Tag: easy dinner

Recipes and Cooking

Sheet Pan Nachos

Brandi C

Sheet Pan Nachos

Sheet Pan Nachos: A Fun and Customizable Recipe

Looking for an easy and fun family meal? Sheet Pan Nachos are a perfect choice! This dish is super versatile and can be modified to suit your taste. Whether you want to make it vegan, vegetarian, or load it with your favorite toppings, it’s a meal the whole family will love. Plus, the leftovers are just as delicious! Here’s how you can make it:

Ingredients:

  • Flour tortillas (or corn tortillas for a gluten-free option)

  • Oil (for frying)

  • Ground beef (or your favorite protein substitute for a vegetarian/vegan version)

  • Garlic (minced)

  • Onion (chopped)

  • 2 packets taco seasoning mix

  • Salsa (for extra flavor)

  • Mexican blend cheese (or your favorite cheese blend)

  • Black beans (rinsed and drained)

  • Taco/nacho toppings of your choice (e.g., sour cream, guacamole, jalapeños)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Ground Beef: Brown the ground beef with minced garlic and chopped onion in a large pan. Once browned, drain any excess fat. Add the taco seasoning mix along with a bit of water to loosen up the mixture and allow the flavors to combine. Stir in some salsa to add an extra kick to the beef.

  2. Make the Tortilla Chips: While your beef cooks, take your flour tortillas and cut them into chip-sized pieces. You can also buy pre-made tortilla chips, but homemade ones are super easy. Deep fry the tortilla pieces until crispy (this takes just a few minutes). You can also bake them for a healthier option!

  3. Assemble the Nachos: Spray a large sheet pan with cooking spray, then layer your tortilla chips, seasoned ground beef, black beans, and cheese. Drizzle a bit of salsa over the top (but not on the chips themselves – we’ll explain why below). Bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and everything is heated through.

  4. Top and Serve: Once your nachos are out of the oven, add your favorite taco toppings like sour cream, guacamole, jalapeños, or anything else that makes your taste buds dance!

What I Would Do Differently:

  • Use Corn Tortillas: Next time, I’ll swap out the flour tortillas for corn tortillas. The flavor is a bit better, and they hold up well without getting soggy.

  • Skip Salsa on the Chips: I realized that adding salsa directly to the chips before baking made them a bit soggy. It’s best to mix the salsa into the beef mixture instead, for more flavor and crunch.

  • Green Onions: I think adding chopped green onions would be a great addition for some freshness.

  • Layered Rice and Refried Beans: I considered layering rice and refried beans in the nachos for extra texture and flavor. If you like heartier nachos, I highly recommend this addition!

Final Thoughts:

These sheet pan nachos were delicious and definitely a hit in our household, though I wasn’t blown away by them. The beauty of this recipe is how easy it is to adjust and make your own, so don’t hesitate to get creative! It’s perfect for a fun family dinner or when you need to feed a crowd.

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Recipes and Cooking

Chicken Alfredo Ravioli Recipe

Brandi C

Chicken Alfredo Ravioli Recipe

Chicken Alfredo Ravioli Recipe

Chicken Alfredo Ravioli Recipe is something I came up with because I had a bunch of random things in my freezer and pantry. It was quick and easy. I served with with Caesar salad and garlic bread.

Ingredients

Bag of Tyson grilled chicken strips cut up into bite sized pieces.

Bag of frozen (or fresh) ravioli (whatever stuffing you want on the inside. I just had cheese stuffed)

Dan-O’s Cheesoning (if you have not bought this RUN NOW and get (order) some. Good grief)

Seasoning Mix

Shaved Parmesan

2 jars of Alfredo Sauce (homemade is always better)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350. Grease a 13×9 dish. Boil your ravioli noodles. Pop your frozen chicken in the microwave and when it is is done, cut that up into bite sized pieces. Place a thin layer of alfredo sauce on the bottom, then do a layer of your cooked ravioli, next add your seasoning, chicken, and shaved parmesan. Continue to repeat layers ending with sauce and cheese (this isn’t rocket science).

Bake, covered for about 30 minutes and then take off the foil and bake for another 15 minutes. Let it rest before serving.

Additions

So, for the next time, I want to sauté up some portobello mushrooms, onions, garlic, and maybe even some broccoli. My husband is not a fan of broccoli and chicken dishes but I think it is great, so he may have to suffer.

 

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Recipes and Cooking

Ravioli Lasagna with Leftover Tomato Bisque

Brandi C

Ravioli Lasagna with Leftover Tomato Bisque

Ravioli Lasagna with Leftover Tomato Bisque

Ravioli Lasagna with Leftover Tomato Bisque is something that I made this past week that was super easy and utilized leftovers. I am not one to waste food. Typically, my family doesn’t mind eating leftovers, so I’m pretty lucky in that department. We are doing some shelf-cooking and so I used (mainly) what I had on hand. I did have to go out and buy some fresh cheese filled ravioli. This is what I made but I am going to add in here what I will do the next time because it sounds good.

What I Actually Cooked

First, I utilized the bacon and fire roasted tomato bisque that I had leftover from a couple of nights ago. I could have just eaten it up, as soup again, but I wanted something a bit different. In my 13×9 greased dish, I put a layer of the fresh cheese filled ravioli, then the sauce, mozzarella, and repeated those layers. I cooked that, covered, at 350 for about 30 minutes. Then, I took the cover off and baked for another 10 minutes. I let it set for about 5 minutes before serving. It was delicious.

What I Will Do Next Time

This is where I get excited! Taking something I threw together to see if it would work and then expounding on it to make it even better. That way, I have 3 recipes in my arsenal of goodness. I have the tomato bisque, the easy ravioli bake, and then the adult version of that ravioli bake. Makes my heart happy.

I would like brown up some ground beef with garlic, onion, Italian seasoning, and my seasoning. Drain that off. In that same skillet, I would cook up some fresh portobello mushrooms, chopped up spinach, and some peppers (red, orange, and yellow). Add the meat back to that skillet and incorporate all of that together and then add your leftover soup to heat it all through.

In that greased 13×9 dish (oven set to 350 to preheat), layer a bit of the sauce on the bottom, then your ravioli (get 2 bags), then more of the sauce. Next add some mozzarella, fresh parmesan to the top and repeat the layers ending with the cheese. Cover and bake for the same time frame as before.

Does that not sound sublime??!!

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Recipes and Cooking

Hashbrown Chicken Casserole

Brandi C

Hashbrown Chicken Casserole

As I searched through my freezer, fridge, and pantry, I came up with this dish. At the end of this post, I’ll share what I plan to do differently next time. This recipe fills a 13×9 dish, ensuring we have leftovers.

Next time, I’ll split the batch—using a smaller glass dish for immediate cooking and an aluminum pan for freezing. By covering it well and storing the extra, I can stock up my freezer. Making a large batch and freezing half allows me to build up meals over time. In my case, I usually do this once a month, giving me enough homemade meals to last an entire month. Cook once, enjoy leftovers, and freeze the rest—you won’t regret it!

Ingredients

Chicken (I had frozen Tyson grilled chicken. You can use canned chicken, cook a whole chicken, or buy a rotisserie chicken or chicken breasts. I sound like the guy off of Forrest Gump describing the different types of shrimp.)

Bacon (bits or fry and crumble)

Seasoning

Garlic butter (I used leftover Papa John’s garlic butter)

Minced garlic

Onion, chopped

Portobello mushrooms, chopped

Two c. sour cream

One can of corn, drained

1/3 c. milk

Bread crumbs

Cheddar

Hashbrowns (I bought the cubed southern hashbrowns that have chopped-up peppers)

Cheesy Ranch Chicken & Hashbrown Bake

Ingredients:

  • 1 bag frozen hashbrowns
  • 1–2 packets dry ranch seasoning mix
  • 4 tbsp garlic butter (or ghee)
  • 1 lb chicken tenders, chopped
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
  • ½ cup Italian bread crumbs (or Panko)
  • Salt, pepper, and any additional seasoning of choice
  • Optional: chopped bell peppers, bacon bits or cooked bacon, chopped spinach

Directions:

  1. Preheat & Prepare – Preheat oven to 400°F. Grease a 13×9 baking dish and spread the hashbrowns evenly in the dish. Sprinkle with seasoning and one packet of ranch mix, then toss to coat. Dot with garlic butter or ghee.

  2. Prepare the Chicken – In a large bowl, mix the chopped chicken with another packet of ranch seasoning, a handful of shredded cheddar, and any additional seasonings. Stir until well combined.

  3. Assemble the Dish – Spoon the chicken mixture over the hashbrowns. Sprinkle with Italian bread crumbs (or Panko) and the remaining cheddar cheese.

  4. Bake – Cover tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until golden and bubbly.

  5. Serve – Enjoy with buttered garlic toast or your favorite side!

Next Time Adjustments:

  • Add larger chunks of chopped bell peppers.
  • Use two packets of ranch seasoning for extra flavor.
  • Try frying bacon instead of using bacon bits and cook the chicken in bacon grease for added depth.
  • Consider adding chopped spinach.
  • The jury is still out on corn—it adds a sweet pop, but the texture is different.

 

 

Recipes and Cooking

Chili Cheese Dog Casserole

Brandi C

Chili Cheese Dog Casserole

Chili Cheese Dog Casserole

Here’s another easy dinner idea! Chili Cheese Dog Casserole. I love chili, and I love chili cheese dogs—so why not combine them? This dish was a hit with my family, and I served it with chips for a simple, satisfying meal.

Now, let’s talk about life for a second. My downstairs air conditioning isn’t working well, which means it’s hot downstairs. On top of that, my pool still isn’t ready, and depending on others has reminded me that sometimes, we just have to lean on ourselves. So, at one point, our pool was green with frogs, our air was struggling, and my grandbabies and children were definitely riding the struggle bus.

But here’s the good stuff—the upstairs air works, and we had the theater room at the perfect temperature, so we hung out and watched a show. Most of my kids were home for dinner and haircuts. My grandbabies were here, which is a blessing all on its own. And after my husband worked some brain magic, the pool finally started clearing up. Best of all, this recipe came together quickly and in stages, so I didn’t have to turn my kitchen into the depths of hell.

Ingredients:

  • Hotdogs (I used bun-length)
  • Crescent rolls (2 packages)
  • American cheese slices
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Seasoning mix of choice
  • 1 packet chili seasoning mix
  • 2 cans chili beans
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Chips or rice (for serving)

Directions:

  1. Prepare the Hotdogs – Roll out each crescent dough triangle. Place half a slice of American cheese on it, then add a hotdog (I slit mine down the middle so it doesn’t explode). Roll it up and place it in a greased 13×9 baking dish. Bake at 375°F for 10-12 minutes until golden.

  2. Make the Chili – In a skillet, brown the ground beef with diced onion, minced garlic, and seasoning mix. Once fully cooked, drain the grease and return it to the pan. Stir in the chili beans and chili seasoning mix, making sure everything is well combined.

  3. Assemble & Bake – Spoon the chili mixture around the baked hotdogs in the dish. Sprinkle generously with shredded cheddar cheese. Cover with foil and bake until everything is heated through and the cheese is melted.

  4. Serve – Enjoy with chips or rice!

Final Thoughts:

This dish was a hit! The only mistake I made was leaving it uncovered while keeping it warm, which caused the beans to get a little too dry. Since there’s no extra liquid in this recipe, keeping it covered helps maintain the right texture.

Everyone loved it, and my husband specifically requested that it become part of our rotation—even though we don’t really have one! I need to be more diligent about writing down my recipes because there are meals he loves that I completely forget how to make. Shelf-cooking is just second nature to me, and leftovers don’t last long in our house. But maybe, if I start writing everything down, I’ll finally have an actual meal rotation to keep my husband happy. He loves when I remember how to recreate something he enjoyed!

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Chicken Fajita Casserole

Brandi C

Chicken Fajita Casserole

Chicken Fajita Casserole

Let’s take a break from the heavy topics and talk about food!

This Chicken Fajita Casserole is not only easy but completely customizable. The recipe fills a 13×9 dish, but you can easily cut it in half if you’re cooking for fewer people. I made a few adjustments along the way, and I’ll share exactly what I used—you can tweak it to fit your preferences!

Now, let’s talk about the real challenge—my husband is not a fan of Mexican food. Well, let me clarify—he’s not a fan when I cook it. Meanwhile, everyone else in my house loves it, so I sneak it in when I can. This week, I focused on shelf-cooking, trying to use up what I already had before restocking. With grocery prices skyrocketing, I’m constantly torn between stocking up and making do with what’s on hand.

Since I already had all the ingredients for this dish, it was the perfect choice. Plus, it comes together quickly! I even made some homemade tortilla chips from leftover tortillas. I simply cut them into triangles, tossed them with oil, chili powder, and sea salt, then baked them at 350°F for about 5 minutes. You could also serve this casserole with store-bought tortilla chips or rice.

Ingredients

Seasoning Blend for Chicken & Veggies

  • 2 1/2 tsp. chili powder
  • 1 tsp. cumin
  • 1 tsp. sea salt
  • 1 tsp. black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp. paprika
  • 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp. onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp. oregano
  • 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes

(Should I admit now that I never measure anything? Ever? I’m spitballing these measurements just for you!)

Chicken Fajita Casserole Ingredients

  • 1 bag frozen chicken fajita strips (thawed & chopped)
  • 1 orange bell pepper (sliced)
  • 1 yellow bell pepper (sliced)
  • 1 zucchini (sliced)
  • Fresh portobello mushrooms (sliced)
  • 1 small onion (sliced)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 stick butter (or oil)
  • 1 block cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • Shredded cheddar cheese

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken & Veggies

I cut my pre-cooked chicken fajita strips into bite-sized pieces and tossed them into a large bowl. Then, I added the sliced bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, onion, and garlic.

Next, I sprinkled the seasoning blend over the top, put the lid on the bowl, and shook it up until everything was well coated. I let it marinate in the fridge for about 30 minutes—next time, I’ll let it sit for at least an hour to really soak up the flavors.

Step 2: Sauté Everything

I heated a cast iron skillet over medium heat, melted 1/2 stick of butter, and added my chicken and veggie mixture. I let it cook slowly, stirring occasionally.

To help tenderize the veggies, I added another 1/2 stick of butter and covered the pan with a cookie sheet. Since the chicken was already pre-cooked, I just focused on getting that perfect sautéed texture for the veggies.

Step 3: Assemble & Bake

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  • Grease a 13×9 baking dish and spread the cooked chicken and veggies evenly across the bottom.
  • In a separate bowl, mix 1/2 cup sour cream with 1 block of cream cheese. Spread this creamy mixture over the top of the chicken and veggies.
  • Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
  • Bake for 20 minutes until everything is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Let it sit for a couple of minutes before serving—this helps the flavors settle and keeps the juices from running everywhere.

Final Thoughts

This casserole was a hit! Even Bart didn’t complain (too much). It’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and great for using up what’s already in your kitchen.

If you try it, let me know how you tweak it to fit your family’s taste! And if you’re into meal prepping, consider making an extra batch to freeze for later—it reheats beautifully.

Enjoy!

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Garlic Pork Chops with Parmesan Sauce

Brandi C

Garlic Pork Chops with Parmesan Sauce

Garlic Pork Chops with Parmesan Sauce

Here’s another winner that has quickly become a family favorite—Garlic Pork Chops with Parmesan Sauce. This dish was not only easy to make, but it also made a fantastic soup the next day! Stay tuned for tomorrow’s post, where I turn this dish into a soup my family loves. Edited to add: The soup was a huge hit too! I absolutely love being able to cook once and enjoy two completely different meals. It’s the perfect way to stretch ingredients and minimize time in the kitchen.

Ingredients:

  • Pork Chops (I used boneless, but any cut will work)
  • Seasoning (your choice—garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper)
  • Bacon grease (or oil of your choice)
  • Butter

For the Parmesan Sauce:

  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 2 cups parmesan cheese
  • 3-4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • Spinach (chopped, a handful or more to taste)
  • Fresh mushrooms (chopped)
  • Onion (chopped)
  • 1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

Instructions:

  1. Cook the Pork Chops:

    • In an electric skillet, add bacon grease (or oil) and butter.
    • Season the pork chops well with your seasoning mix and fry them up until golden brown on each side. Once cooked through, remove them from the skillet and set aside.

  2. Make the Parmesan Sauce:

    • In the same skillet, add the heavy cream, parmesan cheese, garlic, spinach, mushrooms, onion, and red pepper flakes (if using).
    • Stir the ingredients together until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. If you’d like to keep the chops warm, place them back into the skillet and simmer on low. Alternatively, you can serve the sauce on the side, spooning it over each chop when ready.

  3. Serve and Enjoy:

    • Once the pork chops are cooked and the sauce is ready, plate your chops and pour the parmesan sauce generously over the top.
    • If you want to take it further, double the batch so you have leftovers for a delicious soup the next day!

Final Thoughts:

This dish is not only simple to make but also incredibly versatile. The Garlic Pork Chops with Parmesan Sauce are rich and flavorful on their own, but turning the leftovers into soup the next day takes it to a whole new level! It’s the perfect example of how cooking once can give you two completely different meals, saving you time while keeping things exciting in the kitchen. Enjoy the best of both worlds with this tasty and efficient recipe!

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Lipton Onion Soup Thighs with Rice

Brandi C

Lipton Onion Soup Thighs with Rice

 

Lipton Onion Soup Thighs with Rice

If you’re looking for an easy and delicious dinner that requires minimal effort, Lipton Onion Soup Thighs with Rice is the perfect choice. This recipe uses simple ingredients like Lipton Onion Soup Mix, chicken thighs, and rice to create a flavorful, hearty meal. The rice turns out perfectly cooked and full of savory flavor, and the chicken thighs are juicy and tender. It’s a great way to use up those packets of Lipton Onion Soup Mix without the need for a roast!

Ingredients:

  • Chicken Thighs
  • 2 cups rice (uncooked)
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 can cream of chicken
  • 1 can cream of mushroom
  • 1 packet Lipton Onion Soup Mix
  • Garlic powder (to taste)
  • Seasoning (your choice)
  • Shredded Parmesan
  • Panko breadcrumbs

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 13×9 baking dish.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the uncooked rice and chicken broth. Stir in the Lipton Onion Soup Mix, cream of chicken, and cream of mushroom soup. Pour this mixture into the bottom of the greased baking dish.
  3. Add the chicken thighs on top of the rice mixture. Sprinkle with garlic powder, your desired seasoning, and a generous amount of panko breadcrumbs for crunch.
  4. Top with shredded parmesan for an extra layer of flavor.
  5. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 1 hour. After 1 hour, remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes to allow the chicken to crisp up and the rice to absorb all the flavors.

This dish is perfect for a busy weeknight or when you want a comforting meal with minimal prep. The rice is so flavorful and pairs perfectly with the tender chicken thighs. Plus, it’s a great option for using up pantry staples while still creating a satisfying meal that everyone will love.

 

Recipes and Cooking

Chicken Fajitas and Rice

Brandi C

Chicken Fajitas and Rice

Chicken Fajitas and Rice

So, I took a lot of leftovers and sad-looking veggies. From there, I made Chicken Fajitas and Rice for dinner. No picture because when I do something new, I think if it sucks, why would I want to document that? Maybe this will be the year I am inspired to let my good and sucky food shine through photos.

Recipe

Chicken (I used boneless, skinless thighs because it is what I had on hand.)

Seasoning

Fajita mix (I used 3 packets)

Red, orange, and yellow peppers

Onion

Garlic

Queso Fresco

Flour Tortillas

2 c. uncooked rice

2 c. water

Teriyaki Sauce

Extra virgin olive oil (any oil is fine)

Preparations

For the rice, I used my instant pot. I placed my 2 c. uncooked rice in, then added a packet of fajita mix, a splash of teriyaki sauce, and my seasoning concoction. Set it and let it go.

I placed my cut-up chicken thighs in a bowl and added fresh garlic, seasoning, a fajita mix packet, and lots of teriyaki. Put the lid on the bowl and shake it up. Placed it in the fridge and let it marinate for at least an hour (overnight or several hours is better, though).

In my electric skillet, I added some extra virgin olive oil. I sliced up a large onion and all my peppers. I sauteed them with some seasoning and a few splashes of teriyaki sauce. Once those were softened, I took them out.

In the same skillet, I cooked my chicken until it was done. Once that was done, I added the veggies and used the other packet of fajita mix. I turned it on low and covered it until the rice was done.

Serve on the rice or wrap up in a tortilla with some queso fresco sprinkled. It was excellent!

 

Recipes and Cooking

Mexican Lasagna Created From Leftovers

Brandi C

Mexican Lasagna Created From Leftovers

Mexican Lasagna Created From Leftovers

Well, my my my, I had no idea my Mexican Lasagna Created From Leftovers would taste so good. A few days ago, I made Philly Cheesesteaks Sandwiches. I had a lot of the meat leftover, which I used instead of ground beef.

Ingredients

Steak um’s (you can use ground beef)

Salt-free garlic and herb seasoning

Seasoning

Creole Seasoning

Orange, yellow, and red peppers, chopped

Fresh garlic

Onion, chopped

Two cans of diced tomatoes

1/3 white queso Velveeta

Can of drained whole kernel corn

Directions

I placed my meat and veggies in the pan and sauteed them. You can add oil, bacon grease, or butter to keep them from sticking. Once that was done, I seasoned it until it tasted like I wanted it to taste.

Next, I added corn and diced tomatoes. My husband doesn’t like tomatoes like that, so I covered my pot and let them stew down. Then, I added the white queso Velveeta. Taste to adjust the seasoning.

Rice

2 c. of water

2 c. of rice

Place on “rice” mode in your instant pot. Let naturally release.

Layering

Put a small amount of sauce in a greased 13×9 dish. Then, place in flour tortillas; next, sauce. Then, rice. Finally, I had some Colby/jack cheese cubes. I broke those over the rice and added a bit of cheddar. Repeat layers ending with cheese.

Bake at 350 for 40 minutes. Let sit for 10 minutes and serve.

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Pizza Soup Recipe

Brandi C

Pizza Soup Recipe

Pizza Soup Recipe

Is it a secret that I love soup? I don’t believe it is. So, without further ado, here is my Pizza Soup Recipe. It’s a keeper! Bart says it is tied for first for his favorite soups. The other is White Chicken Chili. I did this all in the Instant Pot, but you can do it on the stovetop!

Ingredients

2# sausage

2# ground beef

Pepperoni

You Can add any meat you want here or combine your favorite meat toppings in this soup. Also, if you like a lot of veggies on your pizza, chop them up and add them here because you want to cook them down a bit. I want to use peppers, but my husband doesn’t care. Mushrooms would be good!

1 onion

Minced Garlic

Seasoning

Italian Seasoning

Rosemary

1 jar of pizza sauce

Water (I believe I filled up the pizza sauce jar 3x and put it in there. Eyeball it.)

2 cans of Tomato Soup

1 can of cream of mushroom soup

Mozzarella

Directions

On the saute mode (Instant Pot), combine the meats, onion, minced garlic, and seasoning. Cook until done, and drain if you need to. Once done, put it back in the pot and add your Italian Seasoning and Rosemary.

Next, add the sauce, water, and soups. Stir well and then place the lid on, seal, manual, for about 8-10 minutes. Everything is cooked, so you want to meld the flavors. Once done, use the quick release. Stir in your mozzarella. Again, put as much in there as you wish. I may have used 2 cups cause we like cheese!

Enjoy!

Oh, my original plan was to add a box of Ditalini noodles to it. I would have boiled them in saltwater on the stovetop. Then drained it and then added it to the instant pot. I have found that if I cook noodles that small in the IP, they get mushy.

 

Recipes and Cooking

Shelf-Cooking Co-Vid19 Style

Brandi C

Shelf-Cooking Co-Vid19 Style

Shelf-Cooking Co-Vid19 Style

Shelf-Cooking Co-Vid19 Style. With Co-Vid19 rearing its ugly head, I have not been out of the house. I lied. Twice. I have been out twice. Both of these times have been to take H to treatment in Nashville. So, grocery shopping is through pick-up, when my son works (at a grocery store) or my husband picks it up. Also, the school has been bringing food, for the week, for three kids. That helps tremendously.

Yet

There are some things my kids will not eat by themselves. Now, they are not picky eaters, but they prefer it to be cooked in something. So, I’ve been separating the breakfast foods, lunch foods, snacks, and fruit. They eat all the breakfast stuff throughout the week. Also, they eat most of the lunch food throughout the week. Yet, there are things like raw broccoli and cherry tomatoes that they will not eat unless I use them another way.

I do not waste food.

Plain and simple. I am not a short-order cook and do not throw things away. That is how I was raised, and that is how I raise my kids. With all that being said, I stockpile the carrots. For one, my kids do eat those. Secondly, I can cut those suckers and put them in any casserole. Thirdly, carrot bread or carrot cake. Yes, please. Fourthly, soup. Put them in any soup. Fifthly (I’m starting to giggle now because what do I do when I get up to tenthly? Is that even a word?), put them in a saute pan with some butter and brown sugar. It’s a good thing.

Next up, cherry tomatoes. Once I have a baggie, I give them to one of my older daughters, who both love them. Also, I juice them for chili or soup. I chop them up and saute them in any pasta dish. You can do a multitude of things with those things.

Now, onto this recipe and broccoli. My big girls love raw broccoli. Sadly, my other five kids do not. My son-in-law calls them “the trees of the devil.” He is a bit extra. You can make broccoli soup or Chicken and Broccoli Braid. Also, you can use it to make beef and broccoli stir fry—lots of things.

Odds and Ends

Today, however, I had a 1/2 bag of many things. N had brought home some leftover hamburgers and cooked bacon from work. I had a couple of bags of this and a bag of that. Then there was a 1/2 a bag of another thing. I put all those together, and I made 2 casseroles. Honestly, I didn’t think it would make that much. I’m cooking one casserole for tonight and freezing the other for another night. We also have leftover breadsticks from the pizza we ordered last night, so that is a side dish. I think I have a couple of cans of corn. Voila. Dinner is served.

Beef, Broccoli, & Extras Casserole

Two # ground beef

onion

garlic

seasoning mix

Worcestershire sauce

Brown all of this together, drain if needed.

In a 13×9 dish, grease it (preheat the oven to 350). On the bottom of the dish, place the meat mixture.

Step 2

Now, this is what I had on hand. Tweak this to what you have. Just have fun with it. If it sucks, you will remember what not to add!

2 c. chopped fresh spinach

carton of fresh mushrooms, chopped

fresh broccoli, chopped

cooked bacon, chopped

Cheddar cheese

Layer each of these components on your meat mixture.

Step 3

In a bowl, add 2 cans of cream of mushroom (can use chicken or celery) and 16 oz sour cream. Once combined, spread over casserole.

Next up, add cheddar cheese (any cheese will do, this is what I had).

Lastly, I had a 1/2 bag of leftover tater tots. I lined them on top. I wanted to get rid of the bag, mainly because I had no potatoes to cook up.

Bake at 350 for about 40 minutes, cover, and uncover for another 12 minutes until your tater tots are done. Now, I did not pre-blanch or steamed my broccoli. I was afraid it would get mushy.

On freezing this dish, I did not cook it first…again, the broccoli issue.

Other Options

Now, you can change up your cheese. Also, you can add in zucchini, squash, cauliflower, or carrots. You can change up your soups. Instead of tater tots, use instant or regular mashed potatoes to put on top. If you don’t want to do that, add egg noodles or rice at the bottom of the dish. The sky is the limit.

 

Recipes and Cooking

Keto-Friendly Enchilada Casserole

Brandi C

Keto-Friendly Enchilada CasseroleKeto-Friendly Enchilada Casserole

This is a recipe that I needed to be able to throw together quickly.  Actually, my #2 kid is making the Keto-Friendly Enchilada Casserole.  Now, she knows how to cook but according to my husband…nothing tastes as good as my food.  #browniepointsforhim

Next time, we will go lighter on the cilantro EO or maybe use fresh.  I’m not a big fan of cilantro but I know that it is supposed to “bring the flavors together.”  Oh, and be a “bright note” on a heavy dish LOL.  Clearly, I’m watching too much Guy’s Grocery Games.

Ingredients

4 cans of chicken, drained (you can use fresh, but I didn’t have any)

1 can chile peppers

Cilantro (I used 4 drops of doTerra essential oil)

Cheddar

Enchilada Sauce

Olive oil

Onion

Minced garlic

Seasoning

6 T. chili powder (or to taste start with less and add as your palate can handle)

Cumin

2 cans tomato sauce

1 c. water

Directions

In a pan, bring together the oil, onion, garlic, and seasoning.  Saute till the onion is cooked through.  Add the chili powder, cumin, tomato sauce, and water.  Simmer till it thickens up.

In a bowl, add chicken, sauce, chile peppers, cilantro, cheddar, and the sauce.  Stir well.  Place in 13×9 greased dish.  Add more cheddar on top.  Cook at 350 for 15 minutes.  Serve with cauliflower rice.

 

Recipes and Cooking

Simple Ham Pockets Recipe

Brandi C

Simple Ham Pockets Recipe

This Simple Ham Pockets Recipe is so easy for a busy night.  Sadly, the week I made this was jam-packed with doctors’ appointments and busyness.  I struggle to keep my eyes above the waves on a week like this.  In my moments of stillness, I sent off 5 cards to people to tell them I loved them.  Also, I whipped this up because I did not have the energy to do anything else.

Simple Ham Pockets Recipe

~ Ham (I used about 1/2 of a pre-sliced KY Legend ham)

~Minced Onions

~Seasoning mix

~Cream cheese

~Cheddar Cheese

~4 Buttery Crescent rolls

Directions:

I put in all ingredients except the crescent rolls in a food processor.  I blended that well until Ham, and the cream cheese was mixed.

Transfer all of that to a bowl.  Add more cheddar if you want.  I did cause I like cheddar.

Roll out your crescent roll dough.  Place your mixture at the larger end of the dough and roll.

It made 24 stuffed crescent rolls.  There was 2 rolls leftover that I just cooked with the stuffed ones.

Bake on an ungreased cookie sheet at 350 for 12 minutes.

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Recipes and Cooking

Easy Brunzi Baseball Casserole

Brandi C

Easy Brunzi Baseball Casserole

Easy Brunzi Baseball Casserole

This Easy Brunzi Baseball Casserole is something you can slip in SO many good things. You can mix regular rice with cauliflower rice. Also, add some spinach or kale to the mix. Chop up some fresh mushrooms. Use your imagination! I have started sprinkling a bit of nutritional yeast on top, along with some cheddar cheese. Also, cashew cheese would be good, although it would totally screw with my brain. I’m not sure I could use cauliflower rice and cashew cheese. That may be too much for my little heart to manage.

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • Sausage (1 lb)
  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Seasoning
  • Green Pepper (optional)
  • Fresh mushrooms (optional)
  • Fresh spinach, chopped (optional)
  • Cauliflower rice (optional)
  • 2 c. rice
  • Cream of Chicken, 2 cans
  • 2 cans Chicken Noodle Soup
  • Cheddar
Easy Brunzi Baseball Casserole Directions

Fry sausage, beef, onion, garlic, seasoning, chopped-up peppers, and chopped-up mushrooms.  Drain.

In a large bowl, add meat and veggies, thawed out cauliflower, spinach, UNCOOKED rice, soups, and a handful of cheddar.

Pour into a greased 13×9 dish.  Sprinkle with a bit more cheese.

Bake at 350 for about 45 minutes.

 

Recipes and Cooking

Lasagna Soup

Brandi C

Lasagna Soup

 

Lasagna Soup

This lasagna soup is a great twist on a classic comfort food, and it’s so easy to make in the Instant Pot! With its rich tomato flavor, tender noodles, and creamy cheese, it feels like you’re enjoying a warm, cheesy lasagna but in soup form. The ground beef, kale, and green peppers add a savory, hearty base, and the addition of cream of mushroom soup and chicken bouillon really enhances the flavor. Top it off with sour cream and a sprinkle of parmesan, and you’ve got a delicious, filling meal that the whole family will love. Perfect for busy nights!

2 pounds of ground beef

1 onion, chopped

2 c. kale, chopped

2 green peppers, chopped

In an instant pot, brown these all together with seasoning and drain.

Mix beef mixture, basil, oregano, and Italian Seasoning in the same pot. Then add in 2 cans of diced tomatoes (I pureed these up because Big Daddy does “not like chunks”), the equivalent of one can of cream of mushroom (can either use canned or make your own GF version). Next, add 4 chicken bouillon cubes, 32 oz—of water, and lasagna noodles (I used about 6) that are broken up.
Turn on the manual for 15 minutes.
Quick-release.
Check noodles and put them back on manual, if needed.
Add 1 c. milk, 2 c. cheddar cheese, and 1/2 c. sour cream.
Stir well and serve with parmesan.

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Recipes and Cooking

Gluten-Free Beef Scalloped Potato Casserole

Brandi C

Gluten-Free Beef Scalloped Potato Casserole

Gluten-Free Beef Scalloped Potato Casserole

Oh, this Gluten-Free Beef Scalloped Potato Casserole is so good! I have also used a roast that I had cut up and marinated. It was equally as good!

2 pounds ground beef cooked with chopped-up onion and some seasoning.

Once that is cooked up, drain. Add in 1 c. beef broth or vegetable broth. Sprinkle over 2 Tablespoons gluten-free flour. Stir until it is thick.

Place this in a greased 13×9 dish.

Cut up some fresh mushrooms and sprinkle them over top of beef.

Next, cut some kale (can use spinach) and sprinkle it over mushrooms. Add a bit of seasoning.

Grate up some smoked gouda cheese (you can use any cheese, this is just what I had on hand).

Scalloped Potatoes

Take 8 small-medium-sized potatoes. Peel and Wash. Use a mandolin to slice them up very thin. In an instant pot, put potatoes and add enough water to cover the top of the potatoes. I also added 3 tsp. Gluten-free chicken bouillon cubes. Manual for 2 minutes. Quick pressure release and drain.

Layer on top of kale. Add some seasoning and thyme. Place 1 c. milk, 1/2 stick of butter, and the rest of your gouda cheese in a pot. Allow to melt, and then pour over your potatoes.

Bake at 350 for 30 minutes, then place under the broiler for about 5 minutes to crisp up the cheese.

It was yummy!

Side Note:

I will say that I have made this several times. I have substituted the ground beef for chicken, as well as ham. The recipe was delicious, no matter the meat used. You can also substitute homemade scalloped potatoes for the boxed kind, though that doesn’t do much for me. I try to stay away from processed food as much as possible. You could also sneak in shred-up zucchini or squash for even more nutrients. These items take on the taste of whatever you are cooking.

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Recipes and Cooking

Baked Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo

Brandi C

Baked Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo

Baked Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo

In a large bowl, chop up 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (you could use canned chicken or rotisserie chicken).

Add in seasoning mix.

2 tsp. minced garlic

2 jars premade alfredo sauce (though you could make this low carb and make your alfredo sauce, which is super easy)

4 chicken bouillon cubes

3 c. water

16 oz. pasta, uncooked (I had elbow noodles on hand, but anything can be used)

A small package of frozen broccoli

Directions

Stir it all together—Preheat the oven to 425.

Place in greased 13×9 pan and cover it with aluminum foil.

I put mine on a cookie sheet to keep it from boiling over.

Cook for 30-40 minutes. Now, you will remove it from the oven. Be sure and stir to check the noodles’ doneness. If not done, re-cover and put back in the range for about 10 more minutes.

When the noodles and chicken are cooked, uncover the dish.

Top with Mozzarella and Parmesan and put back in the oven for about 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Tips:

Be sure and cut up the broccoli for the sake of your kids. My kids don’t mind, but some kids balk at the fact they are eating broccoli. Honestly, I would make my alfredo sauce. I can control what goes in it, and it tastes better. This Baked Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo is the perfect meal for a busy weeknight, combining creamy alfredo sauce, tender chicken, and hearty pasta in a single dish. It’s simple to prepare and great for family dinners. The pasta and chicken cook together, soaking up all the delicious flavors, and the broccoli adds a healthy, colorful touch. If you prefer a homemade alfredo sauce, it’s easy to make and can be customized to suit your preferences, whether you want to make it richer or lighter. This dish is filling and satisfying, making it a great go-to comfort food for any night of the week.

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Recipes and Cooking

Chicken Asparagus Pasta Bake

Brandi C

Chicken Asparagus Pasta Bake

Chicken Asparagus Pasta Bake

I’m just going to write this how I cooked it, so it will not be like a list and the instructions.

K?

K.

Without further ado, here is my Chicken Asparagus Pasta Bake.

In my instant pot, I placed 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts. I put them on the trivet with a cup of water. The chicken was frozen. Once I put the lid on, I just put it in the “poultry” setting.

When cooking, I took 2 bunches of asparagus and cut off the woody parts. I cut the rest of it into bite-sized pieces. You could also substitute broccoli, but Big Daddy does not like the broccoli and chicken combo :/

When the chicken was done, I put it in my kitchen aid, and I used that to shred the chicken (aka brilliant idea, so thanks to youtube for showing me that). I added my seasoning mix and the asparagus in that same pot where I shredded the chicken. I thought it looked a bit dry, so I put in 2 cans of cream of mushroom and about a half cup of sour cream.

Instant Pot

In the instant pot, I put in a box of elbow macaroni with a 1/2 stick of butter. I add enough water to cover the pasta. I set the pot on the manual for 6 minutes. While that was cooking, I made a white sauce. It was 2 T. butter to 2 T. flour. I whisked that together in a pan until it was mixed well. Once I mixed it, I added a cup of milk. I stirred that (it will stick) until it was thick, and then I took it off the heat and added about 2 c. mozzarella. With as much pasta and chicken as I had, I should’ve doubled it, and it would’ve been good with some cream cheese!

Oven Time

I greased a 13×9 pan but realized I needed something big to stir it all together. Also, I realized that I made a lot, so I greased another 11×9 pan to freeze for a later meal. I mixed the pasta, the chicken/asparagus mixture, more seasoning, Italian breadcrumbs, and a little leftover mozzarella.

I put it all in the dish, covered it, and cooked it at 350 for 45 minutes. Then I took the aluminum off and cooked it for another 5 minutes.

It. Was. Good.

 

Recipes and Cooking

Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Asiago

Brandi C

Chicken.  Parmesan.  Asiago.  You can’t get much better than a Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Asiago recipe.  So, here is what I concocted.  This would be good with Gouda or Havarti, as well. Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Asiago is a savory and indulgent dish that is perfect for a family dinner or when you want to impress guests. The key to success with this recipe is ensuring that the chicken is seared to a perfect golden brown before finishing in the oven with a generous layer of shredded asiago and crumbled bacon. The egg wash and parmesan coating create a delicious, crispy crust, while the asiago cheese adds a rich, nutty flavor. The crumbled bacon brings an added smokiness, making this dish irresistible. Serve it with your favorite sides like roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a complete meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Asiago

Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Asiago

Chicken (I use raw chicken breasts.  I cut off all the tough parts.  It was thick, so I sliced it in third.  It cooked quicker doing it like that)

2 Eggs with a splash of water.

1 c. parmesan with seasoning

After the chicken is cut, dredge in egg wash and then in parmesan.

In a large skillet, get the oil hot.  You do not want the breading to stick to the skillet and/or come off.

While that is cooking, put your bacon in the oven.

Place your chicken in oil and sear on both sides.

Next Up

350 for the stove.  Place the chicken on a broiling pan after the chicken is seared on both sides.  You need to put shredded asiago and crumbled bacon on top of the chicken.  I just put it in the oven long enough to melt the cheese.

Good gravy, that was some good stuff.

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