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Instant Pot Old Fashioned Meatloaf

Instant Pot Old Fashioned Meatloaf

Instant Pot Old Fashioned Meatloaf

1 lb ground beef

1 cup oats or crushed crackers

1 large egg

1/2 large onion diced

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1/2 cup ketchup, plus some for topping

1 piece aluminum foil

1 cups water

 

Mix your ingredients (except the extra ketchup for topping and water) and mold into a loaf. Make a dent down the middle of your loaf. Place your loaf in a greased “boat” made of aluminum foil. Top your meatloaf with ketchup. Pour your water in your 6-quart Instant Pot.  Place your loaf boat in your instant pot (making sure the sides are much higher than the water). Place the lid on your Instant Pot and seal. Set on the meat setting for 30 minutes. Let it naturally release for 10-15 minutes. Quick release and serve! (If desired, put you loaf boat on a cookie sheet and broil on hi for about 90 seconds to 2 minutes to crisp up the edges and take your ketchup to the next level!)

Instant Pot Dirty Rice

Instant Pot Dirty Rice

Instant Pot Dirty Rice

 

1 lb. lean ground beef

1 lb. ground sausage

1 cup yellow onions diced

3/4 cup green bell peppers diced

1/2 cup celery diced

1 Tbsp. creole seasoning

2 cups long grain white rice

2 cups chicken stock

4 thyme sprigs

2 bay leaves

1/4 cup green onions thinly sliced

2 Tbsp. parsley finely chopped

 

Using sauté setting – add beef and sausage to pot along with onions, peppers, celery, and creole seasoning. As the meat begins to brown, break up as much as possible and cook until meat is browned thoroughly. Add rice to pot, along with chicken stock, and mix well. Place thyme and bay leaves on top (so that you can easily remove them later). Lock lid and cook for 12 minutes at low pressure. Once cook time is complete, allow pressure to release naturally (will take about 10 minutes). Remove thyme sprigs and bay leaves, then mix. Finally, add green onions and parsley, then mix really well one last time.

Monster Mouth Pasta Shells

Monster Mouth Pasta Shells

 

1 tsp. vegetable oil

1 medium onion, chopped

4 slices bacon, chopped

1 pound ground beef

2 medium plum tomatoes, seeded and chopped

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. black pepper

4 slices American cheese, chopped

1/2 package (12 ounces) jumbo pasta shells (about 18 shells), cooked and drained

baby carrots, olives, red bell pepper, small pickles and cheese slices for decoration

 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease 13×9 inch baking dish.  Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and bacon. Cook until onion is tender. Add beef, then cook and stir about 5 minutes or until beef is no longer pink. Stir in tomatoes, cheese, salt and black pepper. Spoon mixture into cooked shells, then place in prepared baking dish.  Cut carrots into very thin strips. Cut small slit in each olive and poke one end of thin carrot strip into each olive for “eye.” Cut red bell pepper into fang shapes. Slice pickle lengthwise to make tongue shape. Cut cheese slice into zigzag pattern for teeth.  Bake 3 to 5 minutes or until hot and remove from oven.  Decorate as desired with olive and carrot eyes, bell pepper fangs, pickle tongue and cheese teeth. Serve immediately.

Taco Salad Casserole

Taco Salad Casserole

Taco Salad Casserole

 

1 pound ground beef

1/4 cup chopped onion

1/4 cup chopped green pepper

1 envelope taco seasoning

1/2 cup water

1 cup crushed tortilla chips

1 can (16 ounces) refried beans

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Toppings: Chopped lettuce and tomatoes, sliced ripe olives, sour cream and picante sauce

 

In a large skillet, cook beef, onion and green pepper over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in taco seasoning and water. Cook and stir until thickened, about 3 minutes; set aside. Place chips in a greased 8-in. square baking dish. In a small bowl, stir refried beans; spread over chips. Top with beef mixture and cheese. Bake, uncovered, at 375° until heated through, 15-20 minutes. Top with lettuce, tomatoes and olives. Serve with sour cream and picante sauce.

Meat Lover’s Pizza Hot Dish

Meat Lover’s Pizza Hot Dish

Meat Lover’s Pizza Hot Dish

1 pound ground beef

1 pound bulk Italian sausage

1 medium onion, chopped

1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms

4 cans (8 ounces each) no-salt-added tomato sauce

2 cans (15 ounces each) pizza sauce

1 package (16 ounces) penne pasta

1 cup water

1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste

1 package (3-1/2 ounces) sliced pepperoni

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

 

In a large skillet, cook beef, sausage, onion and mushrooms over medium heat until meat is no longer pink and vegetables are tender, breaking up meat into crumbles, 10-12 minutes; drain. Transfer meat mixture to a greased 6-qt. slow cooker. Stir in tomato sauce, pizza sauce, pasta, water, tomato paste, pepperoni and Italian seasoning. Cook, covered, on low until pasta is tender, 3-4 hours. Stir thoroughly; mix in 1 cup mozzarella cheese and 1 cup cheddar cheese. Sprinkle remaining cheese over top. Cook, covered, until cheese is melted, 15-20 minutes longer.

 

Serving Size: 1 1/3 C.

Calories: 653

Fat: 35g

Fiber: 6g

Dutch Oven Camp Chili

Dutch Oven Camp Chili

Dutch Oven Camp Chili

 

2 lb. hamburger

2 onions, diced

2 large cans of kidney or red beans, or a combination of both

2 cans cream of tomato soup, undiluted or 2 cans diced tomatoes

4 tsp. chili powder

2 tsp. garlic powder or two cloves of minced garlic

pepper to taste

grated Cheddar cheese (optional)

 

Brown meat and onions in pot. Drain off excess fat. Add beans, tomatoes or soup, chili powder, garlic and green pepper. Simmer together for about 20-30 minutes to one hour. Top with cheese. Serves 12.

Dutch Oven Beef & Bean Goulash

Dutch Oven Beef & Bean Goulash

Dutch Oven Beef & Bean Goulash

 

1 lb. hamburger

1 onion, chopped

1 green pepper, chopped

1 c. catsup

1 can kidney beans

1 c. elbow macaroni (cooked)

1 small can mushrooms or 6 oz. pkg fresh mushrooms

 

Brown hamburger in skillet with onions and green pepper, stirring until crumbly. Drain off excess fat. Add catsup, bean and mushroom mix together and cook for 10 minutes. Stir in macaroni and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Serves 6-8.

Dutch Oven Meaty Beans

Dutch Oven Meaty Beans

Dutch Oven Meaty Beans

 

1 lb. hamburger

5 cans pork and beans

1 c. catsup

1/4 c. prepared mustard

2 onions, chopped

1 cup barbecue sauce

1/2 c. packed brown sugar

1/4 c. pancake syrup

 

Brown meat and onions in pot (or Dutch oven), pour off excess fat. Mix in remaining ingredients and cook covered for approximately 46 minutes. Serves 10-12.

Cuban Beef Picadillo

Cuban Beef Picadillo

 

1 T. EVOO

3/4 C. diced Onion

1/2 C. diced Red Bell Pepper

1 1/2 tsp. minced Garlic

1 lb. Ground Beef

1 tsp. Cumin

1 tsp. Salt

1/4 tsp. Pepper

1/2 C. Tomato sauce

1/2 C. dry White Wine

10 Green Olives

1/4 C. Raisins

 

Heat oil in large skillet over medium high heat.  Add onion, pepper and garlic and cook for a few minutes, until onion softens.  Add ground beef and spices and cook until beef is no longer pink, breaking up meat with a spoon as it cooks.  Stir in tomato sauce, wine, olives and raisins.  Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 5 to 8 minutes, or until sauce had thickened slightly.  Season with additional cumin, salt and pepper to taste.  Serve warm over white rice.

Ground Beef Layered Casserole

Ground Beef Layered Casserole

 

3 potatoes, peeled and sliced

3 carrots, peeled and sliced

1/2 cup uncooked rice

1 onion, sliced

1 pound ground beef or turkey

1 quart canned tomatoes

Salt and pepper to taste

1 T. brown sugar

 

Layer the ingredients as listed, ending with salt and pepper. If desired, sprinkle with brown sugar.  Bake at 300 degrees for 3 hours.

Homemade Hamburger Helper Mix (with Variations)

Homemade Hamburger Helper Mix (with Variations)

 

Homemade Hamburger Helper Mix

 

1 1/4 tsp. black pepper

1 T. garlic powder

2 T. dried parsley

1/3 cup instant onion

3 T. onion powder

1 T. salt

1 2/3 cup dry milk

3 1/2 T. beef bouillon

Mix this all up and store in a glass jar or other sealed container.

 

Use 1/2 cup for each pound of ground meat.

 

Basic recipe:

 

1 pound ground beef

1/2 cup of mix (above)

1 to 2 cups noodles (elbow macaroni for example)

1 1/2 to 3 cups water

flavorings

 

Brown and drain the ground beef. Stir in the dry mix, then add 2 cups hot water and 2 cups noodles. You can add more or less water and noodles, proportionately, depending on much you need to stretch that pound of beef. Bring to a boil, then turn down to a simmer, cover, and cook until noodles are tender, about 20 minutes.

 

Cheeseburger skillet: add 1 cup dehydrated cheese with the dry mix. Or cook as above, then stir in 2 cups grated Cheddar or Colby cheese before serving.

 

Stroganoff: add a bit of 1/2 tsp of onion powder and 1/2 tsp celery salt with the dry mix. Stir in a 1/2 cup fresh or canned mushrooms. After cooking noodles, stir in 1/4 cup sour cream just before serving.

 

Chili: Add one 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes, 1 T. chili powder.

 

Potato variation: Instead of macaroni, add 2-3 cups very thinly sliced potatoes. Simmer 20-30 minutes until potatoes are tender. Uncover and simmer until liquid has evaporated.

Creamy Beef Rigatoni Casserole

Creamy Beef Rigatoni Casserole

 

1 lb of Rigatoni Pasta

1 lb of ground beef

1 jar of seasoned spaghetti sauce

1 T. Parsley

1 C. sour cream

1 C. softened cream cheese

salt and pepper to taste

1 egg

1 T. olive oil

2 C. of shredded mozzarella cheese

 

Preheat oven to 375. Cook pasta according to directions on package or until al dente; drain. Brown beef in skillet. Cook over medium-high heat until evenly brown. Season with salt. Reduce heat to low, and simmer for 10 minutes. If you like, you may add onion or garlic if to suite your palette. In a bowl, mix together sour cream, egg and cream cheese. I prefer to use my Kitchen Aid because it makes it nice and fluffy. Stir in spaghetti sauce with the cheese mixture. (You will want to use as seasoned spaghetti sauce. I used a garlic, basil, oregano. If you are using a plain marinara, you can season it) Do not use mixed for this, hand stir. Add in 1 C. of the shredded mozzarella. Stir in ground beef. Mix together. Place pasta in casserole in dish. Mix cheese/sauce mixture in casserole dish with pasta. Sprinkle cheese on top and sprinkle parsley on top. Cook for 25-35 in preheated oven until cheese is bubbly.

Taco Mac

Taco Mac

1 lb. ground beef

1/2 onion, diced

1 T. chili powder

1 T. cumin

2 t. garlic powder

1 t. salt

1/2 lb. elbow macaroni

1 1/2 C. beef stock or broth

1 8 oz. can tomato sauce

1 14.5 oz. can crushed tomatoes

2 C. frozen corn

1 C. shredded cheese

 

Brown ground beef and onion. Drain. Stir in seasonings. Add noodles, stock, tomato sauce and crushed tomatoes to the skillet. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low. Cover skillet and simmer, stirring occasionally, until noodles are tender, about 15 – 20 minutes. Stir in corn until heated through. Top with cheese and serve.

Biscuit-Topped Beef Casserole Recipe

Biscuit-Topped Beef Casserole Recipe

1/2 pound lean ground beef

1/4 C. chopped onion

1/2 C. water

1/2 C. tomato sauce

1/4 C. tomato paste

1/8 tsp. pepper

1 C. frozen mixed vegetables, thawed

1/2 C. shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided

1 tube (6 ounces) refrigerated flaky buttermilk biscuits

1 tsp. butter, melted

1/4 tsp. dried oregano

 

In a small saucepan, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in the water, tomato sauce, tomato paste and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes.  Remove from the heat; stir in vegetables and 1/4 C. cheese. Transfer to a 1-qt. baking dish coated with cooking spray (dish will be full).  Separate each biscuit horizontally in half; arrange around edge of dish. Brush with butter; sprinkle with oregano. Sprinkle remaining cheese over beef filling.  Bake, uncovered, at 375° for 18-22 minutes or until heated through and biscuits are golden brown.

Cheeseburger Soup

Cheeseburger Soup

1/2 lb. ground beef

3/4 C. chopped onion

3/4 C. shredded carrots

3/4 C. diced celery

1 tsp. dried basil

1 tsp. dried parsley flakes

4 T. butter or margarine, divided

3 C. chicken broth

4 C. diced peeled potatoes

1/4 C. flour

8 oz. cheese, cubed or shredded

1-1/2 C. milk

3/4 tsp. salt

1/4 to 1/2 tsp. pepper

1/4 C. sour cream

 

In a 3-quart saucepan, brown beef; drain and set aside.  In the same saucepan, sauté onion, carrots, celery, basil and parsley in 1 T. butter until vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes. Add broth, potatoes, and beef; bring to a boil.  Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Meanwhile, in a small skillet, melt remaining butter.  Add flour; cook and stir for 3-5 minutes or until bubbly.  Add to soup; bring to a boil.  Cook and stir for 2 minutes.  Reduce heat to low.  Add cheese, milk, salt, and pepper; cook and stir until cheese melts.  Remove from the heat; blend in sour cream.  Makes 8 servings.

Beef Taco & Cheese Pockets

Beef Taco & Cheese Pockets

1 C. refrigerated fully-cooked taco sauce with seasoned ground beef

1 C. frozen vegetable mixture, such as broccoli, corn and red peppers

3/4 C. shredded Mexican cheese blend or Cheddar cheese

1 package (17.3 oz.) refrigerated grand biscuit dough

Cooking spray

All-purpose flour

 

PLACE an oven rack in the center of the oven. HEAT oven to 375°F.   PLACE the taco sauce with beef, vegetable mixture and cheese in a medium bowl. STIR with a fork to mix well.   SPRAY a large baking sheet with cooking spray to coat it lightly.   Adult help needed: OPEN the biscuit dough package following the label directions. (Note: Package may make a loud pop when opened.)   SPRINKLE a wooden board or clean countertop with flour to coat lightly. PLACE 1 biscuit on the floured board.   RUB a rolling pin with flour to coat lightly. ROLL biscuit with rolling pin as follows: START at the center of the biscuit and roll out to the top edge. REPEAT strokes, rolling back and forth from the center out, until you have a 7 x 4-1/2-inch oval piece of dough.   PLACE a heaping 1/4 C. of the beef mixture on one side of the dough oval. FOLD the other side of the dough over the filling to cover it.   PLACE the pocket on the baking sheet. FIRMLY PRESS the edges of the dough together with the tips of the tines of a fork to seal the dough.   REPEAT steps 6 through 8 to make a total of 8 pockets.   Adult help needed: Place baking sheet on the rack in the center of 375°F oven. BAKE 13 to 15 minutes or until dough is golden. .  Adult help needed: Careful! Baking sheet will be very hot. Using pot holders, REMOVE the baking sheet from the oven and PLACE it on a wire rack. Using pot holders, carefully REMOVE the pockets from the baking sheet with a metal spatula to serve. Careful! Filling will be very hot.

Easy Stromboli

Easy Stromboli

1/2 lb. lean ground beef

1 (13.8-oz.) can Pillsbury® Refrigerated Pizza Crust

1/4 C. pizza sauce

4 oz. (1 C.) shredded mozzarella cheese

1/4 C. chopped green and/or red bell pepper, if desired

1/4 tsp. dried Italian seasoning

 

Heat oven to 400°F. Spray cookie sheet with nonstick cooking spray. Brown ground beef in medium skillet over medium-high heat until thoroughly cooked, stirring frequently. Drain. Set aside.    Unroll dough; place on sprayed cookie sheet. Starting at center, press out dough with hands to form 12×8-inch rectangle.    Spread sauce over dough to within 2 inches of long sides and 1/2 inch of short sides. Place cooked ground beef lengthwise down center, forming 3-inch-wide strip and to within 1/2 inch of short sides. Top with cheese, bell pepper and Italian seasoning. Fold long sides of dough over filling; press edges to seal.    Bake at 400°F. for 15 to 20 minutes or until crust is golden brown.

Easy Cheesy Beef and Bow-Ties

Easy Cheesy Beef and Bow-Ties

2 1/2 C. uncooked bow-tie (farfalle) pasta (6 oz) 

1 lb lean (at least 80%) ground beef

1/2 C. chopped green onions (8 medium)

1 can (10 3/4 oz) condensed Cheddar cheese soup

1 C. Old El Paso® Thick ‘n Chunky salsa

1 1/2 C. shredded Cheddar-American cheese blend (6 oz)

 

Cook and drain pasta as directed on package. Meanwhile, in 12-inch nonstick skillet, cook beef over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until thoroughly cooked. Drain.  Reserve 2 T. onions for garnish; stir remaining onions, the soup and salsa into beef. Heat to boiling. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook 5 minutes.  Stir in cooked pasta; cook 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly heated. Sprinkle with cheese; cook just until melted. Sprinkle with reserved 2 T. onions.

Ground Beef Reuben Melts

Ground Beef Reuben Melts

1 lb. ground beef

1/4 C. onion, chopped

1 tsp. garlic, minced

1 C. sauerkraut

6 slices rye bread, toasted

1/2 C. thousand island dressing

 

In medium skillet, combine ground beef, onion and garlic. Cook over medium-high heat 8 to 10 minutes or until beef is thoroughly cooked and onion is tender. Drain. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, heat sauerkraut. Drain. Arrange toasted slices of bread on broiler pan. Add salad dressing to beef mixture; mix well. Spoon beef mixture evenly onto bread slices. Top each with sauerkraut mixture and Swiss cheese. Broil sandwiches 4 to 6 inches from heat for 3 to 4 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Cheddar Burger Veggie Packets

Cheddar Burger Veggie Packets

1-1/2 C. baby carrots

1 lb. extra-lean ground beef

1 C. shredded Cheddar cheese

1 T. Worcestershire sauce

1/4 C. minced onion

2 T. steak sauce

1/2 tsp. seasoned salt

1/8 tsp. pepper

2 summer squash, sliced

2 medium potatoes, thinly sliced

1 pint cherry tomatoes

1 green bell pepper, chopped

1/4 tsp. seasoned salt

1/8 tsp. pepper

 

Prepare and heat grill. Spray nonstick cooking spray on half of one side of four 18×12″ sheets of heavy duty aluminum foil. Bring a small pot of water to a boil, and cook carrots for 3 minutes.  Mix beef, cheddar cheese, Worcestershire sauce, minced onion, steak sauce, 1/2 tsp. seasoned salt and 1/8 tsp. pepper in medium bowl. Form into 4 patties, each about 1″ thick.  Place potatoes on prepared side of foil sheets. Top with beef patty, drained carrots, summer squash slices, tomatoes, and green bell pepper. Sprinkle with 1/4 tsp. seasoned salt and 1/8 tsp. pepper and top each with a tablespoon of steak sauce.  Fold foil over food so edges meet and fold to seal, making a 1/2″ fold; fold again. Make sure to allow space on sides for expansion; don’t fold the foil tightly around the food.  Grill packets 6″ from medium coals for about 20-25 minutes, rearranging and turning often, or until potatoes are tender and beef is thoroughly cooked.  You can also bake the packets in a preheated 450 degrees F oven for 20-30 minutes until done. 4 servings

French Dip Burgers

French Dip Burgers

1 C. water

1 (1-oz.) pkg. dry onion soup mix

2 T. water

1 lb. lean ground beef

8 (½-inch-thick) diagonal slices French bread

 

 

In small saucepan, combine 1 C. water and 2 T. of the soup mix. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low; simmer while preparing burgers. In medium bowl, combine 2 T. water and the remaining soup mix; mix well. Add ground beef; mix well. Shape mixture into 4 oval-shaped patties, ½ inch thick. Place patties on broiler pan. Broil 4 to 6 inches from heat for 10 to 13 minutes or until patties are thoroughly cooked, turning once. During last 1 to 2 minutes of broiling, place bread slices on broiler pan; broil until lightly toasted, turning once. Place each patty between 2 slices of toasted bread. Serve with hot onion broth for dipping.

Cheesy Garlic Burgers with Lemon Butter Zucchini Noodles

Cheesy Garlic Burgers with Lemon Butter Zucchini Noodles

Cheesy Garlic Burgers with Lemon Butter Zucchini Noodles

1 1/4 lb (650g) lean ground beef

5 garlic cloves, minced

1/2 C. chopped fresh parsley, divided

1 tsp. crumbled beef bouillon cube

Crushed red chili pepper flakes, optional

1 T. steak seasoning (we used Mc Cormick’s Grill Mates Hamburger)

4 medium zucchini, spiralized or julienned

4 cheese slices (cheddar, mozzarella, provolone…)

2+2 T. butter

1 T. hot sauce (we used Sriracha)

Salt and fresh cracked pepper

1 tsp. Italian seasoning

Juice of 1/2 lemon + lemon slices, for garnish

 

To make the cheesy garlic burgers with lemon butter zucchini noodles: Add ground beef to a medium bowl, breaking it up as you do. Sprinkle with steak seasoning, red chili pepper flakes, fresh cracked black pepper, half of the minced garlic, bouillon cube, and parsley. Mix with a fork or by hand until the ingredients are just combined. Divide the seasoned ground beef into 8 even portions and form into round patties (you can use a ring mold). Top half of beef patties with a slice of cheese and arrange another beef puck on top to make the “sandwich”. Melt 2 T. butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the beef patties 5 to 6 minutes on each side, depending on the desired doneness. While cooking, baste the beef with the mix of butter and juices. Remove to a clean plate and set aside. In the same skillet melt 2 T. butter; then add remaining garlic, lemon juice, hot sauce, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir in the fresh parsley, then add the zucchini noodles and toss for two to three minutes to cook it up. Allow the cooking juices to reduce for one minute if the zucchini renders too much water. Push zucchini on one side of the skillet and add the beef patties back to the pan and reheat for a minute or two. Serve the cheesy garlic burgers with lemon butter zucchini noodles immediately with a lemon slice on the side. Enjoy!  Notes:  Zucchini tends to render a lot of water when cooking, so you can sprinkle with salt after spiralizing and allow to sit for a couple of minutes to take off excess water. Rinse well to get rid of salt and drain thoroughly in a colander before cooking.

Time-saving Taco Bake

Time-saving Taco Bake

Time-saving Taco Bake

1 lb. lean ground beef

1 bell pepper, cut lengthwise into thin strips and then halved

1/2 C. chopped onions

1 (11-oz.) can yellow and white corn

1 small can chopped green chiles

1 (1.25) pkg taco seasoning mix

1 (8-oz.) jar taco sauce

3 C. coarsely crushed tortilla chips

2 C. shredded Mexican blend cheese

To serve on side: sour cream, diced tomatoes, shredded iceberg lettuce, lime slices and guacamole

 

Cook ground beef in 12-inch skillet over medium high heat until thoroughly cooked, stirring frequently. Drain. Add pepper, onions, corn, chiles and taco seasoning to the beef and stir to mix well. Cook 3 to 5 minutes or until vegetables are tender, stirring often. Stir in taco sauce. Remove from heat. Spoon half of the mixture evenly into a lightly greased 2 quart baking dish. Cover with 2 C. of the chips. Sprinkle 3/4 C. of cheese over the chips. Spoon remaining half of beef mixture evenly over the cheese. Sprinkle with 1 C. cheese and top evenly with remaining C. of chips. Spray non-shiny side of a sheet of foil with nonstick cooking spray and place, sprayed side down, over baking dish. (If you are making this ahead of time, refrigerate covered casserole for up to 24 hours.) Bake covered in a preheated 375-degree oven for about 20 minutes (if it has been refrigerated cook for 30 minutes). Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle 1/4 C. cheese over the top.

Bacon Cheeseburger Dippers

Bacon Cheeseburger Dippers

Bacon Cheeseburger Dippers

 

2 lb. Ground Beef

½ C. Bacon Cooked and Crumbled

6 oz. Cheddar Cheese Sliced

1 tsp. Black Pepper

½ tsp. Salt

2 T. Dill Pickle Juice optional

1 ½ tsp. Onion Powder

 

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F In a large bowl combine the beef, bacon pieces, pepper, salt, pickle juice, and onion powder. Using your hands, mix the meat with the other ingredients until well incorporated. Spread 1 tbsp of the meat mixture evenly into the cavities of a whoopie pie pan OR if you don’t have a whoopie pie pan, simply spread it into circles approximately 2 inches in diameter on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 5 minutes, or until meat is cooked through. Carefully remove from the pan and place them a large paper towel lined dish. Top ½ of the meat patties with a 1” square of cheddar cheese, then another patty. Allow them to cool slightly before serving with the dipping sauces of your choice.

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

12 oz. ground beef, ground pork, ground lamb, or bulk pork sausage

1/3 C. chopped onion (1 small)

1 C. canned diced tomatoes, undrained

1/2 C. water

1/3 C. uncooked long grain rice

1/2 tsp. dried oregano or thyme, crushed

1/4 tsp. black pepper

8 medium to large cabbage leaves

1/4 C. shredded Swiss cheese (1 oz.)

1 15-oz. can tomato sauce

1 tsp. sugar

1/2 tsp. dried oregano or thyme, crushed

1/4 C. shredded Swiss cheese (1 oz.)

 

In a large skillet cook meat and onion until meat is brown and onion is tender. Drain off fat. Stir in undrained tomatoes, water, uncooked rice, 1/2 tsp. oregano, and pepper. Bring to boiling; reduce heat.  Simmer, covered, for 20 minutes or until the rice is tender.  Meanwhile, trim veins from the back side of the cabbage leaves.  Immerse leaves, four at a time, into boiling water for 2 to 3 minutes or until just limp.  Stir the 1/4 C. cheese into the meat mixture. Place about 1/3 C. of the meat mixture on each cabbage leaf. Fold in sides. Starting at an unfolded edge, carefully roll up each leaf, making sure folded sides are included in the roll.  For sauce, in a small bowl stir together tomato sauce, sugar, and 1/2 tsp. oregano. Pour half of the tomato mixture into a 2-quart square baking dish. Arrange cabbage rolls on the tomato mixture. Spoon remaining tomato mixture over cabbage rolls. Bake, covered, in a 350 degree F oven for 35 to 40 minutes or until heated through. Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 C. cheese. Let stand about 2 minutes or until cheese is melted. Makes 4 servings

Beef Stroganoff Casserole

Beef Stroganoff Casserole

1 lb Ground beef

1 can Cream of mushroom soup; condensed

8 oz Sour cream

1 can (small) black olives; sliced

1 can (small) mushroom stems and pieces

12 oz Egg noodles

 

Cook egg noodles according to directions and set aside. Cook ground beef until it is no longer pink. Drain off grease. Add soup, sour cream, olives, mushrooms, and noodles and cook until heated through.

Shepherd’s Pie with Squash and Potato Topping

Shepherd’s Pie with Squash and Potato Topping

Squash and Potato Topping:

1 medium-size butternut squash (about 1-1/2 pounds), pared, seeded, cut into 1-inch cubes

3 large baking potatoes (about 1-1/2 pounds), pared and cut into 1-inch cubes

3/4 C. low-fat milk (1 percent)

1-1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. black pepper

1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg

1/8 tsp. ground hot red pepper

Filling:

3 medium-size onions, chopped

2 T. vegetable oil

2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

1-1/2 pounds lean ground beef

1 T. dried basil

1 T. dried oregano

1 tsp. ground cumin

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. dried thyme

1/4 tsp. pepper

2 T. all-purpose flour

1 can (28 oz.) Italian-style plum tomatoes, drained and cut up

1 pound green beans, trimmed and cut into 1/2-inch lengths

1 egg

Paprika, for garnish

 

Prepare topping: Cook squash and potatoes in boiling water until tender, about 15 minutes.  Drain squash and potatoes; return to pot. Add milk, salt, black pepper, nutmeg and red pepper. Mash with potato masher until fluffy. Set aside to cool slightly.  Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.  Prepare Filling: Sauté onion in oil in large skillet until softened, for about 5 minutes. Add garlic; sauté 1 minute. Remove to a plate.  Crumble beef into skillet; cook until browned, about 3 minutes. Stir in basil, oregano, cumin, salt, thyme, pepper, reserved onion mixture and flour. Add tomatoes and green beans. Bring to boiling. Lower heat; cover and cook 10 minutes. Spoon into 13 x 9 x 2-inch glass baking dish.  Beat egg into squash mixture. Spread over filling, making decorative swirls. Sprinkle with paprika.  Bake in 375 degree F oven 40 minutes or until bubbly and top is golden brown. Transfer baking dish to wire rack to cool for 20 minutes before serving.

Cheeseburger-and-Fries Casserole

Cheeseburger-and-Fries Casserole

2 pounds lean ground beef

1 10-3/4-oz. can condensed golden mushroom soup

1 10-3/4-oz. can condensed cheddar cheese soup

1 20-oz. package frozen, fried crinkle-cut potatoes

Hamburger toppings (choose from catsup, pickles, mustard and chopped tomato)

 

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, half at a time, until brown. Drain off fat. Place the cooked meat in the bottom of a 13x9x2-inch baking dish.  In a medium mixing bowl, combine the condensed golden mushroom soup and the condensed cheddar cheese soup. Spread over the meat in the casserole.  Sprinkle the frozen crinkle-cut potatoes over the top of the casserole.  Bake in a 350 degree F oven for 45 to 55 minutes or until the fries are golden. Garnish with suggested hamburger toppings, if you like.

 

Wild Mushroom-Cheddar Burger

Wild Mushroom-Cheddar Burger

Wild Mushroom-Cheddar Burger

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

12 ounces assorted mushrooms (such as cremini, lobster, chanterelles, and stemmed shiitakes), chopped

1 small shallot, finely diced

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme leaves

2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves

1 1/2 pounds ground chuck (80 percent lean) or ground turkey (90 percent lean)

1 1/2 tablespoons canola oil

4 slices sharp cheddar cheese

4 hamburger buns, split; toasted, if desired

Chipotle Ketchup (optional, recipe follows)

 

1 cup ketchup

2 to 3 tablespoons pureed canned chipotle in adobo (depending on how spicy you prefer it)

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

 

Heat the olive oil and butter in a large sauté pan over high heat until almost smoking. Add the mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the shallot, season with salt and pepper, and cook until the mushrooms are golden brown, about 5 minutes. Stir in the thyme and parsley and transfer to a bowl. Divide the meat into 4 equal portions (about 6 ounces each). Form each portion loosely into a 3/4-inch-thick burger and make a deep depression in the center with your thumb. Season both sides of each burger with salt and pepper. Cook the burgers using the canola oil (see Cook’s Note) and topping each one with a slice of cheese and a basting cover during the last minute of cooking.

Place the burgers on the bun bottoms and top each burger with chipotle ketchup, if using, and a large spoonful of the mushrooms. Cover with the bun tops and serve immediately.

 

Chipotle Ketchup:

 

Whisk together the ketchup, chipotle, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. The sauce will keep for 1 week in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator.

Breakfast Meatballs

Breakfast Meatballs

6 lbs ground beef

4 lbs of breakfast sausage

8 eggs

2 C. (approx) of chopped onions

1 C. of green peppers

2 lbs shredded cheddar cheese

Dry mustard to taste

Minced garlic to taste

Salt and pepper to taste

1 C. catsup

Cream (amount varies – add untill it looks like no more will soak into the meat mixture)

 

Preheat oven to 350°F Mix all ingredients well. Hand-ball into two-inch meatballs rounds. Bake on cookie sheets at 350°F for about 30 min, but watch them so they don’t over-cook.  You can store the Breakfast Meatballs in ziploc bags in the freezer for 3 months. Microwave using one meatball as a test meatball. When the center of the test meatball is nice and warm, chow down. A popular favorite with the kids. Freeze two dozen and you’ll be ready to serve a fun and tasty breakfast on any moment’s notice. Great with toast!

Beef and Cheese Pasta

Beef and Cheese Pasta

1 bell pepper

1 tsp. oregano

1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning

1 tsp. dried parsley

4 oz. of lean, ground round beef

1/4 cup low fat or nonfat ricotta cheese

1 clove garlic

1 medium fresh tomato

1/3 tbsp. olive oil

 

Prepare pasta-according recipe provide. Angel Hair pasta or any thin spaghetti works well here. Chop tomatoes and bell pepper and mince garlic, set aside. Heat oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Sauté garlic, tomatoes and bell pepper 2-3 minutes or until bell pepper is slightly softened. Add ground beef and cook until brown, stirring occasionally. Add cooked pasta along with oregano, Italian seasoning, parsley, and ricotta. Cook for about 2-3 minutes more. Serve.

Meatballs with Tomato and Zucchini Medley

Meatballs with Tomato and Zucchini Medley

1/4 pound extra-lean ground beef or ground turkey breast

2 tablespoons whole wheat bread crumbs

2 tablespoons liquid egg substitute or 1/2 egg

3/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/4 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 onion, finely chopped

1 cloves garlic, minced

1 zucchini, halved lengthwise and sliced

1/2 yellow squash, halved lengthwise and sliced

1/2 can (8 ounces) Italian-style cut tomatoes

1/2 can (8 ounces) crushed tomatoes

2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

Sprig basil, for garnish

 

In a large bowl, combine the beef or turkey, bread crumbs, egg substitute or egg, 1/4 teaspoon of the pepper, the Italian seasoning, and 2 tablespoons of the cheese. Form into balls the size of walnuts.  Spray a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium heat. Working in batches, add the meatballs and cook for 15 minutes, or until browned and no longer pink inside. Remove to a bowl, leaving drippings in the skillet. Repeat to cook the remaining meatballs.  In the same skillet in warm drippings over medium-high heat, add the onion and garlic and cook for 5 minutes, or until the onion is tender. Stir in the zucchini, yellow squash, cut tomatoes (with juice), crushed tomatoes, the remaining 1/8 teaspoon pepper, the remaining 1 tablespoon cheese, and the meatballs. Heat to boiling. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 20 minutes. Stir in the chopped basil. Garnish with the basil sprig.

 

Yield: 4 servings

Calories: 280

Fat: 20g

Fiber: 6g

Bacon Cheeseburger Wellingtons

Bacon Cheeseburger Wellingtons

1 lb. lean ground beef

1 T. au jus seasoning mix (from 1-oz. pkg.)

1 garlic clove, minced

1/4 t. pepper

2 (8 oz.) cans crescent rolls

8 t. dijon mustard (I used regular mustard)

4 slices bacon, cooked and halved

4 (1-oz.) slices Cheddar cheese

 

In large bowl, combine ground beef, seasoning mix, garlic, and pepper; mix well. Shape mixture into 4 patties, 1/2 inch thick. Heat large skillet over med. heat until hot. Add patties; cook 10-12 minutes or until thoroughly cooked, turning once. Remove patties from skillet; drain on paper towels. Cool 5 minutes. Heat oven to 375 degrees. Unroll dough forming 13×6.5 inch rectangle. Firmly press perforations to seal. Cut dough crosswise into 2 squares. Repeat with remaining can of dough, forming 4 squares. ( I just took 4 of the triangles and pressed them together to form a rectangle, then pressed them out a little to make it more square.) Spread each square with 2 t. mustard. Place one cooked patty, 2 half slices bacon, and 1 slice cheese in center of each square. Bring 4 corners of each dough square together in center; twist to from knot in center. Pinch edges to seal. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 17-23 minutes or until golden brown.  Consider browning hamburger as you would for spaghetti, adding the ingredients, and then using as a filling instead of making one large patty per person.

Meat Balls

Meat Balls

1 pound ground chuck

4 ounces dried bread crumbs

4 large eggs

4 ounces whole milk

6 ounces grated Romano

3 ounces grated Spanish onion

2 ounces finely diced fresh garlic

2 ounces finely chopped fresh Italian parsley leaves

2 ounces finely chopped fresh basil leaves

 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a baking sheet with olive oil cooking spray. Mix all ingredients thoroughly in large bowl. If mixture seems a little loose add more bread crumbs. Roll meatballs loosely about the size of a golf ball and place on baking sheet. Place into preheated oven for approximately 35 to 40 minutes.

Steak Burgers

Steak Burgers

1 1/2 lb 96% lean ground beef 

6 whole grain hamburger buns, sliced 

6 1/2 oz slices reduced fat swiss cheese 

6 red or green leaf lettuce leaves 

6 1/4″ thick tomato slices 

6 1/8″ thick red onion slices 

6 tbsp chopped parsley 

1/4 C steak sauce 

 

 

Preheat indoor or outdoor grill to highest heat setting. Divide beef and shape into six patties slightly larger in diameter than buns (try not to overhandle or meat will toughen). Season both sides of patties with salt and freshly ground black pepper and place on grill. Cook 2 to 4 minutes per side until they reach desired doneness. Meanwhile, place buns on grill to toast, about 1 minute. Add 1 slice cheese to each patty to melt just before the burgers are done. Assemble burgers by placing lettuce on bottom half of each bun followed by tomato, burger, and onion. Sprinkle with parsley. Add 2 teaspoons of sauce to each burger and top with bun.

 

Yield: 6 servings

Calories: 321

Fat: 10g

Fiber: 4g

Mexican Stuffed Peppers

Mexican Stuffed Peppers

2 cans (14 1/2 ounces each) no-salt-added diced tomatoes 

1 tablespoon red wine vinegar 

1 teaspoon ground cumin 

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 

1/2 teaspoon salt 

4 1/2 large bell peppers (preferably yellow and orange) 

8 ounces 95 percent lean ground beef 

1/2 cup converted brown rice 

1/3 cup finely chopped onion 

1/4 cup raisins 

chopped parsley (for garnish) 

 

In a medium bowl, combine the tomatoes (with juice), vinegar, cumin, cinnamon, and salt. Stir to mix. Pour 1 1/3 cups of the sauce mixture into a 4-quart or larger slow cooker. Finely chop the half bell pepper. Slice off the top 1/2″ of the remaining peppers. Seed the peppers and reserve the tops. In a large bowl, using your hands, combine the beef, rice, onion, raisins, chopped pepper, and the remaining sauce mixture. Spoon the mixture into the peppers and replace the tops. Place into the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or until the peppers are tender and the meat is no longer pink. Serve topped with the cooking sauce. Garnish with parsley, if desired.

 

Yield: 4 servings

Calories: 240

Fat: 4g

Fiber: 6g

Greek Meatballs

Greek Meatballs

2 cups cooked brown rice, cooled 

3/4 teaspoon dried oregano 

4 tablespoons (1 ounce) reduced-fat crumbled feta cheese, divided 

1 pound 95 percent lean ground beef 

2 medium zucchini (1 pound total), cut into thin slices 

1 cup bottled marinara sauce 

 

Preheat the oven to 450°F. Coat a 13″ x 9″ baking dish with vegetable oil spray. In a large bowl, combine the rice, oregano, and 2 tablespoons of the cheese. Stir in the beef until combined. Scatter the zucchini into the reserved baking dish in a single layer. Using a small ice cream scoop, shape the meat mixture into sixteen 1 1/2″ balls. Place the meatballs on top of the zucchini. Drizzle with the marinara sauce. Cover with aluminum foil. Bake for about 22 minutes, or until the meatballs are no longer pink. Uncover and top with the remaining 2 tablespoons of cheese. Let sit in the oven for about 1 minute, or until the cheese melts slightly.

 

Yield: 4 servings

Calories: 333

Fat: 9g

Fiber: 4g

Quick Crescent Taco Bake

Quick Crescent Taco Bake

1 lb. ground beef

1 pkg. taco seasoning

1/2 c. water

1/2 c. salsa

1 can refrigerated crescent rolls

1 1/2 c. crushed corn chips

1 c. sour cream

1 c. shredded cheddar cheese

lettuce

tomatoes

extra cheese

 

Brown meat and drain.  Add seasoning mix, water and salsa.  Simmer for 5 minutes. Spread crescent roll dough in 10 inch pie plate or 8×10 inch dish to form crust.  Seal edges. Sprinkle 1 c. chips over crust. Layer meat mixture, sour cream and cheese on top of crust. Sprinkle with remaining corn chips. Bake at 375° for 20 minutes or until crust is golden brown. Serve with lettuce, tomatoes, and more cheese.

Pot of Pizza

Pot of Pizza

8 oz. extra lean ground beef or turkey
1/2 C. chopped onion
1/2 C. chopped green pepper
1/2 C. (one 2.5 oz. jar) sliced mushrooms, drained
1 3/4 C. (one 15-oz. can) Hunt’s Tomato Sauce or Pizza Sauce
1 tsp. Italian Seasoning
1 tsp. Spenda
3 C. cooked noodles, rinsed and drained
1/4 C. shredded Kraft reduced-fat Cheddar cheese
1/4 C. shredded Kraft reduced-fat Mozzarella cheese

In a large skillet, sprayed with olive-oil-flavored cooking spray, brown meat, onion and green pepper. Stir in mushrooms, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning and Splenda. Pour mixture into a slow cooker sprayed with butter-flavored cooking spray. Spread noodles over meat mixture. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Layer cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours. Mix well before serving

Yield: 6 servings
Serving Size: 1 C.

Calories: 305
Fat: 9g
Fiber: 4g

Red Wine & Blue Burgers

Red Wine & Blue Burgers

 

2 pounds ground sirloin

3 scallions, white and green parts chopped

2 tsp. (about a half palmful) grill seasoning

2 tsp. Worcestershire

1 tsp. coarse black pepper

Salt

1/2 C. dry red wine

2 T. extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO)

1 C. buttermilk

1 C. blue cheese, crumbled

1 tsp. hot sauce

4 Kaiser rolls, split and lightly toasted

2 bunches of watercress, trimmed of any thick stems

6 ribs celery, cut into three-inch sticks

Fancy potato chips, such as rosemary chips

 

While the burgers are cooking, put together the blue part of the meal: In a mixing bowl, combine the buttermilk, blue cheese, hot sauce and a little salt and pepper. Mix until thoroughly combined.

In a bowl, combine the ground sirloin, scallions, grill seasoning, Worcestershire, black pepper, a little salt and the red wine, and mix until thoroughly combined. Using the back of your hand, score the meat into 4 equal portions then make each portion into patties about an inch thick. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat with 2 turns of the pan of EVOO, about 2 T.. Once it starts to ripple, add the patties and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, until they reach desired doneness. Place a burger on top of each toasted bun bottom, top that with some of the watercress and a couple of dollops of the blue sauce. Serve with some fancy chips and celery sticks alongside.