsp cumin, freshly ground

¼ tsp paprika

1 pinch of cayenne or to taste (optional)

Salt

Freshly ground black pepper

 

For the sauce and vegetables:

1lb fresh or frozen green peas

½ lb tender asparagus, trimmed and cut into ½ inch segments

2 tbsp oil

1 medium onion, chopped

½ tsp turmeric

1 tsp ground ginger

¼ tsp saffron

Juice of ½ lemon

A small handful of chopped parsley

4 eggs

 

Combine all the ingredients for the kefta together and form into small meatballs. Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a large, fairly deep pan and brown the meatballs on all sides. Remove from pan and set aside.  Pour the remaining oil into the same pan and add the chopped onion. Cook until translucent but not browned. Add the spices and 1 ½ cups of water. Season with salt and pepper and bring to a boil. Gently slide down the meatball and cook, covered, for 15 minutes. Add the peas and asparagus to the sauce and continue cooking for another 10 minutes, uncovered, until the vegetables are tender, and the sauce has thickened a bit. Carefully break the eggs into the sauce and poach them until set. Add the lemon juice and chopped parsley and serve at once with bread to soak up the goodness that is this sauce.

 

Browned Butter Cheeseburgers

Browned Butter Cheeseburgers

Browned Butter Cheeseburgers

 

1 lb. ground beef

pinch kosher salt approx. 1-1/2 teaspoon

ground peppercorn to taste

1 Tablespoon garlic powder

1 stick butter

3 slices American cheese

 

Desired Toppings, such as

Tomatoes

Bacon

Red Onions

Lettuce or Spinach

Mustard

Honey Mustard

Spicy Mustard

Ketchup

Mayo

Pickles

 Avocado

Spicy or Fiesta Ranch

Crispy Fried Onions

Fried Egg

BBQ Sauce

Sriracha

Steak Sauce (like A1)

Caramelized Onions

Peppers

Hummus

 Relish

Hot Sauce

Slaw

Chips

Jalapenos

Grilled Pineapple

Teriyaki Sauce

Queso

Crumbled Blue Cheese

Chili

Turn skillet on to 350 degrees. Mix ground beef, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Coat the electric skillet with the butter. (Approximately 3 Tablespoons.) Patty out the burgers, with the center of the patty pressed in a little bit.  This will let the juices run to the center and the patty will end up flatter instead of bulged up in the center as it cooks.  Place in the skillet covered, cooking for a couple of minutes until the tops of the burgers turn tan and the bottoms are a gorgeous brown. Flip the burgers and cook for a couple of minutes, or until the juices forming out the top run clear and are no longer pink/red. DO NOT mash down the burgers while cooking. This will release the juices that you want to stay in. Turn skillet down to a simmer and place a slice of cheese on each burger. Remove cheeseburgers from skillet and place on a dish close to one another to trap in heat. Dump the grease out of the skillet into a heatproof bowl. Increase the heat to 300 and coat the skillet with butter. Place each bun half on the skillet and toast the buns for about 30 seconds. Once the buns are toasted, you’re ready to assemble the cheeseburgers!

Salisbury Steak

Salisbury Steak

Salisbury Steak

1 pound lean ground beef

1/4 cup panko bread crumbs

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon ground mustard

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper

pinch of salt

For the gravy:

1 large vidalia onion, diced

4 ounces sliced white mushrooms

1 teaspoon fresh chopped thyme leaves

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

2 1/2 tablespoons flour or cornstarch

3 cups beef stock

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon butter

kosher salt and pepper, to taste

Chopped fresh parsley or chives

 

In a large bowl, use your hands to blend together the beef, bread crumbs, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, ground mustard, onion powder, pepper and salt until well combined. Divide the beef mixture into four equal size portions and form into patties about 1/2 inch thick. Heat 1 teaspoon olive oil over medium heat in a large cast iron or heavy bottomed skillet. Add the patties to the pan and cook until browned, approximately 2-3 minutes. Turn the patties over and cook for 3-4 minutes longer or until browned. Transfer to a platter and keep warm. Pour off the fat in the pan and return to the heat. Add the onions to the pan and cook until translucent. Add the mushrooms and cook until softened. Stir in the thyme, garlic powder and flour. Cook for 1 minute. Slowly add the beef stock scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen the brown bits. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and bring the mixture to a boil. When the gravy begins to thicken, turn the heat down and stir in the butter. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Return the beef patties to the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes or until they are no longer pink in the middle. Sprinkle with parsley or chives, if desired. Serve immediately

Crockpot Guiness Glazed Meatballs

Crockpot Guiness Glazed Meatballs

Crockpot Guiness Glazed Meatballs

 

Meatballs

2 lbs. extra lean ground beef

¾ cups seasoned dried bread crumbs

½ cup minced onion

⅓ cup Guinness beer

4 garlic cloves minced

2 eggs

1 teaspoon paprika

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon pepper

¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Sauce

½ tablespoon oil

½ cup diced onion

3 cloves garlic minced

1 ½ cups Guinness beer

1 6 oz. can tomato paste

½ cup barbeque sauce

½ cup brown sugar

1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce

½ tablespoon whole grain dijon mustard

1 teaspoon thyme

chopped parsley for garnish

 

Preheat oven to 375℉. Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper. In a large bowl, mix all meatball ingredients (ground beef through cayenne pepper) with hands or a large spoon until thoroughly combined. Form mixture into 1 ½” balls and place on sheet pan and cook for 15 minutes. Place in crockpot. While meatballs are cooking, prepare sauce. In a medium saucepan, heat oil and sauté ½ cup diced onion, and 3 garlic cloves over medium high heat for 5 minutes or until onion is softened.

Whisk in 1 ½ cups Guinness beer, tomato paste, barbeque sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and thyme. Bring to a boil and then turn heat down to low and simmer for 10 minutes. Pour sauce over meatballs in crockpot. Set crockpot to low and cook for 2-3 hours. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve over mashed potatoes.

Instant Pot Creamy Shells and Beef

Instant Pot Creamy Shells and Beef

Instant Pot Creamy Shells and Beef

1 T. olive oil

1 small yellow onion, chopped

1-pound lean ground beef

1 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 T. Italian seasoning

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 1-pound box medium shell pasta

1 24-ounce jar marinara sauce

3 C. water

1 1/2 C. heavy cream

1 C. shredded Parmesan cheese

 

Turn Instant Pot to sauté setting and wait for the display to turn to HOT. Add olive oil and onions and cook until slightly soft. Add ground beef, break up with spatula, and cook until no longer pink, stirring frequently to make sure it doesn’t stick to pot Season with sea salt, pepper, Italian seasoning and garlic powder, and  hit CANCEL. Add shells over ground beef, then add the marinara sauce and water. Do not stir but press lightly with spoon to ensure pasta is completely covered with sauce and water. Place lid on Instant Pot, close, and make sure vent is set to SEALING position. Hit PRESSURE COOK for 5 minutes, or half the cooking time on the box of pasta. When pressure cooking is done, do a quick release, then remove lid and hit CANCEL to turn cooker off. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese and serve.