Easy Beef Stroganoff

My Mom used to make this when I was younger, and it's always been one of my favorites! It's now one of MY family's favorite dishes also. I like it because it's yummy, easy and filling. Not to mention the leftovers are SO GOOD! {and I'm not a fan of leftovers!}

2 lbs. ground beef
2 Tbsp. minced onion
1 pkg. Stroganoff mix (Lowry's/ Great Value)
1 can cream mushroom soup (I use 1 1/2 cans, because I like mine creamy)
1 c. sour cream
milk
1/2 tsp pepper
Rice or Egg noodles (whichever you prefer... we like rice better)

1-Cook rice or noodles whichever you prefer, set aside
2-Brown the ground beef in a large skillet, add your minced onion while it's cooking. Drain hamburger, place back in skillet.
3-Add package of Stoganoff mix, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream and pepper. Combine thoroughly.
4-Add milk, until creamy (It's different every time) just be sure you don't get it runny!
5- Place meat mixture on top of noodles or rice and serve warm.

*Tip: We add a dollop of sour cream to the top of ours, makes it super yummy! Serve with salad and rolls.

Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

This dish is SO EASY. And one of my "go to" recipes when I can't think of anything to make. My kids LOVE this and almost always have secconds! Serve with warm rolls, and a salad and you have dinner done in no time flat.

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, fat trimmed
1 pound (1 large head) of broccoli florets, cooked (I don't reccomend using frozen)
1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 Tbsp. mayo (can use light)
1 c. shredded cheddar cheese (I always end up using about 1 1/2 c.)
1 c. dry stuffing mix (I used Herb flavored or a good cornbread stuffing. Chicken flavor would work as well)
pepper to taste
garlic salt to taste

1-Pre heat oven to  350 degrees.
2- Cut chicken breasts in to 1 in. chunks place in large skillet on the stove, and add 1/2 c. water. Add dash of pepper and dash of garlic salt to season. Let chicken cook entirely through, or until all water has evaporated. If you like, you can brown your chicken at this point. (I always do)
3- In a small bowl, mix together soup and mayo. Set aside. In a 9x13 baking dish layer chicken, broccoli, soup mixture, and cheese. Sprinkle dry stuffing mix over the top and bake in the oven for 25-30 min.

*I have made this before and the top turned out a little too crunchy. Here are a few tips that might help. Take 1/4 c. water and pour evenly over the top of the stuffing to soften. Also you can add a few pads of butter to the top. This seemed to help me!

*Tip: Add a can of corn or 1c. frozen, cooked corn. If you do this, be sure to add another 1/2 can. of soup!*

Oriental Chicken Kabobs

One word. AMAZING!! Seriously these are so good!! The sauce to dip them in is delish!! I served these with homemade fried rice. Great family meal!

1/2 c. creamy peanut butter

1/2 c. water

1/4 c. soy sauce

4 cloves garlic, pressed

3 Tbsp. lemon juice

2 Tbsp. firmly packed brown sugar

3/4 tsp. ground ginger

1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes (this adds "zing" but is far from hot)

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1 in. wide strips

metal, or wooden skewers (about 8 will work)

1-Combine peanut butter, water, soy sauce, garlic, lemon juice, brown sugar, ginger, and red pepper flakes in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat for one minute or until smooth; let cool. Remove garlic from sauce and set aside

2-Take you chicken strips and thread onto your skewers

3-Cook kabobs on the grill for about 6-8 minutes or until chicken is cooked through, turning once. Be sure to baste your meat once or twice while cooking.

4-Serve with reserved sauce for dipping over fried rice.

*Tip: If you are using wooden skewers be sure to soak them in water for at least 20 to keep them from burning on the grill)

*If you would like, you can always grill veggies on skewers to serve with this as well. We use green and red bell peppers, onion wedges, and pineapple. Cook until crisp tender on the grill. DON'T BURN!! Use the upper rack!

Stir-Fried Beef Fajitas

In our house we LOVE Mexican food but, Fajitas have to be my all time FAVORITE!! I usually make chicken fajitas, but these are just as good and they change it up a little bit!!

1 lb. boneless chuck shoulder steaks, cut 1/2 in. thick (really just use whatever is on sale!!)

1 green or red bell pepper, cut length wise into thin strips

1 medium onion, cut lengthwise into this wedges

1 cup cheese

1 cup salsa

2 avocados peeled, and cut lengthwise into strips (optional)

lettuce (optional)

Marinade

2 Tbsp. o.j.

2 Tbsp. white vinegar

1 tsp. minced garlic (I just use it out of the jar!)

1/2 tsp. ground cumin

1/2 tsp. grounds oregano

1/8 tsp. salt

1/8 tsp pepper

1-Combine marinade ingredients in a small bowl.

2-Trim fat from meat and cut lengthwise into 1/8 in. think strips (Just eyeball it, not too thick not too thin!!)

3-Place beef and half of the marinade mixture in a Ziploc freezer bag, seal tight and mush to coat the meat well.

4-Marinade for 6-8 hours, or even overnight if you like

5-Place onion, peppers and remaining marinade in a Ziploc freezer bag, seal tight and mush to coat veggies well. Let marinade for same amount of time as the beef.

6- Remove veggies from marinade and cook in a medium size skillet on medium heat until crisp-tender. About 3 min.

7- Remove meat from marinade and use same skillet to cook the meat. Cook just until brown. )DO NOT overcook!!)

8- Combine veggies and meat together, toss to coat and warm through.

*Serve with warm flour tortillas, avocado wedges, salsa, cheese and lettuce if desired.

*Just to add extra flavor I always squeeze fresh lime over the meat and veggies once they have finished cooking. Yumm!!!

Spaghetti Pie

I love, love, love this dish. I originally got this recipe a few years ago from one of my neighbors. She made this for me and my husband after I had my little boy. I have been in love with it since. Don't be discouraged by all the ingredients it is SO worth it! You MUST try this!

6 oz. spaghetti

2 Tbsp. butter

2 beaten eggs

1/3 c. Parmesan cheese

2 c. cream style cottage cheese

1 lb. ground beef, cooked, drained

1/2 yellow onion chopped

1/4. green pepper, chopped

1 (8oz.) can tomatoes, diced small

1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste

1 tsp. sugar

1/2 tsp. garlic salt

1/2 c. mozzarella cheese

1-Cook the spaghetti, drain and stir butter into hot spaghetti. Stir in eggs and Parmesan cheese. Form spaghetti mixture into a "crust" in a 10 in. pie plate that is greased.

2-Spread with cottage cheese. Cook ground beef, onion and pepper until meat is brown and fully cooked. Drain fat.

3-Stir in un-drained tomatoes,tomato paste, sugar, garlic salt, heat through.

4-Turn meat mixture into spaghetti crust. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 20 min.

5-Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Bake until melted

Asian Chicken Wraps

These are so delicious and ideal to take on a picnic or to serve as a light lunch. Give them a try!

1 1/2 c. thinly sliced Chinese cabbage (I just use a little of red and green)

1 1/2 c. thinly sliced ice burg lettuce (I buy the already shredded lettuce, Saves time!)

1 c. bean sprouts If you are not a fan, simply leave them out)

1 medium red bell pepper, sliced into strips

1/2 c. light ginger salad dressing

2 tsp. soy sauce

4 (10 in.) flour tortillas

1 1/2 lbs. boneless, skinless, chicken breasts, grilled

1.In a large bowl combine cabbage, lettuce, bean sprouts, bell pepper, salad dressing, and soy sauce. Toss and mix well.

2- Place veggie mixture across the center of each tortilla to within in 1 inch from the edge

3. Thinly slice chicken breasts and arrange slices on top of veggie mixture

4. Fold over and roll tightly

Tip: If you are transporting these, cut them in half and secure them with a tooth pick. They are less likely to come un-raveled and make a big mess!

Tip:If you do not like the taste of cabbage, use broccoli slaw it is a great alternative and just as good!

Broccoli Cheddar Caserole

This is a great side dish at any family meal. But I especially like it at Thanksgiving. It's not "traditional" but that's what I like about it! My son is not a huge lover of broccoli, but boy does he like this! He scarfs it down!

2 bags (16 oz.) frozen chopped broccoli, warmed in the microwave or thawed. Drain in a colander

3 large eggs, beaten

1 1/2 cans (10 3/4 oz.) cream of mushroom soup

2/3 c. light mayo

1 medium yellow onion, grated

1 1/2 c. shredded cheddar cheese

1 1/2 c. crushed cheese crackers (Cheez-Its)

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.

1- Spray a 12 c. casserole dish with Pam.

2-In a large mixing bowl, whisk eggs. Add soup, mayo, and onion and whisk together. Fold in broccoli, cheese and 1/2 cup of the crushed crackers. Spoon into prepared casserole dish. Top with remaining 1 cup crushed crackers

3-Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour. It should be done, when you shake the dish and the center is set. Serve warm.

* When I made this, I also used finely shredded Parmesan cheese for an extra little kick. If you choose to use this also, just mix it in when you follow direction #2.

*I got this recipe from Family Circle Magazine

Clam Chowder

I actually DO NOT like clam chowder, but my hubby LOVES IT! His Mom used to make this for him every Halloween, so of course when we got married, I had to carry on the tradition! This is her recipe. I serve this in bread bowls, with cheese for garnish!

1 can chopped/minced clams (It calls for 2 cans, but my hubs likes it better this way with just 1)

1 c. chopped celery

3/4 c. butter/margarine

1/2 tsp. salt

1 c. finely chopped yellow onion

2 1/2 cups potatoes, cooked, cubed

1 quart half and half cream

dash of pepper

3/4 c. flower (If you need more to thicken the soup, go ahead and add as much as you like)

1-Cook your potatoes in a large pot, drain, let cool; return to pot

2-Place veggies in a sauce pan

3-Drain clams, and pour juice over veggies. Then add enough water to cover the veggies. Simmer until veggies are tender.

4- In another pan, melt butter, gradually add flour, and half and half. Cook until mixture is thick and bubbly (This will be your white sauce)

5-Place your veggies in your large pot with your potatoes, and add your white sauce, stir well to coat, add pepper and salt (if needed.)

*Serve warm in bread bowls with cheese on top!

Easy Chili

I have a few recipes for chili, and they include a lot more ingredients that this one does but I love this one because it is quick and easy. And even better you can brown the hamburger, and throw everything in the crock pot and your ready to go! I serve this with homemade cornbread and honey butter! Yum!!

1 lb hamburger, browned

1 small yellow onion, diced

1 can diced tomatoes

1 can green chilies

1 can kidney beans

1 can Hormel chili w/ beans (I use whatever Chili I have)

1/2 c. ketchup

1/2 tsp. pepper

1- Brown hamburger and onion in a medium skillet until onion is tender and meat is cooked thoroughly

2- Place meat and onion in a crock pot

3- Add diced tomatoes, green chilies, kidney beans, chili, and pepper

4- Set on low heat and cook for 6 hours or high heat and cook for 4 hours

*I ALWAYS double this recipe, because my hubby likes this leftover for the next day.

*If you don't want to cook this in the crock pot, you can put in in a big pot on the stove, and just heat up and serve. I put it in the crock pot because it lets all the flavors soak in really good.

Andrea's Easy Chicken Pot Pie

The other night I had just gotten back from the grocery store (after spending $170.00!) And realized as I was putting stuff away, I still had stuff in my fridge I knew I needed to use, instead of just wasting it. Therefore, this recipe was invented. Hope you like it!

4-5 small red potatoes, washed, cubed

1 small bag frozen carrots and peas mixed

2 c. frozen sweet kernel corn

2 c. chicken broth

1/4 c. butter, cubed

1/4 c. flour

1 tsp. all purpose seasoning (McCormick)

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. pepper

1 rotisserie chicken, picked apart

1 store bought pie crust

1-In a large skillet combine your potatoes, frozen carrots & peas mixture, corn together. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Cook until potatoes are tender (about 8-10 min) Drain.

2-In a medium saucepan melt your butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour until smooth. Gradually add broth, 1 tsp all purpose seasoning, 1/2 tsp. salt, 1/2 tsp pepper. Bring to a boil; cook and whisk for 2 minutes or until it slightly thickens. Remove from heat.

3- Pick chunks off of your chicken, using mainly the breast and leg meat.

4-In a 8x8 baking dish add your drained vegetables,sauce and chicken together, stir well to coat.

5-Unroll your pie crust, and place it over the top of your baking dish. DO NOT cut the edges off, fold them down around the edge of the dish. Cut 5 1/2 inch slits in the top, for ventilation.

6-Bake at 375 degrees for 23-30 min, or until crust is slightly brown on top.

Mom's Shredded Beef Tacos

If you love crock pot cooking this recipe is for you! Its is super easy and very yummy!

1 Large Cross Rib Roast (you can use a different kind of roast, but I have found cross rib's have way less fat, and never come out dry in the crock pot)

1 package taco seasoning

water

pepper to taste

1-Place roast in crock pot, and cover 3/4 with water.(Just leave the very top uncovered with water)

2-Add package of taco seasoning

3-Add 1/2 tbsp. pepper

Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours. When roast is fully cooked take out a little bit of the water. Take two fork and shred.

Serve with freshly cooked corn tortillas, and condiments (Cheese, green onion, avocado, tomato, lettuce, sour cream, salsa...)

*If you prefer flour tortillas over corn, you can easily make these in to enchiladas. Just place shredded beef inside FLOUR tortillas (in a 9x13 pan) Cover with enchilada sauce and cheese, and bake at 350 degrees or until cheese is melted. Serve with condiments.

Homemade Macaroni and Cheese

So this is one of my ALL TIME favorites. My kids go nuts over this stuff! It is such a staple to me and my taste buds, I even make this with every Thanksgiving dinner. It's a must try

1 pkg. (16 oz.) elbow macaroni

2 eggs

1 can (12 oz.) evaporated milk

1/4 c. butter, melted

2 Tbsp. prepared mustard

1 tsp. seasoned salt

1 tsp. pepper

8 oz. Velveeta cheese, melted

2 c. (8 oz.) shredded mild cheddar cheese, divided

2 c. (8 oz.) shredded, sharp cheddar cheeses, divided

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees

1-Cook macaroni according to package direction; drain

2-I n a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, butter, mustard, seasoned salt and pepper until combined. Stir in the Velveeta and 1 1/2 c. each of the shredded cheese.

3-Place drained macaroni noodles into cheese mixture. Pour into a greased 3 qt. (9x13) baking dish. Top with remaining cheeses.

4-Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 min. or until cheese is melted and edges are bubbly.

Chicken In Cream Sauce

At our house we love Italian food. This is one of my husband's favorite dishes. And mine too because it is farley easy and quick. I serve it with either a Cesar salad, or Italian cheese bread.

4 oz. boneless skinless chicken breasts; cut into thin strips

1 med. red pepper cut into strips

1/4 chopped green onions

1 tsp. Italian seasoning

1/2 tsp. salt

2 Tbsp. butter

1 package (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened

1/2 c. milk

8 oz. linguine,cooked, rinsed, drained

1-Cook chicken, veggies, ans seasoning in butter in a medium skillet on medium heat for 10 min. or until chicken is cooked through. Stir occasionally. Simmer for 5 min.

2-Stir in cream cheese and milk, put on low until it is mixed in and smooth

3-Place hot linguine on serving plates and top with chicken mixture.

Chicken Tortilla Soup

This is such a quick and easy meal, that I always keep the ingredients in the pantry just in case I'm in a pinch a need to make something quick for dinner. My kids especially love this, it's not spicy and they love the Frito's! It calls for chicken, but like I said, if I am in a hurry I just leave it out.

4 c. chicken broth (2 cans)
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1/2 tsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
*Combine the ingredients to a boil

1 small yellow onion
1 can each of black AND pinto beans (drained and rinsed)
1 can corn drained
1/2 c. salsa
2 cooked chicken breasts, shredded

1 bag Frito's
shredded cheese
sour cream

1-One you have brought the top 4 ingredients to a boil, turn in down to med. heat and add the remaining ingredients.
2-Once it has fully warmed on the stove, place a handful of Frito's in to the bottom of your bowl. Top with the "soup" mixture and then add cheese and sour cream
3- Enjoy!

Pasta Roll Ups

This is a great dish, my kids really like these. I serve it with a Cesar salad and garlic bread. Delicious :) And even better it goes in the microwave! Yes that's right, the MICROWAVE. (How much easier does it get?)


1 package Spaghetti Sauce Spices and Seasoning (Lawry's)
1 can (6 oz.) tomato paste
2 1/4 c. water
2 Tbsp. veg. oil or butter
2 cups ricotta cheese or cottage cheese (they are both good)
1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
2 eggs
1/2 to 1 tsp. garlic salt
1/2 tsp. dried basil (optional, but better w/ it)
1 box (8 oz.) lasagna noodles, cooked
1 jar tomato sauce (you probably won't need the whole jar)

In a medium saucepan, prepare package of spaghetti sauce mix with tomato paste, water and oil according to package directions. In large bowl, combine all remaining ingredients except noodles; blend well. Spread 1/4 cup cheese mixture on entire length of each lasagna noodle; roll. Place seam side down in glass baking dish. Microwave on HIGH 6-7 minutes, until cheese begins to melt. Pour sauce over rolls and microwave on high 1 minute, if necessary, to heat sauce.

*If you have a little more time, and wish to bake these in the oven, cook them at 350 for about 4-5 min, or until the cheese is melted, and then an additional 5 min to heat the sauce that goes on top. Keep a close eye on them though, because all oven's vary on baking time!

Pizza Factory's BBQ Chicken Pizza

This is the best BBQ Chicken Pizza ever. A Pizza Factory Classic. However, I apologize that I didn't score their pizza dough recipe. My snitch can only give me so much! So for now, use a pre-made crust. Enjoy!

3 boneless chicken breast, halved, cooked and cubed
1 c. hickory flavored BBQ sauce
1 Tbsp. honey
1 tsp. molasses
1/3 c. brown sugar
1 (12 in.) pre-baked pizza crust
1 c. smoked Gouda cheese
1 c. mild cheddar cheese
1 c. thinly sliced red onion

Pre heat oven to 425. In a saucepan over medium high heat, combine chicken, BBQ sauce, honey, molasses, and brown sugar. Bring to a boil. Spread chicken mixture over pizza crust, and top with cheese and onions. Bake for 15-20 min, or until cheese is melted.

Cantonese Pork

This is a delicious, and easy meal. Make s for a good "chinese night" I usually serve this with a chinese chicken salad.

2 pork tenderloins (about 2 lbs.)
1 Tbsp. vegetable oil
1 can (8oz) pineapple chunks in juice, undrained
1 can (8oz) tomato sauce
2 cans (4oz each) sliced mushrooms, drained
1 medium yellow onion, thinly onions
3 Tbsp brown sugar
2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 tsp. white vinegar
Hot cooked rice

1-Cut tenderloins in half lengthwise, then crosswise into 1/4 in. thick slices. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Brown pork on all sides. Drain and discard drippings.
2-Place pork, pineapple with juice, tomato sauce, mushrooms,onion, brown sugar, Wocestershire, salt, and vinegar in slow cooker
3-Cover; cook on HIGH 4 hours or on LOW for 6 to 8 hrs. Serve over rice.

Barbequed Spare Ribs

4 lbs. spare ribs

Sauce:
1 onion, diced
1 c. ketchup
2 Tbsp. water
2 Tbsp. water
2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. paprika
2 Tbsp. worchester sauce
4 Tbsp. vinegar
4 Tbsp. brown sugar
2 tsp. dry mustard

Preheat oven to 350

1-Prepare sauce, and pour over spare ribs.
2- Bake at 350 covered for 1 hour 45 min,
3- Bake uncovered for about 15 min.

Grilled Pork Chops

I really don' t like pork chops, but I tried this recipe and I really like it. It's makes for a great 4th July BBQ, especially when your feeding a lot of people. Pork always costs less than steak, but is nicer than just burgers!


1 pound pork chops

Marinade:
1/4 c. lemon juice
1/2 c. olive oil
1 tsp. salt
Fresh ground pepper, to taste
1/4 tsp. fine herbs (bought at the store in one bottle. It's a mix of tarragon, parsley, and chives)
1 large clove garlic, minced

Mix together marinade ingredients and pour over chops. Marinate overnight or all day long. Drain and reserve marinade. Grill pork chops, basting with marinade, until meat in no longer pink inside (about 10-15 min) Use one marinade recipe for every pound of pork

Marinated Turkey Breasts

To be honest, I am NOT a fan of turkey to say the least. But once I tried this I had a different opinion. (I still won't eat Thanksgiving turkey though!!) We grill on the BBQ all summer and this is a nice break from the regular burgers, and steaks. It's a must try. All the guys LOVE this one!

4-6 Turkey breasts, cut into large strips.
(Turkey breast's are usually cut thick when you buy them, so I cut them horizontally in half to make them thinner. If they are too thick they will take to long to cook and will likely burn)

Marinade
1 cup vegetable oil
1 cup soy sauce (I usually do 3/4)
2 cups 7 up/Sprite
1/2 tsp. garlic powder (or more to taste if you like)

Let these soak for at least an hour, 3-5 hours is usually perfect. I don't recommend letting them marinade overnight they turn out too salty.

Once the turkey is done marinading, cook on med heat on the grill until no more pink is left in the middle of the breast.