Meat in the Oven

Instructions for cooking all sorts of meat in the oven. Perfect for winter time!

CHICKEN BREASTS:
Marinate or season breasts. Broil on broil pan at 500 degrees for 6 minutes on top rack. Flip breasts and broil for another 6 minutes.

ROAST:
Rub your favorite seasoning on a 3 Ib roast. Let marinate (if you have time).
Put foil on a pan. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Place marinated roast on pan. Let bake for 1 hour until internal meat temp. reaches 160 degrees. Let sit for 15 minutes.

HAMBURGERS:
Form your beef patties. Add in onion powder, garlic and other seasonings for good flavor. Broil at 500 degrees for 6 minutes on top rack. Flip burgers broil for another 6 minutes.

ROASTING TENDERLOIN:
1 (1 pound) beef tenderloin
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup melted butter (unsalted)

Directions
1.Preheat oven to 325 degrees F
2.Place roast into a shallow, glass baking dish. Pour soy sauce and melted butter over the tenderloin.
3.Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes, then turn the roast over, and continue cooking 30 to 40 minutes, basting occasionally until the internal temperature of the roast is at 140 degrees. Let meat rest for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing.


BROILING STEAK:
Pieces of Top Sirloin steak
Marinate or season with your favorite recipe

Turn on broiler at 500 degrees.
Place meat on pan and cook on bottom rack for 8 min. Flip and cook for 8 more mins.
Leave the pan on the bottom rack and place the meat on the top for 3 mins-- FLIP and cook for 3 more. Let rest for 3 minutes outside of stove.

Lasagna {Casserole}

Finally- a lasagna with NO ricotta cheese or lasagna noodles... because let's face it- unless you have these on hand all the time it's a pain to make lasagna!

You can make this meatless too. Swap out the meat for tofu, black beans or more veggies.

Cook 2 cups pasta (I recommend penne). Drain and set aside.

Brown and drain:
1 Ib italian sausage or ground beef with 1 tbls italian seasoning browned and drained
**To have a "meatless" night I use Italian Spaghetti sauce that has chunks of sausage

Mix meat in with:
2 cups chopped spinach (frozen)
4 cups spaghetti sauce (Italian Sausage for meat or Mushroom for veggie)
1/2 tbls dried minced garlic
2 tbls basil
1 tbls parsley
1 cup diced (drained) tomato
1 cup cooked diced mushrooms or zucchini (could be frozen too)
1 cup shredded mozarella cheese
1/2 cup parmesan cheese

Mix the noodles, meat and sauce and pour into 9x13 pan.

Spread 2 cups plain yogurt and sprinkle with 1 cup shredded mozarella and 1/2 cup parmesan cheese.

Bake at 400 for 40 minutes or until cheese is lightly browned and bubbly.
Enjoy!

Tamale Taco Salad

A delicious alternative to taco salad and a good substitute for tamales.

Serves 8

1 Ib ground beef
1/2 medium onion chopped

1/2 cup bell pepper chopped
1 cup corn
1 cup of diced tomatoes
1 cup enchilada sauce
1 cup black beans (can also be used as an alternative to the ground beef)

1 cup salsa
2 cups cheddar cheese
lettuce
plain yogurt or sour cream for toppings

9 pieces of cornbread

Brown ground beef and drain. Add in bell pepper, corn, tomatoes, enchilada sauce and beans.

Spoon onto sliced pieces of cornbread in bowls. Top with lettuce, salsa, cheese and sour cream (optional).

Creamy Veggie Pasta

This hamburger helper style pasta has a kick of mustard and tons of veggies! Kid favorite and it makes lots! Great healthy alternative to mac n cheese.

Brown, drain and place in 9x13 pan:
1 Ib ground Brown beef with 1/4 cup onion

Meanwhile cook
2 cup macaroni noodles according to package
Drain and place with beef in 9x13 pan.

Melt 3 tlbs butter in pan over medium heat.
Whisk in 1/4 cup flour, 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper until smooth.
Slowly add in 2 cups milk and 1/2 cup plain yogurt (or sour cream/cream cheese)

Stir in 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup parmesan cheese and 2 tbls mustard.
Stir in 3 cups cooked/steamed mixed veggies. I prefer broccoli and carrots.

Ground Beef into Sausage

If you don't have sausage on hand and need it for a recipes OR you don't want the fat of a sausage- ground beef or turkey can be a great alternative.

Here are the seasonings you need to add to get that "sausage" flavor.

For 2 Ibs ground beef
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tbls salt
2 tsp oregano
2 tsp thyme
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp pepper

In a bowl mix the raw meat and seasonings with your hands. Form into patties, links or just brown in pan.

Mini Meatloaves

Delicious-perfect sized meat loaves! Hidden veggies too!

Makes 8-10 mini loaves


Mix in large bowl:
2 eggs
2 Ibs ground beef
1 cup ketchup
1 cup bread crumbs
2 tbls parsley
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1/2 cup finely shredded or pureed carrots
1 tsp mustard
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp basil
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp oregano


Shape into mini single serving loaves on 9x13 pan. Bake at 375 for 35 minutes.

**If meat if fatty bake on a roasting pan and decrease time by 5-10 minutes to "drain the grease".

Vegetable Beef Stew

A good basic stew with great texture and tomato base. Add more spices to your desire.

Put large ziplock bag and shake:

1-2 Pounds stew meat cubed

1/4 flour

1 tsp salt

1/2 tbls minced garlic

Add to pan over med/high heat with 3 tbls olive oil.

Brown evenly on both sides of meat.

Remove from pan and place in crock pot.

In same pan add:

3 cups diced onion

1/2 cup apple juice or cider

Until onion is tender.

Pour into crock pot and scrap pan (making sure to get the brown chunks into the crockpot too!)

Add to crockpot:

1 bay leaf

3 cups chopped celery

5 large chopped potatoes

3 large diced tomatoes (or 2 cans diced tomatoes with juices)

1- 12 oz can of tomato or spaghetti sauce

1 cup fresh or frozen peas

2 cups fresh largely chunked carrots

1 cup fresh or frozen corn

Mix in separate bowl:

1 cups hot hot water

1/4 cup mushroom soup mix (you can also use 1/2 can cream of mushroom soup)

1/4 cup onion powder

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp black pepper

1 tbls italian seasoning

Pour into crockpot.

Turn on high for 30 minutes and then reduce to low for 6 hours.

Enjoy!

Easy-Tasty Crockpot Chili

Based off the recipe Boilermaker Tailgate Chili from allrecipes.com

1 Ib cooked ground beef (if you want vegetarian replace with 1 can black beans)
2 12 oz cans chili
1 tsp diced jalepeno
3 cups diced tomatoes
1 8oz can tomato paste
2 cups water
1/2 cup onion chopped
1 chopped bell pepper
2 celery stalks diced
2 cups corn (optional... I think this is perfect for this chili, but my husband thinks that corn does not belong in chili)
1/4 cup salsa
1 tbls hot sauce
1 tbls chili powder
2 tsp minced garlic
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp basil
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1 tsp sugar

Heat in crock pot at least on low for 4 hours. The longer the better!

Top with diced cabbage and some cheddar cheese.

Beef Stroganoff

You can use ground beef, fattier steak meat or left over steak pieces! Whatever fits your budget, this is one of my favorite meals. Easy to make, normal ingredients and full of flavor.

Cook 8oz macaroni/egg noodles according to package.

Brown:

1 Ib. Beef or steak strips

1/2 cup chopped onion

1/2 tsp minced garlic

Drain and add:

1 tbls flour

1/2 tsp pepper

1/2 tsp onion powder

1 can cream of mushroom soup

Reduce heat to low. Simmer for 15 minutes.

Add 1 cup sour cream (or 1/2 c. sour cream 1/2 c. milk for a less sour cream taste... if you happen to have a hubby who does not like sour cream) :)

I like to serve over macaroni noodles with a side of peas!

Makes great leftovers! Nummy!

Easy-Healthier Sloppy Joes! Yum!!

Here is a healthier version of a absolutely-deliciously-greasy classic. I even tried it out on my hubby and he didn't even notice the difference from our normal greasy recipe. He actually said it tasted BETTER!

Serves 6
Prep/Cook time: 30
Brown:
1 1/2 Ib ground beef
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup bell pepper
1/4 cup celery
1 carrot shredded
2 tsp minced garlic

Drain. Add:
1 cup ketchup
1/4-1/3 cup water (depending on how "sloppy" you want!")
1/2 tbls mustard
1/2 tbls brown sugar
2 tsp chili powder
dash of garlic salt and pepper

Reduce heat to low and simmer for up to 30 minutes.

Serve on whole wheat hamburger buns topped with shredded cabbage.

I also enjoy it plain over shredded cabbage... sloppy salad? It tastes just like you have the bun, and cabbage- unlike lettuce, doesn't wilt up with the heated meat on top.

Lasagna Soup

Serves 8
1 pound ground beef
1 cup onion, chopped
1 bell pepper, chopped
2 cups broccoli
1 cup celery
2 tbls minced garlic
1 tsp brown sugar
4 cups chicken broth
1 can diced tomatoes
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 tsp basil
2 cups frozen tortellini or frozen ravoli halved
1/2 cup parmesan cheese
1 cup mozzarella cheese

Directions
In a large pan, combine ground beef, onion, bell pepper, celery and garlic. Cook over medium-high heat until beef is browned. Drain well. Stir in brown sugar, broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, parmesan cheese and broccoli into cooked meat mixture. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat; reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes. Add tortellini and simmer until noodles are tender. Serve in bowls and top with cheese.


Total for all the ingredients is about $9. This serves 8 easily so cut in half for a $4.50 meal for 4!

Garden Edition: To save on cost and stretch this meal even further use chopped zuchinni, 2 cups fresh tomatoes chopped, 1 bell pepper, fresh basil leaves and if you grow spinach use the spinach instead of broccoli!

Beef Enchiladas with Corn Tortillas

Makes 9x9 Pan
Freeze: okay
Leftovers: yes and they reheat okay
Prep/Cook time: 1 hour

Prepare a batch of enchilada sauce or purchase a large can.

In large pan brown 1 Ib ground beef with 1/2 cup chopped onion. Drain.

Stir in:
1 cup salsa
2 cups frozen corn
1 small can olives (drained)
1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
Let simmer for 5 minutes.

Meanwhile grate 3 cups cheese of choice.

Grease 9x9 pan. Butter 8 small corn tortillas on both sides. Layer corn tortillas, meat mixure, enchilada sauce & cheese. Makes two layers.

Bake in oven at 350 for 25 minutes.

BBQ Meatballs

Use for appetizers, BBQ meatball sandwich or a simple entree for dinner.
Delicious!
Thanks to Megan for this recipe!

Serves 2 (10 Meatballs)
Freeze: Yes- Bake and then freeze
Leftovers: we've never had any in this house! :)
Prep/cook time: 45

Mix in bowl:
1 Ib ground beef
1/2 cup oats
1/4 cup milk
1 egg
1/4 cup onion
1/8 cup chopped green pepper
dash of salt and pepper
1 tsp BBQ seasoning (if you have it)

Form into 1 inch meatballs. Place in ungreased deep dish pan. Coat with BBQ sauce.

Bake at 350 for 15 minutes. Take out and "flip" over the meatballs. Coat again with BBQ sauce. Place back in oven for another 10-15 minutes.

Breakfast Pockets

Family recipe!

Makes:8 pockets
Prep Time:20
Cook Time:20
Ready In:40
Servings:8

Ingredients
1 12oz package pork sausage or ground beef seasoned w/ sausage spices (browned and well drained)
1 cup shredded carrots
3 green onions (chopped)
2 cups shredded jack cheese
1 tsp yellow mustard
1 tsp italian seasoning
1 tbls parmesan cheese
1 tsp pepper
2 eggs
2 cans of Pillsbury cresent rolls

Directions
Preheat oven to 375.
In large bowl combine first 9 ingredients.
Roll out dough onto ungreased 9x13 baking pan. Separate dough into 8 rectangles. Press perforations to seal.
Spoon 1/3 cup mixture into each.
Fold dough over filling. Press edges to seal.
Bake 18-20 minutes until golden brown.

Beef & Biscuit Bake

Serves: 4 (1-9x9 pan)
Leftovers: Usually / reheats great
Prep/Cook time: 45 minutes

Preheat oven to 350.

Make or purchase buttermilk biscuit dough (only 5 biscuits needed- there are usually 8 in a package & recipe. Bake the rest according to instructions for snacks or extras at dinner)

Brown: 1 Ib Beef
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup chopped onion
dash of salt and pepper

Drain grease.

Stir in: 1 tbls flour
1/4 tsp oregano
2 cups frozen peas or broccoli
12 oz tomato sauce/spaghetti sauce

Simmer for 5 Minutes
Meanwhile grate 1 cup cheddar cheese

Layer meat mixture, biscuit dough, cheddar cheese. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes or until biscuits are golden brown.