Rice Casserole

Modified from Money Saving Mom's Green Rice Casserole

Chicken & Broccoli Rice Casserole:

3 cups cooked rice (we use brown rice)
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup milk
1/4 cup chopped dried parsley
1/4 cup bell pepper

1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
2 cups cheddar cheese, grated
1/4 cup butter, melted

1/4 cup plain yogurt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt

1/4 tsp small onion, finely chopped

1 cup diced cooked broccoli

1 cooked chicken breast diced 

Combine all ingredients and pour into a 9″x13″ baking dish. Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for 10 minutes longer.

Serves 8-10. Freezable.

Mexican Rice Casserole:

3 cups cooked rice (we use brown rice)
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup milk
1/2 cup bell pepper

1 cup corn

1 cup salsa

1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
2 cups cheddar cheese, grated
1/4 cup butter, melted

1/4 cup plain yogurt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt

1/4 tsp small onion, finely chopped

1/2 cup spinach (cooked, drained, diced)

1 cooked chicken breast diced (can use steak, ground beef or a can of black beans drained for a vegetarian casserole)

Combine all ingredients and pour into a 9″x13″ baking dish. Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for 10 minutes longer.

Serves 8-10. Freezable.

Zucchini Cakes

One of our recent goals has been to only eat foods that are in season. Our zucchini are here and we have a lot more coming. I wanted to make something that was a zucchini main dish. These are similar to hashbrowns or crab cakes. Nice and crunchy on the outside soft in the middle and amazing with some ketchup for dipping sauce. We'll definitely be using this often during zucchini harvest! They were even good the next day AND our toddler ate them.

Mix in bowl:
3 cups grated zucchini
2 cups grated potato
4 beaten egg
2 tbsp melted butter

Stir in:
2 cups bread crumbs
1/3 cup minced onion
1/4 tsp celery salt
3/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp minced garlic

Heat 1/2 cup oil in griddle over med to high heat. Make into VERY thin patties. Place into hot oil. Let cook on each side until brown. Lay on paper towel to drain.

**You could easily add some shrimp or crab to these. I even thought about adding corn or beans to this. I'll try something new next time and see how they are, but as is they were great!

Easiest- no knead, no rise pizza dough!

I was very impressed with this pizza dough! Fast and tasted great.

2 1/2 cups flour
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
2 tbls olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic salt
1 tsp italian seasoning
1 tbls white sugar
1 cup warm water

Directions
Combine flour, salt, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl. Mix in oil and warm water. Spread out on a large pizza pan.

Bake for 7 minutes at 375. Top as desired and bake for an additional 20 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and crust is golden brown.

*You can also substitute 1/2 cup water for beer for help with fast rising action!

Crunchy Chicken Strips

Modified from an All You recipe.
Fast- easy and DELICIOUS. Our whole family eats these up. They are so much better than fast food chicken strips!

1 cup crushed saltines
1/4 cup chopped peanuts
1 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 cup flour
1 egg
2 chicken breast halves, cut into strips

1. Preheat oven to 425. Spray a wire rack with cooking spray and place on top of a foil-lined broiler pan.

2. Combine saltines, peanuts, salt and pepper in bowl of a food processor and pulse to finely grind and mix. Transfer to a shallow bowl.

3. Place flour in a second shallow bowl. Lightly beat together egg and 1 Tbsp. water in a third shallow bowl.

4. Coat each chicken strip in flour, dip in egg and dredge in cracker mixture. Arrange chicken on rack and bake until golden brown, 18 to 20 minutes

Chicken Skillet

Delicious- LOADED with veggies that even my 2 year old ate!

Cook over medium heat in skillet until chicken is white on both sides:
2 tbls olive oil
2 Chicken breasts chopped
1 tbls minced garlic
1/4 tsp italian seasoning

Add in and cover for 8-10 minutes until veggies are tender:
1 can chopped tomatoes (with juice)
1/2 tsp oregano
2 tsp basil
1 1/2 tsp sugar
1/4 cup mushroom soup mix or canned mushrooms
2 cups chopped carrots
1 cup chopped celery or broccoli
1/2 cup onion
1/2 cup sliced bell pepper

Let simmer uncovered for 3-5 more minutes until liquids are reduced.

Serve over noodles or with bread.

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.

Black Bean and Corn Enchiladas

EASY and really nummy.

Mix in bowl:
4 cups black beans
2 cups frozen corn
2 cups salsa
2 cups plain yogurt (the healthy alternative to sour cream)
1 cup frozen chopped spinach
1 cup chopped bell pepper
2 cups grated cheddar cheese
10-12 8" tortillas

2 cups cheese
2 cups ennchilada sauce

Spoon mixture into a tortilla and roll in an ungreased 9x13 pan. Continue to fill tortillas and roll until you're out of mixture. Pour enchilada sauce and top with 2 more cups of grated cheese. Bake at 375 for 35 minutes or until bubbly.

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!

Chicken, Broccoli & Rice Soup

The usual fall and winter bugs have arrived and I was in need of some chicken soup so I threw this together sans recipe and it turned out great! I decided to share it with you all. Hope you enjoy!

6 cups water
3 tablespoons chicken broth powder
1/4 cup mushroom soup mix (if you don't have these powders you could do 3 cans chicken broth and 1 can cream of mushroom)
1 tbls garlic salt
1 tbls pepper
1/2 cup diced onion
12 oz. of frozen chopped broccoli
1 cup fresh or frozen diced carrots
1 raw chicken breast chopped
4 cups cooked rice

Cook in crock pot on high for 4 hours or low for 6-8 hours. Super easy and delcious! Enjoy!
PS- This makes A LOT. You could halve the recipe or freeze leftovers.

Black Bean Burgers

Delicious, spicy "burgers"! Perfect served on whole wheat buns with mayo, lettuce and ketchup!

1 (16 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed or 2 cups
1/2 diced bell pepper
1/2 cup corn
1/2 onion diced
1 tsp minced garlic
1 egg
1/2 tbls chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp chipotle
1/2 cup bread crumbs

Directions
Preheat oven to 375 and lightly oil a baking sheet.
In a food processor grind bell pepper, corn, onion, garlic and beans. Put paste on plate and lay paper towels over it and press any excess moisture out of the paste.
In a bowl, stir together egg, chili powder, cumin, and chipotle add in veggie and bean paste.Mix in bread crumbs until the mixture is sticky and holds together. Divide mixture into four patties.
Place patties on baking sheet and bake about 10 minutes on each side.

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.

Mexican Eggrolls

Insanely delicious. Make a double batch and stick them in the freezer for lunches or a fast dinner.

makes 8 eggrolls

In food processor shred:
1 cooked chicken breast

Set aside in bowl and in processor mince the following:
1/2 cup bell pepper
2 tbls jalepeno
1/4 cup onion
1/2 cup frozen spinach
1 tbls salsa seasoning
1/2 cup shredded cheese

Have ready in another bowl:
1/2 cup corn
1/2 cup black beans

Lay out 8- 6 inch tortillas. Fill with a spoonful of chicken, minced mixture, and corn & black beans. Roll tortilla over the filling once then tightly fold in the left and right. Continue rolling the tortilla tightly. Place on pan.

Bake in oven at 475 for 15 minutes until crispy and lightly browned.

Serve with Creamy Salsa

In processor mix:
1 cup salsa
1/2 cup cream cheese
1/2 cup tomatoes
1/4 cup bell peppers
1 tsp salsa seasoning

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".

Frittatas

Makes 10 mini single serving frittatas

1 cups finely chopped frozen broccoli

1 1/2 cups diced potatoes

10 thin slices of ham (you can also use turkey or canadian bacon)

1/3 cups diced onion

1/3 cup diced bell pepper

1/2 tsp chili powder

1/2 tsp pepper

6 eggs

1/2 cup milk

1/2 cup shredded cheese

Microwave potatoes for 6 minutes in bowl. Add in broccoli, onion and bell peppers and microwave for an additional 3 minutes. Mix in chili powder and pepper.

Meanwhile preheat oven to 375. Lay the slices of ham in well-greased muffin cups. Mix in bowl eggs, milk and cheese.

Scoop in potato mixture into each ham "cup". Pour spoonfuls of egg mixture over ham cups.

Bake for 25 minutes at 375 or until slightly golden brown on top.

Easy- Nummy- Potato Soup!

We got back from a weekend trip and there was not much in the fridge... I did however have a 10 Ib bag of potatoes, milk, frozen veggies and canadian bacon (which we use for our pizza).

Serves 8

Chop and place in large pot on high:
4 cups potatoes
1/2 cup celery
1/2 cup onion
1 cup frozen corn
1 cup frozen broccoli
1 cup cooked bacon, canadian bacon or ham
6 cups water

Once boiling cook for 10 minutes. Meanwhile in a large skillet melt 1/2 cup butter over medium/low heat. Stir in 1/2 cup flour, stirring constantly until thick. Heat for 1 minute until mixture is bubbly. Add 2 cups milk slowly- mixing constantly until very thick.

Add 2 tablespoons chicken broth powder, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp pepper and milk mixture into pot of veggies. Stir vigoriously, kind of mashing at the same time, and heat over low for 2 minutes.

Pour into bowls and let cool slightly (this will thicken the soup up more).

Enjoy!

No-Bake Tuna Casserole

Cook:
2 cups whole wheat pasta. Drain and return to pan.

Meanwhile steam 2 cups broccoli with 1/4 cup chopped onion.

In pasta pan add:
1/2 cup milk
1 package cream cheese
3/4 tsp dill
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp. italian seasoning
1/4 tsp pepper
3/4 tsp salt

If needed: Add more milk or sour cream to create a creamy consistency.

Fold in and heat:
Broccoli
2 cans of tuna, albacore or chunk chicken. (10 oz)

Serve immediately.

Cheddar Baked Chicken

Our favorite baked chicken...

Thaw 2 chicken breasts

On a plate mix:

1/4 cup whole wheat flour
3/4 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

In a bowl beat 1 egg

In another bowl mix:

1/3 cup bread crumbs

1/2 cup crushed whole wheat crackers (or other cracker)

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Dip chicken pieces in flour mixture, egg and then bread crumbs. Place in greased 9x9 pan and bake at 350 for 35 minutes or until juices run clear.

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!