Fiesta Ravioli Bake

Wow so long time no post. I've actually made a ton of different recipes and hopefully I'll get around to sharing all of them, but I just haven't had the time to actually post them yet. This is a super easy, last minute recipe that everyone will love, even Frank who usually hates ravioli really liked it and as long as you use a mild salsa and enchilada sauce it's not at all spicy so even the kids will love it. Hope you enjoy!

I know you love my half cheese picture:)

1 can of corn, drained
1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
1 jar of salsa I use Herdez, I tried La Victoria this last time it was no good
1 10 oz can enchilada sauce
1 25 oz. pkg. of frozen beef raviolis
2 c. cheese

Cook Ravioli according to package. Combine everything else in a 9x13 dish. Add ravioli and cook at 350 for 20 minutes.

Pineapple Glazed Meatballs

This is a super easy throw together kind of meal. You can do it in a skillet of throw it in the crock pot for a couple hours, either way it's super easy and super tasty. Hope you enjoy!

Recipe found at Realmomkitchen.com

1 c. barbecue sauce
1 c. crushed pineapple
16 oz. frozen meatballs (or make your own)

Combine everything in a skillet and simmer for about 10 minutes or until warmed through or in the crock pot on low for 3-4 hours or high for 2-3. Serve over rice.

Grandma Bailey's Zucchini Casserole

This comes from a new favorite blog of mine called cookingwithkrista.blogspot.com. She's got a lot of fun recipes and so far so good. I don't have a picture for this one as it wasn't the prettiest casserole and I didn't put cheese on mine and therefor looked very different from hers so I just didn't think it benefited to have a picture. Anyway don't let that deter you from trying this because it was really good. Parker gobbled his up, zucchini and all, and Frank even commented that it was good which doesn't happen too often. If you have picky eaters she recommended peeling the zucchini first, but I figured that probably took most of the healthiness out of it and for my family they're going to like or dislike it no matter what color it is, but it probably works better for older kids. Anyway with all that said if you have some extra zucchini this summer this is a great casserole to try as well as this chicken zucchini casserole.

1 lb ground beef
1 onion chopped
salt, pepper, and garlic to taste (you can tell this is a grandma's recipe as there's not a lot of measuring:)
2 zucchini, chopped
3 tomatoes, chopped you can also use a can of tomatoes
16 oz sour cream or I used 2 cans cream of mushroom but a combination of both would probably be great
box of croutons (I used Marie Calendar's butter garlic)
cheddar cheese to top casserole

Cook ground beef and onion until no more pink. Drain grease. Add zucchini and tomatoes and bring to boil (because I used fresh tomatoes there wasn't much liquid to boil so I added just a tiny bit of water, not even a 1/4 c. you may want to cook longer if using canned tomatoes just cook out some of the liquid) Reduce heat and cover and allow to simmer for about 10 minutes. Meanwhile spread croutons evenly in a greased 9x13 pan. After 10 minutes stir in sour cream or cream of mushroom and pour over croutons. Top with cheese and bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes.

This makes a good size casserole and doesn't really taste as good the next day, so I suggest if you have a smaller family to either cut it in half or she said she even freezes the other half, just cover with plastic wrap and then tin foil.

Texas BBQ Sloppy Joes

Ok so I've seen this recipe several times and never was compelled to try it, until now and I'm glad I did. Every once in awhile a sloppy joe just hits the spot and this was one of those times. This is a super easy, quick week night meal that we really enjoyed, even Parker which is always a bonus. Anyway hope you take the chance to make this..also soon to come are Oreo pudding cookies, so yummy!

Recipe found at Cassiecraves.blogspot.com

1 pound lean ground beef
1 onion, chopped
1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes with green chilies
1/2 cup ketchup
1 cup bottled barbecue sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 package frozen garlic Texas toast
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Brown ground beef and onion until no longer pink. Drain grease, and add tomatoes, bbq, ketchup, bbq sauce, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Cover with lid and allow to simmer for 10 minutes. Meanwhile cook Texas toast as directed (you could very easily substitute regular french bread or even hoagie buns with butter and garlic salt.) Serve sloppy joe mix over Texas toast and sprinkle with cheese, and enjoy!

Sweet Potato Foil Packet Taco

Ok so I've seen this recipe now several times and always had the same opinion..a little strange. Part of me thought it would be ok and the other part thought it was just a little too strange, but after seeing it pop up on several food blogs I thought it was worth trying, and I'm glad I did! The part I love the most about this recipe is that I felt like I was actually making a really healthy meal with sweet potato and spinach and even the taco meat with black beans..yum! Anyway with that said this is probably not for everyone, although Frank really like it which is saying a lot since it had so many vegetables:) and even Parker really liked it, but if your not a big sweet potato fan this is not for you because it's definitely a strong flavor in this meal. The other part I was worried about was the spinach which can sometimes be a little strong in some dishes, but I honestly didn't even notice it in there. Anyway on to the recipe, and I'm sorry because I totally forgot to take a picture but you can find it over at perrysplate.com.

3/4-1 lb ground beef
3-4 T. taco seasoning
8 oz. tomato sauce
1 can black beans, drained
3 sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into small cubes
4-5 t. butter
1 1/2 c. spinach
1 1/2 c. cheese
favorite taco toppings: salsa, sour cream, or guacamole
5-6 12-inch pieces of tin foil

Preheat oven to 425. Start by browning your hamburger and drain. Add taco seasonings, tomato sauce, and beans and set aside. Assemble your foil packets by adding a large cup of sweet potatoes, place a teaspoon of butter on top and sprinkle with a little salt. Then add a little spinach and about a 1/2 c. of your taco meat ( I made ours a little big and only made about 4, but they were 4 big servings which filled me more than I expected) top with some cheese. Fold the foil packets up by first pulling together the shortest sides and fold down, roll the two lengthwise sides in until sealed (just like making tin foil dinners or however it works for you just so it's completely sealed) Place on a rimmed cookie sheet and cook for 25-30 minutes.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

Amount Per Serving

Calories 253Calories from Fat 140

Total Fat 32.6 50%

Saturated Fat 18g 90%

Cholesterol 130mg 43%

Sodium 1127mg 47%

Total Carbohydrates 108g 36%

Dietary Fiber 18g 72%

Sugars 16g

Protein 60.0g

Vitamin A 806% • Vitamin C 76% Calcium 56% • Iron 53%

Nutrition Grade A

* Based on a 2000 calorie diet

FYI- the butter and cheese is what makes this so high in saturated fat if your wanting to cut back.

Pioneer Woman Enchiladas

Happy Valentines! Or Single's Awareness Day depending on what side of the fence your on:) Once again I've got another delicious Pioneer Woman Recipe. I have to admit, if it was anyone else I probably would not have ever tried this recipe. First because I've never had a ground beef enchilada I liked, second is I usually always choose flour tortillas over corn, and third I don't love cooked olives. Have I scared you away from this recipe yet? I hope not because all those things a side, I loved these! Even my husband specifically told me he loved them which he doesn't say too often! I have to admit these take a little extra effort to put together, but still they're really not hard. Don't be intimated by the long list of ingredients and instructions I promise it's only a couple extra steps than your usual enchiladas. You gotta try these at least once!!!



FOR THE SAUCE:
1 Tablespoon Canola Oil
1 Tablespoon All-purpose Flour
1 can (28 Ounce) Enchilada Or Red Sauce
2 cups Chicken Broth
½ teaspoons Salt
½ teaspoons Ground Black Pepper
2 Tablespoons Chopped Cilantro (I left this out, my husband hates cilantro and it's def. a required taste)

FOR THE MEAT:
1 pound Ground Beef
1 whole Medium Onion, Finely Diced
2 cans (4 Ounce) Diced Green Chilies
½ teaspoons Season Salt

FOR THE TORTILLAS:
10 whole (to 14) Corn Tortillas
½ cups Canola Oil

TO ASSEMBLE:
3 cups Grated Sharp Cheddar Cheese
½ cups Chopped Black Olives
1 cup Chopped Green Onions (my husband didn't love the green onions, but I was on the fence. I think it would be fine without, but I didn't mind them in either so whatever sounds good to you:)
½ cups Chopped Cilantro

Preparation Instructions

Step #1 – The Sauce
In a large saucepan over medium heat, add oil and flour and whisk together to make a paste, cooking for one minute. Pour in the red sauce, chicken broth, cilantro, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 30-45 minutes.

Step #2 – The Meat
Brown the meat with onions in a skillet. Drain off fat. Stir in 2 cans diced green chilies and seasoned salt. Set aside.

Step #3 – Tortillas
Heat canola oil in a small skillet over medium heat. One by one, using tongs, fry tortillas in oil until soft, not crisp – about 30 seconds per side. Remove to a paper—towel lined plate. Repeat until all tortillas have been fried.

Step #4 – Assembly
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Pour ½ cup red sauce in bottom of baking pan. Spread to even out. Dip each tortilla into red sauce, then remove to work surface. Spoon meat, a little grated cheese, a little black olives, and green onions in the center of tortilla. Roll up and place, seam down, in baking pan. Repeat until pan is filled. Pour extra red sauce over enchiladas (the sauce is delicious so don't be afraid to smother them.) Top with remaining cheddar cheese. Bake enchiladas uncovered for 20 minutes.

Meatball Sub Sandiwch

This is a another super quick and easy meal. You can choose to use frozen meatballs or your own. Meatballs really are easy to make, but if you don't love handling raw meat or just taking the extra step go ahead and use your favorite frozen meatballs. Enjoy!


1 lb ground beef
1 egg
salt and pepper
garlic powder
very full 1/2 c. Italian seasoned bread crumbs ( if you don't have these just use regular or make your own breadcrumbs and add a little Italian seasoning, parsley, garlic salt, parmesan cheese, or any other seasoning you want)
jar of your favorite spaghetti sauce
Mozarella cheese
hoagie buns

In a medium bowl lightly beat your egg , then add your seasonings and bread crumbs. Crumble your ground beef over mixture and mix it all in. With a large cookie scoop, scoop out balls of meat mixture and then slightly mold to form a ball. At this point you can either bake your meatballs or cook on the stove top. I choose to bake them at 400 for about 12 minutes. I find it much easier and I don't have to sit and baby sit them on the stove. Put meatballs in a medium size skillet and pour spaghetti sauce over and heat until simmering. While meatballs are heating through get out the hoagie buns. A trick I use is to cut some of the middle of the bottom bun making a well to stick your meatballs. Butter your buns (lol) and toast in a toaster oven or your hot oven. Fill your well with meatballs and top with mozarella..and yummm!!!

makes about 6 sandwiches if serving little kids just cut the meatballs in half:)

Easy Taco Soup

So I know most everyone probably has a recipe for taco soup, but I had never even tried it until a few years ago when a friend of mine brought it to work, and this is her recipe. I have since tried different ones, but still come back to this one. This recipe is so quick and easy, but if you have a better one or just have a suggestion let me know!


1 lb ground beef
1 pkg. taco seasoning
2 14.5 oz can tomatoes with green chilis
1 15 oz can corn, including juice
2 15 oz can light red kidney beans, drained
Fritos, cheese, sour cream, or any other toppings you like

Brown hamburger and drain grease. Stir in taco seasoning. Add remaining ingredients (except toppings, obviously:) Bring to boil, cover and reduce heat and allow to simmer for about 20 minutes. This is no spicier then tacos, but if your sensitive you can stir in a tablespoon of sugar before your covering. Serve with Fritos, cheese, and sour cream if you like.

Porcupine Meatballs

I'm not really sure why I love this recipe so much, I think it reminds me of how my mom use to make pork chops. She would brown them with onions and then pour tomato sauce over them and serve them with rice. I know this sounds strange but they were really good. I'm not a huge pork chop fan so this is kind of my way to get that saucy flavor with rice and I love it! These are super easy to make and you probably have all of the ingredients already so if you get the chance give them a try.

Sorry I missed lunch, and was in a hurry to get this in my belly, so not the prettiest pic!

1 lb ground beef
1 egg
1/4 c. uncooked, long grain rice
1/2 T. dried parsley
1 t. salt
dash of pepper
2 T. minced onion (I used dried minced onion)
2 cans tomato soup, divided
1 c. water
2 t. Worcestershire Sauce

Combine egg, rice, parsley, salt and pepper, onion, and 1/4 c. tomato soup. Crumble ground beef in and mix well. I use an ice cream scoop to scoop out balls and then using my hands help shape into balls. Place meatballs in 10 inch skillet over medium high heat. Combine remaining tomato soup, water, and Worcestershire and pour over meatballs. Bring to boil, then lower heat and cover with lid for 40 minutes, turning meatballs once or twice. Serve over rice and enjoy!

Spanish Rice Wraps

So I found this one from a ward cook book, gotta love the ward cook books. The original recipe had no meat so if your husband isn't as picky as mine and it sounds good to you without by all means give it a try. I think next time I would add 2 cans of tomatoes because I really like them and on the meat I'll put a little taco seasoning for a little extra layer of flavor. The best part of this dish is it's so quick and has few ingredients, and if you do it without ground beef it's a one dish meal, and most of all it's delicious! Sorry no picture I hurried and packed it up and hauled it to my husband at work for dinner. Maybe I'll remember and take on at lunch tomorrow:)

1 lb. ground beef-optional
1 box Spanish Rice A Roni
2 T. butter
1 c. salsa
2 c. water
1 or 2 15 oz. can tomatoes with green onions
1 can black beans or kidney beans, rinsed- I used black beans
1 can corn, drained

Cook ground beef until no longer pink, drain and set aside. In separate pan melt butter and add rice. Cook until golden brown add tomatoes, salsa, and 2 c. water. Bring to boil and reduce heat cover and allow to simmer for 15. Add hamburger, corn, and beans. Serve in tortillas (I used sun dried tomato wraps) with cheese and sour cream.

Easy Meatballs and Rice Skillet

So this is another super easy skillet dish that also comes from my Pillsbury cook books. You can choose to make the meatballs, or buy your favorite frozen meatballs if you want it even quicker. Honestly I've never tried premade meatballs, but I've heard Costco has some pretty good ones, personally I choose to make my own. I know sometimes making meatballs can seem like kind of a pain, but really they're super easy. I have to admit that I get kind of squeamish about meatballs ever since I was pregnant, just because the thought of any meat when your pregnant can just make sick, but one day especially I chose to make meatballs which was just a bad choice, and ever since then I have a hard time bringing myself to making them, but I'm never disappointed when I have the finished product. Anyways after that lovely introduction, I promise this meal is actually very good and again quick and easy.

1 T. butter
1 pkg. beef-flavored vermicelli mix- I just used Walmart brand, but anything works really
2 1/3 c. water if using frozen broccoli if using fresh I add another about 1/2 c.
16 frozen or home made meatballs
2 c. frozen broccoli, thawed, and cut- or I use fresh
1 red bell pepper cut into strips

In a 10-inch skillet melt butter of medium heat. Add rice and cook until golden brown. Add water and seasoning packet, meatballs, and if using fresh broccoli add in as well. Heat to boiling, reduce heat to medium low and cover. Cook for about 12 minutes. Gently stir in the bell pepper and if using fresh broccoli add as well, increase heat to medium, cover and cook for another 10 minutes. If peppers are still not tender enough for you just remove from heat and allow to stay covered for another couple minutes.

Meatballs
Let me make a disclaimer before I even give you my recipe. First of all I don't use exact measurements its one of those a little of this a little of that, and second of all this is just a basic simple recipe, nothing fancy I don't think it really needs to be for this recipe.

1 egg, lightly beaten
seasoned bread or cracker crumbs- really fine crumbs work best
salt and pepper
dried minced onion
beef bouillon granules
worcestershire

Mix all of these together, it should be kind of a runny paste. Add 1 lb ground beef and mix until fully incorporated. I use a small ice cream scoop just to get even sized balls and then I give it a quick roll between hands to make balls. Bake on an ungreased cookie sheet at 400 for 10 minutes.

Lazy Day Mexican Casserole

The title says it all on this one. If you want something quick and easy but different from the usual tacos this is it. I'm not sure if this can even be called a recipe or just a made up concoction, either way it works!
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion chopped
1 pkg. taco seasoning
1/2 c. water
1 c. enchilada sauce-about half of a 10 oz can
1 can refried beans
1/2 large bag of corn tortilla chips, lightly crushed
taco toppings-lettuce, tomato, cheese, sour cream, salsa, or guacamole

Cook ground beef and onion until completely cooked through. Add taco seasoning and water and cook for for another minute until seasoning is thoroughly mixed in. Add enchilada sauce and refried beans and mix until completely incorporated. Meanwhile pour 3/4 of your chips into greased 9x13 pan (this is where I just take my hands and lightly crunch the chips.) Top with ground beef mixture and top with remaining chips. Cook at 375 for 20 minutes topping with cheese in the last 5 minutes. Serve with taco toppings.

Meat Loaf

So I totally hesitate to post this only for the reason that most people already have their own meat loaf recipe, or they just flat out don't like meat loaf all together. Also I don't have a specific recipe, it's one of those that's a little of this and a little of that, but I'll try to get it down to a little more specific. Again I really hesitate with this only because I feel everyone has kind of a different idea of meatloaf, but if you are willing to try I think this is a pretty good recipe compared to other ones I've tried. If your use to a more plain and somewhat dry meatloaf, this is completely opposite. The original recipe that my mom made used fresh onion, but my husband's not a big onion person and it tended to be a little oniony, but just like all these recipes do what works for your family.

1 egg
2 T. dried minced onion
1/2 sleeve of Ritz crackers crushed- or if you don't have those you can use your kids snack, gold fish:) that's what I used yesterday.
1 1/2 lb ground beef
1/2 c. Heinz 57
ketchup
honey
3 slices of bacon

In a medium bowl mix egg with onion, and crackers. Add in ground beef and Heinz 57 and mix together. The best way to do this is with your hands but a fork works as well. Put meat loaf into a loaf pan and drizzle ketchup and honey on top. Top meatloaf with bacon slices and cook at 375 for 45 minutes. I'm not going to lie this turns out really greasy, but what do you expect with ground beef and bacon? Just drain the grease and let sit for 5-10 minutes.

Sweet and Sour Meatballs

I found this recipe on recipe zaar along with many of the recipes I do. Most of you have probably heard of this website, if not I highly recommend it. I can't say the ratings are fool proof, because I have tried many that are 5 star that aren't really 5 star in my book, and visa versa. I guess it's just a difference in taste buds. Speaking of which I have had no feed back on any of these recipes and I know some of you have tried them!:) I really want your opinions good or bad. So if you have tried any of them please write back and let me know what you thought!...Awkward... I am also trying to be better about taking pictures because I know it helps in deciding to make it or not. Anyway.. these meatballs turned out really yummy..even Parker enjoyed them, so they are definitely kid friendly:D. I hope you enjoy them as much as we did.











Meatballs
1 lb ground beef
1 t. worcestershire
3 T bread crumbs
oregano
1 egg lightly beaten
salt and pepper
garlic powder

Sauce
1 T veg. oil
small onion minced
3/4 c. brown sugar
2 T. white vinegar
1 t. lemon juice
1 c. ketchup
2 T. soy sauce

Mix egg with seasonings and bread crumbs (don't worry about it being perfect, honestly there was a couple things I didn't have enough of and they still turned out great.) Add ground beef and mix thoroughly, just like meat loaf. If your grossed out with hamburger, or just don't feel like getting it all over you like me, I used a fork to mix it and it turned out fine. Shape into 1 inch balls. Again if your grossed out with the hamburger an ice cream scoop helps, but you still have to round them a little bit. The next part I changed from the original, I chose to bake the meatballs instead of frying them. I feel it's much easier and they cook more evenly. So bake at 400 for 12-15 minutes.
Then for the sauce, start with sauteing the onions in veg oil until translucent. Then add remaining ingredients and simmer for 20 minutes. Then for my convenience I chose to stick the meatballs and sauce in the crock pot and cooked them on low for 4-5 hours. Otherwise you can combine the meatballs with the sauce and let them simmer for 1 hour. Serve over rice or noodles..soo yummy!

Spanish Noodles

I actually have made these before, but it's been a really long time. This recipe is really good, but you definitely can't substitute or leave out anything. Every ingredient adds to the flavor. I'm still not sure if it's a recipe that everyone will love. Me and my husband both liked it, but the website I found it on only rated it a 4, mostly for the fact that they had to add more water for the noodles to cook. I fixed that by just adding more water from the beginning. Honestly I think this recipe is worth trying. The best part about it is that if you want you can do it all in one pot. Well once again let me know what you think.

1 lb ground beef
1 green pepper chopped
1 small onion chopped
3 c. egg noodles
14.5 oz can tomatoes (I used basil oregano because it was all I had)
2 c. water
1/2 c chili sauce (I used Heinz)
1 t. salt
1/8 t. pepper
5-6 pieces of bacon
cheese to sprinkle on top

If you want to keep it all in one pot cook your bacon first until slightly crisp. If your in a hurry and dishes aren't a problem you can cook the bacon at the same time you cook your hamburger and noodles.
Cook ground beef, onion, and green pepper until hamburger is completely cooked. Drain off grease. Add noodles, tomatoes, water, chili sauce, salt, and pepper. Cover and cook on medium low heat for 15-20 minutes stirring occasionally until noodles are done. Sprinkle chopped bacon and cheese over top and serve!