Angie’s Appetizer with Ground Beef and Ham Stuffed Mushrooms

Great Recipe Great Flavor Very Easy! I served it as an appetizer and it went fast.

Ingredients:

·         1/2 lb. lean ground beef

·         20 large whole fresh mushrooms

·         2 tablespoons butter

·         1 tablespoon oil

·         1 small onion, finely chopped

·         1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic (to taste) (optional)

·         4 slices ham, chopped

·         1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

·         1/3 cup dry sherry

·         1/3 cup fine breadcrumb

·         Seasoning salt or white salt

·         Fresh ground black pepper or cayenne (in place of black pepper if you prefer spicy)

·         Mozzarella cheese, shredded or parmesan cheese, if desired

Preparation:

1.       Prepare a large baking sheet.

2.       Carefully remove the stems off of the mushroom caps and finely chop; set aside.

3.       Place the mushroom caps stem side down on a baking sheet and place in a 375 degree F oven for about 12-15 minutes to release their moisture; set aside until cool enough to handle.

4.       Heat butter and oil in a large skillet until hot and cook the ground beef with onion and garlic until the beef is browned (about 8 minutes) stirring occasionally.

5.       Add in the chopped mushroom stems, chopped ham, Parmesan cheese and sherry; cook stirring for 5 minutes.

6.       Remove from heat and add in the bread crumbs, salt and pepper (or cayenne pepper if using); mix to combine.

7.       Divide and stuff the ground beef mixture into each mushroom cap pushing down into the cap using your fingers or the back of a spoon.

8.       Sprinkle with grated mozzarella cheese or Parmesan cheese.

9.       Set oven to broil heat and broil the caps about 3-inches from heat for about 2-5 minutes.

10.   Serve hot.

Happy Cooking ☺

Nick’s Christmas Lasagna

 

“A great recipe everyone that ate simple raved, they even went back for seconds.”  - Mrs. Claus

Ingredients:

·         3 lbs. ground beef

·         1 lb. pork sausage (bulk)

·         1 onion (chopped)

·         1 green pepper (chopped)

·         56 oz. spaghetti sauce (meatless)

·         10 34 oz. condensed tomato soup (undiluted)

·         4 oz. mushroom (stems and pieces undrained)

·         2 tsps. Worcestershire sauce

·         1 ½ tsps. Italian seasoning

·         1 ½ tsps. salt (divided)

·         1 ½ tsps. pepper (divided)

·         1 tsp. garlic powder

·         2 beaten eggs

·         2 ½  cups cottage cheese (curd)

·         15 oz. ricotta cheese

·         2 cups parmesan cheese (shredded)

·         24 lasagna noodles (cooked and drained)

·         12 slices mozzarella cheese

Preparation:

1.       In a Dutch oven or several large skillets, cook the beef, sausage, onion and green pepper over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Add the spaghetti sauce, soup, mushrooms, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon pepper and garlic powder. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

2.       Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the eggs, cottage cheese, ricotta and remaining salt and pepper.

3.       Spread 2 cups meat sauce each into two greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dishes. Layer each with 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, four noodles, 1-1/4 cups cottage cheese mixture and three slices of mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers. Top with the remaining noodles, meat sauce and Parmesan.

4.       Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 45 minutes or until bubbly. Let stand for 15 minutes before cutting. Yield: 2 casseroles (12 servings each).

Happy Cooking ☺

Christmas Meatloaf Cupcakes with Cheesy Mashed Potato Frosting

Baking the meatloaf in jumbo cupcake tins cuts the standard loaf pan cooking time in half, so you can have dinner on the table in no time.

Ingredients:

·         1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef (at least 92 percent lean)

·         1 small yellow onion, minced     

·         1 cup uncooked old-fashioned oats (not quick cooking)

·         2 eggs, beaten 

·         1 5.5-ounce can tomato juice

·         2 tablespoons prepared horseradish sauce

·         1/2 teaspoon kosher salt             

·         1 teaspoon dry mustard

·         1/2 pound ground pork

·         3 tablespoons ketchup 

·         3 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces

·         3 tablespoons butter     

·         1/2 cup whole milk

·         8 ounces cream cheese, cut into chunks

Preparation:

1.       Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large bowl, combine the onion, oats, eggs, tomato juice, horseradish sauce, salt and dry mustard and mix well. Add the beef and pork and mix until just combined.

2.       Divide the mixture between 9 jumbo or 18 standard muffin cups and level off the top so that each cupcake is flush with the top of the pan. Top each cupcake with 1 teaspoon ketchup and spread evenly with the back of a spoon. Bake cupcakes for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a meat thermometer reaches 155 degrees F.

3.       Meanwhile, boil the potatoes in salted water until easily pierced with a fork, about 25 minutes; drain and return to the pot. Toss potatoes over low heat for 2-3 minutes to evaporate any moisture, then remove from heat and begin to mash with a potato masher. Once there are no large chunks, transfer the potatoes to a mixer with a whisk attachment.

4.       In a small saucepan, combine the butter and milk. Warm over medium-low heat until butter is melted and milk is hot but not boiling. With the mixer running, very carefully pour the warm milk mixture down the side of the mixing bowl of potatoes; whip until the liquid is incorporated.

5.       Add the cream cheese, a few pieces at a time, mixing after each addition. Season to taste with salt. Spoon mashed potatoes into a pastry bag with a wide round tip (or use a large plastic bag with one corner snipped off).

6.       When meatloaf cupcakes are cool enough to handle, gently drop each one into a paper cupcake liner. Pipe the mashed potato “frosting” onto each cupcake and serve to unsuspecting family members!

Happy Cooking ☺

Tropical Christmas Burgers

We fired up the BBQ this Christmas and Vwaala! A Special Tropical Burger just for you!

Ingredients:

·         1 pound ground beef

·         1 red pepper, diced

·         2 green onions, diced

·         1 jalapeno, minced

·         1 mango, diced

·         3 tablespoons shredded coconut

·         1/2 cup parsley, chopped

·         1 egg

·         Burger buns

·         Salt & pepper

Preparation:

1.       Combine ground beef with red pepper, green onions, jalapeno, mango, coconut, parsley, and egg in a large bowl.

2.       Mix with hands and form burger patties.

3.       Cook burgers on medium-high heat for 4-6 minutes on each side. Season with salt & pepper and serve on toasted buns.

Happy Cooking ☺

Nick’s Christmas Meatballs

Nick out did himself on this one!

With cranberry sauce and brown sugar - Nick created a tangy glaze for moist meatballs that are good as an appetizer or as a main dish over rice.

Ingredients:

·         1-1/2 pounds lean ground beef

·         2 eggs

·         1 envelope onion soup mix

·         1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs

·         1/4 cup chopped dried cranberries

·         2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley

Sauce:

·         1 can (14 ounces) whole-berry cranberry sauce

·         3/4 cup ketchup

·         1/2 cup beef broth

·         3 tablespoons brown sugar

·         3 tablespoons finely chopped onion

·         2 teaspoons cider vinegar

Preparation:

1.       In a bowl, combine eggs, soup mix, bread crumbs, cranberries and parsley. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well. Shape into 1-in. balls; place 12 to 14 balls on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with waxed paper; microwave on high for 2-3 minutes or until no longer pink. Remove to paper towels to drain. Repeat with remaining meatballs. 

2.       In a 2-qt. microwave-safe dish, combine sauce ingredients. Cover and microwave on high for 3-4 minutes or until heated through, rotating once. Gently stir in meatballs. Cover and cook on high for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. Yield: about 3 dozen. 

Happy Cooking ☺ and Merry Christmas!

Ben’s Beef Taco Skillet

Looking for a recipe that’s short, simple, easy, quick, and most of all tasty?  This is definitely a good one!

Ingredients:

·         1lb lean (at least 80%) ground beef

·         1envelope (1 oz.)  taco seasoning mix

·         1 ½ cups water

·         1cup  Thick ‘n Chunky salsa

·         1cup  frozen whole kernel corn (from 1-lb bag)

·         1 1/2cups uncooked instant rice

·         3/4cup shredded taco-seasoned cheese (3 oz.)

·         1cup shredded lettuce

·         1medium tomato, chopped (3/4 cup)

·         Sour cream, if desired 

Preparation:

1.       In 10-inch skillet, cook beef over medium heat 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until brown; drain.

2.       Stir in taco seasoning mix, water, salsa and corn. Heat to boiling; stir in rice. Boil 1 minute; remove from heat. Cover; let stand 8 minutes.

3.       Fluff rice mixture with fork; sprinkle with cheese. Cover; let stand 1 to 2 minutes or until cheese is melted. Sprinkle lettuce around edge of skillet; sprinkle tomato in circle next to lettuce. Serve with sour cream. 

Happy Cooking ☺

Angie’s Beef Rigatoni Bake

Looking for a warm and filling casserole recipe for dinner tonight? Then check out this cheesy pasta baked with vegetables and ground beef in just an hour!

Ingredients:

·         1 lb. lean ground beef

·         6 oz. (2 cups) uncooked rigatoni (pasta tubes with ridges)

·         1 medium onion, chopped

·         1 small green bell pepper, chopped

·         2 garlic cloves, minced

·         1 (28-oz.) can crushed tomatoes, undrained

·         ½ teaspoon dried dill weed, if desired

·         2 oz. (1/2 cup) shredded mozzarella cheese

Preparation:

1.       Heat oven to 375°F. Spray 2-quart casserole with non-stick cooking spray. In large saucepan, cook rigatoni to desired doneness as directed on package. Drain; return to saucepan.

2.       Meanwhile, in large skillet, cook ground beef, onion, bell pepper and garlic until beef is browned and thoroughly cooked, stirring frequently. Drain.

3.       Add ground beef mixture, tomatoes and dill to cooked rigatoni; mix well. Pour into sprayed casserole. Cover.

4.       Bake at 375°F. for 30 minutes. Uncover; sprinkle with cheese. Bake, uncovered, an additional 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Happy Cooking ☺

Cody’s Cowboy Burger

To me a good Cowboy Burger should have a smoky element and a spicy element - Worcestershire, BBQ & steak sauce, just a dash of Liquid Smoke, and a bit of cayenne and chipotle chili powder. Top it with thick cut peppered bacon. That combination gives a nice, spicy kick, without setting your mouth on fire.

Ingredients:

·         2 pounds of ground beef

·         Thick cut, peppered bacon, at least one slice per burger, cooked crisp

·         1 tablespoon of light brown sugar

·         1 tablespoon of steak sauce (like A1)

·         1 tablespoon of BBQ sauce

·         1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce

·         Splash of Liquid Smoke, optional

·         1 teaspoon of chipotle chili powder

·         1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper

·         1-2 large Vidalia or yellow onion, cut into 1/4 to 1/2 inch slices with rings intact, 1 slice per burger

·         Drizzle of olive oil

·         Kosher salt and fresh cracked black pepper

·         Shredded cheddar cheese

·         Additional Garnishes: Mayonnaise, BBQ sauce, lettuce, sliced tomatoes, Fire 'n Ice pickles or pickled jalapenos.

Preparation:

1.       Cook the bacon to crisp and set aside. Place the ground beef in a large bowl. In a separate small bowl, combine the brown sugar, steak, bbq and Worcestershire sauces, and Liquid Smoke, with the chili powder and cayenne. Add to the ground beef and use a fork to toss.

2.       Form into 6 to 8 large, tight balls and place onto a foiled lined baking sheet. Gently flatten and shape the patties and create a very slight thumb indention into them. This will help the burgers from puffing up and becoming rounded instead of flat. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Brush both sides of the onion slices with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper; set aside.

3.       When ready to cook, grill the burgers on well-oiled grates, indented side up first, over direct and high heat, for about 3 minutes, or until seared and browned. Turn and continue cooking until done, another 2 to 4 minutes, or until done to desired level. Do not press down on the burgers! Meanwhile also add the onions to the grate and cook until lightly browned, turn and cook other side. Toast buns on the top rack of the grill.

4.       Place a thin layer of mayonnaise on both sides of the bun.  Add the burger and top with BBQ sauce and pickles or jalapenos. Sprinkle with a pinch of shredded cheddar and top with grilled onion, tomato, bacon and lettuce.  Serve immediately.

Happy Cooking ☺

Cindy’s Surprise Cheeseburgers

Why put the cheese on top of the burger when half of it just melts off? Instead, form the burger around the cheese so you can char the meat and safeguard the more delicate flavors.  scrumdillylicious!!!

Ingredients:

·         1 pound 90%-lean ground beef

·         1/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

·         1/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

·         1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

·         1 1/2 teaspoons paprika

·         1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Preparation:

1.       Preheat grill to medium-high or preheat the broiler.

2.       Combine Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese in a small bowl.

3.       Gently mix beef, Worcestershire, paprika and pepper in a large bowl, preferably with your hands, without overworking. Shape into 8 thin, 4-inch-wide patties. Mound 2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture on each of 4 patties, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Cover each with one of the remaining patties. Crimp and seal the edges closed.

4.       To grill: Lightly oil the grill rack. Grill the stuffed patties over medium-high heat, about 5 minutes per side. (Be sure not to press the burgers as they cook or they’ll split open and the cheese will ooze out.) To broil: Cover a broiler pan with foil and coat with cooking spray. Broil the stuffed patties in the upper third of the oven, about 5 minutes per side. In either case, let the burgers stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Happy Cooking ☺

D’s Saucy Ground Beef and Noodles

Create this family-pleasing dinner in less than 30 minutes - using what's in your cupboard.

Ingredients:

·         pound lean (at least 80%) ground beef

·         medium onion, chopped (1/2 cup)

·         medium bell pepper, chopped (1 cup)

·         3   cups uncooked extra-wide egg noodles (5 ounces)

·         2 1/2   cups water

·         1/2   teaspoon Italian seasoning

·         jar tomato pasta sauce (any variety) or marinara sauce (1 pound 10 ounces)

·         jar 1/2 sliced mushrooms, drained (4.5 ounces)

Preparation:

1         In 4-quart Dutch oven, cook beef, onion and bell pepper over medium heat 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beef is thoroughly cooked; drain.

2         Stir in remaining ingredients. Heat to boiling, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat; simmer uncovered 10 to 12 minutes or until noodles are tender.

Happy Cooking ☺