Confessions of a Foodie

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Showing posts with label Beef Meatball Calzone. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Beef Meatball Calzone. Show all posts

Wednesday, July 2, 2025

Where's the Beef?

If you grew up during the 1980s, you might remember the classic question (from a Wendy's commercial) that asked, "Where's the beef?".

Besides fast food burger restaurants, you can also find some beef here. Check out the Power Cheeseburger and the 30-Minute Chili with Ground Beef and Beans. Enjoy!

OLD-FASHIONED SKILLET GOULASH

This is from Linda Larsen on The Spruce Eats. Linda wrote, "This simple and old-fashioned recipe for Old-Fashioned Skillet Goulash is delicious and quick to make. It uses the shortcut ingredients condensed tomato soup and diced tomatoes with garlic. If you can't find diced tomatoes with garlic, add 2 cloves of minced garlic to the recipe. Cook the garlic with the ground beef and onions.

"Skillet meals are good because there is little cleanup, and they can be made quickly. And this recipe contains pasta that is cooked right with the other ingredients, making it a one-dish meal. Since the pasta is cooked in the sauce, it has a better texture and absorbs more flavors than pasta cooked in a huge pot of boiling water.<​br />
"You can use other types of pasta if you'd like. Ziti or mostaccioli would be good in this dish. Those types of pasta will most likely take longer to cook than the rotini, so be sure to taste the pasta as it cooks. Always cook pasta to al dente, which means the pasta is tender, but still has some texture and a bit of resistance in the center. You can also sprinkle this recipe with some grated or shredded Parmesan or Romano cheese before serving, even though that ingredient is not traditional in goulash."

Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 25 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes; Makes 6 servings

To view this online, go to https://www.thespruceeats.com/old-fashioned-skillet-goulash-480733.

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef

2 onions (chopped)

1 red bell pepper (chopped)

1 (26 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce

2 (14-ounce) cans diced tomatoes with garlic (undrained)

2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar

2 teaspoons sugar

1 to 3 teaspoons paprika (to taste)

1 teaspoon dried marjoram leaves

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon pepper

1 cup water

2 and 1/2 cups rotini or gemelli pasta

1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley (if desired)

Directions

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, onion, bell pepper, and garlic until the meat is browned and the vegetables are tender, stirring to break up the meat. Drain well.

Add the pasta sauce, diced tomatoes with their liquid, vinegar, sugar, paprika, marjoram, salt, pepper, and water to the skillet with the ground beef and onions and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until the mixture starts to boil, stirring frequently.

Add the pasta to the skillet and bring the mixture back to a simmer. Simmer the food, uncovered, stirring frequently, until the pasta is tender, about 11 to 16 minutes. Sprinkle everything with fresh parsley, if using, and serve immediately.

SMASH BURGERS

This is from Sam Sifton in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. Sam wrote, "This is the traditional, griddled hamburger of diners and takeaway spots, smashed thin and cooked crisp on its edges. It is best to cook in a heavy, cast-iron skillet slicked with oil or fat, and not on a grill. For meat, ask a butcher for coarse-ground chuck steak, with at least a 20 percent fat content, or grind your own. Keep it in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook, and try not to handle it with your fingers — use an ice-cream scoop or spoon instead. Plop down a few ounces in the pan, smash it with a spatula, salt it, let it go crisp and flip. Add cheese and get your bun toasted. The process moves quickly."

Yield: 4 to 8 servings; Time: 20 minutes

This as featured in "Deconstructing the Perfect Burger", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1016595-smash-burgers.

Another like you should check out to to Sam Sifton's guide, "How to Make Burgers". Even if you've been making burgers almost forever, it's still well worth checking out.

Ingredients

1/2 teaspoon neutral oil, like canola, or a pat of unsalted butter

2 pounds ground chuck, at least 20 percent fat

Kosher salt and black pepper to taste

8 slices cheese (optional)

8 soft hamburger buns, lightly toasted

Lettuce leaves, sliced tomatoes and condiments, as desired

Directions

Add oil or butter to a large cast-iron or stainless-steel skillet and place over medium heat. Gently divide ground beef into 8 small piles of around 4 ounces each, and even more gently gather them together into orbs that are about 2 inches in height. Do not form patties.

Increase heat under skillet to high. Put half the orbs into the skillet with plenty of distance between them and, using a stiff metal spatula, press down on each one to form a burger that is around 4 inches in diameter and about 1/2 inch thick. Season with salt and pepper.

Cook without moving until patties have achieved a deep, burnished crust, a little less than 2 minutes. Use the spatula to scrape free and carefully turn burgers over. If using cheese, lay slices on meat.

Continue to cook until meat is cooked through, approximately a minute or so longer. Remove burgers from skillet, place on buns and top as desired. Repeat process with remaining burgers. Serving two hamburgers on a single bun is not an outrageous option.

BEEF MEATBALL CALZONE

This is from Betty Crocker, and begins, "Meet the ultimate craveable comfort food! These incredible beef calzones blend all the best parts of pizza—melty cheese, savory meatballs, and delicious sauce—into a portable, golden-brown pocket that seriously ups the fun factor. Our simple beef calzone recipe is a fun and easy way to bring those amazing flavors together in a meal that's perfect for a casual dinner or game day snack."

Prep Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 60 minutes; Servings: 4

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

2 cups Bisquick™ Original Pancake & Baking Mix

2/3 cup hot water

Gold Medal™ All Purpose Flour, for dusting

1/4 cup marinara sauce

1/2 lb frozen beef meatballs, thawed and cut into 1/4-inch pieces

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Olive oil, for brushing the dough

Instructions

Heat oven to 450ºF. In a large bowl, combine the Bisquick and hot water. Stir until a dough is formed. Cover and rest for 5 minutes.

On a surface dusted with flour, roll the dough into a 10-inch circle. Transfer the dough to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

On one half of the circle, evenly spread the marinara. Top the marinara with the meatball pieces and cover with the mozzarella.

Fold the other half of the dough over the toppings to form a semicircle, and press the edges together to seal the calzone. Brush the calzone with olive oil.

Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Transfer the calzone to a wire rack and allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving.

BEEF NOODLE SKILLET

This is from Ree Drummond on the Food Network.

Active Time: 25 minutes; Total Time: 30 minutes; Yield: 4 to 6 servings; Level: Easy

To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/beef-noodle-skillet-8053162.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons salted butter

1 yellow onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 pound ground chuck

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 tablespoon tomato paste

12 ounces egg noodles

2-1/2 cups beef broth

1 tablespoon grainy mustard

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

A few dashes Worcestershire sauce

1/3 cup sour cream

2 tablespoons heavy cream

2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives

Directions

Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the ground chuck and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook the meat, crumbling as you go, until cooked through, about 5 minutes. Add the tomato paste and cook for about 30 seconds.

Add the noodles, broth, 1 cup hot water, the mustard, paprika and Worcestershire sauce. Give a big stir and bring to a simmer. Cover and allow everything to simmer, stirring occasionally and adding up to 1/2 cup more water if necessary, until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened, about 12 minutes. Stir in the sour cream and heavy cream and cook for 1 additional minute or until the pasta is tender.

Remove from the heat. Sprinkle over the chives and serve directly from the pan.

POWER CHEESEBURGER

This is from The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. The recipe begins, “Maura Egan and Christine Muhlke developed this recipe in 2004, around the time of the Olympic Games in Athens, after talking with Shane Hamman, then the No. 1 weight lifter in America, capable of squatting more than 1,000 pounds. He ate two for lunch, amid his 5,000 calorie day. It’s pretty delicious.”

Yield: 1 cheeseburger, Time: 20 minutes

This was featured in “Food; Athens on 5,000 Calorires a Day”, and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/10971-power-cheeseburger.

Ingredients

8 ounces ground beef, like chuck

1 egg yolk, beaten

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon salt

2 to 3 slices sharp Cheddar cheese

1 sesame bun, halved and toasted if desired

Pickles

Ketchup and mustard

Preparation

In large bowl, combine beef, egg, paprika and salt. Mix well and form 1 large patty.

Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add patty and cook 4 minutes; turn over and top with cheese. Continue to cook an additional 3 to 4 minutes for medium rare.

Place the burger cheese side up on bun and top with pickles, ketchup and/or mustard. Place other bun half on top and serve.

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.

Thursday, May 8, 2025

Beef

Beef has been popular here in the U.S. forever, it seems. Many of us grew up on the stuff, especially early- to mid-twentieth century.

To that end, here are six beef recipes to help you through the day, including One Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni and Beef Meatball Calzone. Enjoy!

COTTAGE PIE

This yumminess is from Dan Pelosi in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. For this recipe, Dan wrote, "Cottage pie is a near twin to its sibling, the slightly better-known shepherd's pie. The main difference between these traditional dishes, which have roots in Ireland and Britain, is that cottage pie embraces ground beef while shepherd’s pie, fittingly, favors lamb. Smothered in a delicious and thick gravy along with carrots, onions, celery and peas, the ground beef filling is covered in creamy mashed potatoes and then baked into a hearty and satisfying meal. Known for being freezer friendly, easy to make and economical, this recipe stretches its simple ingredients to feed many mouths. For variation, try using chicken or turkey and other vegetables in the base and swapping in sweet potatoes for the topping."

Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 1 hour, 40 minutes; Total Time: 2 hours; Yield: 6 to 8 servings

To view this online, go https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1026474-cottage-pie. Also, if you haven't signed up for The New York Times cooking enewsletter, I highly recommend doing so. Great recipes, guides, and more.

Ingredients

For the Filling

2 pounds ground beef

Salt and pepper

2 tablespoons salted butter

1 medium white or yellow onion, diced, about 1 cup

2 celery stalks, finely chopped, about 1/2 cup

1 medium carrot, peeled and finely chopped, about 1/2 cup

3 garlic cloves, minced

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

2 cups beef broth

1/2 cup dry red wine (or water)

1/2 cup frozen peas

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

4 thyme sprigs

2 dried bay leaves

For the Topping

Salt

2-1/2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes

1/2 cup whole milk

5 tablespoons salted butter, melted

3/4 cup grated Parmesan (about 1-1/2 ounces)

Preparation

Heat the oven to 350 degrees.

Prepare the filling: Heat an ovenproof 12-inch skillet over medium. Add ground beef and a large pinch of salt and cook, breaking up the meat as you go, until slightly pink and just cooked through, 5 to 7 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the ground beef to a bowl and set aside. Leave about a teaspoon of fat in the pan and discard the rest.

To the same skillet, add butter, onion, celery and carrot and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent and the carrot is just tender, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and tomato paste, stirring to coat, about 1 minute. Add flour and stir to incorporate.

Add broth, red wine, peas, Worcestershire sauce, thyme sprigs, bay leaves and 1 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Stir to combine, then bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the consistency of thick gravy, 7 to 10 minutes. Taste and add extra seasoning, if needed. Remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs and stir in the ground beef. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.

Make the topping: To a large saucepan, add 4 quarts of water and 2 tablespoons of salt and bring to a boil. Add potatoes and cook until knife-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain the potatoes and put back into the saucepan. Add the milk, 4 tablespoons butter and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan. Mash with a potato masher until just creamy, avoiding over-mashing. Taste and add salt if needed.

Dollop the mashed potatoes on top of the beef mixture in the skillet, carefully smoothing the mashed potatoes until it fully covers the beef mixture and reaches the edge of the pan. Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter over the top, sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup grated Parmesan and bake in the oven until golden and bubbly, about 30 minutes. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Tips

If you do not have an oven-proof skillet, you can transfer beef mixture to a 9-by-13-inch baking dish for assembly and baking.

Cottage pie can be fully assembled and refrigerated (up to 2 days) or frozen (up to 3 months) in advance, then baked. If frozen, allow to defrost fully before baking.

BEST BEEF STROGANOFF

This is from Bri22 on Food. Time: 35 minutes; Serves: 6 - 8

To view this online, click here..

Ingredients

1/2 cup minced onion

1 cup sour cream

1 garlic clove, minced

1/4 cup butter

1 lb ground beef

2 tablespoons flour

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

canned mushroom stems and pieces, 2-3 cans, drained

1 (10 3/4 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup (I always use the top name brand)

1 (12 ounce) bag egg noodles, cooked

Directions

Sauté onion and garlic in butter over medium heat.

Stir in ground beef and brown stir in flour, salt, mushrooms, and pepper cook 5 minutes, then stir in soup. Simmer uncovered 10 minutes.

Stir in sour cream until heated. Serve over noodles.

EASY BEEF STROGANOFF IN THE SLOW COOKER

This is from AllRecipes, and begins, "I make my beef stroganoff in the slow cooker with cream of mushroom soup and cream cheese with garlic and herbs. Serve over noodles to your liking."

Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 4 hours; Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes; Makes 5 servings

To view this online, go to https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/261152/easy-beef-stroganoff-in-the-slow-cooker/.

Ingredients

1-1/3 pounds cubed beef stew meat

2 cups fresh mushrooms, thickly sliced

1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup

1 cup milk

2 onions, chopped

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

6 ounces herb and garlic-flavored cream cheese

1 cup fusilli pasta

1/4 cup sour cream (Optional)

Directions

Combine beef, mushrooms, cream of mushroom soup, milk, onions, and Worcestershire sauce in a slow cooker.

Cook on High for 3 to 4 hours, or on Low for 5 to 7 hours. Stir in cream cheese until well dissolved; cook for 1 hour more.

During the last 20 minutes of cooking, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add fusilli to the boiling water and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 12 minutes. Drain.

Serve stroganoff over fusilli and garnish with sour cream.

Cook's Notes:

Use a high-quality cream of mushroom soup, don't buy a cheap brand. It makes a difference.

No need to add extra liquid for the condensed soup, this is what the milk is for.

MEME'S PASTA FAGIOLI

This is from Karyn Osborne on AllRecipes. Karyn wrote, "White cannellini beans, ditalini pasta with vegetables, lean hamburger, and herbs are simmered in vegetable juice and chicken broth. It is like an Italian chili like Olive Garden®'s Pasta Fagioli and even better the second day."

Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 50 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes; Makes 8 servings

To view this online, go to https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/238014/memes-pasta-fagioli/.

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground beef

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 carrot, diced

1 stalk celery, diced

1 thin slice onion, diced

1 teaspoon minced garlic

1 (32 ounce) bottle tomato-vegetable juice cocktail (such as V8®)

1 (14 ounce) can chicken broth

1 tablespoon dried parsley

1 tablespoon dried basil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

freshly ground black pepper to taste

1-1/2 cups ditalini pasta

1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

Directions

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir beef in the hot skillet until browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes; drain and discard grease.

Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat; saute carrot, celery, and onion until softened, 5 to 10 minutes. Add garlic and saute until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir vegetable juice cocktail, chicken broth, parsley, basil, oregano, and black pepper into vegetable mixture; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer soup for 20 minutes.

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook ditalini pasta in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until cooked through but firm to the bite, 8 minutes. Drain.

Stir cannellini beans and ground beef into soup; cook and stir until soup is heated through, about 10 minutes.

Spoon about 1/3 cup pasta into each serving bowl; ladle soup over pasta.

Cook's Note:

Keep pasta separate from soup for leftovers and combine when reheating.

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.

BEEF MEATBALL CALZONE

This is from Betty Crocker, and begins, "Meet the ultimate craveable comfort food! These incredible beef calzones blend all the best parts of pizza—melty cheese, savory meatballs, and delicious sauce—into a portable, golden-brown pocket that seriously ups the fun factor. Our simple beef calzone recipe is a fun and easy way to bring those amazing flavors together in a meal that's perfect for a casual dinner or game day snack."

Prep Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 60 minutes; Servings: 4

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

2 cups Bisquick™ Original Pancake & Baking Mix

2/3 cup hot water

Gold Medal™ All Purpose Flour, for dusting

1/4 cup marinara sauce

1/2 lb frozen beef meatballs, thawed and cut into 1/4-inch pieces

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Olive oil, for brushing the dough

Instructions

Heat oven to 450ºF. In a large bowl, combine the Bisquick and hot water. Stir until a dough is formed. Cover and rest for 5 minutes.

On a surface dusted with flour, roll the dough into a 10-inch circle. Transfer the dough to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

On one half of the circle, evenly spread the marinara. Top the marinara with the meatball pieces and cover with the mozzarella.

Fold the other half of the dough over the toppings to form a semicircle, and press the edges together to seal the calzone. Brush the calzone with olive oil.

Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Transfer the calzone to a wire rack and allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Friday, April 25, 2025

Friday Recipes

It's finally Friday. I'm not sure what your plans are, but I've got quite a few things planned. Of course, I probably won't get everything done, but that's fine.

In the meantime, we do need to eat. To that end, here are six recipes to help you through the weekend, including Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole and Beef Meatball Calzone. Enjoy!

SMASH BURGERS

This is from Sam Sifton in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. Sam wrote, "This is the traditional, griddled hamburger of diners and takeaway spots, smashed thin and cooked crisp on its edges. It is best to cook in a heavy, cast-iron skillet slicked with oil or fat, and not on a grill. For meat, ask a butcher for coarse-ground chuck steak, with at least a 20 percent fat content, or grind your own. Keep it in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook, and try not to handle it with your fingers — use an ice-cream scoop or spoon instead. Plop down a few ounces in the pan, smash it with a spatula, salt it, let it go crisp and flip. Add cheese and get your bun toasted. The process moves quickly."

Yield: 4 to 8 servings; Time: 20 minutes

This as featured in "Deconstructing the Perfect Burger", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1016595-smash-burgers.

Another like you should check out to to Sam Sifton's guide, "How to Make Burgers". Even if you've been making burgers almost forever, it's still well worth checking out.

Ingredients

1/2 teaspoon neutral oil, like canola, or a pat of unsalted butter

2 pounds ground chuck, at least 20 percent fat

Kosher salt and black pepper to taste

8 slices cheese (optional)

8 soft hamburger buns, lightly toasted

Lettuce leaves, sliced tomatoes and condiments, as desired

Directions

Add oil or butter to a large cast-iron or stainless-steel skillet and place over medium heat. Gently divide ground beef into 8 small piles of around 4 ounces each, and even more gently gather them together into orbs that are about 2 inches in height. Do not form patties.

Increase heat under skillet to high. Put half the orbs into the skillet with plenty of distance between them and, using a stiff metal spatula, press down on each one to form a burger that is around 4 inches in diameter and about 1/2 inch thick. Season with salt and pepper.

Cook without moving until patties have achieved a deep, burnished crust, a little less than 2 minutes. Use the spatula to scrape free and carefully turn burgers over. If using cheese, lay slices on meat.

Continue to cook until meat is cooked through, approximately a minute or so longer. Remove burgers from skillet, place on buns and top as desired. Repeat process with remaining burgers. Serving two hamburgers on a single bun is not an outrageous option.

CHICKEN BACON RANCH CASSEROLE

This is from the Pillsbury emailing list. It begins, "Level up your casserole game in the easiest way with a yummy Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole. Simple, hearty and guaranteed to please, this creamy chicken pasta dish will have the whole family asking for seconds. Prep your casserole in just 20 minutes, then let your oven do all the heavy lifting—this chicken bacon ranch pasta bake is the definition of comfort food!"

Prep Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 45; Makes 6 servings

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

1 lb penne pasta, cooked and drained

2 cups shredded cooked chicken

1 jar (15 oz) Alfredo pasta sauce

1/2 cup ranch dressing

6 slices chopped cooked bacon

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (8 oz)

Chopped parsley, if desired

Directions

Heat oven to 350°F. Grease or spray 13x9-inch pan.

In large bowl, place 1 lb cooked and drained penne pasta, 2 cups shredded cooked chicken, 1 jar (15 oz) Alfredo pasta sauce and 1/2 cup ranch dressing. Stir to combine. Pour mixture in pan; spread evenly.

Sprinkle 6 slices chopped cooked bacon evenly over top, then sprinkle with 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (8 oz).

Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Let stand 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with chopped parsley.

Tips from the Pillsbury Kitchens

tip 1

Don't skimp on the optional sprinkle of chopped parsley. It adds bright color and a fresh taste to your bacon ranch chicken bake.

Tip 2

If you don't have any leftover chicken, pick up a rotisserie chicken at your grocery store. A 2-lb bird will provide about 3 cups of meat.

Tip 3

To add a more distinct cheesy flavor to your chicken bacon casserole, use cheddar cheese instead of the mozzarella.

Tip 4

You can use any short pasta, including fusilli or rotini, in this Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole recipe. The short noodles make the casserole easy to scoop up and serve.

BEEF NOODLE SKILLET

This is from Ree Drummond on the Food Network.

Active Time: 25 minutes; Total Time: 30 minutes; Yield: 4 to 6 servings; Level: Easy

To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/beef-noodle-skillet-8053162.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons salted butter

1 yellow onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 pound ground chuck

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 tablespoon tomato paste

12 ounces egg noodles

2-1/2 cups beef broth

1 tablespoon grainy mustard

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

A few dashes Worcestershire sauce

1/3 cup sour cream

2 tablespoons heavy cream

2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives

Directions

Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the ground chuck and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook the meat, crumbling as you go, until cooked through, about 5 minutes. Add the tomato paste and cook for about 30 seconds.

Add the noodles, broth, 1 cup hot water, the mustard, paprika and Worcestershire sauce. Give a big stir and bring to a simmer. Cover and allow everything to simmer, stirring occasionally and adding up to 1/2 cup more water if necessary, until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened, about 12 minutes. Stir in the sour cream and heavy cream and cook for 1 additional minute or until the pasta is tender.

Remove from the heat. Sprinkle over the chives and serve directly from the pan.

BEEF MEATBALL CALZONE

This is from Betty Crocker, and begins, "Meet the ultimate craveable comfort food! These incredible beef calzones blend all the best parts of pizza—melty cheese, savory meatballs, and delicious sauce—into a portable, golden-brown pocket that seriously ups the fun factor. Our simple beef calzone recipe is a fun and easy way to bring those amazing flavors together in a meal that's perfect for a casual dinner or game day snack."

Prep Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 60 minutes; Servings: 4

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

2 cups Bisquick™ Original Pancake & Baking Mix

2/3 cup hot water

Gold Medal™ All Purpose Flour, for dusting

1/4 cup marinara sauce

1/2 lb frozen beef meatballs, thawed and cut into 1/4-inch pieces

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Olive oil, for brushing the dough

Instructions

Heat oven to 450ºF. In a large bowl, combine the Bisquick and hot water. Stir until a dough is formed. Cover and rest for 5 minutes.

On a surface dusted with flour, roll the dough into a 10-inch circle. Transfer the dough to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

On one half of the circle, evenly spread the marinara. Top the marinara with the meatball pieces and cover with the mozzarella.

Fold the other half of the dough over the toppings to form a semicircle, and press the edges together to seal the calzone. Brush the calzone with olive oil.

Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Transfer the calzone to a wire rack and allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving.

BEST TURKEY MEATLOAF

This is from the Food Network Kitchen, and begins, "A slightly lighter version of the all-American classic, this satisfying meatloaf uses chicken broth and soaked panko to stay moist, and a mix of fresh herbs for flavor. It’s the best turkey meatloaf you’ll find!"

Active Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes; Yield: 6 servings; Level: Easy

To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/best-turkey-meatloaf-recipe-7217376.

Ingredients

1/4 cup olive oil

1 large onion, chopped

2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves

1 teaspoon minced fresh sage

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 cloves garlic, grated

1 tablespoon tomato paste

3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs

1/2 cup chicken broth

3 pounds ground turkey

2 large eggs

1/2 cup ketchup

Directions

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with foil.

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions, thyme, sage, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Cook, stirring often, until the onions are softened, about 10 minutes. Add the garlic and cook 1 minute more. Add the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring to incorporate. Stir in the Worcestershire. Remove from the heat and allow to cool.

Add the panko to a large mixing bowl and pour over the chicken broth so the breadcrumbs soak up the liquid. Add the turkey, eggs, 2 teaspoons salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper and the cooled onion mixture and mix well with your hands until well combined. Form the mixture into a 10-by-5-inch loaf on the foil-lined baking sheet. Coat the top and sides with the ketchup.

Put the meatloaf in the oven and reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F. Bake until a thermometer inserted in the center of the loaf reads 165 degrees F, 45 minutes to 1 hour. Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.

VEGETABLE-CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP

Servings: 6 (Serving = 1-1/2 cup)

Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/253.shtml

Ingredients

6 cups 1/3-less-salt chicken broth, divided

1 cup chopped celery

1/2 cup thinly sliced leek (white part only)

1/2 cup chopped carrot

1/2 cup peeled and chopped turnip

1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley

1-1/2 teaspoons fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves

1 teaspoons fresh rosemary or 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary

1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar

1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

2 ounces uncooked "no-yolk" broad noodles

1 cup diced cooked chicken

Directions

Place 1/3 cup chicken broth, celery, leek, carrot and turnip in large saucepan. Cover and cook over medium heat until vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally.

Stir in remaining 5 -2/3 cups chicken broth, parsley, thyme, rosemary, vinegar and black pepper. Bring to a boil; add noodles. Cook until noodles are tender; stir in chicken. Reduce heat to medium. Simmer until heated through.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 98; Protein: 10 g; Fat: 2 g; Sodium: 73 mg; Cholesterol: 18 mg; Carbohydrates: 12 g; Exchanges: 1/2 Starch/Bread, 1 Lean Meat, 1/2 Vegetable

Friday, April 18, 2025

Friday Recipes

It's finally Friday, time to get ready for the weekend. Whether you've got plans for a full weekend, or plan to just take it easy, we still need to eat. Therefore, here are six yummy recipes to help you through the weekend, including Rancher's Meatloaf, Chicken and Avocado Burritos, and Beef Meatball Calzone. Enjoy!

TURKEY AND VEGGIE ALFREDO POT PIE

This is from Betty Crocker, and begins, "Let help you give a new look to your holiday leftovers. This creamy vegetable and turkey casserole is easy to make for busy days. "

Prep Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes; Servings: 5

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

1 bag (12 oz) frozen broccoli, carrots, cauliflower & cheese sauce

1 tablespoon butter1/2 cup chopped onion

1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper

1 jar (15 oz) Alfredo sauce

2 cups cubed cooked turkey

3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

2 cans (6 oz) refrigerated Pillsbury™ Flaky Layers Buttermilk Biscuits (5 Count)

2 tablespoons shredded fresh Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Heat oven to 375°F. Spray 8-inch square (2-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray. Cook frozen vegetables as directed on bag for minimum time.

Meanwhile, in 10-inch nonstick skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Cook onion and bell pepper in butter about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender. Stir in Alfredo sauce, turkey, cooked vegetables with sauce, basil and black pepper. Cook until mixture is thoroughly heated and bubbly, stirring constantly. Spoon into baking dish.Separate dough into 10 biscuits. Cut each biscuit in half crosswise. Arrange around edge of baking dish, overlapping slightly. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Bake 18 to 20 minutes or until biscuits are golden brown.

BEEF MEATBALL CALZONE

This is from Betty Crocker, and begins, "Meet the ultimate craveable comfort food! These incredible beef calzones blend all the best parts of pizza—melty cheese, savory meatballs, and delicious sauce—into a portable, golden-brown pocket that seriously ups the fun factor. Our simple beef calzone recipe is a fun and easy way to bring those amazing flavors together in a meal that's perfect for a casual dinner or game day snack."

Prep Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 60 minutes; Servings: 4

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

2 cups Bisquick™ Original Pancake & Baking Mix

2/3 cup hot water

Gold Medal™ All Purpose Flour, for dusting

1/4 cup marinara sauce

1/2 lb frozen beef meatballs, thawed and cut into 1/4-inch pieces

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Olive oil, for brushing the dough

Instructions

Heat oven to 450ºF. In a large bowl, combine the Bisquick and hot water. Stir until a dough is formed. Cover and rest for 5 minutes.

On a surface dusted with flour, roll the dough into a 10-inch circle. Transfer the dough to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

On one half of the circle, evenly spread the marinara. Top the marinara with the meatball pieces and cover with the mozzarella.

Fold the other half of the dough over the toppings to form a semicircle, and press the edges together to seal the calzone. Brush the calzone with olive oil.

Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Transfer the calzone to a wire rack and allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving.

QUICK WHITE CHICKEN CHILI

This is from Southern Living, and begins, "Comforting quick white chicken chili is ready in just 30 minutes, start to finish."

The recipe also begins, "Two store-bought shortcuts make this comforting soup a cinch to make. One is ​​the chili seasoning mix, which not only thickens the soup, but adds heat and a smoky-earthy flavor from the cumin included in it. The other hero ingredient is shredded rotisserie chicken, one of our regular go-tos for effortless weeknight meals.

"Meanwhile, the canned green chiles impart a mild kick, and come in a close third for ingredient MVP too. All said and done, you truly cannot tell that this soup is semi-homemade."

Active Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 30 minutes; Servings: 8

To view this online, go to https://www.southernliving.com/quick-white-chicken-chili-8712863.

Ingredients

2 Tbsp. olive oil

1 large sweet onion, chopped (about 2 cups)

2 garlic cloves, finely chopped (2 tsp.)

4 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (from 2 rotisserie chickens)

2 (14 1/2-oz.) cans chicken broth

2 (4-oz.) cans chopped green chiles

1 (1 1/4-oz.) pkg. white chicken chili seasoning mix

3 (15 1/2-oz.) cans white beans (such as navy beans), drained, rinsed, and divided

Toppings: Sour cream, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, fresh cilantro leaves, and chopped avocado

Ingredients

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high. Add onion and garlic; cook, stirring often, until onion softens, about 4 minutes.

Stir in chicken, broth, chiles, seasoning mix, and 2 cans of the beans. Coarsely mash remaining 1 can beans; stir into chicken mixture.

Bring to a boil over high. Cover and reduce heat to low; simmer, stirring occasionally, until mixture thickens slightly and flavors meld, about 10 minutes. Serve with desired toppings.

CURRY ROASTED HALF CHICKEN AND PEPPERS

This is from Genevieve Ko in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. For this recipe, Genevieve wrote, "A half chicken, cut right between the breasts and back, is sold in most supermarkets and just what you want when cooking for one, offering both light and dark meat, and the juiciness that comes with all the bones. After it cooks — quickly, relative to a whole bird — it leaves you with two meals or one very hearty dinner. Here, this curry-rubbed chicken roasts over peppers and onion, which release their natural sweetness into the pan juices. It’s great over rice or with bread, and leftovers can be simmered with coconut milk for a stewed curry, or chopped and mixed with mayonnaise for a chicken salad sandwich."

Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 40 minutes; Total Time: 50 minutes; Yield: 1 to 2 servings

This was featured in "Cooking for One Can be Fun, Easy, and Delicious. Here's How." You can view the recipe at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1025395-curry-roasted-half-chicken-and-peppers.

Ingredients

4 tablespoons olive oil

2 garlic cloves, very finely chopped

2 tablespoons Madras or yellow curry powder

3 sweet bell peppers (red, orange and yellow), diced

1 large onion, diced

Salt and black pepper

1 whole half chicken (about 1-1/2 pounds), patted dry with paper towels

Lemon or lime wedges, for serving (optional)

Preparation

Heat the oven to 400 degrees. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.

In a small bowl, mix the oil, garlic and curry powder. Toss the peppers and onion with 2 tablespoons of the curry oil. Spread in an even layer and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Set the chicken over the vegetables and rub the remaining curry oil all over the bird and under the breast skin. Sprinkle the chicken all over with salt and pepper.

Roast until the chicken juices run clear when you stab the drumstick with a paring knife, about 35 minutes. If you’d like, squeeze lemon or lime juice all over before serving.

CHICKEN & AVOCADO BURRITOS

This is from Campbell's, and begins, "Chicken & Avocado Burritos stuffed with chicken, avocado, cheese and sour cream, cooked until browned and crisp on the outside? Yes, please! The best part is that with this recipe, you don't have to prep and cook the chicken- canned chicken is the perfect time saver! Learn how to make these chicken burritos. It really couldn't be easier, and it's easy to customize, too! Want to use whole wheat tortillas? Go for it. Is shredded Cheddar cheese your favorite? Use that instead! This Chicken & Avocado Burritos recipe is foolproof, and ready to eat in less than 20 minutes!"

Prep Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 18 minutes; Serves: 4

To view this online, go to https://www.campbells.com/swanson/recipes/chicken-avocado-burritos/.

Ingredients

1 can (12.5 ounces) Swanson® Premium White Chunk Chicken Breast in Water, drained

1/3 cup Pace® Salsa Verde

2 tablespoons light sour cream or plain nonfat Greek yogurt

4 flour tortilla (10-inch), warmed

1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese or Cheddar cheese (about 4 ounces)

1 avocado, pitted, peeled and diced

2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1 lime, cut into quarters

Instructions

Stir the chicken, salsa verde and sour cream in a bowl.

Place the tortillas onto a work surface. Spoon the chicken mixture down the center of each tortilla. Top with avocado, cheese and cilantro. Fold in two sides of each tortilla and roll up to enclose the filling.

Heat the oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat. Cook the burritos for 4 minutes. Turn the burritos over and cook for 4 minutes or until hot. Serve with the lime wedges and additional salsa verde, if desired.

RANCHER'S MEATLOAF

This is from Everyday Diabetic Recipes, and begins, "Take your taste buds down to the ranch with this easy recipe for Rancher's Meatloaf. Filled with barbecue flavor, fiber-filled black beans, and good-for-ya veggies, this is one meatloaf that'll really get you saying, 'Yeehaw!'"

Cook Time: 1 hour 35 minutes; Serves: 10

To view this online, go to https://www.everydaydiabeticrecipes.com/Beef/Ranchers-Meatloaf.

Ingredients

2 pounds extra lean ground beef

1 (8-1/4-ounce) can julienne carrots, drained

1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed

1/2 cup cornflake crumbs

3 tablespoons minced onion

1/2 cup egg substitute

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

2 tablespoons low-carb barbecue sauce

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a 9- x 5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray.

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, carrots, black beans, cornflake crumbs, minced onion, egg substitute, and pepper; mix well. Place in loaf pan. Spread barbecue sauce evenly over top.

Bake 1-1/2 hours, or until no pink remains. Allow to sit 5 minutes. Pour off excess liquid, if any, then slice and serve.

Friday, March 14, 2025

Friday Recipes

It's finally Friday. Here are six yummy recipes to help you through the weekend, including Beef Meatball Calzone and Enchiladas Con Carne. Enjoy!

INA GARTEN’S SKILLET-ROASTED LEMON CHICKEN

This was sent in a TODAY Show’s email. It begins with this from Ina Garten, “I can't tell you how many times I've made this! I have the butcher butterfly the chicken so all I do is grind the thyme, fennel seeds, salt, and pepper, mix it with olive oil, and brush it on the chicken. When the lemon slices are roasted and caramelized, you can eat them with the chicken.

Notes: Remove the ends of the lemon, cut in half through the stem ends, and slice thinly crosswise. Sometimes I sprinkle the chicken with minced fresh rosemary before allowing it to rest.

Make-ahead tip: Assemble the chicken in the pan and refrigerate for a few hours before roasting.”

To view this online, click here.

Note: The recipe calls for 1/2 cup dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio. I don’t keep alcohol around the house. Whenever I want to try a new recipe that has any kind of alcohol as an ingredient, I either use an alcohol-free version or, if it’s not available or I decide not to go that way, I substitute water. Ina, if you’re reading this, sorry! I still love your recipes!

Ingredients

2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves

1 teaspoon whole fennel seeds

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

1/3 cup good olive oil

1 lemon, halved and sliced 1/4-inch thick (see note)

1 yellow onion, halved and sliced 1⁄4-inch thick

2 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced

1 (4-pound) chicken, backbone removed and butterflied

1/2 cup dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio

1 lemon, juiced

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 450ºF.

Place the thyme, fennel seeds, 1 tablespoon salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper in a mini food processor and process until ground. Pour the olive oil into a small glass measuring cup, stir in the herb mixture, and set aside.

Distribute the lemon slices in a 12-inch cast-iron skillet and distribute the onion and garlic on top. Place the chicken, skin side down, on top of the onion and brush with about half the oil and herb mixture. Turn the chicken skin side up, pat it dry with paper towels (very important!), and brush it all over with the rest of the oil and herb mixture.

Roast the chicken for 30 minutes. Pour the wine into the pan (not on the chicken!) and roast for another 10 to 15 minutes, until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast registers 155 to 160 degrees.

Remove the chicken from the oven, sprinkle it with the lemon juice, cover the skillet tightly with aluminum foil, and allow to rest for 10 to 15 minutes. Cut the chicken into quarters or eighths, sprinkle with salt, and serve hot with the pan juices, cooked lemon, and onion.

ENCHILADAS CON CARNE

This is from Sam Sifton in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. (Sign up, if you haven’t already. You won’t regret it!)

Sam wrote, “There are a few cool tricks to this recipe, one of which I picked up from an old issue of Bon Appétit, one I learned from Robb Walsh, the great Tex-Mex scholar and restaurateur who runs El Real Tex-Mex in Houston, and a final one I learned by happenstance. First, for the thickening agent in the chile sauce, toast raw all-purpose flour in a pan until it is nutty and golden brown, then reserve it to stir in with the browned beef later in the recipe. Second, if you like truly melty cheese in the classic Tex-Mex tradition, use a mixture of American cheese, like Velveeta, with the Cheddar you use inside and on top of the finished enchiladas. Finally, if you’re fearful that a casserole of cheese, chili and fried tortillas may be a little rich for dinner, serve it with a bowl of tomatillo pineapple salsa on the side. The acidity provides a nice balance. (Note also that as with all recipes, but particularly this one, some planning and practice can get the preparation down to 60 minutes.)”

Yield: 4 to 6 servings; Time: 1 1/2 hours.

This was featured in “Enchiladas Are the Saucy, Cheesy Addition to Your Dinner Table”, and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1018152-enchiladas-con-carne.

Ingredients

For the Chili Con Carne:

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons neutral oil, like canola

1 pound ground chuck beef, ideally 20 percent fat

Kosher salt and ground black pepper, to taste

1 medium white onion, peeled and chopped

2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced

1 jalapeño pepper or more to taste, seeds removed if you want it less spicy, stemmed and chopped

1 cup chopped or canned crushed tomatoes

3 tablespoons chile powder

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, ideally Mexican

2 cups chicken stock, ideally homemade or low-sodium if store-bought

For the Enchiladas:

1/2 cup neutral oil, like canola

12 yellow corn tortillas

3 cups shredded Cheddar cheese, or a mixture of 1-1/2 cups Cheddar cheese and 1 1/2 cups American cheese, like Velveeta

1 medium-size white onion, peeled and chopped (optional)

Preparation

Prepare the chili con carne: Put flour in a large sauté pan set over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until it begins to turn golden brown and smell nutty, then pour it onto a plate to cool.

Wipe out sauté pan and return it to high heat with 2 tablespoons oil. When oil is hot and shimmery, add ground beef to pan, and cook, breaking it up with a fork and stirring, until it is well browned, about 12 to 15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, then use a slotted spoon to remove meat to a bowl, leaving drippings behind.

Add onion, garlic and jalapeño to pan and cook, stirring to scrape up any browned bits of meat, for 10 to 12 minutes, or until vegetables are soft. Stir in tomatoes and cook until their liquid has evaporated, then add chile powder, cumin and oregano and stir to combine. After a minute or so, when mixture begins to turn fragrant, return browned meat to pan, along with toasted flour, and stir well to combine.

Lower heat to medium-high and slowly stir in chicken stock, 1/2 cup at a time, until mixture has thickened and started to simmer. Lower heat again and allow chili to cook slowly for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until meat is tender. Add more stock or water if needed. Use immediately, or let cool, cover and refrigerate for up to a few days.

When you are ready to cook the enchiladas, heat oven to 425 degrees. In a medium sauté pan set over medium-high heat, heat 1/2 cup neutral oil until it begins to shimmer. Using tongs or a wide spatula, place a tortilla in the hot fat; it should start to bubble immediately. Heat tortilla for about 10 seconds a side, until soft and lightly browned. Remove tortilla and set on a rack set over a baking pan, or just on a baking pan if you don’t have a rack. Repeat with remaining tortillas, working quickly.

Assemble the enchiladas: Using a ladle, put about 1/2 cup chili in the bottom of a 9-by-13-inch baking pan and spread it out a little. Roll a few tablespoons of cheese into each tortilla, along with a tablespoon or so of chili, then place it seam-side down in the pan, nestling each one against the last. Ladle remaining chili over top of rolled tortillas and sprinkle with remaining cheese.

Transfer to oven and bake until sauce bubbles and cheese is melted, about 10 to 15 minutes. Sprinkle chopped onions over the top, if using, and serve immediately.

BUTTERSCOTCH ROLLS

Years ago, Fr. Dominic Garramone (AKA the Bread Monk had a show on PBS. I'm sure I'm not the only person who got hooked on his show. Unfortunately, it went off the air years ago. But his cook books are still in circulation, and you can always go to his website (above).

This was one of the recipes on his show.

Makes 18 rolls

Ingredients

Butterscotch Topping

1/2 cup light corn syrup

1 tablespoon water

2 tablespoons butter or margarine

1 cup butterscotch chips

1/2 cup chopped pecans

Dough

4 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup sugar

2 envelopes FLEISCHMANN’S RapidRise Yeast

2 teaspoons salt

3/4 cup milk

1/2 cup water

1/2 cup butter or margarine

1 large egg

2 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted

1/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar

Directions

Prepare Butterscotch Topping:

In a saucepan, combine corn syrup, water and butter. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; stir in butterscotch chips until melted. Spread mixture evenly over two ungreased 8 x 8-inch pans; sprinkle with pecans.

Prepare dough:

In a large bowl, combine 1 cup flour, sugar, undissolved yeast and salt. Heat milk, water and butter until very warm (120 to 130 degrees). Gradually add to flour mixture. Beat 2 minutes at medium speed of electric mixer, scraping bowl occasionally. Add egg and 1 cup flour; beat 2 minutes at high speed, scraping bowl occasionally. Stir in remaining flour to make a stiff batter. Cover tightly with plastic wrap; refrigerate 2 to 24 hours.

Remove dough from refrigerator; divide in half. Roll each half to 12 x 9-inch rectangle. Brush each rectangle with melted butter; sprinkle with 1/3 cup brown sugar. Beginning at short end, roll up tightly as for jelly roll. Pinch seams to seal; cut into 9 (1-inch) slices. Place, cut sides up, over Butterscotch Topping in prepared pans. Cover; let rise in warm, draft-free place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes or until done. Remove from pans; cool on wire racks.

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.

BEEF MEATBALL CALZONE

This is from Betty Crocker, and begins, "Meet the ultimate craveable comfort food! These incredible beef calzones blend all the best parts of pizza—melty cheese, savory meatballs, and delicious sauce—into a portable, golden-brown pocket that seriously ups the fun factor. Our simple beef calzone recipe is a fun and easy way to bring those amazing flavors together in a meal that's perfect for a casual dinner or game day snack."

Prep Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 60 minutes; Servings: 4

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

2 cups Bisquick™ Original Pancake & Baking Mix

2/3 cup hot water

Gold Medal™ All Purpose Flour, for dusting

1/4 cup marinara sauce

1/2 lb frozen beef meatballs, thawed and cut into 1/4-inch pieces

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Olive oil, for brushing the dough

Instructions

Heat oven to 450ºF. In a large bowl, combine the Bisquick and hot water. Stir until a dough is formed. Cover and rest for 5 minutes.

On a surface dusted with flour, roll the dough into a 10-inch circle. Transfer the dough to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

On one half of the circle, evenly spread the marinara. Top the marinara with the meatball pieces and cover with the mozzarella.

Fold the other half of the dough over the toppings to form a semicircle, and press the edges together to seal the calzone. Brush the calzone with olive oil.

Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Transfer the calzone to a wire rack and allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving.

STUFFED ACORN SQUASH

This is from Eden Foods, and is well worth the wait. Prep Time: 5 minutes; Cook Time: 50 minutes; Serves: 4

To view this yumminess online, go to https://www.edenfoods.com/recipes/view.php?recipes_id=435.

Ingredients

2 medium acorn squash, halved and seeded

1/3 cup Eden Dried Montmorency Cherries, coarsely chopped

Eden Dried Wild Blueberries, or Dried Cranberries

1/2 cup pecans, chopped

1 Tbsp Eden Barley Malt Syrup

1 Tbsp organic maple syrup

2 Tbsp Eden Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1/2 cup Eden Apple Juice

1 pinch Eden Sea Salt

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°. Lightly oil the squash skin and place cut side down in an oiled baking sheet. Place the juice in the sheet. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the squash is tender. Pierce with a fork to test.

When the squash is just about done, heat up the remaining olive oil, barley malt, maple syrup, cherries, pecans, sea salt and cinnamon. Place one-quarter of the cherries/pecan mixture in each acorn half. Mix a little of the squash together with the cherries/pecan mixture, using a spoon or fork to mix. Bake right side up for another 5 minutes. Place in a serving dish.

Thursday, February 13, 2025

Beef Recipes

Today's post deals with beef recipes, and includes Three-Cheese Beef Pasta Shells and Porcupine Meatballs. Enjoy!

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.

BEEF MEATBALL CALZONE

This is from Betty Crocker, and begins, "Meet the ultimate craveable comfort food! These incredible beef calzones blend all the best parts of pizza—melty cheese, savory meatballs, and delicious sauce—into a portable, golden-brown pocket that seriously ups the fun factor. Our simple beef calzone recipe is a fun and easy way to bring those amazing flavors together in a meal that's perfect for a casual dinner or game day snack."

Prep Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 60 minutes; Servings: 4

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

2 cups Bisquick™ Original Pancake & Baking Mix

2/3 cup hot water

Gold Medal™ All Purpose Flour, for dusting

1/4 cup marinara sauce

1/2 lb frozen beef meatballs, thawed and cut into 1/4-inch pieces

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Olive oil, for brushing the dough

Instructions

Heat oven to 450ºF. In a large bowl, combine the Bisquick and hot water. Stir until a dough is formed. Cover and rest for 5 minutes.

On a surface dusted with flour, roll the dough into a 10-inch circle. Transfer the dough to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

On one half of the circle, evenly spread the marinara. Top the marinara with the meatball pieces and cover with the mozzarella.

Fold the other half of the dough over the toppings to form a semicircle, and press the edges together to seal the calzone. Brush the calzone with olive oil.

Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Transfer the calzone to a wire rack and allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving.

THREE-CHEESE BEEF PASTA SHELLS

This is from Betty Crocker, and begins, "These Three-Cheese Beef Pasta Shells can be ready to impress in no time at all. Perfect for company and cozy nights at home, this hearty dish only looks like you spent all day in the kitchen. In fact, you can pull stuffed pasta shells with ground beef together with just 25 minutes of prep time, then get the rest of the meal ready while it bakes. These stuffed shells with cream cheese, ground beef, melty cheese and pasta sauce bring a whole new meaning to the term "comfort food." No matter the occasion, nothing satisfies quite like a warm dish of Three-Cheese Beef Pasta Shells."

Prep Time: 25 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes; Servings: 8

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

24 uncooked jumbo pasta shells

1 lb ground beef (at least 80% lean)

1 jar (25.5 oz) Muir Glen™ organic chunky tomato & herb pasta sauce

1/4 cup water

1 container (8 oz) chive and onion cream cheese spread

1-1/2 cups shredded Italian cheese blend (6 oz)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 egg

1 to 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, if desired

Instructions

Heat oven to 350°F. Cook and drain pasta shells as directed on package.

In 10-inch skillet, cook beef over medium-high heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly cooked; drain. Cool slightly, about 5 minutes.

In large bowl, mix pasta sauce and water. Pour 1 cup of the pasta sauce mixture in bottom of ungreased 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish. In medium bowl, mix cheese spread, 1 cup of the Italian cheese, the Parmesan cheese, egg and cooked beef. Spoon heaping tablespoon mixture into each shell. Arrange stuffed shells over sauce in baking dish. Pour remaining sauce over top, covering shells completely. Cover with foil.

Bake 40 to 45 minutes or until bubbly and cheese filling is set. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup Italian cheese. Bake uncovered about 10 minutes or until cheese is melted. Sprinkle with parsley.

MEAT LOAF

This yumminess is from Ina Garten from the Food Network. Cook Time: 1 hour 25 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes; Level: Easy; Yield: 6 sservings.

To view this online, click here.

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.

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.