Besides being Meatless Monday, it's also Double-Post Monday. Today's double post includes Classic Chicken Pot Pie, Chicken Marsala, and Spicy Portuguese Beef Steak Kabobs. Ladies and Gentlemen, start your taste buds! Enjoy!
BARBECUE LASAGNA
This is one of the yummy recipes from a long-since-forgotten emailing list that my son was on for a few years. Makes 8 servings.
Ingredients
1-1/2 pounds ground beef
1 cup ketchup
1 medium green pepper, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon prepared mustard
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/8 teaspoon chili powder
1/8 teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning
6 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Colby or mild cheddar cheese
1 cup (8 ounces) small-curd cottage cheese
1 egg
Directions
In a skillet, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. For barbecue sauce, combine the next 13 ingredients in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes.
Spread about 1/4 cup barbecue sauce in a greased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking dish. Layer with three noodles and half of the beef.
Spread with half of the remaining barbecue sauce; sprinkle with half of the mozzarella, cheddar and Colby cheeses. Repeat layers.
Combine cottage cheese and egg; spoon evenly over the top. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 50-60 minutes or until lightly browned. Let stand for about 10 minutes before cutting.
MEAT LOAF
This is from Ina Garten on the Food Network. Cook Time: 1 hour 25 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes; Makes 6 servings; Level: Easy
To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/meat-loaf-recipe-1921718.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon good olive oil
3 cups chopped yellow onions (3 onions)
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1/3 cup canned chicken stock or broth
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 1/2 pounds ground chuck (81 percent lean)
1/2 cup plain dry bread crumbs (recommended: Progresso)
2 extra-large eggs, beaten
1/2 cup ketchup (recommended: Heinz)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
Heat the olive oil in a medium saute pan. Add the onions, thyme, salt, and pepper and cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, for 8 to 10 minutes, until the onions are translucent but not brown. Off the heat, add the Worcestershire sauce, chicken stock, and tomato paste. Allow to cool slightly.
In a large bowl, combine the ground chuck, onion mixture, bread crumbs, and eggs, and mix lightly with a fork. Don't mash or the meat loaf will be dense. Shape the mixture into a rectangular loaf on a sheet pan covered with parchment paper. Spread the ketchup evenly on top. Bake for 1 to 1-1/4 hours, until the internal temperature is 160 degrees F and the meat loaf is cooked through. (A pan of hot water in the oven, under the meat loaf, will keep the top from cracking.) Serve hot.
ROASTED CARROTS AND PARSNIPS
This was in the November/December 2010 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 50. It begins, "Whole sage leaves and thyme sprigs are tossed with carrots and parsnips to add aromatic flavor as they roast." Makes 8 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/roasted-carrots-and-parsnips/.
Ingredients
3-4 carrots, cut diagonally into 1/2-inch-thick slices (2 1/2 cups)
3-4 parsnips, peeled and cut diagonally into 1/2-inch-thick slices (2 1/2 cups)
1-1/2 Tbs. olive oil
8 fresh sage leaves
6 thyme sprigs
Preparation
Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss together all ingredients in large baking dish, and season with salt and pepper, if desired. Roast 15 minutes, then shake dish to loosen vegetables. Roast 15 minutes more, then shake again, and roast 10 minutes more, or until tender.
CHICKEN MARSALA
This is from Tyler Florence on the Food Network.
Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes; Yield: 4 servings; Level: Easy
To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/tyler-florence/chicken-marsala-recipe-1951778.
Ingredients
4 skinless, boneless, chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 pounds)
All-purpose flour, for dredging
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
4 ounces prosciutto, thinly sliced
8 ounces crimini or porcini mushrooms, stemmed and halved
1/2 cup sweet Marsala wine
1/2 cup chicken stock
2 tablespoon unsalted butter
1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
Directions
Put the chicken breasts side by side on a cutting board and lay a piece of plastic wrap over them; pound with a flat meat mallet, until they are about 1/4-inch thick. Put some flour in a shallow platter and season with a fair amount of salt and pepper; mix with a fork to distribute evenly.
Heat the oil over medium-high flame in a large skillet. When the oil is nice and hot, dredge both sides of the chicken cutlets in the seasoned flour, shaking off the excess. Slip the cutlets into the pan and fry for 5 minutes on each side until golden, turning once – do this in batches if the pieces don't fit comfortably in the pan. Remove the chicken to a large platter in a single layer to keep warm.
Lower the heat to medium and add the prosciutto to the drippings in the pan, saute for 1 minute to render out some of the fat. Now, add the mushrooms and saute until they are nicely browned and their moisture has evaporated, about 5 minutes; season with salt and pepper. Pour the Marsala in the pan and boil down for a few seconds to cook out the alcohol. Add the chicken stock and simmer for a minute to reduce the sauce slightly. Stir in the butter and return the chicken to the pan; simmer gently for 1 minute to heat the chicken through. Season with salt and pepper and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
SPICY PORTUGUESE BEEF STEAK KABOBS
Recipe Yield: Yield: 6 servings
Source: The Beef Checkoff
View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/spicy-portuguese-beef-steak-kabobs.
Ingredients
1-1/2 pounds boneless beef top sirloin steak, cut 1-1/4 inches thick
1 large red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
Seasoning:
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons hot pepper sauce
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)
Directions
Cut beef steak into 1-1/4-inch pieces. Combine seasoning ingredients in medium bowl. Add beef; toss.
Alternately thread beef and bell pepper onto six 10-inch metal skewers
Place kabobs on grid over medium, ash-covered coals.
Grill, covered, 8 to 10 minutes (over medium heat on preheated gas grill, 9 to 11 minutes) for medium rare (145F) to medium (160F) doneness, turning once.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 214; Fat: 11 g; Sodium: 98 mg; Cholesterol: 76 mg; Protein: 26 g; Carbohydrates: 2 g
CLASSIC CHICKEN POT PIE
This is from Diana Rattray on the Spruce Eats. Diana wrote, "Our classic chicken pot pie is loaded with tender chunks of chicken and vegetables in a thick, creamy gravy. A double crust makes the chicken pie satisfying and filling—make a homemade, buttery crust from scratch or make it even easier with convenient store-bought refrigerated crusts. Whichever option you choose, you will fall in love with this comforting pot pie.
"Feel free to customize this pie to suit your family's tastes. Add some celery or potatoes to the pie or cut back on the vegetables and add extra chicken. Or replace the fresh chicken breasts with leftover cooked chicken or turkey. Fresh herbs are another excellent option. Fresh or dried thyme is called for, but you may want to use a mixture of herbs. Chives, sage, and rosemary are some great alternatives.
"Serve chicken pot pie with a salad or fresh vegetables on the side. Sliced tomatoes and cucumbers make an excellent side dish with the pie, or you might serve it with a mound of freshly made coleslaw. Or serve the chicken pie with a cooked vegetable, such as green beans with bacon, a simple dish of sautéed asparagus with lemon, or roasted Brussels sprouts."
Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 74 minutes; Cooling Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 104 minutes; Makes 8 servings; Yield: 1 pie
To view this online, go to https://www.thespruceeats.com/chicken-pot-pie-with-herbs-3053112.
Ingredients
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
1-1/2 cups diced carrots
1/2 cup diced onion
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch dice
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1-3/4 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
2 teaspoons fresh thyme, or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
2 (9-inch) homemade or store-bought pie crusts, divided
1 large egg, optional
Directions
Gather the ingredients.
Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat to 400 F.
Melt the butter in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the carrots, onion, and chicken, and cook, stirring until the chicken is mostly cooked through and the vegetables begin to soften, about 10 minutes.
Add the flour and continue stirring until the mixture is well combined, about 1 minute.
Add the chicken broth and cook, stirring frequently until well combined, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the cream, peas, parsley, and thyme. Add salt and pepper, adjusting the seasoning to your liking. Let the filling cool slightly.
Line a 9-inch pie plate with 1 sheet of pie crust.
Add the filling mixture, smoothing it out evenly in the dish.
Top with the remaining pie crust. Trim the pastry and crimp the edge as desired. Cut a few vents in the top of the crust to allow steam to escape. If desired, mix the egg with 1 tablespoon water and brush the egg wash over the top crust.
Place the prepared pie on a baking sheet and transfer to the oven. Bake until the crust is golden brown, and the filling begins bubbling up through the vents, 35 to 45 minutes. Cool the pie on a rack before slicing and serving, about 10 minutes.
Glass Bakeware Warning
Do not use glass bakeware when broiling, or when a recipe calls for adding liquid to a hot pan, as glass may explode. Place a glass pie plate on an unheated baking sheet before placing the pie in the oven. Even if it states oven safe or heat resistant, tempered glass products can, and do, break occasionally.
Tips
To save time on baking day, prepare the filling and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When it's time to bake, gently heat the filling until warm, fill the crust, and bake as directed.
To avoid a soggy bottom, you may blind-bake or par-bake the untrimmed bottom crust. Fill, trim, and then top with the remaining crust. Tuck it under the trimmed bottom crust and crimp or flute as desired.
To keep the edges of your crust from getting too brown, cover with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
How to Make Ahead and Freeze Unbaked Pot Pie
To Freeze: Prepare the pot pie in a metal or foil pie pan, but do not add an egg wash. Wrap the pie tightly in foil and place it in the freezer.
To Bake From Frozen: Cover the frozen pie with a sheet of foil and bake at 400 F for 30 minutes. Remove the foil—apply an egg wash, if desired—and continue baking for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
To Defrost, Then Bake: Place the frozen pie in the refrigerator and let it thaw for about 24 hours. Cover the pie with foil and bake it at 400 F for 20 minutes. Remove the foil—apply an egg wash, if desired—and continue to bake for about 25 to 35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
Recipe Variations
Swap out 1/2 cup of the diced carrots with diced or sliced celery.
Make the pie with leftover turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken.
Swap about 1/4 to 1/3 of the chicken with diced ham for a chicken and ham pie.
If you aren't a fan of peas, use thawed frozen cut green beans instead.
How to Store and Freeze
To store leftover chicken pot pie, simply cover tightly with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator, where it will keep for three to five days. You can also freeze cooked chicken pot pie for up to six months.
What temperature should chicken pot pie be cooked to?
Use a food thermometer to check that the filling is thoroughly cooked; it should register at least 165 F when inserted into the center of the pie. This goes for leftovers as well.
What is the difference between chicken pie and chicken pot pie?
While there's no definitive difference between the two terms, some believe a pot pie is made with a top crust, and some think a chicken pie is made with more chicken and fewer vegetables.
Monday, May 18, 2026
Meatless Monday
Here we are, half-way through May; where does the time go? Wasn't January just last week?
And since it's Monday, it's time for another Meatless Monday. Today's vegetarian recipes include Make-Ahead Creamy Spinach Lasagna and Penne With Roasted Cherry Tomatoes. Enjoy!
TOFU-SPINACH LASAGNA
This is from PETA's website. Whether you like PETA or not, they do have good vegetarian recipes. This one makes 6 to 8 servings, and can be viewed online at https://www.peta.org/recipes/tofu-spinach-lasagne/.
Ingredients
1/2 lb. lasagna noodles
2 10-oz. packages frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
1 lb. soft tofu
1 lb. firm tofu
1 Tbsp. sugar
1/4 cup soy milk
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
2 Tbsp. lemon juice
3 tsp. minced fresh basil
2 tsp. salt
4 cups tomato sauce
Instructions
Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Squeeze the spinach as dry as possible and set aside.
Place the tofu, sugar, soy milk, garlic powder, lemon juice, basil, and salt in a food processor or blender and blend until smooth. Stir in the spinach.
Cover the bottom of a 9-inch-by-13-inch baking dish with a thin layer of tomato sauce, then a layer of noodles (use about one-third of the noodles). Follow with half of the tofu filling. Continue in the same order, using half of the remaining tomato sauce and noodles and all of the remaining tofu filling. End with the remaining noodles, covered by the remaining tomato sauce. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes.
MAKE-AHEAD CREAMY SPINACH LASAGNA
This comes from Betty Crocker, and begins, "Whether you have a dinner party on the horizon or just need to plan out a week’s worth of meals, this creamy, veggie-filled lasagna deserves a spot in your freezer. Its flavor is downright impressive, but only you need to know how simple it is to prepare!"
Prep Time: 50 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes; Servings: 8
To view this online, go to https://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/make-ahead-creamy-spinach-lasagna/7beea4bf-5309-4e52-83b3-d204245db470.
Ingredients
3 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour
2 cups Progresso™ vegetable broth (from 32-oz carton)
1-1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 packages (8 oz each) sliced mushrooms
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 bags (5 oz each) baby spinach
1 container (15 oz) whole-milk ricotta cheese
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (12 oz)
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (3 oz)
1 egg
1/4 teaspoon pepper
12 oven-ready no-boil lasagna noodles
Directions
Heat oven to 400°F. In 2-quart saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour with whisk; cook and stir 2 minutes. Slowly beat in broth, whipping cream, 3/4 teaspoon of the salt and the nutmeg with whisk. Increase heat to medium-high; heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Reduce heat; simmer 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Remove from heat.
In 12-inch nonstick skillet, heat oil over high heat. Add mushrooms; cook 6 to 8 minutes, stirring frequently, until browned and any liquid from mushrooms has evaporated. Reduce heat to medium. Add garlic; cook and stir 1 minute. Gradually add spinach, stirring constantly, and cook until wilted. Remove from heat. Stir in 2 1/4 cups of the cream sauce. Reserve remaining sauce.
In medium bowl, mix ricotta cheese, 2 cups of the mozzarella cheese, the Parmesan cheese, egg, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and the pepper.
To assemble: Spray 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray. Spoon 3/4 cup of the sauce into bottom of baking dish. Top with 3 of the lasagna noodles in single layer. Evenly top with 1 cup of the cheese filling and 1-1/3 cups of the spinach mixture. Repeat layers twice, starting with noodles and ending with spinach mixture. For final layer, top with 3 noodles; pour remaining 3/4 cup sauce over top, and sprinkle with remaining 1 cup mozzarella cheese. Cover with foil; bake 20 minutes. Remove foil; bake 20 to 25 minutes or until heated through (165°F in center), bubbly and lightly browned. Let stand 15 minutes before cutting.
To freeze: Line 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with foil, making sure foil is as smooth as possible, as wrinkled foil may get stuck in sauce during freezing process. Leave enough overhang to be able to lift assembled lasagna out of dish.
Spray foil with cooking spray. Cover and refrigerate sauce and spinach mixture 30 to 40 minutes before making cheese filling and assembling lasagna. Stir 2 1/4 cups cream sauce into spinach mixture. Assemble lasagna in dish as directed; cover tightly with another layer of foil. Freeze unbaked lasagna about 8 hours or until completely frozen. Transfer frozen lasagna to labeled 2-gallon resealable freezer plastic bag. Remove air; seal and freeze up to three months. To bake: Remove foil, and transfer to 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish sprayed with cooking spray. Cover and thaw in refrigerator until completely thawed, at least 48 hours. Heat oven to 400°F. Cover with foil and bake 20 minutes; remove foil. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until heated through (165°F in center), bubbly and lightly browned. Let stand 15 minutes before cutting.
Expert Tips
We used white button mushrooms for this recipe, but if you want a stronger mushroom flavor, try cremini mushrooms.
Using oven-ready lasagna noodles saves time and steps in preparing this dish. You can find them with the other dried pastas in the supermarket.
ROASTED AUTUMN VEGETABLE SOUP
This comes from an old Weight Watchers emailing list, and begins, “This warm, comforting soup will stick to your ribs on cold fall days. Roasting the vegetables helps bring out their natural sweetness.”
POINTS® Value: 2; Servings: 8; Preparation Time: 25 min; Cooking Time: 30 min; Level of Difficulty: Easy
Note: This recipe originally called for “3 cups fat-free chicken broth.” But since this is a vegetarian blog, I substituted vegetable broth for the chicken broth.
Ingredients
1 large onion, cut into large chunks
4 large carrots, peeled and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
6 medium parsnips, peeled and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
4 cups winter squash, cubed
2 servings cooking spray (5 one-second sprays per serving)
3 cups fat-free vegetable broth
1/2 cup fat-free evaporated milk
1/8 tsp table salt, or to taste
1/8 tsp black pepper, or to taste
Directions
Preheat oven to 400ºF. In a large roasting pan combine onion, carrots, parsnips and squash; coat with cooking spray. Roast for 15 minutes.
Place vegetables in a large pot; add broth and milk. Season to taste. Cook over medium-high heat for 10 minutes to allow flavors to combine. Transfer mixture to a blender or food processor, or use an immersion blender in pot, and blend until smooth, about 4 to 5 minutes. (Puree soup in batches to prevent hot liquid from splatterng, if necessary. Or allow soup to cool before pureeing.) Yields about 1 1/2 cups per serving.
Notes
You can add more water or broth to the pureed soup to achieve desired thickness.
PENNE WITH ROASTED CHERRY TOMATOES
This is from Amanda Hesser at The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Amanda wrote, "This exquisitely simple recipe came to The Times in a 2001 article about Paola di Mauro, an Italian winemaker in Marina, a small town southeast of Rome. She was one of a band of cooks who helped distinguish 'cucina castlinga,' roughly translated as 'housewives' cooking.' From her humble kitchen, Ms. di Mauro mentored some of the best Italian chefs and restaurateurs in the United States, including Mario Batali, Lidia Bastianich, Piero Selvaggio and Tony May. Her recipe is easy and calls for just five ingredients – cherry tomatoes, olive oil, pecorino romano and penne pasta – but get your hands on the best ingredients you can afford. Ms. di Mauro intended this to serve four as a first course, but if you're making this for dinner, double the recipe."
Yield: 2 to 4 servings; Time: 35 minutes
This was featured in "A Roman Muse For America's Great Chefs," and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1778-penne-with-roasted-cherry-tomatoes.
Note: When you get a minute or two, click on the article link above and read the article. I found the article to be interesting reading, and I'm sure you will, too. In fact, if you want to do that now, go for it. I'll wait…(tap, tap, tap)
Ingredients
1 pound small cherry tomatoes, halved
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil, plus 2 to 3 tablespoons for tossing
Sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup freshly grated pecorino romano, more for serving
1/4 cup bread crumbs
1/2 pound penne
Preparation
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Line bottom of casserole dish with cherry tomatoes in a single layer, halved side up. Pour oil on top, season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle cheese and bread crumbs on top. Bake until tomatoes have wilted, about 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Season with enough sea salt so that water tastes mildly of salt. When tomatoes are just about done, add penne to water and cook until al dente (it should be pliable, but still firm in center). Scoop out about a cup of pasta water and reserve. Drain pasta and add to casserole. Fold tomatoes and pasta together, adding another 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil, to coat. Taste and adjust seasoning. If it is dry, add a little reserved pasta water. Serve, passing more grated cheese at the table.
MAQUE CHOUX
This is from Gabrielle Hamilton at The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Gabrielle wrote, "This classic Cajun side dish is a sweet, hot, juicy, milky, buttery combination of corn, onions and peppers. It’s often cooked in rendered bacon fat and enriched with heavy cream, but this version relies upon only butter and a little water in their place, which allow the ingredients’ flavors to sing more clearly. While it is commonly understood that Fat Equals Flavor, there is a point at which too much fat actually masks complexities in flavors and dulls their vibrancy. Try the maque choux this way and see if you notice how bold and lively it tastes. If you miss the smokiness that bacon imparts, try instead a pinch of smoked paprika stirred in at the end."
Yield: About 1 generous quart; Time: 20 minutes
This was featured in "This Cajun Corn Dish Screams ‘Summer’", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1021176-maque-choux.
Note: I highly recommend reading the article ("featured in" link, above). I read it in The New York Times Magazine on Sunday, June 21. Interesting reading.
Ingredients
3 fresh ears of corn, shucked
8 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 stick)
1/2 red onion, cut into small dice
2 celery ribs, cut into small dice
Kosher salt
1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded and cut into small dice
1 small poblano pepper, cored, seeded and cut into small dice
1 small serrano chile, very thinly sliced
Freshly ground black pepper
Smoked paprika (optional)
Preparation
Working with 1 corn cob at a time, set the ear of corn upright in a medium bowl. Shave the corn from the cob by slicing down the sides using the tip of a sharp chef’s knife, holding the knife almost vertical. (This gives you neat tablets of corn that land squarely in the bowl and keeps the kernels from scattering all over the counter.) Using the back of the knife, scrape each cob to release all the nibs and the “milk” of the kernels into the bowl. Repeat with remaining ears of corn, then snap the cobs in half, and add them to the bowl.
In a large, deep sauté pan, melt 3 tablespoons butter over medium heat until foaming. Add onion and celery, and season with 1 or 2 pinches of kosher salt. Stir constantly until softened and translucent but not browned, about 5 minutes.
Add 2 tablespoons butter and the bell pepper, poblano and serrano, and stir constantly, adding another pinch of kosher salt, letting the butter melt and the peppers soften and become translucent, about 2 or 3 minutes. You will smell the peppers’ sweetness and their mild capsaicin releasing.
Add the final 3 tablespoons butter and the corn mixture from the bowl, cobs included, and another pinch of kosher salt. Stir constantly to coat with the butter and combine thoroughly.
When everything starts to hiss and sound hot, but isn’t cooking so hard as to take color, add 1/2 cup water and a healthy few grinds of black pepper, and cover the pan for a couple of minutes to steam/shallow braise the mixture.
Remove the lid, and stir well, noticing the corn releasing its liquid and the kernels softening, and the cobs turning somewhat translucent, if however vague. You will notice a general softening and melding together. Return the lid, and let cook a few more minutes, noticing the water evaporating and the remaining liquid reducing and gaining some “body” and gloss. Discard the corn cobs, but do suck them before tossing — those buttery juices make a nice cook’s treat.
Taste for salt, and serve. It should be sweet, spicy, a bit wet and surprisingly complex, given the few ingredients and their ordinariness. If you want a smoky taste, add a good pinch of smoked paprika.
QUICK AND EASY GAME TIME NACHOS
This comes from Old El Paso, and begins, "Serve up these Quick and Easy Game Time Nachos while you and your family get your game on this fall. Stir Old El Paso™ Taco Seasoning Mix into your cheese to add some flavor and serve up over crispy corn tortilla chips with tomatoes and cilantro. Salty, crunchy, cheesy and spicy, all in one bite. These nachos are always a winner for your game day fun."
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 15 minutes; Makes 8 servings
You can view this online at https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/quick-and-easy-game-time-nachos.
Ingredients
6 oz light prepared cheese product, cut into cubes (from 16 oz loaf)
1/4 cup shredded reduced-fat sharp Cheddar cheese (1 oz)
3 tablespoons fat-free (skim) milk
1 1/2 teaspoons Old El Paso™ 40% Less-Sodium taco seasoning mix (from 1 oz package)
3 oz baked bite-size tortilla chips (about 64 chips)
1 1/2 cups finely chopped plum (Roma) tomatoes (about 5 medium)
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Preparation
In 1-quart saucepan, heat cheese product, Cheddar cheese, milk and taco seasoning mix over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until cheeses are melted and mixture is smooth.
Meanwhile, arrange chips on large serving platter. Pour warm cheese mixture over chips. Top with tomatoes and cilantro. Serve immediately.
Expert Tips
For a fun presentation, vary the color of tortilla chips you use. Choose among red, green white, yellow and blue tortilla chips.
And since it's Monday, it's time for another Meatless Monday. Today's vegetarian recipes include Make-Ahead Creamy Spinach Lasagna and Penne With Roasted Cherry Tomatoes. Enjoy!
TOFU-SPINACH LASAGNA
This is from PETA's website. Whether you like PETA or not, they do have good vegetarian recipes. This one makes 6 to 8 servings, and can be viewed online at https://www.peta.org/recipes/tofu-spinach-lasagne/.
Ingredients
1/2 lb. lasagna noodles
2 10-oz. packages frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
1 lb. soft tofu
1 lb. firm tofu
1 Tbsp. sugar
1/4 cup soy milk
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
2 Tbsp. lemon juice
3 tsp. minced fresh basil
2 tsp. salt
4 cups tomato sauce
Instructions
Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Squeeze the spinach as dry as possible and set aside.
Place the tofu, sugar, soy milk, garlic powder, lemon juice, basil, and salt in a food processor or blender and blend until smooth. Stir in the spinach.
Cover the bottom of a 9-inch-by-13-inch baking dish with a thin layer of tomato sauce, then a layer of noodles (use about one-third of the noodles). Follow with half of the tofu filling. Continue in the same order, using half of the remaining tomato sauce and noodles and all of the remaining tofu filling. End with the remaining noodles, covered by the remaining tomato sauce. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes.
MAKE-AHEAD CREAMY SPINACH LASAGNA
This comes from Betty Crocker, and begins, "Whether you have a dinner party on the horizon or just need to plan out a week’s worth of meals, this creamy, veggie-filled lasagna deserves a spot in your freezer. Its flavor is downright impressive, but only you need to know how simple it is to prepare!"
Prep Time: 50 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes; Servings: 8
To view this online, go to https://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/make-ahead-creamy-spinach-lasagna/7beea4bf-5309-4e52-83b3-d204245db470.
Ingredients
3 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour
2 cups Progresso™ vegetable broth (from 32-oz carton)
1-1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 packages (8 oz each) sliced mushrooms
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 bags (5 oz each) baby spinach
1 container (15 oz) whole-milk ricotta cheese
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (12 oz)
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (3 oz)
1 egg
1/4 teaspoon pepper
12 oven-ready no-boil lasagna noodles
Directions
Heat oven to 400°F. In 2-quart saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour with whisk; cook and stir 2 minutes. Slowly beat in broth, whipping cream, 3/4 teaspoon of the salt and the nutmeg with whisk. Increase heat to medium-high; heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Reduce heat; simmer 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Remove from heat.
In 12-inch nonstick skillet, heat oil over high heat. Add mushrooms; cook 6 to 8 minutes, stirring frequently, until browned and any liquid from mushrooms has evaporated. Reduce heat to medium. Add garlic; cook and stir 1 minute. Gradually add spinach, stirring constantly, and cook until wilted. Remove from heat. Stir in 2 1/4 cups of the cream sauce. Reserve remaining sauce.
In medium bowl, mix ricotta cheese, 2 cups of the mozzarella cheese, the Parmesan cheese, egg, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and the pepper.
To assemble: Spray 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray. Spoon 3/4 cup of the sauce into bottom of baking dish. Top with 3 of the lasagna noodles in single layer. Evenly top with 1 cup of the cheese filling and 1-1/3 cups of the spinach mixture. Repeat layers twice, starting with noodles and ending with spinach mixture. For final layer, top with 3 noodles; pour remaining 3/4 cup sauce over top, and sprinkle with remaining 1 cup mozzarella cheese. Cover with foil; bake 20 minutes. Remove foil; bake 20 to 25 minutes or until heated through (165°F in center), bubbly and lightly browned. Let stand 15 minutes before cutting.
To freeze: Line 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with foil, making sure foil is as smooth as possible, as wrinkled foil may get stuck in sauce during freezing process. Leave enough overhang to be able to lift assembled lasagna out of dish.
Spray foil with cooking spray. Cover and refrigerate sauce and spinach mixture 30 to 40 minutes before making cheese filling and assembling lasagna. Stir 2 1/4 cups cream sauce into spinach mixture. Assemble lasagna in dish as directed; cover tightly with another layer of foil. Freeze unbaked lasagna about 8 hours or until completely frozen. Transfer frozen lasagna to labeled 2-gallon resealable freezer plastic bag. Remove air; seal and freeze up to three months. To bake: Remove foil, and transfer to 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish sprayed with cooking spray. Cover and thaw in refrigerator until completely thawed, at least 48 hours. Heat oven to 400°F. Cover with foil and bake 20 minutes; remove foil. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until heated through (165°F in center), bubbly and lightly browned. Let stand 15 minutes before cutting.
Expert Tips
We used white button mushrooms for this recipe, but if you want a stronger mushroom flavor, try cremini mushrooms.
Using oven-ready lasagna noodles saves time and steps in preparing this dish. You can find them with the other dried pastas in the supermarket.
ROASTED AUTUMN VEGETABLE SOUP
This comes from an old Weight Watchers emailing list, and begins, “This warm, comforting soup will stick to your ribs on cold fall days. Roasting the vegetables helps bring out their natural sweetness.”
POINTS® Value: 2; Servings: 8; Preparation Time: 25 min; Cooking Time: 30 min; Level of Difficulty: Easy
Note: This recipe originally called for “3 cups fat-free chicken broth.” But since this is a vegetarian blog, I substituted vegetable broth for the chicken broth.
Ingredients
1 large onion, cut into large chunks
4 large carrots, peeled and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
6 medium parsnips, peeled and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
4 cups winter squash, cubed
2 servings cooking spray (5 one-second sprays per serving)
3 cups fat-free vegetable broth
1/2 cup fat-free evaporated milk
1/8 tsp table salt, or to taste
1/8 tsp black pepper, or to taste
Directions
Preheat oven to 400ºF. In a large roasting pan combine onion, carrots, parsnips and squash; coat with cooking spray. Roast for 15 minutes.
Place vegetables in a large pot; add broth and milk. Season to taste. Cook over medium-high heat for 10 minutes to allow flavors to combine. Transfer mixture to a blender or food processor, or use an immersion blender in pot, and blend until smooth, about 4 to 5 minutes. (Puree soup in batches to prevent hot liquid from splatterng, if necessary. Or allow soup to cool before pureeing.) Yields about 1 1/2 cups per serving.
Notes
You can add more water or broth to the pureed soup to achieve desired thickness.
PENNE WITH ROASTED CHERRY TOMATOES
This is from Amanda Hesser at The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Amanda wrote, "This exquisitely simple recipe came to The Times in a 2001 article about Paola di Mauro, an Italian winemaker in Marina, a small town southeast of Rome. She was one of a band of cooks who helped distinguish 'cucina castlinga,' roughly translated as 'housewives' cooking.' From her humble kitchen, Ms. di Mauro mentored some of the best Italian chefs and restaurateurs in the United States, including Mario Batali, Lidia Bastianich, Piero Selvaggio and Tony May. Her recipe is easy and calls for just five ingredients – cherry tomatoes, olive oil, pecorino romano and penne pasta – but get your hands on the best ingredients you can afford. Ms. di Mauro intended this to serve four as a first course, but if you're making this for dinner, double the recipe."
Yield: 2 to 4 servings; Time: 35 minutes
This was featured in "A Roman Muse For America's Great Chefs," and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1778-penne-with-roasted-cherry-tomatoes.
Note: When you get a minute or two, click on the article link above and read the article. I found the article to be interesting reading, and I'm sure you will, too. In fact, if you want to do that now, go for it. I'll wait…(tap, tap, tap)
Ingredients
1 pound small cherry tomatoes, halved
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil, plus 2 to 3 tablespoons for tossing
Sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup freshly grated pecorino romano, more for serving
1/4 cup bread crumbs
1/2 pound penne
Preparation
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Line bottom of casserole dish with cherry tomatoes in a single layer, halved side up. Pour oil on top, season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle cheese and bread crumbs on top. Bake until tomatoes have wilted, about 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Season with enough sea salt so that water tastes mildly of salt. When tomatoes are just about done, add penne to water and cook until al dente (it should be pliable, but still firm in center). Scoop out about a cup of pasta water and reserve. Drain pasta and add to casserole. Fold tomatoes and pasta together, adding another 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil, to coat. Taste and adjust seasoning. If it is dry, add a little reserved pasta water. Serve, passing more grated cheese at the table.
MAQUE CHOUX
This is from Gabrielle Hamilton at The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Gabrielle wrote, "This classic Cajun side dish is a sweet, hot, juicy, milky, buttery combination of corn, onions and peppers. It’s often cooked in rendered bacon fat and enriched with heavy cream, but this version relies upon only butter and a little water in their place, which allow the ingredients’ flavors to sing more clearly. While it is commonly understood that Fat Equals Flavor, there is a point at which too much fat actually masks complexities in flavors and dulls their vibrancy. Try the maque choux this way and see if you notice how bold and lively it tastes. If you miss the smokiness that bacon imparts, try instead a pinch of smoked paprika stirred in at the end."
Yield: About 1 generous quart; Time: 20 minutes
This was featured in "This Cajun Corn Dish Screams ‘Summer’", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1021176-maque-choux.
Note: I highly recommend reading the article ("featured in" link, above). I read it in The New York Times Magazine on Sunday, June 21. Interesting reading.
Ingredients
3 fresh ears of corn, shucked
8 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 stick)
1/2 red onion, cut into small dice
2 celery ribs, cut into small dice
Kosher salt
1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded and cut into small dice
1 small poblano pepper, cored, seeded and cut into small dice
1 small serrano chile, very thinly sliced
Freshly ground black pepper
Smoked paprika (optional)
Preparation
Working with 1 corn cob at a time, set the ear of corn upright in a medium bowl. Shave the corn from the cob by slicing down the sides using the tip of a sharp chef’s knife, holding the knife almost vertical. (This gives you neat tablets of corn that land squarely in the bowl and keeps the kernels from scattering all over the counter.) Using the back of the knife, scrape each cob to release all the nibs and the “milk” of the kernels into the bowl. Repeat with remaining ears of corn, then snap the cobs in half, and add them to the bowl.
In a large, deep sauté pan, melt 3 tablespoons butter over medium heat until foaming. Add onion and celery, and season with 1 or 2 pinches of kosher salt. Stir constantly until softened and translucent but not browned, about 5 minutes.
Add 2 tablespoons butter and the bell pepper, poblano and serrano, and stir constantly, adding another pinch of kosher salt, letting the butter melt and the peppers soften and become translucent, about 2 or 3 minutes. You will smell the peppers’ sweetness and their mild capsaicin releasing.
Add the final 3 tablespoons butter and the corn mixture from the bowl, cobs included, and another pinch of kosher salt. Stir constantly to coat with the butter and combine thoroughly.
When everything starts to hiss and sound hot, but isn’t cooking so hard as to take color, add 1/2 cup water and a healthy few grinds of black pepper, and cover the pan for a couple of minutes to steam/shallow braise the mixture.
Remove the lid, and stir well, noticing the corn releasing its liquid and the kernels softening, and the cobs turning somewhat translucent, if however vague. You will notice a general softening and melding together. Return the lid, and let cook a few more minutes, noticing the water evaporating and the remaining liquid reducing and gaining some “body” and gloss. Discard the corn cobs, but do suck them before tossing — those buttery juices make a nice cook’s treat.
Taste for salt, and serve. It should be sweet, spicy, a bit wet and surprisingly complex, given the few ingredients and their ordinariness. If you want a smoky taste, add a good pinch of smoked paprika.
QUICK AND EASY GAME TIME NACHOS
This comes from Old El Paso, and begins, "Serve up these Quick and Easy Game Time Nachos while you and your family get your game on this fall. Stir Old El Paso™ Taco Seasoning Mix into your cheese to add some flavor and serve up over crispy corn tortilla chips with tomatoes and cilantro. Salty, crunchy, cheesy and spicy, all in one bite. These nachos are always a winner for your game day fun."
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 15 minutes; Makes 8 servings
You can view this online at https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/quick-and-easy-game-time-nachos.
Ingredients
6 oz light prepared cheese product, cut into cubes (from 16 oz loaf)
1/4 cup shredded reduced-fat sharp Cheddar cheese (1 oz)
3 tablespoons fat-free (skim) milk
1 1/2 teaspoons Old El Paso™ 40% Less-Sodium taco seasoning mix (from 1 oz package)
3 oz baked bite-size tortilla chips (about 64 chips)
1 1/2 cups finely chopped plum (Roma) tomatoes (about 5 medium)
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Preparation
In 1-quart saucepan, heat cheese product, Cheddar cheese, milk and taco seasoning mix over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until cheeses are melted and mixture is smooth.
Meanwhile, arrange chips on large serving platter. Pour warm cheese mixture over chips. Top with tomatoes and cilantro. Serve immediately.
Expert Tips
For a fun presentation, vary the color of tortilla chips you use. Choose among red, green white, yellow and blue tortilla chips.
Friday, May 15, 2026
Friday Recipes
It's finally Friday. Here are six yummy recipes to help you through the weekend, including 30-Minute Chili With Ground Beef and Beans and Old-Fashioned Meatloaf. Enjoy!
CREAMY CHEESY MACARONI
This yummy recipe comes from The Mayo Clinic Diet. If you haven’t check out the site, you should. (That, as well as the main site, https://www.mayoclinic.org, have a lot of good stuff to check out.)
Serves 10; Serving size: 1 cup
To view this online, go to http://diet.mayoclinic.org/food-fitness/recipe-for-creamy-cheesy-macaroni-/17551.
Ingredients
1 package pasta, whole-wheat, elbow macaroni (14.5 ounces)
1 1/2 cups cottage cheese, nonfat
2 tablespoons oil, canola
1/2 cup flour, all-purpose
1/2 teaspoon pepper, black ground
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
2 cups milk, fat-free
2 cups cheese, cheddar, sharp, reduced-fat, shredded
2 cups tomatoes, cherry, cut in half
Instructions
Cook macaroni according to package directions. Meanwhile, blend cottage cheese in a food processor until smooth. Set aside.
In a large saucepan over a medium heat, combine oil, flour, pepper and garlic powder; stir until mixed. Gradually stir in the milk and bring to a boil. Cook for 2 minutes or until thickened and smooth. Add the blended cottage cheese and cheddar cheese, stirring until melted.
Spray a 2-quart casserole dish with cooking spray. After the macaroni has been cooked and drained, place it in the prepared casserole dish. Pour the cheese mixture over the macaroni and mix until blended. Bake at 350 F for about 30 minutes or until heated through. Top with tomatoes just before serving.
SIMPLE VEGETARIAN SPINACH LASAGNA
This is from Vicki Shata Retelny, RDN, at VeryWellFit. She wrote, “There's nothing like lasagna to soothe a craving for a creamy, dreamy meal. With a foundation of vitamin C-rich tomato sauce, which is loaded with the carotenoid lycopene, this Italian classic takes on a healthy bend with a good dose veggies nestled in its layers.
“Chock full of leafy green spinach, this dish is good for your brain health, as eating a serving of veggies each day has shown to fend off cognitive decline. Spinach is also loaded with iron and calcium for a total body wellness boost.“
Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 45 minutes; Total Time: 65 minutes; Servings: 9 (1 cup each)
To view this online, go to https://www.verywellfit.com/vegetarian-spinach-lasagna-4144632.
Ingredients
1 package no-boil lasagna noodles
2 28-ounce cans tomato sauce
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon oregano
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 15-ounce container part-skim ricotta cheese
1 cup part-skim mozzarella cheese, grated
3 cups raw baby spinach leaves
Preparation
Preheat the oven the 350F.
On the stovetop over medium heat, pour the tomato sauce into a saucepan. Add salt, oregano, and garlic. Bring to a light boil, lower the heat, and simmer for a few minutes. Stir occasionally.
On the bottom of a 9x13 pan put a layer of tomato sauce. Place a layer of noodles on top, covering the bottom of the pan. Spread ricotta cheese on top of the noodles, top with spinach, and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and coat with a small ladle full of sauce. Repeat the layers until you get to the top of the pan. Sprinkle the final layer with mozzarella cheese.
Place in the oven and bake for 45 minutes or until bubbly and cheese is golden brown on top.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a 10 minutes before serving.
Ingredient Variations and Substitutions
Make this dish higher in fiber with whole wheat noodles, although they may only be available in the boil variety. Add other vegetables such a sliced carrots, zucchini, or eggplant. For an alternative green, use baby kale or arugula. Spread pesto between the layers or incorporate it into the tomato sauce for a rich, nutty flavor.
If you want to add meat, add cooked, diced chicken breast or ground turkey to the sauce. For a non-dairy twist, use vegan cheese in lieu of ricotta and mozzarella cheese.
Cooking and Serving Tips
To save time use no-boil lasagna noodles—they're quick and easy to assemble. Plus, the part-skim ricotta cheese and mozzarella reduce the fat but still offer good-quality protein.
This dish can be assembled and placed, uncooked and covered, in the refrigerator overnight. Simply heat and serve the next day. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer in an airtight container.
SIMPLEST STRAWBERRY TART
This comes from Emily Weinstein in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Emily wrote, “This gorgeous tart is adapted from "Sweeter Off the Vine," by Yossy Arefi, a cookbook of fruit desserts for every season. It's an ideal vehicle for the ripest strawberries at the height of the season, a dessert that makes more of a splash than just serving berries and cream but still has that simple charm. The only tricky part is the crust, which could crack as you transfer it to a serving board. But if that happens, don't despair. It's meant to be effortlessly loose and casual, and you can cover the damage with swirls of mascarpone and a blanket of berries.”
Yield: 8 servings; Time: 1 hour, plus 2 hours’ chilling.
This was featured in “’Sweeter Off the Vine’: A Cookbook Made for Instagram,” and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1018052-simplest-strawberry-tart.
Ingredients
For the Rye Crust:
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
2/3 cup rye flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
9 tablespoons/ very cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 large egg, lightly beaten, for egg wash
For the Tart:
1 cup mascarpone, at room temperature
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 pound small, sweet strawberries
3 tablespoons high-quality strawberry jam
Preparation
Prepare the crust: Whisk the flours and salt together in a large bowl. Combine apple cider vinegar with 5 tablespoons ice water.
Working quickly, add butter to the flour mixture and toss to coat. Use your fingers or the palms of your hands to press each cube of butter into the flour, ensuring that each butter piece gets coated, until the mixture resembles coarse meal with some pea-size lumps. If at any time the butter seems warm or soft, briefly refrigerate the bowl. Alternatively, you can pulse the butter and flour together in a food processor.
Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of the cold vinegar-water mixture over the flour mixture. Use a gentle hand or wooden spoon to stir the water into the flour until just combined. If using a food processor, pulse a few more times, or until the dough begins to come together. If the dough seems dry, add more of the cold vinegar-water mixture, a couple of teaspoons at a time. You have added enough water when you can pick up a handful of the dough and easily squeeze it together without it falling apart.
Form the dough into a disk and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill for at least 2 hours, but preferably overnight. (Dough keeps for up to 3 months in the freezer wrapped in a double layer of plastic wrap and a layer of foil. Thaw in refrigerator before using.)
Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat to 400 degrees.
On a lightly floured piece of parchment paper, roll out the pie crust into an oval about 15 x 6 inches and just under 1/4-inch thick. Use a paring knife or pastry cutter to trim any rough edges and move the parchment paper and crust to a baking sheet, preferably rimless. Dock the crust with a fork to prevent it from puffing up too much in the oven. Brush the surface of the crust from edge to edge with the egg wash.
Bake until crust is deep golden brown, 15 to 20 minutes. Check on the crust halfway through baking; if any bubbles have appeared, use a spatula to press them flat. Cool the crust completely on the pan.
Prepare the tart: While the crust is cooling, combine mascarpone and 2 tablespoons sugar. Hull the strawberries and cut them into 1/4-inch slices.
Carefully slide the cooled crust off the baking sheet onto a serving platter or board. Spread mascarpone over the top in an even layer, dot with jam, then arrange sliced strawberries in a single, slightly overlapping layer in a decorative pattern. Sprinkle the tart with the remaining tablespoon of sugar. (Omit this final sprinkling if your strawberries are particularly sweet.) Slice and serve immediately.
OLD-FASHIONED MEATLOAF
This comes from Verywellfit, and begins, “This lighter meatloaf recipe is similar to the one most of us enjoyed during our childhoods, but without all of the extra fat. Choose a lean ground beef or, better yet, ground turkey to cut down on the fat. And since you can't make meatloaf without breadcrumbs, why not replace the white, unrefined with whole wheat for added fiber? Also, using two egg whites in place of one whole egg will reduce the calories and fat while still helping to bind the mixture together.”
Total Time: 70; Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 60 minutes; Servings: 8
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 pounds ground meat (85% to 90% lean, or ground turkey)
1 cup breadcrumbs (whole wheat)
1/4 cup onion (finely chopped or 1 tablespoon dehydrated onion flakes)
2 cloves garlic (minced or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
1 teaspoon mustard powder
1 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon sage
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 large egg whites
1/4 cup water (or low-fat milk)
Preparation
Preheat the oven to 350 F.
In a large bowl, mix together all of the ingredients. Mix well, using your hands, but don't overmix because you will toughen the meat.
Turn mixture into a 9x5-inch loaf pan. Place the pan on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any drips, and bake for about 1 hour.
To be sure the meatloaf is done, insert an instant-read meat thermometer into the center of the loaf. The temperature should register 155F when it is done.
About 10 to 15 minutes before you think the meatloaf will be done, you can cover it with barbecue sauce if you like.
International Meatloaf
If you are looking for a different kind of meatloaf, try kofta kebabs, a Middle Eastern grilled ground meat recipe. The spices in this meat mixture (traditionally lamb) are a delicious change of pace from the usual. If you don't have the time or inclination to place them on skewers, you can make them into oblong-oval shapes that look like sausages without the casings.
30-MINUTE CHILI WITH GROUND BEEF AND BEANS
This comes from Diana Rattray, a southern food cook on The Spruce Eats. Diana wrote, “This ground beef chili is hearty and delicious, and it takes only 30 minutes from start to finish! Don't feel overwhelmed by the list of ingredients, many are suggested toppings.
“The ground beef is quickly browned, then it is combined with a spice mixture, beans, and tomatoes for a quick and easy meal for a busy day. It's also easy on the budget.
“Make a pan of cornbread to go with the chili, along with a salad or slaw, or serve it with hot cooked rice and warm tortillas.
“If you're making this for a party game day gathering, offer several toppings with the chili and add a bowl of tortilla chips to the menu. The recipe is easily doubled.”
Total Time: 30 mins; PrepTime: 5 mins; Cook: 25 mins; Yield: 6 Servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
For the Seasoning Mix:
3 tablespoons chili powder
2 tablespoons onion (dried minced)
1 1/2 teaspoons cumin
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
For the Chili:
1 1/2 pounds ground beef (at least 85% lean)
1 can/14.5 ounces diced tomatoes
1 can/14.5 ounces diced tomatoes with mild green chile peppers*
1 can/8 ounces tomato sauce
1 can/15 to 16 ounces black beans (undrained)
salt to taste
Optional: shredded cheddar, cheddar-jack, or a Mexican blend of cheeses
For Toppings (optional):
sour cream
green onion (chopped)
red onion (chopped)
lettuce (shredded)
cilantro
guacamole
tomatoes (diced)
Directions
In a small bowl or cup, combine the chili powder with the dried minced onion, cumin, oregano, sugar, garlic powder, and the black and cayenne peppers. Blend well and set aside.
In a Dutch oven or large sauté pan over medium heat, brown the ground beef, turning and breaking up with a spatula as it cooks.
Drain the ground beef well. Return the beef to the pan over medium heat. Add the chili seasoning mix and stir to blend.
Add the 2 cans of tomatoes, tomato sauce, and undrained black beans. Stir to blend ingredients.
Bring the chili to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes.
Taste and add salt, as needed.
Serve with a Tex-Mex cornbread or classic Southern cornbread, biscuits, crackers, or tortilla chips, along with shredded cheese and your favorite toppings.
Tip
If you don't have diced tomatoes with chile peppers, use regular diced tomatoes and add mild green chile peppers. Or, use about 1 to 1-1/2 cups of chunky mild to medium salsa in place of the second can of tomatoes.
COCONUT RED CURRY WITH TOFU
This is from Melissa Clark in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. Melissa wrote, “This simple weeknight red curry relies on jarred or canned red curry paste for flavor, which you can find at larger supermarkets and specialty markets. Transfer leftover canned curry paste to a jar, top it with a little oil and store in the refrigerator for up to a month. Or freeze for longer storage. Feel free to substitute other vegetables for the mushrooms and snow peas, though you might have to increase the cooking time slightly if using something dense like carrot or cubed winter squash.”
Yield: Serves 4; Time: 30 minutes
This was featured in “Curry and Coconut Milk Fire Up a Weeknight Basic”, and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1016196-coconut-red-curry-with-tofu.
Ingredients
14 ounces extra-firm tofu
1 tablespoon peanut or safflower oil
1-inch ginger root, peeled and minced
2 shallots or 1 small onion, minced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 Thai chile or 2 serrano peppers, seeded and thinly sliced
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro stems
8 ounces cremini mushrooms, quartered
1/2 teaspoon sea salt, more to taste
3 tablespoons prepared red curry paste
1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
2 teaspoons Asian fish sauce
Zest and juice of 1 lime
1 cup snow peas
Basil and/or cilantro leaves, for garnish
Brown or white rice, for serving
Preparation
Cut tofu into 1-inch slabs and place on paper towel-lined baking sheet. Cover with another layer of paper towels and place another baking sheet on top. Let sit for 20 minutes. Cut into 1-inch cubes.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add ginger, shallots, garlic, chile and cilantro stems, and sauté until tender, about 5 minutes. Add mushrooms and sauté until golden brown and tender, about 5 minutes. Season with salt. Stir in curry paste and cook 2 minutes. Pour in coconut milk, scraping up any curry paste with a wooden spoon. Add fish sauce, lime zest and juice. Add tofu cubes and snow peas. Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly and the snow peas are tender, 7 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Taste and add more salt and/or fish sauce if needed.
Serve warm with brown rice and a scattering of torn basil and/or cilantro leaves on top.
CREAMY CHEESY MACARONI
This yummy recipe comes from The Mayo Clinic Diet. If you haven’t check out the site, you should. (That, as well as the main site, https://www.mayoclinic.org, have a lot of good stuff to check out.)
Serves 10; Serving size: 1 cup
To view this online, go to http://diet.mayoclinic.org/food-fitness/recipe-for-creamy-cheesy-macaroni-/17551.
Ingredients
1 package pasta, whole-wheat, elbow macaroni (14.5 ounces)
1 1/2 cups cottage cheese, nonfat
2 tablespoons oil, canola
1/2 cup flour, all-purpose
1/2 teaspoon pepper, black ground
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
2 cups milk, fat-free
2 cups cheese, cheddar, sharp, reduced-fat, shredded
2 cups tomatoes, cherry, cut in half
Instructions
Cook macaroni according to package directions. Meanwhile, blend cottage cheese in a food processor until smooth. Set aside.
In a large saucepan over a medium heat, combine oil, flour, pepper and garlic powder; stir until mixed. Gradually stir in the milk and bring to a boil. Cook for 2 minutes or until thickened and smooth. Add the blended cottage cheese and cheddar cheese, stirring until melted.
Spray a 2-quart casserole dish with cooking spray. After the macaroni has been cooked and drained, place it in the prepared casserole dish. Pour the cheese mixture over the macaroni and mix until blended. Bake at 350 F for about 30 minutes or until heated through. Top with tomatoes just before serving.
SIMPLE VEGETARIAN SPINACH LASAGNA
This is from Vicki Shata Retelny, RDN, at VeryWellFit. She wrote, “There's nothing like lasagna to soothe a craving for a creamy, dreamy meal. With a foundation of vitamin C-rich tomato sauce, which is loaded with the carotenoid lycopene, this Italian classic takes on a healthy bend with a good dose veggies nestled in its layers.
“Chock full of leafy green spinach, this dish is good for your brain health, as eating a serving of veggies each day has shown to fend off cognitive decline. Spinach is also loaded with iron and calcium for a total body wellness boost.“
Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 45 minutes; Total Time: 65 minutes; Servings: 9 (1 cup each)
To view this online, go to https://www.verywellfit.com/vegetarian-spinach-lasagna-4144632.
Ingredients
1 package no-boil lasagna noodles
2 28-ounce cans tomato sauce
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon oregano
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 15-ounce container part-skim ricotta cheese
1 cup part-skim mozzarella cheese, grated
3 cups raw baby spinach leaves
Preparation
Preheat the oven the 350F.
On the stovetop over medium heat, pour the tomato sauce into a saucepan. Add salt, oregano, and garlic. Bring to a light boil, lower the heat, and simmer for a few minutes. Stir occasionally.
On the bottom of a 9x13 pan put a layer of tomato sauce. Place a layer of noodles on top, covering the bottom of the pan. Spread ricotta cheese on top of the noodles, top with spinach, and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and coat with a small ladle full of sauce. Repeat the layers until you get to the top of the pan. Sprinkle the final layer with mozzarella cheese.
Place in the oven and bake for 45 minutes or until bubbly and cheese is golden brown on top.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a 10 minutes before serving.
Ingredient Variations and Substitutions
Make this dish higher in fiber with whole wheat noodles, although they may only be available in the boil variety. Add other vegetables such a sliced carrots, zucchini, or eggplant. For an alternative green, use baby kale or arugula. Spread pesto between the layers or incorporate it into the tomato sauce for a rich, nutty flavor.
If you want to add meat, add cooked, diced chicken breast or ground turkey to the sauce. For a non-dairy twist, use vegan cheese in lieu of ricotta and mozzarella cheese.
Cooking and Serving Tips
To save time use no-boil lasagna noodles—they're quick and easy to assemble. Plus, the part-skim ricotta cheese and mozzarella reduce the fat but still offer good-quality protein.
This dish can be assembled and placed, uncooked and covered, in the refrigerator overnight. Simply heat and serve the next day. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer in an airtight container.
SIMPLEST STRAWBERRY TART
This comes from Emily Weinstein in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Emily wrote, “This gorgeous tart is adapted from "Sweeter Off the Vine," by Yossy Arefi, a cookbook of fruit desserts for every season. It's an ideal vehicle for the ripest strawberries at the height of the season, a dessert that makes more of a splash than just serving berries and cream but still has that simple charm. The only tricky part is the crust, which could crack as you transfer it to a serving board. But if that happens, don't despair. It's meant to be effortlessly loose and casual, and you can cover the damage with swirls of mascarpone and a blanket of berries.”
Yield: 8 servings; Time: 1 hour, plus 2 hours’ chilling.
This was featured in “’Sweeter Off the Vine’: A Cookbook Made for Instagram,” and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1018052-simplest-strawberry-tart.
Ingredients
For the Rye Crust:
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
2/3 cup rye flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
9 tablespoons/ very cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 large egg, lightly beaten, for egg wash
For the Tart:
1 cup mascarpone, at room temperature
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 pound small, sweet strawberries
3 tablespoons high-quality strawberry jam
Preparation
Prepare the crust: Whisk the flours and salt together in a large bowl. Combine apple cider vinegar with 5 tablespoons ice water.
Working quickly, add butter to the flour mixture and toss to coat. Use your fingers or the palms of your hands to press each cube of butter into the flour, ensuring that each butter piece gets coated, until the mixture resembles coarse meal with some pea-size lumps. If at any time the butter seems warm or soft, briefly refrigerate the bowl. Alternatively, you can pulse the butter and flour together in a food processor.
Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of the cold vinegar-water mixture over the flour mixture. Use a gentle hand or wooden spoon to stir the water into the flour until just combined. If using a food processor, pulse a few more times, or until the dough begins to come together. If the dough seems dry, add more of the cold vinegar-water mixture, a couple of teaspoons at a time. You have added enough water when you can pick up a handful of the dough and easily squeeze it together without it falling apart.
Form the dough into a disk and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill for at least 2 hours, but preferably overnight. (Dough keeps for up to 3 months in the freezer wrapped in a double layer of plastic wrap and a layer of foil. Thaw in refrigerator before using.)
Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat to 400 degrees.
On a lightly floured piece of parchment paper, roll out the pie crust into an oval about 15 x 6 inches and just under 1/4-inch thick. Use a paring knife or pastry cutter to trim any rough edges and move the parchment paper and crust to a baking sheet, preferably rimless. Dock the crust with a fork to prevent it from puffing up too much in the oven. Brush the surface of the crust from edge to edge with the egg wash.
Bake until crust is deep golden brown, 15 to 20 minutes. Check on the crust halfway through baking; if any bubbles have appeared, use a spatula to press them flat. Cool the crust completely on the pan.
Prepare the tart: While the crust is cooling, combine mascarpone and 2 tablespoons sugar. Hull the strawberries and cut them into 1/4-inch slices.
Carefully slide the cooled crust off the baking sheet onto a serving platter or board. Spread mascarpone over the top in an even layer, dot with jam, then arrange sliced strawberries in a single, slightly overlapping layer in a decorative pattern. Sprinkle the tart with the remaining tablespoon of sugar. (Omit this final sprinkling if your strawberries are particularly sweet.) Slice and serve immediately.
OLD-FASHIONED MEATLOAF
This comes from Verywellfit, and begins, “This lighter meatloaf recipe is similar to the one most of us enjoyed during our childhoods, but without all of the extra fat. Choose a lean ground beef or, better yet, ground turkey to cut down on the fat. And since you can't make meatloaf without breadcrumbs, why not replace the white, unrefined with whole wheat for added fiber? Also, using two egg whites in place of one whole egg will reduce the calories and fat while still helping to bind the mixture together.”
Total Time: 70; Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 60 minutes; Servings: 8
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 pounds ground meat (85% to 90% lean, or ground turkey)
1 cup breadcrumbs (whole wheat)
1/4 cup onion (finely chopped or 1 tablespoon dehydrated onion flakes)
2 cloves garlic (minced or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
1 teaspoon mustard powder
1 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon sage
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 large egg whites
1/4 cup water (or low-fat milk)
Preparation
Preheat the oven to 350 F.
In a large bowl, mix together all of the ingredients. Mix well, using your hands, but don't overmix because you will toughen the meat.
Turn mixture into a 9x5-inch loaf pan. Place the pan on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any drips, and bake for about 1 hour.
To be sure the meatloaf is done, insert an instant-read meat thermometer into the center of the loaf. The temperature should register 155F when it is done.
About 10 to 15 minutes before you think the meatloaf will be done, you can cover it with barbecue sauce if you like.
International Meatloaf
If you are looking for a different kind of meatloaf, try kofta kebabs, a Middle Eastern grilled ground meat recipe. The spices in this meat mixture (traditionally lamb) are a delicious change of pace from the usual. If you don't have the time or inclination to place them on skewers, you can make them into oblong-oval shapes that look like sausages without the casings.
30-MINUTE CHILI WITH GROUND BEEF AND BEANS
This comes from Diana Rattray, a southern food cook on The Spruce Eats. Diana wrote, “This ground beef chili is hearty and delicious, and it takes only 30 minutes from start to finish! Don't feel overwhelmed by the list of ingredients, many are suggested toppings.
“The ground beef is quickly browned, then it is combined with a spice mixture, beans, and tomatoes for a quick and easy meal for a busy day. It's also easy on the budget.
“Make a pan of cornbread to go with the chili, along with a salad or slaw, or serve it with hot cooked rice and warm tortillas.
“If you're making this for a party game day gathering, offer several toppings with the chili and add a bowl of tortilla chips to the menu. The recipe is easily doubled.”
Total Time: 30 mins; PrepTime: 5 mins; Cook: 25 mins; Yield: 6 Servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
For the Seasoning Mix:
3 tablespoons chili powder
2 tablespoons onion (dried minced)
1 1/2 teaspoons cumin
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
For the Chili:
1 1/2 pounds ground beef (at least 85% lean)
1 can/14.5 ounces diced tomatoes
1 can/14.5 ounces diced tomatoes with mild green chile peppers*
1 can/8 ounces tomato sauce
1 can/15 to 16 ounces black beans (undrained)
salt to taste
Optional: shredded cheddar, cheddar-jack, or a Mexican blend of cheeses
For Toppings (optional):
sour cream
green onion (chopped)
red onion (chopped)
lettuce (shredded)
cilantro
guacamole
tomatoes (diced)
Directions
In a small bowl or cup, combine the chili powder with the dried minced onion, cumin, oregano, sugar, garlic powder, and the black and cayenne peppers. Blend well and set aside.
In a Dutch oven or large sauté pan over medium heat, brown the ground beef, turning and breaking up with a spatula as it cooks.
Drain the ground beef well. Return the beef to the pan over medium heat. Add the chili seasoning mix and stir to blend.
Add the 2 cans of tomatoes, tomato sauce, and undrained black beans. Stir to blend ingredients.
Bring the chili to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes.
Taste and add salt, as needed.
Serve with a Tex-Mex cornbread or classic Southern cornbread, biscuits, crackers, or tortilla chips, along with shredded cheese and your favorite toppings.
Tip
If you don't have diced tomatoes with chile peppers, use regular diced tomatoes and add mild green chile peppers. Or, use about 1 to 1-1/2 cups of chunky mild to medium salsa in place of the second can of tomatoes.
COCONUT RED CURRY WITH TOFU
This is from Melissa Clark in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. Melissa wrote, “This simple weeknight red curry relies on jarred or canned red curry paste for flavor, which you can find at larger supermarkets and specialty markets. Transfer leftover canned curry paste to a jar, top it with a little oil and store in the refrigerator for up to a month. Or freeze for longer storage. Feel free to substitute other vegetables for the mushrooms and snow peas, though you might have to increase the cooking time slightly if using something dense like carrot or cubed winter squash.”
Yield: Serves 4; Time: 30 minutes
This was featured in “Curry and Coconut Milk Fire Up a Weeknight Basic”, and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1016196-coconut-red-curry-with-tofu.
Ingredients
14 ounces extra-firm tofu
1 tablespoon peanut or safflower oil
1-inch ginger root, peeled and minced
2 shallots or 1 small onion, minced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 Thai chile or 2 serrano peppers, seeded and thinly sliced
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro stems
8 ounces cremini mushrooms, quartered
1/2 teaspoon sea salt, more to taste
3 tablespoons prepared red curry paste
1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
2 teaspoons Asian fish sauce
Zest and juice of 1 lime
1 cup snow peas
Basil and/or cilantro leaves, for garnish
Brown or white rice, for serving
Preparation
Cut tofu into 1-inch slabs and place on paper towel-lined baking sheet. Cover with another layer of paper towels and place another baking sheet on top. Let sit for 20 minutes. Cut into 1-inch cubes.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add ginger, shallots, garlic, chile and cilantro stems, and sauté until tender, about 5 minutes. Add mushrooms and sauté until golden brown and tender, about 5 minutes. Season with salt. Stir in curry paste and cook 2 minutes. Pour in coconut milk, scraping up any curry paste with a wooden spoon. Add fish sauce, lime zest and juice. Add tofu cubes and snow peas. Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly and the snow peas are tender, 7 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Taste and add more salt and/or fish sauce if needed.
Serve warm with brown rice and a scattering of torn basil and/or cilantro leaves on top.
Thursday, May 14, 2026
Chicken
Today's post deals with Chicken, and includes Chicken Teriyaki and Chicken Stir-Fry. Enjoy!
QUICK CHANA MARSALA
This is from Keya Wingfield at Epicurious.
For this incredible recipe, Keya wrote, "This chana masala recipe is simple and straightforward—it’s a go-to weeknight meal that can be made in less than an hour. I almost never have the time to soak dried chickpeas the night before I make this dish, or the simmering time required when you start from dried—but then again, who does? What I do have is a trick that will make them taste like you made this dish the slow way: Boiling the canned chickpeas with their liquid helps them mimic the texture you would get from soaking dried ones overnight. (And another trick from my sister-in-law—grating the tomatoes—saves you tons of chopping.)
"You can serve this hearty chana masala with basmati rice, naan, crusty bread, even tortillas, if that’s what you have on hand. Sometimes my happiest move, though, is to ladle the chana masala on a large heap of tortilla chips with some cheese, tomatoes, avocado, jalapeños, and cilantro to make a delicious pile of chana masala nachos.
"You can adjust the liquid to play with the texture. If you like the dish a little soupier, feel free to add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of water in addition to the liquid we’re using from the canned chickpeas.
The recipe also states, "This chana masala recipe is part of our pantry-friendly Vegetarian Comfort Food Meal Plan.
Total Time: 55 minutes; Yield: 4 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/quick-chana-masala.
Ingredients
1 large red onion; plus more thinly sliced for serving (optional)
2 plum tomatoes
2 15-oz. cans chickpeas (do not drain)
3 Tbsp. vegetable oil
1 tsp. cumin seeds
6 garlic cloves, finely grated
1 1" piece ginger, peeled, finely grated
2 tsp. garam masala
2 tsp. Diamond Crystal or 1-1/4 tsp. Morton kosher salt
1 tsp. ground coriander
1/2 tsp. amchur (dry mango powder)
1/2 tsp. ground turmeric
1/2 tsp. Kashmiri or other red chile powder
1/8 tsp. ground cinnamon
Juice of 1/2 lime
1/4 cup chopped cilantro, plus leaves with tender stems for serving
2 Tbsp. unsalted butter (optional)
Steamed rice, naan, or crusty bread (for serving)
Preparation
Grate 1 large red onion on the large holes of a box grater; set aside. Cut ends off 2 plum tomatoes and grate flesh down to skins; discard skins. Set aside separately.
Bring two 15-oz. cans chickpeas with their liquid to a boil in a medium saucepan; cook, stirring occasionally, until chickpeas swell slightly and are a bit lighter in color, 10–15 minutes. Remove from heat. Meanwhile, heat 3 Tbsp. vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium. Cook 1 tsp. cumin seeds, swirling pan, until seeds start to pop and sputter, 10–20 seconds. Add 6 garlic cloves, finely grated, one 1" piece ginger, peeled, finely grated, and reserved grated red onion. Cook, stirring often, until most of the water has evaporated, 7–9 minutes.
Add reserved grated tomatoes to skillet and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Add 2 tsp. garam masala, 2 tsp. Diamond Crystal or 1-1/4 tsp. Morton kosher salt, 1 tsp. ground coriander, 1/2 tsp. amchur (dry mango powder), 1/2 tsp. ground turmeric, 1/2 tsp. Kashmiri or other red chile powder, and 1/8 tsp. ground cinnamon. Cook, stirring, until fragrant and color deepens slightly, about 2 minutes.
Add chickpeas with their liquid to pan, reduce heat, and simmer, stirring often, until mixture thickens and takes on a slightly shiny appearance as the oils start to separate, 10–15 minutes. Stir juice of 1/2 lime, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, and 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter (if using) into chana masala.
Divide chana masala among bowls and top with cilantro leaves with tender stems and sliced red onion (if using). Serve with steamed rice, naan, or crusty bread.
CHICKEN MARSALA
This is from Tyler Florence on the Food Network.
Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes; Yield: 4 servings; Level: Easy
To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/tyler-florence/chicken-marsala-recipe-1951778.
Ingredients
4 skinless, boneless, chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 pounds)
All-purpose flour, for dredging
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
4 ounces prosciutto, thinly sliced
8 ounces crimini or porcini mushrooms, stemmed and halved
1/2 cup sweet Marsala wine
1/2 cup chicken stock
2 tablespoon unsalted butter
1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
Directions
Put the chicken breasts side by side on a cutting board and lay a piece of plastic wrap over them; pound with a flat meat mallet, until they are about 1/4-inch thick. Put some flour in a shallow platter and season with a fair amount of salt and pepper; mix with a fork to distribute evenly.
Heat the oil over medium-high flame in a large skillet. When the oil is nice and hot, dredge both sides of the chicken cutlets in the seasoned flour, shaking off the excess. Slip the cutlets into the pan and fry for 5 minutes on each side until golden, turning once – do this in batches if the pieces don't fit comfortably in the pan. Remove the chicken to a large platter in a single layer to keep warm.
Lower the heat to medium and add the prosciutto to the drippings in the pan, saute for 1 minute to render out some of the fat. Now, add the mushrooms and saute until they are nicely browned and their moisture has evaporated, about 5 minutes; season with salt and pepper. Pour the Marsala in the pan and boil down for a few seconds to cook out the alcohol. Add the chicken stock and simmer for a minute to reduce the sauce slightly. Stir in the butter and return the chicken to the pan; simmer gently for 1 minute to heat the chicken through. Season with salt and pepper and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
CHICKEN STIR-FRY
This is from Everyday Diabetic Recipes, and begins, "Make a fabulous diabetic-friendly stir-fry with chicken, fresh vegetables, and low-sodium soy sauce! Our Chicken Stir-Fry is a weeknight winner, since it cooks up in just about 15 minutes. You'll love how flavorful this dinner dish is!"
Cook Time: 15 minutes; Serves: 4; Serving Size: 6 ounces chickenstrips and 1/2-cup vegetables
To view this online, go to https://www.everydaydiabeticrecipes.com/Chicken/Chicken-Stir-Fry.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon canola oil, divided
1-1/2 pound boneless, skinless, chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch strips
4 cloves garlic, minced
8 ounces fresh asparagus, ends trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
1/2 red bell pepper, cut into 1/4-inch slices
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
1/2 cup low sodium, fat-free chicken broth
2 tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons water
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons cornstarch
Directions
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 2 teaspoons oil until hot. Cook chicken and garlic 5 to 6 minutes, or until chicken is no longer pink in center. Remove chicken to a plate. Add remaining 1 teaspoon oil to skillet and cook asparagus, bell pepper, and ginger 3 to 4 minutes or until crisp-tender.
In a small bowl, combine chicken broth, soy sauce, water, and black pepper. Whisk cornstarch into mixture until smooth.
Stir mixture into vegetables and cook 1 minute or until thickened. Add chicken to skillet and cook 2 to 3 minutes or until heated through. Serve immediately.
CHICKEN TERIYAKI
This recipe is from Sujan Shrestha and adapted by John T. Edge in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. For this recipe, John wrote, "Teriyaki is derived from the Japanese root words teri, which means “to shine,” and yaki, which means “to broil or grill.” That’s the way traditional teriyaki looks: shiny and incised with grill marks. In Japan, teriyaki is a mix of soy sauce, sake and the rice wine mirin, which imparts a subtle sweetness. The teriyaki found throughout Seattle, of which this is an adaptation, is a bit more showy. Cooks sweeten with white sugar and pineapple juice. They thicken with cornstarch. Ginger and garlic go into the mix because of the Korean ancestry of many cooks. It is not at all traditional, but it is simple to prepare and a pleasure to eat. Be sure to plan ahead as you do need to marinate the chicken before cooking. An overnight stay in the fridge is ideal, but many readers have been happy with a quick marinade of an hour or so."
Total Time: 30 minutes, plus marinating; Yield: 8 servings
This was featured in "A City’s Specialty, Japanese in Name Only," and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1012984-chicken-teriyaki. While you're at it, if you haven't already signed up for The New York Times cooking enewsletter, I highly recommend it. Great recipes, guides, and more.
Ingredients
1 cup soy sauce
1 cup granulated sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons brown sugar
6 garlic cloves, crushed in a press
2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
13-inch cinnamon stick
1 tablespoon pineapple juice
8 skinless, boneless chicken thighs
2 tablespoons cornstarch
Preparation
In a small saucepan, combine all ingredients except cornstarch and chicken. Bring to boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low and stir until sugar is dissolved, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool. Discard cinnamon stick and mix in 1/2 cup water.
Place chicken in a heavy-duty resealable plastic bag. Add soy sauce mixture, seal bag, and turn to coat chicken. Refrigerate for at least an hour, ideally overnight.
Remove chicken and set aside. Pour mixture into a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low. Mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water and add to pan. Stir until mixture begins to thicken, and gradually stir in enough water (about 1/2 cup) until sauce is the consistency of heavy cream. Remove from heat and set aside.
Heat a broiler or grill. Lightly brush chicken pieces on all sides with sauce, and broil or grill about 3 minutes per side. While chicken is cooking, place sauce over high heat and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a bare simmer, adding water a bit at a time to keep mixture at a pourable consistency. To serve, slice chicken into strips, arrange on plates, and drizzle with sauce.
BAKED CHEESY ENCHILADA CHICKEN PENNE
This is from Old El Paso, and begins, "Want enchilada flavor with the family-friendly ease of a pasta bake? Look no further! This Baked Cheesy Enchilada Chicken Penne fits the bill. Flavorful enchilada sauce and melty cheese combine to create a tasty dinner with just 35 minutes of prep time. One of our favorite things about this creamy chicken enchilada pasta bake is that the spice level is totally customizable, so you can make it to your family’s preference. Perfect for feeding a crowd, this dish will see you through a potluck or a fun family dinner. And if you don’t polish it off in one meal, you’ll have chicken enchilada pasta leftovers to enjoy tomorrow!"
Prep Time: 35 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes; Makes 10 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/baked-cheesy-enchilada-chicken-penne.
Ingredients
12 oz uncooked penne pasta (3 3/4 cups)
12 oz Kraft™ Velveeta™ Original Cheese Product, cut in 1/2-inch cubes (from 16-oz package)
1 package (8 oz) Old El Paso™ Shredded Mexican 4-Cheese Blend (2 cups)
1 cup milk
3 cups shredded cooked chicken
1 can (19 oz) Old El Paso™ Enchilada Sauce
1 can (4.5 oz) Old El Paso™ Chopped Green Chiles
4 tablespoons butter, melted
1 package (0.85 oz) Old El Paso™ Chicken Taco Seasoning Mix
2 tablespoons thinly sliced green onions
Lime wedges, chopped fresh cilantro leaves and Old El Paso™ Crema Mexicana, if desired
Preparation
Heat oven to 375°F. Spray 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray. Cook pasta as directed on package, using minimum cook time; drain, and set aside.
Meanwhile, in large microwavable bowl, mix cheese cubes, 1 cup of the shredded cheese and the milk. Microwave uncovered on High 4 minutes; stir, then microwave in 30-second increments until cheese melts and mixture is easily stirred smooth.
Gently stir pasta into cheese sauce. Pour mixture into baking dish.
In large bowl, mix chicken, enchilada sauce, green chiles, butter and taco seasoning mix. Spoon over pasta mixture in baking dish.
Bake 28 to 32 minutes or until bubbling at edges (165°F in center). Top with remaining 1 cup shredded cheese. Let stand 5 minutes. Top with green onions. Serve with remaining ingredients.
Expert Tips
The quick microwaved cheese sauce in this chicken enchilada pasta recipe is great for many other applications. Toss with cooked pasta and serve as is, drizzle over cooked potato nuggets, or lay it out alongside tortilla chips as an easy nacho cheese sauce.
To keep this casserole family friendly, we used Old El Paso™ Mild Enchilada Sauce. If you want to give your chicken enchilada pasta bake more of a kick, opt for Old El Paso™ Medium or Hot Enchilada Sauce.
Old El Paso™ Original Taco Seasoning Mix can be used instead of the Old El Paso™ Chicken Taco Seasoning Mix.
CHICKEN SPAGHETTI
This comes from Southern Living, and begins, "Give your traditional chicken casserole a break and serve this bright and lively chicken spaghetti. You only need a Dutch oven and a 9-x-13 baking dish to create this delicious meal, meaning there is less clean-up afterwards. Cook and shred your chicken in advance to save time."
Active Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes; Serves: 10
To view this online, go to https://www.southernliving.com/recipes/easy-chicken-spaghetti.
Ingredients
6 cups unsalted chicken stock
1 (14-oz.) bone-in, skin-on chicken breast, skin removed
3 (7-oz.) bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, skin removed
12 ounces uncooked spaghetti
1 (5-oz.) can evaporated milk
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon lower-sodium Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons hot sauce
2 teaspoons kosher salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion (about 1 medium onion)
1 1/2 cups chopped red bell pepper (about 1 large pepper)
2 cups chopped tomatoes (about 3 medium tomatoes)
4 ounces sharp white Cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 cup)
Directions
Preheat oven to 400°F. Bring stock to a boil in a Dutch oven over high. Add chicken to stock. Cover; reduce heat to medium. Cook until a thermometer inserted in thickest piece of chicken registers 160°F, about 25 minutes. Remove chicken; let stand until ready to use. (Inner temperature of chicken will rise as it stands.)
Return stock to a boil over high. Add pasta to Dutch oven, and cook until just tender, about 9 minutes. Transfer pasta to a medium bowl (reserving stock). Return stock to a boil over high; boil until liquid is reduced to about 2-1/2 cups, about 1 minute. Whisk together evaporated milk and flour in a small bowl. Stir into stock; boil until slightly thickened, 2 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and salt. Pour stock mixture over pasta.
Return Dutch oven to medium-high heat. Add butter, onion, and bell pepper. Cook, stirring often, until tender, 5 to 6 minutes. Remove from heat; add pasta mixture back to Dutch oven. Shred chicken, discarding bones. (You should have about 4 1⁄2 cups meat.) Add chicken and tomatoes to Dutch oven; toss to coat. Pour mixture into a 13- x 9-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Top with cheese. Lightly coat aluminum foil with cooking spray. Cover with foil; bake until cheese is melted, 25 to 30 minutes.
Chef's Notes
You don't have to be a food stylist to create a casserole that looks as good as it tastes. Instead of pouring the pasta mixture from the pot into the baking dish, use tongs and a large spoon to twirl the noodles into nests, as shown below.
QUICK CHANA MARSALA
This is from Keya Wingfield at Epicurious.
For this incredible recipe, Keya wrote, "This chana masala recipe is simple and straightforward—it’s a go-to weeknight meal that can be made in less than an hour. I almost never have the time to soak dried chickpeas the night before I make this dish, or the simmering time required when you start from dried—but then again, who does? What I do have is a trick that will make them taste like you made this dish the slow way: Boiling the canned chickpeas with their liquid helps them mimic the texture you would get from soaking dried ones overnight. (And another trick from my sister-in-law—grating the tomatoes—saves you tons of chopping.)
"You can serve this hearty chana masala with basmati rice, naan, crusty bread, even tortillas, if that’s what you have on hand. Sometimes my happiest move, though, is to ladle the chana masala on a large heap of tortilla chips with some cheese, tomatoes, avocado, jalapeños, and cilantro to make a delicious pile of chana masala nachos.
"You can adjust the liquid to play with the texture. If you like the dish a little soupier, feel free to add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of water in addition to the liquid we’re using from the canned chickpeas.
The recipe also states, "This chana masala recipe is part of our pantry-friendly Vegetarian Comfort Food Meal Plan.
Total Time: 55 minutes; Yield: 4 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/quick-chana-masala.
Ingredients
1 large red onion; plus more thinly sliced for serving (optional)
2 plum tomatoes
2 15-oz. cans chickpeas (do not drain)
3 Tbsp. vegetable oil
1 tsp. cumin seeds
6 garlic cloves, finely grated
1 1" piece ginger, peeled, finely grated
2 tsp. garam masala
2 tsp. Diamond Crystal or 1-1/4 tsp. Morton kosher salt
1 tsp. ground coriander
1/2 tsp. amchur (dry mango powder)
1/2 tsp. ground turmeric
1/2 tsp. Kashmiri or other red chile powder
1/8 tsp. ground cinnamon
Juice of 1/2 lime
1/4 cup chopped cilantro, plus leaves with tender stems for serving
2 Tbsp. unsalted butter (optional)
Steamed rice, naan, or crusty bread (for serving)
Preparation
Grate 1 large red onion on the large holes of a box grater; set aside. Cut ends off 2 plum tomatoes and grate flesh down to skins; discard skins. Set aside separately.
Bring two 15-oz. cans chickpeas with their liquid to a boil in a medium saucepan; cook, stirring occasionally, until chickpeas swell slightly and are a bit lighter in color, 10–15 minutes. Remove from heat. Meanwhile, heat 3 Tbsp. vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium. Cook 1 tsp. cumin seeds, swirling pan, until seeds start to pop and sputter, 10–20 seconds. Add 6 garlic cloves, finely grated, one 1" piece ginger, peeled, finely grated, and reserved grated red onion. Cook, stirring often, until most of the water has evaporated, 7–9 minutes.
Add reserved grated tomatoes to skillet and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Add 2 tsp. garam masala, 2 tsp. Diamond Crystal or 1-1/4 tsp. Morton kosher salt, 1 tsp. ground coriander, 1/2 tsp. amchur (dry mango powder), 1/2 tsp. ground turmeric, 1/2 tsp. Kashmiri or other red chile powder, and 1/8 tsp. ground cinnamon. Cook, stirring, until fragrant and color deepens slightly, about 2 minutes.
Add chickpeas with their liquid to pan, reduce heat, and simmer, stirring often, until mixture thickens and takes on a slightly shiny appearance as the oils start to separate, 10–15 minutes. Stir juice of 1/2 lime, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, and 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter (if using) into chana masala.
Divide chana masala among bowls and top with cilantro leaves with tender stems and sliced red onion (if using). Serve with steamed rice, naan, or crusty bread.
CHICKEN MARSALA
This is from Tyler Florence on the Food Network.
Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes; Yield: 4 servings; Level: Easy
To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/tyler-florence/chicken-marsala-recipe-1951778.
Ingredients
4 skinless, boneless, chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 pounds)
All-purpose flour, for dredging
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
4 ounces prosciutto, thinly sliced
8 ounces crimini or porcini mushrooms, stemmed and halved
1/2 cup sweet Marsala wine
1/2 cup chicken stock
2 tablespoon unsalted butter
1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
Directions
Put the chicken breasts side by side on a cutting board and lay a piece of plastic wrap over them; pound with a flat meat mallet, until they are about 1/4-inch thick. Put some flour in a shallow platter and season with a fair amount of salt and pepper; mix with a fork to distribute evenly.
Heat the oil over medium-high flame in a large skillet. When the oil is nice and hot, dredge both sides of the chicken cutlets in the seasoned flour, shaking off the excess. Slip the cutlets into the pan and fry for 5 minutes on each side until golden, turning once – do this in batches if the pieces don't fit comfortably in the pan. Remove the chicken to a large platter in a single layer to keep warm.
Lower the heat to medium and add the prosciutto to the drippings in the pan, saute for 1 minute to render out some of the fat. Now, add the mushrooms and saute until they are nicely browned and their moisture has evaporated, about 5 minutes; season with salt and pepper. Pour the Marsala in the pan and boil down for a few seconds to cook out the alcohol. Add the chicken stock and simmer for a minute to reduce the sauce slightly. Stir in the butter and return the chicken to the pan; simmer gently for 1 minute to heat the chicken through. Season with salt and pepper and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
CHICKEN STIR-FRY
This is from Everyday Diabetic Recipes, and begins, "Make a fabulous diabetic-friendly stir-fry with chicken, fresh vegetables, and low-sodium soy sauce! Our Chicken Stir-Fry is a weeknight winner, since it cooks up in just about 15 minutes. You'll love how flavorful this dinner dish is!"
Cook Time: 15 minutes; Serves: 4; Serving Size: 6 ounces chickenstrips and 1/2-cup vegetables
To view this online, go to https://www.everydaydiabeticrecipes.com/Chicken/Chicken-Stir-Fry.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon canola oil, divided
1-1/2 pound boneless, skinless, chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch strips
4 cloves garlic, minced
8 ounces fresh asparagus, ends trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
1/2 red bell pepper, cut into 1/4-inch slices
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
1/2 cup low sodium, fat-free chicken broth
2 tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons water
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons cornstarch
Directions
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 2 teaspoons oil until hot. Cook chicken and garlic 5 to 6 minutes, or until chicken is no longer pink in center. Remove chicken to a plate. Add remaining 1 teaspoon oil to skillet and cook asparagus, bell pepper, and ginger 3 to 4 minutes or until crisp-tender.
In a small bowl, combine chicken broth, soy sauce, water, and black pepper. Whisk cornstarch into mixture until smooth.
Stir mixture into vegetables and cook 1 minute or until thickened. Add chicken to skillet and cook 2 to 3 minutes or until heated through. Serve immediately.
CHICKEN TERIYAKI
This recipe is from Sujan Shrestha and adapted by John T. Edge in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. For this recipe, John wrote, "Teriyaki is derived from the Japanese root words teri, which means “to shine,” and yaki, which means “to broil or grill.” That’s the way traditional teriyaki looks: shiny and incised with grill marks. In Japan, teriyaki is a mix of soy sauce, sake and the rice wine mirin, which imparts a subtle sweetness. The teriyaki found throughout Seattle, of which this is an adaptation, is a bit more showy. Cooks sweeten with white sugar and pineapple juice. They thicken with cornstarch. Ginger and garlic go into the mix because of the Korean ancestry of many cooks. It is not at all traditional, but it is simple to prepare and a pleasure to eat. Be sure to plan ahead as you do need to marinate the chicken before cooking. An overnight stay in the fridge is ideal, but many readers have been happy with a quick marinade of an hour or so."
Total Time: 30 minutes, plus marinating; Yield: 8 servings
This was featured in "A City’s Specialty, Japanese in Name Only," and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1012984-chicken-teriyaki. While you're at it, if you haven't already signed up for The New York Times cooking enewsletter, I highly recommend it. Great recipes, guides, and more.
Ingredients
1 cup soy sauce
1 cup granulated sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons brown sugar
6 garlic cloves, crushed in a press
2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
13-inch cinnamon stick
1 tablespoon pineapple juice
8 skinless, boneless chicken thighs
2 tablespoons cornstarch
Preparation
In a small saucepan, combine all ingredients except cornstarch and chicken. Bring to boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low and stir until sugar is dissolved, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool. Discard cinnamon stick and mix in 1/2 cup water.
Place chicken in a heavy-duty resealable plastic bag. Add soy sauce mixture, seal bag, and turn to coat chicken. Refrigerate for at least an hour, ideally overnight.
Remove chicken and set aside. Pour mixture into a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low. Mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water and add to pan. Stir until mixture begins to thicken, and gradually stir in enough water (about 1/2 cup) until sauce is the consistency of heavy cream. Remove from heat and set aside.
Heat a broiler or grill. Lightly brush chicken pieces on all sides with sauce, and broil or grill about 3 minutes per side. While chicken is cooking, place sauce over high heat and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a bare simmer, adding water a bit at a time to keep mixture at a pourable consistency. To serve, slice chicken into strips, arrange on plates, and drizzle with sauce.
BAKED CHEESY ENCHILADA CHICKEN PENNE
This is from Old El Paso, and begins, "Want enchilada flavor with the family-friendly ease of a pasta bake? Look no further! This Baked Cheesy Enchilada Chicken Penne fits the bill. Flavorful enchilada sauce and melty cheese combine to create a tasty dinner with just 35 minutes of prep time. One of our favorite things about this creamy chicken enchilada pasta bake is that the spice level is totally customizable, so you can make it to your family’s preference. Perfect for feeding a crowd, this dish will see you through a potluck or a fun family dinner. And if you don’t polish it off in one meal, you’ll have chicken enchilada pasta leftovers to enjoy tomorrow!"
Prep Time: 35 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes; Makes 10 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/baked-cheesy-enchilada-chicken-penne.
Ingredients
12 oz uncooked penne pasta (3 3/4 cups)
12 oz Kraft™ Velveeta™ Original Cheese Product, cut in 1/2-inch cubes (from 16-oz package)
1 package (8 oz) Old El Paso™ Shredded Mexican 4-Cheese Blend (2 cups)
1 cup milk
3 cups shredded cooked chicken
1 can (19 oz) Old El Paso™ Enchilada Sauce
1 can (4.5 oz) Old El Paso™ Chopped Green Chiles
4 tablespoons butter, melted
1 package (0.85 oz) Old El Paso™ Chicken Taco Seasoning Mix
2 tablespoons thinly sliced green onions
Lime wedges, chopped fresh cilantro leaves and Old El Paso™ Crema Mexicana, if desired
Preparation
Heat oven to 375°F. Spray 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray. Cook pasta as directed on package, using minimum cook time; drain, and set aside.
Meanwhile, in large microwavable bowl, mix cheese cubes, 1 cup of the shredded cheese and the milk. Microwave uncovered on High 4 minutes; stir, then microwave in 30-second increments until cheese melts and mixture is easily stirred smooth.
Gently stir pasta into cheese sauce. Pour mixture into baking dish.
In large bowl, mix chicken, enchilada sauce, green chiles, butter and taco seasoning mix. Spoon over pasta mixture in baking dish.
Bake 28 to 32 minutes or until bubbling at edges (165°F in center). Top with remaining 1 cup shredded cheese. Let stand 5 minutes. Top with green onions. Serve with remaining ingredients.
Expert Tips
The quick microwaved cheese sauce in this chicken enchilada pasta recipe is great for many other applications. Toss with cooked pasta and serve as is, drizzle over cooked potato nuggets, or lay it out alongside tortilla chips as an easy nacho cheese sauce.
To keep this casserole family friendly, we used Old El Paso™ Mild Enchilada Sauce. If you want to give your chicken enchilada pasta bake more of a kick, opt for Old El Paso™ Medium or Hot Enchilada Sauce.
Old El Paso™ Original Taco Seasoning Mix can be used instead of the Old El Paso™ Chicken Taco Seasoning Mix.
CHICKEN SPAGHETTI
This comes from Southern Living, and begins, "Give your traditional chicken casserole a break and serve this bright and lively chicken spaghetti. You only need a Dutch oven and a 9-x-13 baking dish to create this delicious meal, meaning there is less clean-up afterwards. Cook and shred your chicken in advance to save time."
Active Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes; Serves: 10
To view this online, go to https://www.southernliving.com/recipes/easy-chicken-spaghetti.
Ingredients
6 cups unsalted chicken stock
1 (14-oz.) bone-in, skin-on chicken breast, skin removed
3 (7-oz.) bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, skin removed
12 ounces uncooked spaghetti
1 (5-oz.) can evaporated milk
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon lower-sodium Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons hot sauce
2 teaspoons kosher salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion (about 1 medium onion)
1 1/2 cups chopped red bell pepper (about 1 large pepper)
2 cups chopped tomatoes (about 3 medium tomatoes)
4 ounces sharp white Cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 cup)
Directions
Preheat oven to 400°F. Bring stock to a boil in a Dutch oven over high. Add chicken to stock. Cover; reduce heat to medium. Cook until a thermometer inserted in thickest piece of chicken registers 160°F, about 25 minutes. Remove chicken; let stand until ready to use. (Inner temperature of chicken will rise as it stands.)
Return stock to a boil over high. Add pasta to Dutch oven, and cook until just tender, about 9 minutes. Transfer pasta to a medium bowl (reserving stock). Return stock to a boil over high; boil until liquid is reduced to about 2-1/2 cups, about 1 minute. Whisk together evaporated milk and flour in a small bowl. Stir into stock; boil until slightly thickened, 2 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and salt. Pour stock mixture over pasta.
Return Dutch oven to medium-high heat. Add butter, onion, and bell pepper. Cook, stirring often, until tender, 5 to 6 minutes. Remove from heat; add pasta mixture back to Dutch oven. Shred chicken, discarding bones. (You should have about 4 1⁄2 cups meat.) Add chicken and tomatoes to Dutch oven; toss to coat. Pour mixture into a 13- x 9-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Top with cheese. Lightly coat aluminum foil with cooking spray. Cover with foil; bake until cheese is melted, 25 to 30 minutes.
Chef's Notes
You don't have to be a food stylist to create a casserole that looks as good as it tastes. Instead of pouring the pasta mixture from the pot into the baking dish, use tongs and a large spoon to twirl the noodles into nests, as shown below.
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Where's the Beef?
If you're looking to answer the old question of "Where's the beef?", today's post would be a good place to start. (Unless, of course, you're on your way to a certain fast food place.) Check out today's recipes, including Busy Day Chili and Porcupine Meatballs. (Not to worry; no porcupines were hurt here!) Enjoy!
SMOTHERED SKILLET BEEF BURRITOS
This is from Betty Crocker, and begins, "Love burritos AND enchiladas? With these hearty ground beef burritos smothered in enchilada sauce, you never have to choose a favorite! They come together in one skillet for a quick dinner that’s packed with Mexican flavor. Read on to learn how to make beef burritos that are bound to be a hit."
Prep Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes; Servings: 8
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 lb lean (at least 80%) ground beef
1/2 cup diced onion
1 packet (1 oz) Old El Paso™ Original Taco Seasoning Mix
1/2 cup water
1 package (11 oz) Old El Paso™ Flour Tortillas for Burritos (8 Count)
1 cup from 1 can (16 oz) Old El Paso™ Traditional Refried Beans
1-1/2 cups cooked rice
2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (8 oz)
1 can (10 oz) Old El Paso™ Mild Red Enchilada Sauce
Chopped fresh cilantro leaves, if desired
Lime wedges, if desired
Instructions
Heat oven to 350°F. In 12-inch ovenproof skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add beef and onion; cook 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until brown. Drain, and return mixture to skillet. Stir in taco seasoning mix and water. Cook over medium heat 2 to 3 minutes longer or until thickened. Transfer to medium bowl. Clean out skillet; spray with cooking spray.
Place tortillas on work surface. Divide refried beans, rice and beef mixture among centers of tortillas in 4-inch long strip. Evenly top with 1 cup of the cheese. Roll up into burritos, and place seam side down in skillet. Bake 25 minutes.
Drizzle with enchilada sauce; sprinkle with remaining 1 cup cheese. Bake 8 to 10 minutes longer or until cheese is melted and burritos are heated through (165°F). Serve with cilantro and lime wedges.
IMPOSSIBLY EASY CHEESEBURGER PIE (CROWD SIZE)
This is from Betty Crocker, and begins, "Now you can make a crowd-sized version of the top-rated Bisquick® Impossibly Easy Cheeseburger Pie. It's as easy as ever."
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes; Servings: 12
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 lb lean (at least 80%) ground beef
1-1/2 cups chopped onion
1 teaspoon seasoned salt
1 bag (12 oz) frozen mixed vegetables
1 cup Original Bisquick™ mix
2 cups milk
4 eggs, beaten
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese (8 oz)
Instructions
Heat oven to 400°F. Spray 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray. In 10-inch skillet, cook beef, onion and salt over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until beef is brown; drain. Spread in dish. Top evenly with frozen mixed vegetables.
In medium bowl, stir Bisquick mix, milk and eggs with wire whisk until blended. Pour into baking dish.
Bake 30 minutes. Sprinkle evenly with cheese; bake 10 minutes longer or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Cut into squares.
ONE POT CHEESEBURGER MACARONI
This is from Emily Weinberger on the Food Network. It begins, "Nostalgic for the boxed cheeseburger macaroni dinner from your childhood? Then whip up this homemade version of Hamburger Helper that’s just as satisfying as the classic. The recipe is super quick and budget-friendly, leaning on pantry ingredients you probably already have on hand. We use shredded Cheddar to make the dish extra cheesy and finish with chopped parsley for a fresh bite. Perhaps best of all: Everything cooks in one pot, even the pasta!"
Active Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 30 minutes; Level: Easy; Yield: 4 to 6 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/one-pot-cheeseburger-macaroni-12701427.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 large onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Pinch crushed red pepper flakes, optional
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 pound ground beef, 80/20
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
5 cups low-sodium chicken stock or broth
10 ounces elbow macaroni
2 cups shredded Cheddar, about 8 ounces
4 ounces cream cheese
1 cup flat-leaf parsley leaves and tender stems, chopped, plus more for garnish, optional
Directions
Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened 6 to 7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the chili powder, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), 1 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of black pepper and stir to combine. Add the beef and break it up into small pieces with a large spoon; cook, stirring occasionally, until beef is cooked through and no longer pink in the center, 6 to 7 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and Dijon until combined. Pour in the chicken stock and 1 teaspoon salt, stir to combine and bring to a boil, 6 to 7 minutes. Add the elbow macaroni and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and the pasta is al dente, 9 to 11 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the Cheddar and cream cheese until smooth. Fold in the parsley. Garnish with more parsley, if desired.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
PORCUPINE MEATBALLS
This is from Lidey Heuck in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. For this recipe, Lidey wrote, "This cleverly named dish, which gets its moniker from the spiky grains of rice that protrude from the meatballs, became popular during the Great Depression, when rice was often added to expensive ground meat as a way to “stretch” it. It’s still a useful budget tip — or an easy way to eat a little less meat — and you might find you like these lighter meatballs even better than the traditional sort. Some recipes call for uncooked rice, but using cooked rice ensures that you won’t end up with crunchy grains in an otherwise tender meatball. This recipe uses ground beef, but feel free to swap in ground turkey, pork or chicken. Like most tomato sauce-based dishes, these meatballs freeze well: Cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop, covered, over medium-low heat. Serve the meatballs with a simply cooked green vegetable, such as sautéed spinach or steamed broccoli."
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes; Yield: 4 servings
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1024733-porcupine-meatballs.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef (preferably 20-percent fat)
1 cup cooked long-grain rice (see Tip)
1 large egg, beaten
1/3 cup finely chopped yellow onion
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, plus more for serving
3 garlic cloves, minced (1 tablespoon)
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon kosher salt (such as Diamond Crystal)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 (14-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon brown or granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
Preparation
Heat the oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, rice, egg, onion, parsley, garlic, oregano, salt and pepper, and mix well. Roll the mixture into 1-1/2-inch balls, then place them on a plate.
Heat the oil in an oven-safe (10-inch) deep skillet or a large Dutch oven set over medium-high. Fry the meatballs in batches, turning occasionally, until browned all over, 3 to 5 minutes. (If the meatballs begin browning too quickly or the oil begins smoking, lower the heat.) Transfer the meatballs to a paper towel-lined plate.
Drain the fat from the pan. Stir the tomato sauce, Worcestershire, brown sugar and paprika into the pan. Return the meatballs to the pan and spoon the sauce over them.
Bake for 30 minutes, covered, then uncover and bake until the sauce has reduced slightly and is beginning to brown at the edges of the pan, 10 to 15 minutes more. Top with parsley and serve.
Tip
To yield 1 cup cooked rice, start with 1/3 cup uncooked rice and cook according to the package instructions.
BULGOGI
This is from Maangchi and adapted by Julia Moskin at The New York Times cooking site. For this recipe, Julia wrote, "Bulgogi, a Korean classic of marinated grilled beef, is easy to make and fun to eat; it’s no wonder it is one of the country’s most successful culinary exports. As with most Korean barbecue, the meat is seasoned with sesame and scallion, and has ripe pears in the marinade to tenderize the meat and add a characteristic sweetness. Round, pale yellow Asian pears are traditional, but Bosc pears are just fine.
"The meat is only half the recipe: Just as important are the crunchy vegetables, pungent herbs and savory sauces that all get wrapped together into delicious mouthfuls. Perilla is a common Korean herb in the mint family, but if you cannot find it, you can try other herbs like shiso or cilantro. Make sure to wrap your bundle tightly: According to Korean tradition, you must finish it in a single bite!"
Total Time: About an hour, plus time to marinate; Yield: 4 servings
This was featured in "Maangchi: YouTube’s Korean Julia Child," and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1017444-bulgogi.
Ingredients
1 pound well-marbled, boneless sirloin, tenderloin or skirt steak
4 large garlic cloves
1 cup peeled, chopped ripe Asian or Bosc pear
3/4 cup finely chopped onion
1 teaspoon finely chopped ginger
1 scallion, chopped
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon roasted sesame oil
1 tablespoon light brown sugar or honey
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon sesame seeds, toasted
To Serve
Whole, fluffy lettuce leaves for wrapping, such as green leaf, oak leaf or romaine; and whole perilla leaves (optional)
Any or all of the following: hot cooked short-grain rice; long green hot peppers, sliced crosswise into 1-inch chunks; small peeled garlic cloves; carrot and cucumber spears or sticks, 1 to 2 inches long
Korean Barbecue Sauce (Ssamjang, see recipe)
Preparation
Wrap beef in plastic wrap or butcher paper and place in freezer for 1 to 2 hours to firm up.
Cut beef across the grain into thin slices. If cooking in a skillet, slices should be less than 1/8 inch thick; do not worry if they are a bit ragged. If cooking on the grill, uniform slices, 1/8-inch thick, are best.
In a food processor, combine garlic, pear, onion and ginger and process until very smooth and creamy, about 1 minute.
In a bowl or sealable plastic bag, combine steak, marinade, scallion, soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar and pepper and mix well. Cover or seal, then refrigerate at least 30 minutes or overnight.
When ready to cook and serve, prepare garnishes. Lettuce leaves should be mounded in a large basket or platter; small dishes can hold remaining garnishes. Keep vegetables cold.
If using a cast-iron grill pan or large skillet, heat over high heat. Add all the meat and its juices to the pan. Cook, stirring constantly, until most (but not all) of the liquid has evaporated and the meat begins to brown around the edges. Sprinkle with sesame seeds. Serve immediately, directly from the skillet (this will keep the meat hot). If using a charcoal or gas grill, heat to high. Working in batches if necessary, place the sliced meat on the grill and cook, turning often, just until cooked through and browned, about 2 minutes. If desired, heat an empty cast-iron skillet and use as a serving dish; this will keep the meat hot. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
To Serve
To eat, lay a lettuce leaf open on your palm. Add a perilla leaf (if using), a small lump of rice, 1 or 2 pieces of meat and any other garnishes on top, then dab with sauce. Fold or wrap the lettuce, making a bundle that you can hold in one hand. Eat in one or two big bites, to get a little bit of everything in each mouthful.
BUSY DAY CHILI
This is from Elizabeth Mervosh at Southern Living. It begins, "Minimal work is required, but busy day chili tastes like you cooked all day."
The recipe then states, "The beautiful thing about chili is that it's a bit of a recipe life raft: You can deploy it and everyone will be happy. In short, it saves the day. And on top of that, folks can make it a bit more personal with their own toppings.
"So consider this busy day chili your emergency rescue for winter's long days, especially on nights when inspiration is far from your mind, and time is on the short side. We've streamlined the spices and ingredients so there's no need to fiddle or fuss. The seasoning packet takes the guesswork out and actually results in a flavorful, hearty meal."
Active Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 30 minutes; Servings: 4
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 lb. 90/10 lean ground beef
1 medium (8-oz.) yellow onion, chopped (about 1-1/4 cups)
1 medium (6-oz.) poblano chile, chopped (1 cup)
1 (16-oz.) can dark kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (10-oz.) can seasoned diced tomatoes and green chiles (such as Rotel Chili Fixin’s)
1 (8-oz.) can tomato sauce
1 cup chicken stock
1 (1.25-oz.) envelope chili seasoning mix
Sour cream, shredded Cheddar cheese, and tortilla strips (optional)
Directions
Heat oil in a medium Dutch oven over medium-high. Add beef and cook, stirring occasionally, until beef crumbles and is no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
Add onion and poblano chile; cook over medium-high, stirring often, until tender, about 6 minutes.
Add kidney beans, diced tomatoes and green chiles, tomato sauce, chicken stock, and chili seasoning mix.
Bring to a vigorous simmer over high. Reduce heat to medium-high and simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 5 minutes.
Divide evenly among 4 bowls and top with sour cream, cheddar cheese, and tortilla strips, if desired.
SMOTHERED SKILLET BEEF BURRITOS
This is from Betty Crocker, and begins, "Love burritos AND enchiladas? With these hearty ground beef burritos smothered in enchilada sauce, you never have to choose a favorite! They come together in one skillet for a quick dinner that’s packed with Mexican flavor. Read on to learn how to make beef burritos that are bound to be a hit."
Prep Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes; Servings: 8
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 lb lean (at least 80%) ground beef
1/2 cup diced onion
1 packet (1 oz) Old El Paso™ Original Taco Seasoning Mix
1/2 cup water
1 package (11 oz) Old El Paso™ Flour Tortillas for Burritos (8 Count)
1 cup from 1 can (16 oz) Old El Paso™ Traditional Refried Beans
1-1/2 cups cooked rice
2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (8 oz)
1 can (10 oz) Old El Paso™ Mild Red Enchilada Sauce
Chopped fresh cilantro leaves, if desired
Lime wedges, if desired
Instructions
Heat oven to 350°F. In 12-inch ovenproof skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add beef and onion; cook 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until brown. Drain, and return mixture to skillet. Stir in taco seasoning mix and water. Cook over medium heat 2 to 3 minutes longer or until thickened. Transfer to medium bowl. Clean out skillet; spray with cooking spray.
Place tortillas on work surface. Divide refried beans, rice and beef mixture among centers of tortillas in 4-inch long strip. Evenly top with 1 cup of the cheese. Roll up into burritos, and place seam side down in skillet. Bake 25 minutes.
Drizzle with enchilada sauce; sprinkle with remaining 1 cup cheese. Bake 8 to 10 minutes longer or until cheese is melted and burritos are heated through (165°F). Serve with cilantro and lime wedges.
IMPOSSIBLY EASY CHEESEBURGER PIE (CROWD SIZE)
This is from Betty Crocker, and begins, "Now you can make a crowd-sized version of the top-rated Bisquick® Impossibly Easy Cheeseburger Pie. It's as easy as ever."
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes; Servings: 12
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 lb lean (at least 80%) ground beef
1-1/2 cups chopped onion
1 teaspoon seasoned salt
1 bag (12 oz) frozen mixed vegetables
1 cup Original Bisquick™ mix
2 cups milk
4 eggs, beaten
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese (8 oz)
Instructions
Heat oven to 400°F. Spray 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray. In 10-inch skillet, cook beef, onion and salt over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until beef is brown; drain. Spread in dish. Top evenly with frozen mixed vegetables.
In medium bowl, stir Bisquick mix, milk and eggs with wire whisk until blended. Pour into baking dish.
Bake 30 minutes. Sprinkle evenly with cheese; bake 10 minutes longer or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Cut into squares.
ONE POT CHEESEBURGER MACARONI
This is from Emily Weinberger on the Food Network. It begins, "Nostalgic for the boxed cheeseburger macaroni dinner from your childhood? Then whip up this homemade version of Hamburger Helper that’s just as satisfying as the classic. The recipe is super quick and budget-friendly, leaning on pantry ingredients you probably already have on hand. We use shredded Cheddar to make the dish extra cheesy and finish with chopped parsley for a fresh bite. Perhaps best of all: Everything cooks in one pot, even the pasta!"
Active Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 30 minutes; Level: Easy; Yield: 4 to 6 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/one-pot-cheeseburger-macaroni-12701427.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 large onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Pinch crushed red pepper flakes, optional
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 pound ground beef, 80/20
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
5 cups low-sodium chicken stock or broth
10 ounces elbow macaroni
2 cups shredded Cheddar, about 8 ounces
4 ounces cream cheese
1 cup flat-leaf parsley leaves and tender stems, chopped, plus more for garnish, optional
Directions
Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened 6 to 7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the chili powder, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), 1 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of black pepper and stir to combine. Add the beef and break it up into small pieces with a large spoon; cook, stirring occasionally, until beef is cooked through and no longer pink in the center, 6 to 7 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and Dijon until combined. Pour in the chicken stock and 1 teaspoon salt, stir to combine and bring to a boil, 6 to 7 minutes. Add the elbow macaroni and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and the pasta is al dente, 9 to 11 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the Cheddar and cream cheese until smooth. Fold in the parsley. Garnish with more parsley, if desired.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
PORCUPINE MEATBALLS
This is from Lidey Heuck in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. For this recipe, Lidey wrote, "This cleverly named dish, which gets its moniker from the spiky grains of rice that protrude from the meatballs, became popular during the Great Depression, when rice was often added to expensive ground meat as a way to “stretch” it. It’s still a useful budget tip — or an easy way to eat a little less meat — and you might find you like these lighter meatballs even better than the traditional sort. Some recipes call for uncooked rice, but using cooked rice ensures that you won’t end up with crunchy grains in an otherwise tender meatball. This recipe uses ground beef, but feel free to swap in ground turkey, pork or chicken. Like most tomato sauce-based dishes, these meatballs freeze well: Cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop, covered, over medium-low heat. Serve the meatballs with a simply cooked green vegetable, such as sautéed spinach or steamed broccoli."
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes; Yield: 4 servings
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1024733-porcupine-meatballs.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef (preferably 20-percent fat)
1 cup cooked long-grain rice (see Tip)
1 large egg, beaten
1/3 cup finely chopped yellow onion
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, plus more for serving
3 garlic cloves, minced (1 tablespoon)
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon kosher salt (such as Diamond Crystal)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 (14-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon brown or granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
Preparation
Heat the oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, rice, egg, onion, parsley, garlic, oregano, salt and pepper, and mix well. Roll the mixture into 1-1/2-inch balls, then place them on a plate.
Heat the oil in an oven-safe (10-inch) deep skillet or a large Dutch oven set over medium-high. Fry the meatballs in batches, turning occasionally, until browned all over, 3 to 5 minutes. (If the meatballs begin browning too quickly or the oil begins smoking, lower the heat.) Transfer the meatballs to a paper towel-lined plate.
Drain the fat from the pan. Stir the tomato sauce, Worcestershire, brown sugar and paprika into the pan. Return the meatballs to the pan and spoon the sauce over them.
Bake for 30 minutes, covered, then uncover and bake until the sauce has reduced slightly and is beginning to brown at the edges of the pan, 10 to 15 minutes more. Top with parsley and serve.
Tip
To yield 1 cup cooked rice, start with 1/3 cup uncooked rice and cook according to the package instructions.
BULGOGI
This is from Maangchi and adapted by Julia Moskin at The New York Times cooking site. For this recipe, Julia wrote, "Bulgogi, a Korean classic of marinated grilled beef, is easy to make and fun to eat; it’s no wonder it is one of the country’s most successful culinary exports. As with most Korean barbecue, the meat is seasoned with sesame and scallion, and has ripe pears in the marinade to tenderize the meat and add a characteristic sweetness. Round, pale yellow Asian pears are traditional, but Bosc pears are just fine.
"The meat is only half the recipe: Just as important are the crunchy vegetables, pungent herbs and savory sauces that all get wrapped together into delicious mouthfuls. Perilla is a common Korean herb in the mint family, but if you cannot find it, you can try other herbs like shiso or cilantro. Make sure to wrap your bundle tightly: According to Korean tradition, you must finish it in a single bite!"
Total Time: About an hour, plus time to marinate; Yield: 4 servings
This was featured in "Maangchi: YouTube’s Korean Julia Child," and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1017444-bulgogi.
Ingredients
1 pound well-marbled, boneless sirloin, tenderloin or skirt steak
4 large garlic cloves
1 cup peeled, chopped ripe Asian or Bosc pear
3/4 cup finely chopped onion
1 teaspoon finely chopped ginger
1 scallion, chopped
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon roasted sesame oil
1 tablespoon light brown sugar or honey
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon sesame seeds, toasted
To Serve
Whole, fluffy lettuce leaves for wrapping, such as green leaf, oak leaf or romaine; and whole perilla leaves (optional)
Any or all of the following: hot cooked short-grain rice; long green hot peppers, sliced crosswise into 1-inch chunks; small peeled garlic cloves; carrot and cucumber spears or sticks, 1 to 2 inches long
Korean Barbecue Sauce (Ssamjang, see recipe)
Preparation
Wrap beef in plastic wrap or butcher paper and place in freezer for 1 to 2 hours to firm up.
Cut beef across the grain into thin slices. If cooking in a skillet, slices should be less than 1/8 inch thick; do not worry if they are a bit ragged. If cooking on the grill, uniform slices, 1/8-inch thick, are best.
In a food processor, combine garlic, pear, onion and ginger and process until very smooth and creamy, about 1 minute.
In a bowl or sealable plastic bag, combine steak, marinade, scallion, soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar and pepper and mix well. Cover or seal, then refrigerate at least 30 minutes or overnight.
When ready to cook and serve, prepare garnishes. Lettuce leaves should be mounded in a large basket or platter; small dishes can hold remaining garnishes. Keep vegetables cold.
If using a cast-iron grill pan or large skillet, heat over high heat. Add all the meat and its juices to the pan. Cook, stirring constantly, until most (but not all) of the liquid has evaporated and the meat begins to brown around the edges. Sprinkle with sesame seeds. Serve immediately, directly from the skillet (this will keep the meat hot). If using a charcoal or gas grill, heat to high. Working in batches if necessary, place the sliced meat on the grill and cook, turning often, just until cooked through and browned, about 2 minutes. If desired, heat an empty cast-iron skillet and use as a serving dish; this will keep the meat hot. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
To Serve
To eat, lay a lettuce leaf open on your palm. Add a perilla leaf (if using), a small lump of rice, 1 or 2 pieces of meat and any other garnishes on top, then dab with sauce. Fold or wrap the lettuce, making a bundle that you can hold in one hand. Eat in one or two big bites, to get a little bit of everything in each mouthful.
BUSY DAY CHILI
This is from Elizabeth Mervosh at Southern Living. It begins, "Minimal work is required, but busy day chili tastes like you cooked all day."
The recipe then states, "The beautiful thing about chili is that it's a bit of a recipe life raft: You can deploy it and everyone will be happy. In short, it saves the day. And on top of that, folks can make it a bit more personal with their own toppings.
"So consider this busy day chili your emergency rescue for winter's long days, especially on nights when inspiration is far from your mind, and time is on the short side. We've streamlined the spices and ingredients so there's no need to fiddle or fuss. The seasoning packet takes the guesswork out and actually results in a flavorful, hearty meal."
Active Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 30 minutes; Servings: 4
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 lb. 90/10 lean ground beef
1 medium (8-oz.) yellow onion, chopped (about 1-1/4 cups)
1 medium (6-oz.) poblano chile, chopped (1 cup)
1 (16-oz.) can dark kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (10-oz.) can seasoned diced tomatoes and green chiles (such as Rotel Chili Fixin’s)
1 (8-oz.) can tomato sauce
1 cup chicken stock
1 (1.25-oz.) envelope chili seasoning mix
Sour cream, shredded Cheddar cheese, and tortilla strips (optional)
Directions
Heat oil in a medium Dutch oven over medium-high. Add beef and cook, stirring occasionally, until beef crumbles and is no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
Add onion and poblano chile; cook over medium-high, stirring often, until tender, about 6 minutes.
Add kidney beans, diced tomatoes and green chiles, tomato sauce, chicken stock, and chili seasoning mix.
Bring to a vigorous simmer over high. Reduce heat to medium-high and simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 5 minutes.
Divide evenly among 4 bowls and top with sour cream, cheddar cheese, and tortilla strips, if desired.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Double-Post Tueday
Besides being Taco Tuesday, it's also Double-Post Tuesday, since not everyone loves tacos. (This always comes as a surprise to me, but that's cool. To each, his or her own.) Today's offerings include Super-Delicious Zuppa Toscana and Old-Fashioned Meatloaf. Enjoy!
TURKEY CHILI
This is from Eric Kim from The New York Times cooking site. Eric wrote, "Rather than browning the meat first, which doesn’t do much for lean ground turkey and can actually make it tough, this recipe prioritizes cooking down the vegetables first. Onions and canned tomatoes fried in olive oil provide an umami-rich flavor base for turkey’s blank canvas, and the adobo sauce from canned chipotle peppers does a lot of this dish’s heavy lifting. Optional toppings like shredded cheese and sour cream help cool down the spice. One of the best ways to enjoy this simple but powerful chili is over French fries with melted cheese, or tossed with some cooked spaghetti. It’s so great on its own, as well."
Yield: 2 to 4 servings; Time: 45 minutes
This was featured in "Learn to Cook (and Heart It) in 10 Easy Dishes", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1023225-turkey-chili.
Ingredients
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 large white onion, diced
1 (28-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes
Salt
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 pound ground turkey
1 (7-ounce) can chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
Shredded extra-sharp Cheddar, sour cream and whole cilantro leaves, for serving (optional)
Preparation
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon, until translucent and starting to brown at the edges, 5 to 7 minutes.
Use a fork to fish the tomatoes out of the can and add them to the pot, leaving behind the juice for now. Season with salt and cook the tomatoes, breaking them up with the wooden spoon and stirring occasionally, until jammy and their liquid has reduced significantly, 5 to 7 minutes.
Stir in the chili powder and cook until fragrant, just a few seconds. Add the ground turkey, season with salt and stir to combine, breaking up the meat with the spoon. (Don’t worry about browning or cooking it through here, as it will do so when it simmers.) Stir in the reserved liquid from the tomato can.
Use the fork to fish out as many chipotle peppers from the can as you would like, starting with two or three, and add to the pot, breaking them up with the wooden spoon, along with all of the adobo sauce. The more peppers you use, the spicier your final chili will be; if you like spice, just add the entire can. (Store any peppers you don’t use in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week and in the freezer for up to 2 months.) Fill the empty chipotle can with cold tap water, swish it around and add to the pot. Stir to combine.
Bring the chili to a simmer over medium-high heat — you should see occasional small bubbles breaking the surface of the mixture — then cover the pot and reduce the heat to continue simmering over medium-low, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has reduced and the tomatoes have broken down, about 20 minutes. The chili should look thick and shiny, but not too thick that you couldn’t ladle it into a bowl. (If it's too watery, then simmer with the lid off for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.) Taste and add more salt if desired. Serve with cheese, sour cream and cilantro, if using.
SUPER-DELICIOUS ZUPPA TOSCANA
This was on AllRecipes, and begins, "This is an oh-so-good recipe. Just the right amount of spice to make you take a cold drink but definitely keep coming back for more! This soup is irresistible!"
Prep Time: 25 minutes; Cook Time: 1 hour; Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes; Makes 6 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/143069/super-delicious-zuppa-toscana/.
Ingredients
1 pound bulk mild Italian sausage
1-1/4 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
4 slices bacon, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1 large onion, diced
1 tablespoon minced garlic
5 (13.75 ounce) cans chicken broth
6 potatoes, thinly sliced
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 bunch fresh spinach, tough stems removed
Directions
Cook the Italian sausage and red pepper flakes in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat until crumbly, browned, and no longer pink, 10 to 15 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Cook the bacon in the same Dutch oven over medium heat until crisp, about 10 minutes. Drain, leaving a few tablespoons of drippings with the bacon in the bottom of the Dutch oven. Stir in the onions and garlic; cook until onions are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Pour the chicken broth into the Dutch oven with the bacon and onion mixture; bring to a boil over high heat. Add the potatoes, and boil until fork tender, about 20 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the heavy cream and the cooked sausage; heat through. Mix the spinach into the soup just before serving.
Editor's Note:
Please note the differences in serving size and the substitution of lacinato kale for spinach when using the magazine version of this recipe.
TWICE-BAKED POTATOES
This yummy recipes is from Ree Drummond on the Food Network.
Prep Time: 30 minutes; Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes; Yield: 12 to 16 servings; Level: Easy
To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/twice-baked-potatoes-recipe-1925596.
Ingredients
8 baking potatoes, washed
3 tablespoons canola oil
2 sticks salted butter
1 cup bacon bits (fry your own!)
1 cup sour cream
1 cup Cheddar or Jack cheese (or a mix of both), plus more for topping
1 cup whole milk
2 teaspoons seasoned salt
3 green onions, sliced
Freshly ground black pepper
Directions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Place the potatoes on a baking sheet. Rub them with the canola oil and bake for 1 hour, making sure they're sufficiently cooked through.
Slice the butter into pats. Place in a large mixing bowl and add the bacon bits and sour cream. Remove the potatoes from the oven. Lower the heat to 350 degrees F.
With a sharp knife, cut each potato in half lengthwise. Scrape out the insides into the mixing bowl, being careful not to tear the shell. Leave a small rim of potato intact for support. Lay the hollowed out potato shells on a baking sheet.
Smash the potatoes into the butter, bacon and sour cream. Add the cheese, milk, seasoned salt, green onions and black pepper to taste and mix together well. (IMPORTANT: If you plan to freeze the twice-baked potatoes, do NOT add the green onions.)
Fill the potato shells with the filling. I like to fill the shells so they look abundant and heaping. Top each potato with a little more grated cheese and pop 'em in the oven until the potato is warmed through, 15 to 20 minutes.
GRAMMA'S OLD FASHIONED CHILI MAC
This is from an anonymous poster on AllRecipes, and begins, "This is an old family recipe that my mom has cooked for 50 years. It's a wonderful, 'stick-to-the-ribs' meal that goes wonderful with warm cornbread or rolls. I find that kids love this when they don't like regular 'spicy' chili. Enjoy!"
Parep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 25 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes; Makes 6 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/47406/grammas-old-fashioned-chili-mac/.
Ingredients
1 cup elbow macaroni
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
1 cup chopped celery
1/2 large green bell pepper, chopped
1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained
2 (10.75 ounce) cans condensed tomato soup
2 (14.5 ounce) cans diced tomatoes
1/8 cup brown sugar
salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Bring a pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
In a small saucepan, simmer celery and green pepper with water to cover until tender; Drain.
Place ground beef in a large heavy skillet over medium heat. Cook until evenly brown. Add onion, and cook until tender and translucent. Drain excess fat. Add celery and green pepper. Stir in kidney beans, condensed tomato soup, diced tomatoes and brown sugar. Season with salt and pepper, and stir in macaroni.
LASAGNA
This is from Regina Schrambling on The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. The recipe begins, “In 2001, Regina Schrambling went on a week long odyssey in search of the ultimate lasagna recipe. She tested several, and finally found her ideal in a mash-up of recipes from Giuliano Bugialli and Elodia Rigante, both Italian cookbook authors.
“‘If there were central casting for casseroles, this one deserved the leading role. But its beauty was more than cheese deep. This was the best lasagna I had ever eaten. The sauce was intensely flavored, the cheeses melted into creaminess as if they were bechamel, the meat was just chunky enough, and the noodles put up no resistance to the fork. Most important, the balance of pasta and sauce was positively Italian. At last I could understand why my neighbor Geoff had told me, as I dragged home more bags in our elevator, that all-day lasagna is the only kind worth making.’”
Time: 4 hours; Yield: 8 to 10 servings
This was featured in “The Noodle and I: A Face-of at the Oven”, and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/9530-lasagna.
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
1 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 medium red onions, finely diced
2 large cloves minced garlic
8 ounces pancetta, diced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 cups good red wine, preferably Italian
2 28-ounce cans Italian plum tomatoes
3 tablespoons tomato paste
3/4 pound ground sirloin
1/4 cup freshly grated pecorino Romano
2 eggs
10 sprigs fresh parsley, leaves only, washed and dried
2 large whole cloves garlic
1/2 cup flour
1 pound Italian sausage, a mix of hot and sweet
For the Lasagna:
1 15-ounce container ricotta cheese
2 extra-large eggs
2 cups freshly grated pecorino Romano
1/2 cup chopped parsley
1 pound mozzarella, grated
16 sheets fresh lasagna noodles, preferably Antica Pasteria
Preparation
For the sauce, heat 1/2 cup oil in a large heavy Dutch oven or kettle over low heat. Add the onions, minced garlic and pancetta, and cook, stirring, for 10 minutes, until the onions are wilted. Season liberally with salt and pepper. Raise heat slightly, add the wine and cook until it is mostly reduced, about 20 minutes. Crush the tomatoes into the pan, and add their juice. Add the tomato paste and 2 cups lukewarm water. Simmer for 1 hour.
Combine the sirloin, cheese and eggs in a large bowl. Chop the parsley with the whole garlic until fine, then stir into the beef mixture. Season lavishly with salt and pepper. Using your hands, mix until all the ingredients are well blended. Shape into meatballs and set aside.
Heat the remaining oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Dust the meatballs lightly with flour, shaking off excess, and lay into the hot oil. Brown the meatballs on all sides (do not cook through) and transfer to the sauce.
In a clean skillet, brown the sausages over medium-high heat. Transfer to the sauce. Simmer 1 1/2 hours.
Heat the oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, combine the ricotta, eggs, pecorino Romano, parsley and all but 1 cup of the mozzarella. Season well with salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
Remove the meatballs and sausage from the sauce, and set aside to cool slightly, then chop coarsely. Spoon a thick layer of sauce into the bottom of a 9-by-12-inch lasagna pan. Cover with a layer of noodles. Spoon more sauce on top, then add a third of the meat and a third of the cheese mixture. Repeat for 2 more layers, using all the meat and cheese. Top with a layer of noodles, and cover with the remaining sauce. Sprinkle reserved mozzarella evenly over the top. Bake 30 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.
OLD-FASHIONED MEATLOAF
This comes from VeryWellFit, and begins, “This lighter meatloaf recipe is similar to the one most of us enjoyed during our childhoods, but without all of the extra fat. Choose a lean ground beef or, better yet, ground turkey to cut down on the fat. And since you can't make meatloaf without breadcrumbs, why not replace the white, unrefined with whole wheat for added fiber? Also, using two egg whites in place of one whole egg will reduce the calories and fat while still helping to bind the mixture together.”
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 60 minutes; Total Time: 70 minutes; Servings: 8
To view this online click here.
Ingredients
2 pounds ground meat (85% to 90% lean, or ground turkey)
1 cup breadcrumbs (whole wheat)
1/4 cup onion (finely chopped or 1 tablespoon dehydrated onion flakes)
2 cloves garlic (minced or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
1 teaspoon mustard powder
1 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon sage
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 large egg whites
1/4 cup water (or low-fat milk)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 F.
In a large bowl, mix together all of the ingredients. Mix well, using your hands, but don't overmix because you will toughen the meat.
Turn mixture into a 9x5-inch loaf pan. Place the pan on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any drips, and bake for about 1 hour.
To be sure the meatloaf is done, insert an instant-read meat thermometer into the center of the loaf. The temperature should register 155F when it is done.
About 10 to 15 minutes before you think the meatloaf will be done, you can cover it with barbecue sauce if you like.
International Meatloaf
If you are looking for a different kind of meatloaf, try kofta kebabs, a Middle Eastern grilled ground meat recipe. The spices in this meat mixture (traditionally lamb) are a delicious change of pace from the usual. If you don't have the time or inclination to place them on skewers, you can make them into oblong-oval shapes that look like sausages without the casings.
TURKEY CHILI
This is from Eric Kim from The New York Times cooking site. Eric wrote, "Rather than browning the meat first, which doesn’t do much for lean ground turkey and can actually make it tough, this recipe prioritizes cooking down the vegetables first. Onions and canned tomatoes fried in olive oil provide an umami-rich flavor base for turkey’s blank canvas, and the adobo sauce from canned chipotle peppers does a lot of this dish’s heavy lifting. Optional toppings like shredded cheese and sour cream help cool down the spice. One of the best ways to enjoy this simple but powerful chili is over French fries with melted cheese, or tossed with some cooked spaghetti. It’s so great on its own, as well."
Yield: 2 to 4 servings; Time: 45 minutes
This was featured in "Learn to Cook (and Heart It) in 10 Easy Dishes", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1023225-turkey-chili.
Ingredients
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 large white onion, diced
1 (28-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes
Salt
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 pound ground turkey
1 (7-ounce) can chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
Shredded extra-sharp Cheddar, sour cream and whole cilantro leaves, for serving (optional)
Preparation
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon, until translucent and starting to brown at the edges, 5 to 7 minutes.
Use a fork to fish the tomatoes out of the can and add them to the pot, leaving behind the juice for now. Season with salt and cook the tomatoes, breaking them up with the wooden spoon and stirring occasionally, until jammy and their liquid has reduced significantly, 5 to 7 minutes.
Stir in the chili powder and cook until fragrant, just a few seconds. Add the ground turkey, season with salt and stir to combine, breaking up the meat with the spoon. (Don’t worry about browning or cooking it through here, as it will do so when it simmers.) Stir in the reserved liquid from the tomato can.
Use the fork to fish out as many chipotle peppers from the can as you would like, starting with two or three, and add to the pot, breaking them up with the wooden spoon, along with all of the adobo sauce. The more peppers you use, the spicier your final chili will be; if you like spice, just add the entire can. (Store any peppers you don’t use in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week and in the freezer for up to 2 months.) Fill the empty chipotle can with cold tap water, swish it around and add to the pot. Stir to combine.
Bring the chili to a simmer over medium-high heat — you should see occasional small bubbles breaking the surface of the mixture — then cover the pot and reduce the heat to continue simmering over medium-low, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has reduced and the tomatoes have broken down, about 20 minutes. The chili should look thick and shiny, but not too thick that you couldn’t ladle it into a bowl. (If it's too watery, then simmer with the lid off for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.) Taste and add more salt if desired. Serve with cheese, sour cream and cilantro, if using.
SUPER-DELICIOUS ZUPPA TOSCANA
This was on AllRecipes, and begins, "This is an oh-so-good recipe. Just the right amount of spice to make you take a cold drink but definitely keep coming back for more! This soup is irresistible!"
Prep Time: 25 minutes; Cook Time: 1 hour; Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes; Makes 6 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/143069/super-delicious-zuppa-toscana/.
Ingredients
1 pound bulk mild Italian sausage
1-1/4 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
4 slices bacon, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1 large onion, diced
1 tablespoon minced garlic
5 (13.75 ounce) cans chicken broth
6 potatoes, thinly sliced
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 bunch fresh spinach, tough stems removed
Directions
Cook the Italian sausage and red pepper flakes in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat until crumbly, browned, and no longer pink, 10 to 15 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Cook the bacon in the same Dutch oven over medium heat until crisp, about 10 minutes. Drain, leaving a few tablespoons of drippings with the bacon in the bottom of the Dutch oven. Stir in the onions and garlic; cook until onions are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Pour the chicken broth into the Dutch oven with the bacon and onion mixture; bring to a boil over high heat. Add the potatoes, and boil until fork tender, about 20 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the heavy cream and the cooked sausage; heat through. Mix the spinach into the soup just before serving.
Editor's Note:
Please note the differences in serving size and the substitution of lacinato kale for spinach when using the magazine version of this recipe.
TWICE-BAKED POTATOES
This yummy recipes is from Ree Drummond on the Food Network.
Prep Time: 30 minutes; Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes; Yield: 12 to 16 servings; Level: Easy
To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/twice-baked-potatoes-recipe-1925596.
Ingredients
8 baking potatoes, washed
3 tablespoons canola oil
2 sticks salted butter
1 cup bacon bits (fry your own!)
1 cup sour cream
1 cup Cheddar or Jack cheese (or a mix of both), plus more for topping
1 cup whole milk
2 teaspoons seasoned salt
3 green onions, sliced
Freshly ground black pepper
Directions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Place the potatoes on a baking sheet. Rub them with the canola oil and bake for 1 hour, making sure they're sufficiently cooked through.
Slice the butter into pats. Place in a large mixing bowl and add the bacon bits and sour cream. Remove the potatoes from the oven. Lower the heat to 350 degrees F.
With a sharp knife, cut each potato in half lengthwise. Scrape out the insides into the mixing bowl, being careful not to tear the shell. Leave a small rim of potato intact for support. Lay the hollowed out potato shells on a baking sheet.
Smash the potatoes into the butter, bacon and sour cream. Add the cheese, milk, seasoned salt, green onions and black pepper to taste and mix together well. (IMPORTANT: If you plan to freeze the twice-baked potatoes, do NOT add the green onions.)
Fill the potato shells with the filling. I like to fill the shells so they look abundant and heaping. Top each potato with a little more grated cheese and pop 'em in the oven until the potato is warmed through, 15 to 20 minutes.
GRAMMA'S OLD FASHIONED CHILI MAC
This is from an anonymous poster on AllRecipes, and begins, "This is an old family recipe that my mom has cooked for 50 years. It's a wonderful, 'stick-to-the-ribs' meal that goes wonderful with warm cornbread or rolls. I find that kids love this when they don't like regular 'spicy' chili. Enjoy!"
Parep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 25 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes; Makes 6 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/47406/grammas-old-fashioned-chili-mac/.
Ingredients
1 cup elbow macaroni
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
1 cup chopped celery
1/2 large green bell pepper, chopped
1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained
2 (10.75 ounce) cans condensed tomato soup
2 (14.5 ounce) cans diced tomatoes
1/8 cup brown sugar
salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Bring a pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
In a small saucepan, simmer celery and green pepper with water to cover until tender; Drain.
Place ground beef in a large heavy skillet over medium heat. Cook until evenly brown. Add onion, and cook until tender and translucent. Drain excess fat. Add celery and green pepper. Stir in kidney beans, condensed tomato soup, diced tomatoes and brown sugar. Season with salt and pepper, and stir in macaroni.
LASAGNA
This is from Regina Schrambling on The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. The recipe begins, “In 2001, Regina Schrambling went on a week long odyssey in search of the ultimate lasagna recipe. She tested several, and finally found her ideal in a mash-up of recipes from Giuliano Bugialli and Elodia Rigante, both Italian cookbook authors.
“‘If there were central casting for casseroles, this one deserved the leading role. But its beauty was more than cheese deep. This was the best lasagna I had ever eaten. The sauce was intensely flavored, the cheeses melted into creaminess as if they were bechamel, the meat was just chunky enough, and the noodles put up no resistance to the fork. Most important, the balance of pasta and sauce was positively Italian. At last I could understand why my neighbor Geoff had told me, as I dragged home more bags in our elevator, that all-day lasagna is the only kind worth making.’”
Time: 4 hours; Yield: 8 to 10 servings
This was featured in “The Noodle and I: A Face-of at the Oven”, and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/9530-lasagna.
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
1 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 medium red onions, finely diced
2 large cloves minced garlic
8 ounces pancetta, diced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 cups good red wine, preferably Italian
2 28-ounce cans Italian plum tomatoes
3 tablespoons tomato paste
3/4 pound ground sirloin
1/4 cup freshly grated pecorino Romano
2 eggs
10 sprigs fresh parsley, leaves only, washed and dried
2 large whole cloves garlic
1/2 cup flour
1 pound Italian sausage, a mix of hot and sweet
For the Lasagna:
1 15-ounce container ricotta cheese
2 extra-large eggs
2 cups freshly grated pecorino Romano
1/2 cup chopped parsley
1 pound mozzarella, grated
16 sheets fresh lasagna noodles, preferably Antica Pasteria
Preparation
For the sauce, heat 1/2 cup oil in a large heavy Dutch oven or kettle over low heat. Add the onions, minced garlic and pancetta, and cook, stirring, for 10 minutes, until the onions are wilted. Season liberally with salt and pepper. Raise heat slightly, add the wine and cook until it is mostly reduced, about 20 minutes. Crush the tomatoes into the pan, and add their juice. Add the tomato paste and 2 cups lukewarm water. Simmer for 1 hour.
Combine the sirloin, cheese and eggs in a large bowl. Chop the parsley with the whole garlic until fine, then stir into the beef mixture. Season lavishly with salt and pepper. Using your hands, mix until all the ingredients are well blended. Shape into meatballs and set aside.
Heat the remaining oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Dust the meatballs lightly with flour, shaking off excess, and lay into the hot oil. Brown the meatballs on all sides (do not cook through) and transfer to the sauce.
In a clean skillet, brown the sausages over medium-high heat. Transfer to the sauce. Simmer 1 1/2 hours.
Heat the oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, combine the ricotta, eggs, pecorino Romano, parsley and all but 1 cup of the mozzarella. Season well with salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
Remove the meatballs and sausage from the sauce, and set aside to cool slightly, then chop coarsely. Spoon a thick layer of sauce into the bottom of a 9-by-12-inch lasagna pan. Cover with a layer of noodles. Spoon more sauce on top, then add a third of the meat and a third of the cheese mixture. Repeat for 2 more layers, using all the meat and cheese. Top with a layer of noodles, and cover with the remaining sauce. Sprinkle reserved mozzarella evenly over the top. Bake 30 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.
OLD-FASHIONED MEATLOAF
This comes from VeryWellFit, and begins, “This lighter meatloaf recipe is similar to the one most of us enjoyed during our childhoods, but without all of the extra fat. Choose a lean ground beef or, better yet, ground turkey to cut down on the fat. And since you can't make meatloaf without breadcrumbs, why not replace the white, unrefined with whole wheat for added fiber? Also, using two egg whites in place of one whole egg will reduce the calories and fat while still helping to bind the mixture together.”
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 60 minutes; Total Time: 70 minutes; Servings: 8
To view this online click here.
Ingredients
2 pounds ground meat (85% to 90% lean, or ground turkey)
1 cup breadcrumbs (whole wheat)
1/4 cup onion (finely chopped or 1 tablespoon dehydrated onion flakes)
2 cloves garlic (minced or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
1 teaspoon mustard powder
1 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon sage
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 large egg whites
1/4 cup water (or low-fat milk)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 F.
In a large bowl, mix together all of the ingredients. Mix well, using your hands, but don't overmix because you will toughen the meat.
Turn mixture into a 9x5-inch loaf pan. Place the pan on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any drips, and bake for about 1 hour.
To be sure the meatloaf is done, insert an instant-read meat thermometer into the center of the loaf. The temperature should register 155F when it is done.
About 10 to 15 minutes before you think the meatloaf will be done, you can cover it with barbecue sauce if you like.
International Meatloaf
If you are looking for a different kind of meatloaf, try kofta kebabs, a Middle Eastern grilled ground meat recipe. The spices in this meat mixture (traditionally lamb) are a delicious change of pace from the usual. If you don't have the time or inclination to place them on skewers, you can make them into oblong-oval shapes that look like sausages without the casings.
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