Easy Beef & Veggie Skillet

2 tbsp olive oil {or any oil you like}

1 large onion, peeled and diced small

1 lb ground beef {or ground turkey!}

Salt and pepper to taste

2 cloves of garlic, peeled and minced

1/4 tsp basil. {if using fresh, 2-3 leaves.}

3 carrots, peeled and sliced

3 red potatoes, washed and sliced {could use sweet potato}

1/2 cup water

1 zucchini, washed and sliced

1 yellow squash, washed and sliced

1 handful spinach, de-stemmed and diced

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In a large skillet, sauté onions in olive oil. Add hamburger and brown about 4 minutes. 

Add garlic, spices, carrots, potatoes and water. 

Cover and cook about 7 mins, then add other veggies and recover. 

Cook till carrots are tender. 

Skinny Beef Casserole

1-2 tbsp olive oil

1 lb ground sirloin {or the leanest ground beef you can get}

Salt and pepper to taste

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 tbsp taco seasoning

1/4 tsp basil

1/4 tsp oregano

1 medium onion, diced

1/2 red pepper, diced

1/2 green pepper, diced 

1-15 oz can tomato sauce

1 small bag mixed veggies {the kind with corn, green beans, peas and carrots}

1/2 lb whole wheat egg noodles, cooked 

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Brown hamburger with garlic, seasonings and veggies in oil. 

When hamburger is browned and veggies are tender, add tomato sauce and cooked noodles. 

Minestrone

1 lb hamburger

3 cans diced tomatoes {or 2 qts bottled tomatoes}

1 can green beans, drained 

2 cans of corn, NOT drained

2 cups diced up zucchini 

2 cups {dry} small shells

1 tsp basil

1/2 tsp oregano

Salt, pepper, and garlic salt to taste

1 pkg onion soup mix 
1-2 tsp beef bullion {or 1-2 cubes} 

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce 

4-6 cups of water {depending on desired thickness of soup}

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Brown hamburger with seasonings. 

Add everything else and stir occasionally till boiling. 

Turn down to low and simmer with lid on for 10-12 minutes. 

Enjoy!
{you can also use one can of red beans}

Stroganoff {poor mans stroganoff revamped.}

I have always used the same stroganoff recipe but have never loved it. It just lacked a little flavor. So the last few times I've made it I have played with the recipe. I came up with something I will definitely use from now on!

1 lb hamburger
1 onion, diced small
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp basil
2 garlic cloves
1 bag egg noodles
2 tsp Beef bouillon
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 cup sour cream
1 cup reserved noodle water
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Boil noodles according to directions along with 1 tsp beef bouillon added to water.
Brown hamburger with onion, salt and pepper, basil, and garlic.
Once hamburger is browned, add cream of mushroom soup and 1 tsp. beef bouillon, sour cream, and noodle water.
Stir in cooked noodles.

Knock-off Wendy's Chili

2 lbs extra lean hamburger
3 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, diced
1 green pepper, diced {green pepper is a must!}
2 cans kidney beans, drained
2 cans petite diced tomatoes
1 small can tomato sauce
1/2 tsp basil
1/8 tsp garlic salt
1/8 tsp onion salt
2-3 dashes of cumin {optional}
1 tsp cinnamon
4 tbsp brown sugar
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In a large pot, cook onion and green pepper in oil for 2-3 minutes.
Add hamburger and cook till almost done.
Add beans, tomatoes, tomato sauce and all spices except cinnamon and brown sugar.
Simmer for 10 minutes with lid on.
Add cinnamon and brown sugar.
Mix well.
Continue to simmer with lid on for another 10 minutes.
Serve with cheese and sour cream.
{great on baked potatoes!}

The Man Salad {girls like it too}

2 cans refried beans
1 lb hamburger
1 pkg taco seasoning
1 can olives, sliced
1 jar salsa
2 cups cheddar cheese
3 med. tomatoes, diced
1 head of lettuce, chopped
sour cream

Tostada salad bowls
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Spread refried beans in a 9X13 baking dish.
Brown hamburger and taco seaoning together; layer over refried beans.
Slice olives and spread over hamburger.
Pour salsa over olives.
Top all with cheese.
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Bake in oven at 350.
20-25 minutes.
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Serve a good sized portion into individual tostada bowls.

Top with desired amount of lettuce, tomatoes, guacamole and sour cream.

{You can add any toppings that you would like!}

{If you want a dressing, you can use reagular ranch or try this yummy tomatillo ranch. To try, click here: Tomatillo Ranch Dressing }

Ground Beef Taco Supreme

I love Taco's but don't really like the flavor of taco seasoning.I found this recipe in in the Family Circle mag and can't wait to try this one.
I LOVE that it uses individual spices instead of a spice packet full of MSG!
If you try it, let me know how it tastes!

1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef

2 Tbsp. onion flakes

1 Tbsp. chili powder
1 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. ground cumin
1/4 tsp. black pepper
3 Tbsp. tomato paste
1/3 cup water
1 pkg. hard taco shells
Shredded lettuce, diced tomato, grated pepper jack cheese (or whatever kind of cheese you like) and sour cream.
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Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Brown beef for 5 minutes.
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Add onion flakes, chili powder, garlic, salt, cumin and pepper.
Cook 3 minutes.
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Whisk tomato paste and water together.
Add to skillet and cook for 2 minutes, until thickened.
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Heat taco shells in microwave for 45 seconds.
Spoon ground beef filling into taco shells and serve with whatever toppings you prefer.

Salisbury Steak

1 lb. Hamburger

1/3 cup bread crumbs

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

1 egg

1 small onion, sliced

1 can sliced mushrooms {optional}

1 can beef broth

1 packets brown gravy mix

1 cup water

1 can cream of mushroom soup

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Mix first 5 ingredients together with hands and shape into patties about 3/4 an inch thick.

Cook patties in a skillet on medium, turning once until browned.

Put onions on top of the browned patties. {and mushrooms if using}

Mix the rest of the ingredients in a small bowl and pour over onions and patties.

Turn burner down to low and simmer until hamburger is cooked through.

Serve with mashed potatoes and a yummy veggie.

Cool Ranch Taco Salad

1 lb. hamburger

1 pkg. taco seasoning

1/4 cup water

1 bag cool ranch Doritos

1 head lettuce, chopped

2 cups cheddar cheese, grated

salsa

ranch dressing

.

{other ideas:}

beans

olives

tomatoes

green onions

sour cream

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Brown hamburger and taco seasoning together with water.

On a plate layer:

Doritos, taco meat, cheese lettuce, salsa and then ranch.

Enjoy!

Tater Tot Casserole

1 lb. hamburger
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup milk
1 small bag peas and carrots {or any bag of mixed veggies}
3 cups Tator Tots
2 cups cheddar cheese
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Brown hamburger with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Drain fat and spread meat in casserole dish.
Layer veggies on meat.
Mix soup and milk together and spoon evenly over veggies.
Spread Tater Tots on top.
Sprinkle with cheese.
Bake at 400 for 20-25 minutes.

Easy Hamburger Casserole

1 1/2-2 lbs. hamburger

Salt and pepper to taste

1 medium onion, thinly sliced

3 large carrots, peeled and thinly sliced

4 large potatoes, peeled and sliced

2 cans cream of mushroom soup

1/4 cup of milk

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Brown hamburger till almost cooked; salt and pepper to taste.

Layer in the bottom of a 9X13 baking dish.

Then layer onion, carrots, and potatoes.

Mix cream of mushroom soup and milk together and pour over the top af potatoes.

Cover with tin foil and bake at 350 for 1 1/2 hours.

{Could be done in crock pot on low for 4-6 hours, or until carrots are tender.}

Grandma Belle's Spaghetti

I love this spaghetti.
My mother fixed it for her kids and her mother fixed it for her.
It has good memories attached to it but it is also VERY good!

1 lb. {16oz.} spaghetti, cooked and drained
1 lb. lean hamburger

1 green pepper, chopped
1 med. onion, chopped
1 can corn, drained
1 can cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
1 can tomato soup + 1 can water
1 quart tomatoes {or 2 cans diced tomatoes + 1 can of water}
1/4 C. sugar
1 T. chili powder
½ t. oregano
onion salt, salt and pepper to taste

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Cook spaghetti according to directions.

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While noodles are cooking, brown hamburger with green pepper and onion in a large pot or kettle.

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Add all other ingredients and simmer together for 10 minutes on low.

Add in spaghetti noodles and mix well.

Taco Ring

2 pkg. crescent rolls
1 lb. ground beef
1 pkg. taco seasoning
1/4 cup water
cheddar cheese, shredded
lettuce
tomato
sour cream
olives
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Lay crescent rolls out on a round cooking stone {or pizza pan}, long point out, over lapping each other.
Cook ground beef and taco seasoning together until browned.
Add water and mix in. 
Spoon over dough, around the ring in the center.
Pull the points of the dough to the center and tuck it into the dough, forming a wreath shape.
Cook at 350 degrees for 20 min.
Garnish with lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, olives, and cheese.
{You can also use ranch, salsa, green onions, or any other topping that sounds good to you!}

Taco Casserole

1 lb hamburger

1 small onion

Salt & pepper to taste

1 cup salsa

1 cup mayonnaise

1 tsp chili powder

Taco chips {corn tortillas work to}

Shredded cheese

Shredded lettuce

Sliced black olives

Green onions, chopped

Diced tomatoes
Sour cream

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Brown hamburger with onion; add salt & pepper.

Add salsa, mayonnaise and chili powder.

In 9X13 pan, layer chips, meat and cheese.

Bake at 350° for 20 minutes only.

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Top with lettuce, olives, green onion, tomatoes, shredded cheese, and sour cream.

Nacho Plate

2 cans refried beans
1 lb hamburger
1 pkg taco seasoning
1 can olives, sliced
1 jar salsa
2 cups cheddar cheese

tomatoes, diced
lettuce, chopped
sour cream
chips

Spread refried beans in a 9X13 baking dish.
Brown hamburger and taco seaoning together; layer over refried beans.
Slice olives and spread over hamburger.
Pour salsa over olives.
Top all with cheese.

Bake in oven at 350.
20-25 minutes.

Serve onto individual plates and top with tomatoes, lettuce and sour cream.
Eat with chips.

Pot of Gold

(will post picture soon)

I got this recipe along time ago from one of my best friends mother.
It is yummy and warms the soul.
Thanks, Cleola!

1 ½ lb. hamburger, browned
1 onion, chopped
1 can tomato soup
1 can tomato sauce
1 can creamed corn
1 c. sliced olives
3 c. shredded cheese
4 c. cooked noodles

Brown hamburger and onion.
Add soup, tomato sauce, corn and olives.
Stir in noodles and 2 c. cheese.
Put in casserole dish.
Top with remaining cup of cheese.
Bake til bubbly, about 20 minutes.

Itallian Rigatoni

1 ½ lb. ground beef
small can of sliced mushrooms, drained
½ c. onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 T. parsley, chopped
1 t. pepper
½ t. oregano leaves, hand pulverized
1/4 t. sweet basil leaves, hand pulverized
1 qt. tomatoes
2/3 c. tomato paste
1 - 8 oz. pkg. Rigatoni (cook 14-16 minutes in salted, boiling water)
Parmesan cheese

Brown ground beef til almost done.

Add mushrooms, onion and garlic.

Cook til onion is tender.

Drain excess fat.

Stir in remaining ingredients except pasta.

Bring to boil and reduce heat.
Simmer 30 minutes.

Cook pasta in salted, boiling water 14-16 minutes, then add to meat sauce.
Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on each serving when served.

Dinner In A Pumpkin

1 pumpkin {3-4 pounds}

2 Tbsp butter, melted

Vegetable oil

1 Lb. hamburger

1/2 cup celery, chopped

1/2 cup onion, chopped

2 cups cooked rice

2 cans cream of chicken soup

4 oz. sliced muchrooms, drained {optional}

1/4 cup soy sauce

2 Tbsp brown suger

1/4 cup green pepper, diced

Cut a 3" circle around the stem of the pumpkin.

Remove seeds and pulp, discard.

Brush inside of pumpkin with butter.

Brush outside of punpkin with oil.

Brown hamburger.

Stir in celery, onion, and green pepper.

Simmer on low for 10 min.

Add cooked rice, soup, mushrooms, soy sauce, and brown suger.

Spoon misture into the pumpkin and place in center of a greased cookie sheet.

Replace pumpkin top.

Bake at 375 for 1 1/2 - 2 hours or till pumpkin is tender.

Pre Trick-Or-Treating Hamburger Soup

Because of all of the junk food that kids eat while trick-or-treating {and after} I like to start the night off with hamburger soup!
It is the perfect meal for Halloween!
The other thing I like to do is dinner in a pumpkin!
I'll post that later...

1 lb. hamburger
3-4 small potatoes, cubed
3 med. carrots, sliced
3-4 celery stalks, diced
1 can corn
1 can green beans or 1/2 bag of peas
2 cans diced tomatoes

1 clove garlic, minced
1 t. Worcestershire sauce

1 pkg onion soup mix

salt and pepper to taste

basil and oregano to taste

Water

Brown meat.

Add tomatoes, seasonings and Worcestershire.

Add all vegetables and enough water to desired thickness.

Simmer in pot till potatoes and carrots are tender.

{At this point, if desired, you can add small shells or macaroni noodles.}

Best Ever Lasagne

by Norene Mackley
{this is the lasagna that my Mom made for us as kids. To this day, it is the best Lasagna I have ever tasted. It is definitely a must try!}


1 ½ lb. hamburger
1 onion, chopped
Brown together and drain grease then add:

1 qt. whole tomatoes
1 - 12 oz. can tomato paste
1 T. sugar
1 ½ t. salt
½ t. oregano leaves, pulverized
½ t. thyme, pulverized
1/4 t. garlic salt
1 bay leaf (discard at end of simmering time)
Simmer above ingredients 30 minutes.

10 oz. pkg. DeBoyles Jerusalem Artichoke Lasagna noodles (or other regular lasagna noodles)
While sauce simmers cook lasagna noodles in salted boiling water.

2 eggs
1 - 16 oz. carton ricotta or cottage cheese
1 - 16 oz. pkg. mozzarella cheese, grated
In small bowl beat eggs, stir in cottage cheese and Mozzarella cheese.

Put following layers in large rectangular baking dish:

½ of lasagna noodles
½ of cheese mixture
½ of tomato sauce mixture
Repeat layers.

Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.

Remove from oven.

Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.