Easy Taco Meat

Easy Taco Meat- A quick, flavorful taco meat that can be used in a variety of dishes. It can also be dressed up or down to fit your taste preference.

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Ingredients Needed

• Ground beef
• Minced onion
• Taco seasoning
• Cornstarch
• Your preferred liquid

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Can I Use Another Type of Protein?

Yes. This recipe will also work for ground turkey, ground chicken, ground pork or a meatless crumble. Keep in mind, these proteins contain less fat than ground beef.  You may want to adjust the seasoning and your cooking time may be less.

Can I Use a Fresh Onion?

Of course! Add your fresh onion into the meat as it is browning. The size of your pieces/amount is up to you.

Desired Liquid?

• This depends on your preference! You can use water, chicken broth (or your favorite broth) or tomato sauce.  Using a broth or tomato sauce, does give you a bit more flavor.  So, if you are using water, you may want to increase your taco seasoning a bit. 
• If you use tomato sauce and the meat seems too thick, you can thin it out with just a smidgen of water.

Taco Seasoning? 

Packaged or homemade both do the trick.  My favorite homemade taco seasoning recipe. 🌮

Storage

• Keep any leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator. It is best used within a week.
• This meat is great for freezing. Let it cool compltely. Then, store it in a freezer safe/covered container or storage bag.  When ready, let it defrost, then, heat it up in skillet before using.

Put Your Taco Meat to Work In:

• Tacos
• Tostadas
• Salads
• Nachos
• Quesadillas
• Casseroles
• Dips

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Easy Taco Meat

One Pot Sloppy Joes

One Pot Sloppy Joes- The classic! Ground beef simmered in a tangy sauce. It's all made up in one pot and can easily be doubled to feed a crowd. 

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 I have shared this recipe in the past and the one question is....is that ketchup amount correct?  The answer?  Yes, it is.   

This is my mom's sloppy joe recipe and just the smell of it in my kitchen transports me back to my childhood.  It's so yummy and goes perfect with a side of plain ole' potato chips!

Ingredients

• Ground beef
• Onion
• Celery
• White vinegar
• Brown sugar
• Lemon juice
• Worcestershire sauce
• Ketchup
• Salt/Pepper

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Can I Use Ground Turkey?

Yes. Your ground beef can easily be replaced with ground turkey. 

Onion and Celery

I like to use fresh versions of both.  I chop them up pretty well, so, I don't have chunks in the sauce. However, you can use dry minced onion or celery salt as a replacement. 

Can This Be Doubled?

Yes! This can easily be doubled. The doubled version will serve about 10-12 people! 

Can I Freeze This?

Again, yes!  Make your sloppy joes as directed and let them cool completely.  Then, store in a freezer safe, covered storage bag or container.  They will be good for 3-6 months. When you are ready, defrost to room temperature, then, reheat in a skillet. 

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One Pot Sloppy Joes

Slow Cooker Easy Sesame Chicken

 Slow Cooker Easy Sesame Chicken- Just 3 ingredients for this flavorful chicken! Serve it with rice, your favorite noodles or as sandwiches! 

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What Are The Three Ingredients?

• Chicken breasts
• Sesame dressing
• Brown sugar

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Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts?

This is sometimes a hot topic when it comes to cooking chicken in the slow cooker.  Personally, I have done it in the past and have never had a problem.  I simply add on about 30 minutes to my cooking time. You will need about 1 to 1.25 lbs of chicken breasts.  This should be 2-3 medium size chicken breasts.

What Kind of Sesame Dressing?

Your favorite! I have used several different brands for this recipe in the past. Right now, our favorite is Restaurant Style Asian Sesame Dressing at Aldi. 

A Note About Sauce

Feel free to increase/decrease your sauce when it comes to your chicken size/amount and preference. 

Serving Ideas

• With Brown or white rice
• With your favorite noodles
• Serve as sandwiches
• Top with sesame seeds
• For little heat, top with crushed red pepper flakes before serving

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Slow Cooker Easy Sesame Chicken

Baked Meatballs

Baked Meatballs- Easy meatballs that are baked right in your oven and are totally versatile!  Goes perfect with a side of pasta, rice, on a sandwich or by themselves.

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These meatballs are my mom's classic recipe.  She made them with ground beef and we usually ate them with pasta and red sauce.  I make them with ground turkey, ground chicken or ground beef. Plus, I serve them on sandwiches, with rice ( & sweet and sour sauce) or in casseroles. 

Ingredients Needed:

• Ground turkey
• Bread crumbs
• Eggs
• Milk
• Parsley + Minced garlic
• Grated Parmesan cheese

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Do I Have to Use Ground Turkey?

Nope. This recipe will also work for ground beef, ground chicken or ground pork.  With that said, ground turkey has less fat than these previous mention meats. So, you may need to cut back your baking time by just a minute or two. 

Can I Freeze These?

Yes.  Let them cool completely. Then, store in a freezer safe/covered container or storage bag. They will be good for 2-3 months. 

Serving Ideas:

These go great with the traditional red sauce and pasta. However, they will also go great on sandwiches, served with rice or potatoes, served with Alfredo sauce, with BBQ or just plain. They are also perfect for lunch! 

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Baked Meatballs

Ham and Cheddar Scramble

Ham and Cheddar Scramble- Start your day off right! A hearty dish of scrambled eggs, diced ham and sharp cheddar cheese is the perfect way to do it. Delicious and packed full of protein. 

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While my mom was the total foodie in the family, my dad did a bit of cooking.  Mom handled desserts and dinner, and my dad made weekend breakfasts.  His go-to scrambled eggs were packed full of ham and cheese and were always made perfect.

He never had an official "recipe" for his eggs, but, I did develop this as my own recipe once I started cooking for myself. 

These are perfect for breakfast, brunch or dinner! 

Ingredients

• Eggs
• Milk
• Sharp cheddar cheese
• Deli ham
• Dried spices:  salt, pepper, onion powder
• Butter

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Can I Adjust This Recipe Easily?

Yes, of course! If desired, this recipe can be easily increased or decreased to fit your preference. 

Cheese

I love a good sharp cheddar cheese in my eggs, but, actually, any flavor will work.  I do recommend using shredded cheese ( either pre-made shredded or shredded by you), as it will melt easier and quicker.

How Long Should I Cook My Eggs?

Anywhere from 3-5 minutes.  This will depend on how you like your scrambled eggs.  If you like your eggs softer, cook them for a shorter time.  If you like them firmer, cook them longer. 

The Most Important Thing About Cooking Scrambled Eggs!

For the best eggs, cook them on low.  Cooking your eggs on high heat could dry them out and give you some not-so-great-tasting scrambled eggs.

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Ham and Cheddar Scramble

One Pot Pasta with Meat Sauce

One Pot Pasta with Meat Sauce- Have dinner on the table in no time at all! Pasta, cheese, sauce and ground beef make up this easy dish. 

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Ingredients Needed

• Ground beef
• Dried spices: onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, salt and pepper
• Penne pasta
• Spaghetti sauce
• Chicken broth 
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese

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Can I Use Another Type of Pasta?

Yes. I either use penne pasta or rotini for this dish. It's smaller in size and cooks up quick.  Stick with something similar in size for the recipe to work. Keep in mind, it will need to be dry pasta.

Pasta Sauce

Use your favorite jarred version, make it homemade or you can also use a 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes.  They will all work! 

Can I Use Another Type of Protein?

Of course!  If you don't like ground beef, go with ground turkey, ground chicken, crumble Italian sausage or a meatless crumble option.

Chicken Broth

None on hand?  It can be replaced with water.

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One Pot Pasta with Meat Sauce

Skillet Cheddar Ranch Chicken

 Skillet Cheddar Ranch Chicken - Moist chicken that is coated with ranch dressing, covered with a crunchy breading and topped with melted cheddar cheese.  Add this to your dinner rotation pronto! 

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Ingredients Needed

• Chicken breasts
• Ranch dressing
• Bread crumbs
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Dried spices: onion, garlic, salt and pepper

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Can I Bake This in The Oven Instead?

Yes. Bread the chicken as noted in the recipe. Then, bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 30-40 minutes. 

Chicken Breasts

I used 4 small size chicken breasts. Stick with 3-4 breasts for the recipe to work.

Cooking Time

Cooking time may vary, depending on the size/thickness of your chicken breasts. Be sure the internal temperature of your chicken is at least 165 degrees before serving.

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Skillet Cheddar Ranch Chicken

Mini Meatloaves

Mini Meatloaves- The classic comfort food made in a mini version. They come together quickly and making them smaller cuts your cooking time in half. Serve them a side of your favorite creamy mashed potatoes to finish off your dinner.

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My mom made meatloaf all the time when I was growing up. I am assuming this is because ground meat wasn't very expensive, she could feed a bunch of people (there was seven of us) and it was quick to toss together.

Now, I found out just a few years before my mom died, that she actually hated meatloaf! She made it frequently, because of the above reasons, plus, my dad liked it.  He was the head of the household and that, my friends, is how she cooked.  🤷

My husband loves meatloaf and I make it for that reason, but, plus, me and the kids really like it too. The only difference is that mine are usually in these mini versions.

Cuts back on cooking time and honestly, they are fun. 

Ingredients Needed

• Ground beef
• Bread crumbs
• Egg
• Minced onion
• Ketchup

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Recipe Notes:

• Do not over-mix your meat mixture. Simply mix until everything until it is combined well. Over mixing can give you a tough meatloaf.

• Not a fan of ketchup? It can be replaced with your favorite BBQ sauce.

• The internal temperature of your meat should be at least 160 degrees when done.

• The mini meatloaves pictured are topped with mashed potatoes. Nothing fancy about them ( they are actually made from potato flakes!). I piped them with a 1M piping tip.
• This recipe should make you anywhere from 10-12 mini meatloaves, depending on the size. 

Can I Bake This in A Loaf Pan Instead?

Of course!  In a 9-10 inch loaf pan, bake it for 50-60 minutes at 350 degrees. 

Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead?

Yes! Ground beef and ground turkey will both work fine for these. However, ground turkey has less fat content than ground beef. So, cut your cooking time back just a few minutes. This will help the meatloaves stay moist and not dry out.

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Mini Meatloaves

Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken- Moist, flavorful chicken that only needs a handful of simple ingredients to make.  Serve it with your favorite starchy side and call it dinner. 

This chicken?  Soooo good.

This chicken? Soooo simple.

Ingredients Needed

• Chicken breasts
• Mayonnaise
• Bread crumbs
• Parmesan cheese
• Dried spices: onion, garlic, black pepper

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Recipe Notes

Chicken

This can be easily cut back or doubled to fit your serving size.   I usually make about 1 pound of chicken breasts or about 4 medium size breasts. 

Can I Use Any Type of Mayonnaise?

Yes.  I have used regular mayo, vegan mayo, mayo made with olive oil, homemade mayo and low fat.  They all work! Note, I have not used Miracle Whip or something similar, so, I can't say for sure how it would work out. If you do, please let me know. 👍

Parmesan Cheese

You can use fresh or grated. Go with your favorite!

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Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Baked Spaghetti

 Baked Spaghetti-  A delicious and easy dish filled with cooked spaghetti noodles, spaghetti sauce, cheese and Italian sausage. Pair it with garlic bread or a side salad to round out your meal.

Much like Three Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies, this recipe has been in my recipe archives for a really long time.  Honestly, I can't remember who gave it to me, but, it is, like the cookies, a family favorite. 

It can be adapted to your own taste preference and be ready in a snap.

Ingredients Needed

• Spaghetti
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Italian sausage
• Spaghetti sauce
• Egg

Recipe Notes

What Kind of Spaghetti Should I Use?

Any kind.  Yes, any kind  You can use regular spaghetti, whole wheat or a gluten free version.  I have used them all with this recipe and they all work great.  You will be baking your spaghetti after it's already cooked, so, simply follow the directions on your preferred pasta box. 

💡Tip:  If you have leftover, plain, cooked spaghetti in your fridge...this is a great way to make use of it. 

Why Do I Rinse The Pasta in Cold Water?

This will stop the cooking process of the pasta and will help prevent your spaghetti from being mushy or overcooked.  

Can I Use A Different Protein?

Yes.  Instead of Italian sausage, you can use ground turkey, ground beef or a meatless crumble option.  You can also omit the protein/meat altogether.  It's delicious either way. 😉

Storage

Keep any leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator. 

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Baked Spaghetti

Italian Sausage Manicotti

Italian Sausage Manicotti- The classic pasta dish with a handy shortcut! Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this dish combines mozzarella cheese, manicotti shells and zesty Italian sausage for a satisfying meal that will leave everyone at the table craving for more.

Manicotti is something my mom made quite a bit.  However, her version seemed to take her all afternoon to make.  While it was delicious, I just didn't have the patience to make the traditional manicotti.  Plus, my family are not a fan of ricotta cheese.  

So, I omit it and use mozzarella string cheese as a quick and easy shortcut!

Ingredients Needed

• Manicotti shells
• Italian sausage (spicy or mild) 
• Crushed tomatoes
• Tomato paste
• Dried Spices: garlic, onion, basil, oregano, salt & pepper
• Mozzarella string cheese
• Shredded Italian blend cheese

Recipe Notes & Tips

String Cheese?

Yep.  See an example here. 

Do I Have to Use Italian Sausage?

No. If desired, you can use ground beef, ground turkey or a meatless option.  You can also omit a protein all together and only use the sauce. 

Can I Freeze This?

Yes.  If desired, you can freeze this before baking.  Simply prepare as noted in the recipe, with the exception of the shredded cheese topping  ( use a freezer safe baking dish!) and cover tightly with foil or a lid.  Place in the freezer for future use.  It will be good for a couple of months.  When you are ready to eat, defrost it to room temp and bake as noted in the recipe.  If you bake it while it is still frozen or even partially frozen, you will have to increase your baking time.  

Tips

• After making/draining your manicotti shells, do your best to space the cooked shells apart from each other.  After making, they can stick together easily. 
• Want to split up your recipe? You can divide this into 2- 8 or 9 inch baking pans.  Eat one for dinner and freeze the other pan for a future dinner.  See above for freezing instructions. 

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Italian Sausage Manicotti