Spaghetti Pie

This is a fantastic change from regular old fashioned spaghetti.  It's extremely simple to throw together, tastes delicious and freezes great too!!  WIN WIN WIN!  My husband was a big fan and my little guy ate handful after handful. 

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground Italian sausage
• 1 box thin spaghetti noodles
• 1 jar favorite pasta sauce
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 small can tomato paste
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

*This makes two pies! 

Directions:  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Boil noodles according to package directions.  Brown sausage over medium heat until cooked through.  Add sauce, tomatoes, and paste to meat and set aside.  Drain noodles and add back to pot with olive oil.  Mix eggs, Parmesan cheese and garlic powder together and toss into noodles, and add pasta sauce.  Place noodles into a greased pie pan, top with mozzarella cheese and bake for 20-25 minutes. 

Sloppy Joe's

Who doesn't love Sloppy Joe's?  Growing up I would always get so excited for Sloppy Joe night.  For the last couple years I have always just bought the seasoning mix and they never compared to the ones from my Mom made us.  The other day I suddenly realized her secret ingredient, TOMATO SOUP.  These were delicious and definitely brought  me back to our family dinners.   

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• buns
• 1 can tomato soup
• 1/2 small onion, diced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire
• 1 tablespoon BBQ sauce
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 teaspoon ground mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Directions:  Brown beef with onions and garlic.  In a small bowl mix all other ingredients and pour over beef.  Let simmer for at least five minutes over medium heat and serve.

Crock Pot Grape Jelly Meatballs

For a little while in High School I thought I wanted to become a caterer.  My Mom, being the intelligent woman she is, came up with the idea of having me cater my sisters graduation party.  I had so much fun finding recipes and preparing for her big day, but I realized it was not the career path for me.  A co worker or mine at the time gave me this recipe and I have been making them ever since.

Ingredients:

• 2 12 oz jars Heinz chili sauce
• 1 32 oz jar grape jelly
• 1 bag frozen meatballs (around 80 or so)

Directions:  In a medium sauce pan heat chili sauce and jelly until smooth, stirring frequently. Add meatballs to crock pot and cover with sauce.  Cook on low for 3-4 hours. 

Italian Meatball Subs

This is one of my never fails go to dinners.  I love making these subs because they are so simple and I have most of the ingredients on hand at any given moment. You can make these the night before and heat them in the crock pot when you are at work.    My husband is not a fan of bell peppers but I think they would be a Delicious with some fresh sauteed sweet onions.  Simple, fast, and easy! 

Ingredients:

• 1 pound Italian sausage or chicken
• 1 small onion chopped
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs
• Sliced provolone cheese
• 1 jar favorite spaghetti sauce
• 1 package hoagie rolls

Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large mixing bowl stir together sausage, onion, egg, and bread crumbs. Form into 1" balls, place on cookie sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes. (The last couple times I have made these I flatten the meatballs slightly with a spoon.  Makes it a lot easier to eat when they are flatter!)Meanwhile place sliced cheese on each side of hoagie rolls. Add cooked meatballs to sauce pan, add jar of sauce,and heat until warm. Place hoagie rolls onto a new cookie sheet and place in oven until cheese melts. Add three meatballs to sandwich and enjoy.

Cookers Note: For a lighter meal use Jennie-O Italian sausage and substitute breadcrumbs for oatmeal. Just add extra Italian seasoning to your meat mixture. However, the full fat version is so much better! You can always make the meatballs and freeze them. Then when you are having company or you know you will be in a time crunch for dinner add the frozen meatballs with a jar of sauce into your crock-pot and cook on low while at work.

Swedish Hamburger Biscuit Casserole



I pretty much love any kind of hamburger casserole.   I also love that you can top them with mashed potatoes, tots, corn bread, or biscuits. I had a packet of Swedish meatball seasoning and a can of biscuits and voila, this recipe was born.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb hamburger
• 1 small sweet onion, diced
• 1 can diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 can cut green beans, drained
• 1 package refrigerated buttermilk biscuits
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1 packet Swedish meatball seasoning (two part packet, sauce and seasoning)
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Brown hamburger and onion over medium heat.  When hamburger has about two minutes left add seasoning part of packet and mix well.  Add tomatoes, green beans, and pepper flakes.  Sprinkle sauce over the top and stir in milk.  Let simmer for another 5-10 minutes for sauce to thicken.  Spray a 9x13 pan with nonstick spray and pour in meat mixture, top with biscuits and bake for 20 minutes.  Let sit for 5 minutes and serve.

Hamburger Scalloped Potato Skillet

My husband loves Hamburger Helper, so I decided to surprise him.  After getting home from the store realized I forgot to buy a box, so boxed scalloped potatoes to the rescue.  I try my best to make as much stuff without processed food but I didn't feel like cooking and he loved it.

Ingredients:

• 1 box scalloped potatoes
• 1 lb hamburger
• 1 10 oz can diced tomatoes, with juice
• 1 10 oz canned green beans, drained 
• 1/4 cup cheddar cheese
• 2 cups water
• 1 beef bouillon cube
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
• salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:  Brown hamburger in a skillet.  Add tomatoes, green beans, bouillon, garlic, water and scalloped potatoes without the cheese sauce.  Bring to a boil stirring constantly, reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes or until potatoes are soft.  Add cheddar cheese and cheese packet and stir until combined. 

Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

As I was watching the Eagles and Giants game on Sunday Night Football they showed lots of local Philly Cheesesteaks and they looked so good.  I stumbled across this recipe and adapted from it.  I will for sure be making these again and with the leftovers my husband suggested I put it over the top of white rice and brown gravy.  Looks like I will have a post for tomorrows night dinner as well!

Ingredients:

• 4 hoagie rolls
• 8 slices of provolone
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup pepperoncinis
• 2 tablespoons steak sauce
• 1 tablespoon worchestershire
• 1 cup beef stock
• Salt and ground black pepper 

Directions:  In a large skillet add olive oil and heat on medium heat.  Saute onions and garlic until onions are a little soft then add mushrooms.  When mushrooms begin to shrink add pepperoncinis and saute for about a minute stirring frequently.  Remove a quarter of the veggies and set aside.  Add ground beef to skillet and brown.  Stir in steak sauce, worchestershire, and stock and bring to a boil.  Season with salt and pepper, turn down heat to a simmer and let sit until it thickens.  Place rolls on a cookie sheet and lay cheese on the top side and place in broiler until cheese begins to bubble.  Remove and top with beef and set aside veggies. 

Cookers Note:  I put the leftover meat on top of white rice with some beef gravy.  It was really good and a great way to get rid of the leftovers. 

Korean Style Ground Beef

I must say I was pleasantly surprised by this recipe.  I had some ground beef that I needed to use so I typed "ground beef" into pinterest and this is what I found.  I made a couple changes but not much.  Such a simple and fast meal that tastes great! 

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 package mushrooms
• 1/2 small onion chopped
• 1/4 - 1/2 cup brown sugar ( start with 1/4 and add more if desired)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce 
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger, zested
• 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional)
• green onions for garnish

Directions: Heat butter and oil in large skillet over medium heat.  Add onions, garlic, and mushrooms.  Saute until onions are soft and add ground beef and cook until browned.  Add brown sugar, soy sauce, ginger, salt and pepper and sriracha. Simmer for a few minutes to blend the flavors. Serve over steamed rice and top with green onions.

 

Not So Sloppy Joes

I had some ingredients I needed to get rid of so I whipped these up for something different.  A great fast and simple dinner. 
Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground meet of choice
• 1 can tomato soup
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• about 2 small celery sticks chopped
• 1/2 medium sweet onion chopped
• 1 can diced green chilies
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
• Hamburger Buns
• Salt, pepper, and Cayenne pepper to taste.

Directions: In a large skillet brown meat and add onions, celery, and chilies.  Drain any excess fat and add tomato soup, ketchup, Worcestershire, and brown sugar. Also add salt and pepper to your liking. Heat on medium for about 5 minutes stirring.  Scoop desired amount onto buns and enjoy.

Zucchini and Cheese Stuffed Shells WIth Meat Marinara

I was really nervous about trying these because it was a first for me.  All I have to say is first time is a charm!!  They were really good and best of all I have four more meals in the freezer for future weeks.  I LOVE LOVE LOVE freezer meals and whenever I make a meal that freezes well I always quadruple it.  I did not take any pictures of putting these bad boys together so I will direct you to The Pioneer Woman who gives step by step instructions.  PS her recipes are amazing.  *This recipe can make two full cake pans or 4 full pie pans.  If you are not making extra freezer meals 1/2 the recipe.* 

Ingredients:

• 1 box Jumbo Shells
• 1 Pound Ground Italian Sausage ( I usually get ground Italian chicken)
• 1 Pound Ground Beef
• 1 Medium Zucchini chopped
• 2 cups Italian Blend Cheese
• 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese
• 2 Eggs
• 1 Tablespoon Red Pepper Flakes
• 2 bottles of your favorite Pasta Sauce
• Olive Oil

Directions:  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Boil shells for about 9 minutes or until al dente.  Drain and rinse.  Return shells to pot and add a little olive oil to prevent them from sticking together.  Add enough pasta sauce to cover the bottom of baking pan.  Fill shells with Zucchini and cheese stuffing and place on top of sauce.  Cover shells with meat marinara and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.  Bake covered for 20 minutes and uncovered for 5 minutes. 

Meat Marinara:  Brown ground Italian sausage and beef then add to the remaining pasta sauce.  Heat together until warm.

Zucchini and Cheese Stuffing:  Saute zucchini with olive oil and red pepper flakes over medium heat until tender.  Add zucchini and pepper flakes to a mixing bowl.   Mix in 2 cups of Italian style cheese and eggs until smooth.

Freezer Meals

I was definitely in a cooking mood the other day and decided to make lots of meals for days when I don't feel like cooking.  I got all of the ingredients plus other grocery items for $120!!  These meals took me about 4 hours all together and were very simple.  These are wonderful for days on the go and easy to hand out to families in need.

Baked Ziti

Ingredients:

• 1 pound dry ziti pasta or penne
• 1 small onion chopped
• 1 pound ground meat of choice ( I used Italian sausage)
• 2 jars favorite spaghetti sauce
• 8-10 slices provolone cheese
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions: Bring large pot of water to boil. Add pasta and cook for 7-8 minutes until aldente. Drain and add back to pot with olive oil. In a large skillet brown onion and sausage over medium heat. Stir in spaghetti sauce, tomatoes, seasonings, and add sauce to noodles. Spray casserole dish or freezer tins with cooking spray. Layer as directed: 1/4 Pasta mixture, 4 slices provolone cheese, 1/2 sour cream, Italian cheese, 1/4 noodle mixture, and top with Italian cheese. (These instructions are for 2 8x8 pans) If cooking the same day bake covered for 20 minutes and uncovered for 5-10 minutes.

To freeze: Cover with tin foil, label and freeze. Defrost completely before baking and bake as directed above.

Chicken Enchiladas

Ingredients:

• 3 cooked chicken breasts shredded or chopped
• 2 cans enchilada sauce
• 4 cups mexican shredded cheese
• 1 can green chilies
• tortillas
• 4 8by8 freezer foil pans or two cake pans

Directions:  In a medium bowl add chicken 2 cups cheese, 1 can enchilada sauce, and green chilies.  Place mixture evenly in tortillas then roll up.  I place 4 enchiladas in each greased 8 by 8 and I placed 8  in the cake pan.  Evenly use the remaining enchilada sauce and top each enchilada with sauce then remaining cheese.  Bake uncovered at 375 degrees for 20 -25 minutes. 

To freeze cover with tin foil, label and freeze.  Defrost completely before baking and bake as directed above.

Lasagna Alfredo Roll Ups

Ingredients:

• 10 lasagna noodles
• 3 chicken breasts chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 10 ounces frozen chopped spinach
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese
• 2 cans alfredo pasta sauce
• 2 8 by 8 freezer tin pans and one cake pan

Directions:  Bring a large pot of water to a boil.  Add lasagna noodles and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente.  Rinse in cold water.  Meanwhile, in a large sauce pan add oil and cook spinach stirring frequently.  Remove pan from heat and stir in cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese, and chicken.  Transfer to medium bowl.  Place noodles on wax paper.  Evenly spread mixture onto each noodle then roll up each noodle.  In each pan cover the bottom with alfredo sauce then add roll ups.  Cover each roll with extra sauce and mozzarella cheese.  Bake covered at 375 degrees for 30 minutes.

To freeze cover with tin foil, label and freeze.  Defrost completely before baking and bake as directed above.

Cookers Note on roll ups:  Most recipes said to add 1 egg to the spinach mixture but I totally forgot.  Feel free to add after you remove spinach from heat.

*I also used my previous post for Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup and froze the whole batch in two seperate gallon freezer bags.*

Hamburger Gravy

After having a craving for the Hamburger Gravy in grade school several years ago, I threw this together and it is now one of my favorite dinners.  My husband loves fake potatoes so, I sometimes serve over those!  I also only had a can of french style green beens last time and I just threw them right on top and it was delicious!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb hamburger
• 1 can cream of mushroom
• 1/4 packet onion soup mix
• 1 cup beef consome
• salt, pepper, and paprika to taste.

Directions: 

1. Brown beef in skillet. 
2. Add cream of mushroom soup and beef consome.  
3. Sprinkle with onion soup mix and bring to a light boil, stirring occasionally.
4. Reduce heat and let simmer for 5-10 minutes and serve over potatoes.

Fast and Easy Chili

       Chili over rice
This meal is semi-homemade, really fast, and delicious.  You can turn this recipe into an all day thing if you would like however, I opt for the fast way.  I like to serve mine over rice or spaghetti noodles.  You can also serve it in a bowl topped with cheese and onions.  It is fantastic either way.
Ingredients:

• 1 package ground meat of choice
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 can chili beans
• 1 can kidney beans, drained
• 1 can black beans, drained
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 can corn, drained
• 1 small can diced green chili's
• 1 package chili seasoning mix
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 cup grated cheese

        Chili Mac
Directions:  In large saucepan cook meat in pan with 3/4 onions and diced green chili's.  Add in chili beans, tomatoes, corn, and seasoning mix.  Heat and enjoy.  Serve over rice, noodles, or plain with grated cheese and onions on top.  If freezing let cool and add to freezer ziploc bag.

Stinkface Stew

I can not take any credit for this recipe at all.  This is all compliments of my sister Victoria also known as Stinkface.  My Mom and I took a trip down to Portland a couple weeks ago and my sister had prepared this for us.  When I first heard we were having stew for dinner I was appalled.  However, this was an amazing dinner.  Props to my sister for making a delicious meal. Also this picture was taken before it was cooked.
Ingredients:

• 2 packages ground buffalo (or whatever ground meat of your choice)
• 1 medium yellow onion
• 6 red or yellow potatoes
• 1 can tomato paste
• 1 can beef broth
• 1 can embasa carrots in escabeche

Directions:  Brown meat in pan.  Add tomato paste and beef broth to crock pot and stir until well blended.  Add embasa carrots, onions, and beef.  Heat on low for 8 hours, or high for 4 hours or until potatoes are soft.  Serve with sour cream on top if desired.
Cookers Note:  This stew is spicy.  My sisters served it with a scoop of sour cream on top to cool it down a little.  This makes a really big pot as well so I was able to freeze half and it tasted fantastic later.