Baked Spaghetti

Paula Deens Baked Spaghetti

2 cups canned diced tomatoes
2 cups tomato sauce
1 cup water
1/2 cup diced onion
1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves
1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 1/2 teaspoons House Seasoning
1 1/2 teaspoons seasoning salt
1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
2 small bay leaves
1 1/2 pounds ground beef
8 ounces uncooked angel hair pasta
1 cup grated cheddar
1 cup grated Monterrey Jack

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees

In a stockpot, combine the tomatoes, tomato sauce, water, onions, peppers, garlic, parsley, seasoning mixtures, sugar, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil over high heat, and then reduce the heat and let simmer, covered, for 1 hour. Crumble the ground beef in a large skillet. Cook over medium-high heat until fully cooked, with no pink color remaining. Drain the fat from the meat, and then add the ground beef to the stockpot. Simmer for 20 more minutes. Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Cover the bottom of a 13 by 9 by 2-inch pan with sauce. Add a layer of pasta and then a little less than 1/2 of each cheese; repeat the layers, ending with the sauce. Bake in the oven for 30 minutes. Top the casserole with the remaining cheese, return it to the oven, and continue to cook until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 5 more minutes. Cut into squares before serving.




Alternate way:

1 lb. ground beef

1 can Hunt’s spaghetti sauce

1 can tomato sauce, 15 oz

1 onion, diced

about 2 cups Mozzarella

generous shakes of oregano, basil, salt and pepper (optional)

8 oz spaghetti (the picture shows 16oz., but you only need 8oz)

Brown the meat with the onion. Drain the fat and rinse under hot water. Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions. Drain and stir it together with the meat, sauces and extra spices. Put it into a casserole dish and top with cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes, or till hot and bubbly.

Bowtie Pasta w/chicken

You’ll need:

boneless chicken breasts or tenders, the amount depends on how many you’re cooking for
box of bowtie pasta
broccoli, cauliflower and carrots (I like to use those steam in the bag fresh kind)
feta cheese 6-8oz, crumbled
lemon pepper
3-4 Tbs butter
1 1/2 – 2 cups half and half, warmed for a minute or two in the microwave

Sprinkle the chicken on both sides with lemon pepper and grill it. I used 4 chicken breasts for my family of 6. We had enough leftovers for the next day’s lunch.

While the chicken is grilling start the pasta cooking. Steam the vegetables in the microwave, if you bought that kind
When the chicken is done, slice it into thin strips
Drain the pasta and put it back in the pot. Add the butter and warmed half & half. Stir in the feta cheese, veggies and chicken. You may want to add a bit more half & half, if it looks like it needs it. Serve with additional lemon pepper. If it weren’t for my kids I would add more lemon pepper while I’m adding the other ingredients, but they don’t like so much of the peppery taste, so my husband and I just add it to our servings.

Beef Empanadas

Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 pound ground beef
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon curry powder
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon allspice
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
Pinch ground cinnamon
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup frozen corn, defrosted
1/2 cup shredded white Cheddar
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon sazon seasoning
12 store-bought (6-inch) empanada wrappers (or pastry dough)
1 egg, lightly beaten
Directions
In a skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. When the oil is warm, add the onion and saute until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and saute 1 minute more. Stir in the beef, cumin, curry, chili powder, allspice, thyme, cinnamon, and salt and pepper, to taste. Saute, stirring often, until the beef has browned, about 10 minutes. Add the corn and the Cheddar and set aside to cool.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Melt the butter with the sazon powder small pan over low heat. Stir well to combine and reserve. Working with 1 wrapper at a time, scoop 2 heaping tablespoons of the filling into the center of the wrapper. Brush the edges of the dough with beaten egg, then fold the dough over to form a half moon, pressing out the air with your fingertips. Use the tines of a fork to pinch and seal the edges, creating a border about 1-inch wide. Repeat with remaining filling and wrappers. Transfer the patties to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Using a pastry brush, coat the tops of patties with the reserved sazon butter. Bake according to dough package instructions, or until puffed and lightly browned, about 20 minutes

Chicken Fried Chicken

Ingredients:
2 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast
1 1/2 Cups All-Purpose Flour
1 Egg
3 Tablespoons Milk
1/2 Teaspoon Salt
1/2 Teaspoon Black Pepper
1/2 Teaspoon Seasoned Salt (such as Lawry's)
Canola or Vegetable Oil
-
Directions:
On a dinner plate, beat egg; set aside. On another dinner place, add flour and salt, pepper and seasoned salt; mix, then drizzle in milk, stirring with a fork while you drizzle to form little clumps of flour. These will stick to the chicken and make it extra crunchy. Wash your chicken and remove all excess fat. On a cutting board, butterfly your chicken by cutting it along one side through the middle to the other side but not completely cutting it all the way. It should open like a book. In a large skillet, put about and inch or 2 of oil and heat on medium. While your oil is heating up, dip your chicken in the egg, coating each side, then coat in the flour mixture, then carefully place your coated chicken in skillet and cook for about 6-8 minutes each side, depending on thickness of chicken. Once finished remove to a paper towel lined cookie sheet and set in oven on 170 degrees to keep warm while you finishing frying your other chicken, and then make your pan gravy. 170 degrees shouldn't be warm enough to put paper towels in your oven, but be cautious as all ovens are different. Once the grease is drained, you can just place them on a uncovered cookie sheet. I fry 1 piece at a time, because after butterflying them, only 1 will fit in the pan at a time.

The Hungry Housewife's Guinness Shepherds Pie

1 ½ pounds Organic ground beef 80/20
1 (1lb) bag frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
2 packets of dry Brown Gravy Mix
1 medium onion
Olive Oil
2 bottles Guinness Beer
2 Tablespoons Tomato Paste
2 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese
3 pounds baking potatoes
¼- ½ cup milk
1 stick butter
Salt and pepper

Preheat oven to 375

To make Potato filling…
Boil the potatoes in slated water until fork tender. Drain completely and place back in pot so all of the water evaporates.
In a medium mixing bowl add butter and potatoes. Mash until smooth, while adding the milk for a medium consistency. Add salt and pepper.

Meat filling…
Cook and drain ground beef.
Place drained beef back in skillet and add 1 bottle of Guinness. Cook until beer has almost cooked out.
Add tomato paste to meat
In a medium sauce pan, prepare the brown gravy according to package directions,
however, use beer for half the liquid called for( 1 cup water, 1 cup beer)
Pour gravy into meat mixture. And cook all together until you get a nice thick gravy.

In medium skillet with olive oil sauté onions until soft and translucent.
Add mixed vegetables to the onions and cook until warm throughout.

In a 2 quart baking dish, add meat as bottom layer, the add vegetables, and then add the mashed potatoes. Top with Shredded cheese.Cook at 375 for about 20 minutes or until cheese in nice and bubbly

Stromboli

1 loaf frozen bread dough, thawed
2 egg yolks, save the whites
1 tsp. oregano
1 tsp. basil
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 Tbs. Parmesan cheese
2 Tbs. oil
Filling: pepperoni, sausage, ham, veggies etc.
Mozzarella cheese – about 2 cups
1 jar pizza sauce
Spread the dough out on a buttered cookie sheet, like a pizza crust. Mix the other ingredients (minus the fillings) and spread like butter on the crust. Layer the fillings and top with cheese.

Roll it up starting with the long edge so you end up with a long, log shape. Place it seam side down on the cookie sheet. Brush with the reserved egg white. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes. Slice and serve with the pizza sauce

Smothered Steak

2 lbs. ground sirloin
1 cup plain bread crumbs
salt and pepper
8 oz package of sliced, fresh mushrooms
large onion, sliced
2 envelopes brown gravy mix
2 cups water
Combine the meat, bread crumbs, salt and pepper. Shape into 1/2 ” thick patties.

In a skillet, brown the patties on both sides. Cook them until done. Or, if you are going to freeze the dish and are in a hurry, like I was the day I made these, just brown them. They can finish cooking in the oven when you’re ready for them.

Remove the meat from the skillet. Add the mushrooms and onions to the skillet and saute about 10 minutes. Whisk the gravy and water together and add to the skillet, cooking until thickened, which should take just a couple minutes.

If eating that night, return the meat to the skillet with the gravy and let it heat for a couple minutes.

If freezing, put the meat in a casserole dish or foil pan. Pour the gravy over the top. Cool it a bit and then seal tightly with foil. Label with the instructions “Thaw in fridge. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour or until done

Peppered Steak tips

Ingredients

2 cups uncooked egg noodles
1 lb top sirloin steak, cut into 3/4 inch pieces
1 tablespoon butter
2 tablespoons finely chopped shallots
8 oz baby bellas, sliced
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
3 tablespoons all purpose flour
1 1/2 cups beef broth
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 fresh thyme sprigs
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (I used all dried thyme)

Directions

1. Cook noodles according to directions with no salt or fat.

2. While noodles cook, heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add steak; saute 5 minutes, browning on each side. Remove from pan; cover.

3. Melt butter in pan over medium-high heat. Add shallots and mushrooms; saute 4 minutes. Add garlic; saute 30 seconds. Stir in soy sauce. Sprinkle flour over mushroom mixture; cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually add broth, stirring constantly. Add pepper, salt, and thyme sprigs. Bring to a boil; book 2 minutes, or until thickened. Return beef to pan; cook 1 minute or until thoroughly heated. Discard thyme sprigs. Garnish with thyme leaves, if desired.

Serves 4: 3/4cup beef mixture and 2/3 cup noodles

Per Serving: 344cal, 12.5g fat, 27.3g prot, 28.7g carb, 1.7g fiber

Chicken Mushroom Orzo

1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup yellow onions, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1/2 tsp dried thyme
8 oz button mushrooms, sliced
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite sized pieces
1/4 lb of orzo, cooked per instructions
2-3 tsp chicken bouillon granules
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Cook the orzo in water along with the chicken bouillon granules, per instructions.


Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add chopped onion, mushrooms, and thyme; sauté for 5 minutes or until the onion is tender. Add the chicken, sea salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste then sauté 7-8 minutes or until chicken is golden brown and cooked through; add the minced garlic and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Remove skillet from the heat then add the cooked orzo, Parmesan and parsley to the chicken mixture and toss. Taste and re-season with salt and pepper if need. Enjoy.

Ham and Pasta Skillet Dinner

1 pound small tube or shell pasta
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
3 cups fully cooked ham, diced
1 large sweet red pepper, diced
1/2 medium onion, chopped
1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 T freshly squeezed lemon juice
3/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Cook pasta according to package directions - only cooking until al dente since pasta will continue to cook and soak up liquid when added to the skillet. While the pasta is cooking, in a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat until butter is melted. Add pepper, onion, and garlic and cook until vegetables are tender, about 4-6 minutes. Add ham, basil and oregano and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for another 2-3 minutes. Stir in broth (or stock) and lemon juice. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for about 10 minutes or until liquid is reduced by half (at first it looks like it will be way to "brothy" but never fear, if you are patient, it will reduce!). Stir drained pasta into ham and vegetable mixture (I cooked a full pound of pasta but only added about 3/4 of the cooked pasta to the skillet so the other ingredients weren't lost). Add 1/2 cup parmesan cheese and toss. Sprinkle parsley and remaining parmesan cheese over the top of the pasta. Serve immediately

Crock pot roast

Easy Crock Pot Roast Beef



3# beef roast (I like Sirloin tip)
Pepper to taste

1 envelope dry onion soup mix
1 can cream of mushroom soup

1/2 cup water


Brown meat in a small amount of oil on all sides. Sprinkle with pepper and place in a crock pot. Dump the onion soup mix on top, then add the mushroom soup. Add the water to the pan you browned the meat in and use a whisk to get up all the drippings. Pour over the top of everything in the crock pot. Cook on High for 4-5 hours or Low for 8-10 hours. Serve with mashed potatoes.

Hashbrown Casserole

1 bag frozen, shredded hash brown potatoes
8 oz sour cream
1 can cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup butter, melted
onion, chopped fine (about 1/2 a small onion)
1 - 16 oz package cubed ham (I used Farmland $2.50 @ Super Walmart)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a bit more if you like)

Stir all the ingredients together. Place into a lightly greased casserole dish (9 x 13 in). Bake at 350 degrees for 45 min - 1 hour. Let cool a bit and serve

Taco Salad Bowls

4 whole wheat flour tortillas (9 inch)
1 Tbsp. chili powder, divided
3/4 lb. (340 g) extra lean ground beef
1 cup match-like carrot sticks
1/2 cup plus 2 Tbsp. salsa, divided
2 Tbsp. MIRACLE WHIP CALORIE-WISE Dressing
4 cups torn salad greens
1 large tomato, chopped
1/2 cup KRAFT Tex Mex Shredded Cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Make It
PREHEAT oven to 425°F. Crumple four large sheets of foil to make four 3-inch balls; place on baking sheet. Place 1 tortilla on top of each ball; spray tortilla with cooking spray. Sprinkle evenly with 1/2 tsp. of the chili powder. Bake 6 to 8 min. or until tortillas are golden brown. (Tortillas will drape over balls as they bake.)
MEANWHILE, brown meat with carrots and remaining 2-1/2 tsp. chili powder in large nonstick skillet on medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Add 1/2 cup of the salsa; cook 2 min. or until heated through, stirring occasionally.
MIX dressing and remaining 2 Tbsp. salsa in large bowl. Add salad greens and tomatoes; toss to coat. Spoon into tortilla shells; top with meat mixture, cheese and cilantro.

Chicken Caesar Wraps

3 cups shredded romaine lettuce
2 cups chopped cooked chicken
1/4 cup OSCAR MAYER Real Bacon Bits
1/4 cup KRAFT 100% Parmesan Grated Cheese
1/4 cup croutons
1/4 cup KRAFT Creamy Caesar Dressing
4 large flour tortillas
Make It!
PLACE first 5 ingredients in large bowl. Add dressing; toss lightly.
SPOON onto tortillas; roll up tightly.

Ham & Cheese Pasta

3 cups uncooked bow tie pasta
3/4 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
2 tbsp butter
1 tsp minced garlic
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp pepper
1/8 to 1/4 tsp dried thyme
2 cups milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 pound sliced deli ham, chopped

Cook pasta according to package directions, adding asparagus during the last 3 minutes. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, melt butter; add garlic. Stir in the flour, onion powder, pepper and thyme until blended; gradually add milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Reduce heat. Add cheeses; stir until melted. Stir in ham; heat through. Drain pasta and asparagus; toss with cheese mixture. Yield: 4 servings.

Pizza Pancakes

Ingredients:
2 cups biscuit/baking mix
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
2 eggs
1 cup milk
1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup chopped pepperoni
1/2 cup chopped plum tomatoes
1/4 cup chopped green pepper
1 can (8 ounces) pizza sauce, warmed
Directions: In a large bowl, combine the biscuit mix and Italian seasoning. Combine eggs and milk; stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Fold in the cheese, pepperoni, tomatoes and green pepper. Pour batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto a lightly greased hot griddle. Turn when bubbles form on top; cook until the seconds side is golden brown. Serve with pizza sauce. Yield: 14 pancakes.

Asian Pork Tenderloin

Ingredients
1/3 cup lite soy sauce
1/4 cup sesame oil
1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons lemon juice
4 garlic cloves, crushed
1 tablespoon dry mustard
1 1/2 teaspoons pepper
1 1/2 to 2 pounds pork tenderloin
Preparation
Whisk together first 8 ingredients. Place pork in a shallow dish; add marinade, turning pork to coat. Cover and chill 8 hours. Remove pork from marinade, discarding marinade. Place in a foil-lined roasting pan.
Bake at 450° for 25 minutes or until a meat thermometer registers 160°. Let pork stand 5 minutes

Chicken Macaroni Bake

Ingredients:
0.25 cup Onions, chopped
2 Tablespoons butter or margarine
1/4 cup milk
10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup
1 1/2 cups chicken (or Turkey), cooked & cubed
4 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded
8 ounces pasta, any variety, cooked
1/8 cup buttered bread crumbs
Directions:
Prepare pasta according to package directions. Brown onion in butter. Stir in soup, chicken, milk, and 3/4 cups cheese; heat until cheese melts. Blend sauce with cooked noodles; pour into buttered baking dish. Mix the remaining cheese and bread crumbs and place on top. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes or until hot.
Servings:
4-6

Meatloaf Pillows

12 oz. tube refrigerated biscuits
1 1/2 lb. ground beef
1 c. catsup
1 c. catsup, divided
1/2 c. onion, chopped
1 egg, beaten
1/4 c. quick-cooking oats, uncooked or Bread crumbs
1 c. shredded cheddar cheese

Divide and press biscuit dough across the bottom and up the sides of 10 greased muffin cups, set aside. Combine ground beef, 1/2 c. catsup, onion, eggs and oats. Mix well and form into 10 meatballs; place one meatball in each biscuit lined muffin cup. Spread remaining catsup on the top of each meatball. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Italian Antipasto Squares- will be making

Found on Delectable Dining (http://delectabledining09.blogspot.com/)

Recipe:

2 cans refrigerated crescent dinner rolls or 2 cans refrigerated flaky dough sheet
4 ounces thinly sliced salami
4 ounces thinly sliced Swiss cheese
4 ounces thinly sliced pepperoni
4 ounces thinly sliced American cheese
4 ounces thinly sliced capocollo (cured Italian ham) or cooked ham
4 ounces thinly sliced provolone cheese
2 eggs
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 jar (12 ounces) sliced roasted red bell peppers, drained
1 can (2 1/4 ounces) sliced ripe olives, drained
1 egg yolk, beaten

Heat oven to 350°F. Lightly butter 13x9-inch pan or spray with cooking spray. Unroll 1 can of dough into 1 large rectangle and place in pan. Press in bottom and 3/4 inch up sides of pan to form crust, firmly pressing perforations to seal. Layer all meats and cheeses in order listed over dough. In small bowl, beat 2 eggs, the garlic powder and pepper with wire whisk until well blended. Pour over meat and cheese layers. Layer roasted peppers and olives over top. Unroll second can of dough into 1 large rectangle; press into 13x9-inch rectangle, firmly pressing perforations to seal. Place over top of layered ingredients. Pinch edges to seal. Brush beaten egg yolk over dough and cover with foil. Bake 30 minutes. Remove foil; bake 15 to 20 minutes longer or until deep golden brown. Cool 20 minutes before serving. Cut into 6 rows by 4 rows. Serve warm