Egg Roll in a Bowl

This is one of my families favorite and quick weeknight meals.  -Kristin

olive oil

5 cloves garlic, minced

1 bag dry coleslaw mix

1 # ground beef, cooked and drained

1/2 cup (or more to taste) soy sauce

1 teaspoon ginger

1 can sliced water chestnuts

4 green onions

chow mein noodles

• Sauté the garlic in some olive oil.
• Add the coleslaw and sauté a few more minutes.
• Add remaining ingredients except the green onions.
• Co0k until the coleslaw is at your desired tenderness.
• Stir in chopped green onions.
• Serve with chow mien noodles on top if desired.

Taco Meat with Coleslaw

My family loves this mixture.  Top this with the traditional taco toppings of cheese and sour cream.  It is also great with tortilla chips.  This is a very vague recipe, that you can easily make larger.  You can't go wrong with this mixture! -Kristin

Olive oil
1/2 sweet onion, diced
1 bag coleslaw
1 # Ground beef, cooked and drained
1 package taco seasoning
3/4 cup salsa

• Sauté the onion in some olive oil.
• Add the coleslaw and mix till a bit softened.
• Add the cooked ground beef, taco seasoning and salsa.
• Mix and sauté until the coleslaw is to your desired tenderness.

Alfredo, Beef & Broccoli Sauce

I got the idea for this recipe from a friend. She was using a jar of Alfredo sauce which would work but I prefer this homemade version. It's delicious served over rice or pasta. -Sarah

1# ground beef
1/2 t. onion powder
1/2 t. Lawrys
1/2 cup butter
8 oz. cream cheese
2 t. garlic powder
2 cups half and half
6 oz. Parmesan cheese
16 oz. frozen broccoli, cooked and chopped

• Cook and drain beef, season with onion powder and Lawrys. Set beef aside. 
• In another pan melt butter, add cream cheese and cook on low whisking until mixture is smooth. Add garlic powder, half and half and Parmesan. Heat through. 
• Combine all ingredients with the Alfredo sauce. 

Meatloaf Casserole

This has become a favorite recipe at our house.  -Kristin

1. 2.5 lbs of ground beef
2. 1/2 cup of chopped onion
3. 1 tsp garlic powder
4. salt and pepper
5. 1 large head of cauliflower (steamed)
6. 1/2 cup of butter
7. 1/4 cup of heavy whipping cream or half & half
8. salt and pepper to taste
9. 1 - 6 oz can of tomato paste
10. 3/4- 1 cup of water (start at 3/4 cup, it should be more of a sauce consistency)
11. 2 tsps. of Italian Blend (basil or Oregano dried)
12. 1 cup of mozzarella cheese
13. 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese
14. 1- 28 can of French style green beans, drained

• Add butter, cream or half and half, salt and pepper to the steamed cauliflower and mash.  Set aside.
• Brown the ground beef with the chopped onion.  Drain grease and add the garlic powder, salt and pepper to taste, tomato paste, water and Italian seasonings. 
• Put the meat mixture in a greased 9x13.
• Drain the green beans and spread over the meat.
• Spread the cauliflower mixture over the green beans.
• Sprinkle with the cheese.
• Bake at 350 for 35 minutes.

Cheeseburger Bake

This is fabulous and easy! -Kristin
We love to add bacon to this, bacon cheeseburger! -Sarah

2 # ground beef

3 teaspoons onion powder

1 teaspoon salt

6 ounces shredded cheddar cheese

OPTIONAL ADD IN'S:  Diced onions, dill pickles or jalepenos.

• Fry beef, drain grease and add onion powder and salt.
• Place in a 9x13 casserole dish.
• Top with shredded cheese.
• Place any optional add in's over top of cheese.

2 eggs

1/2 cup mayo

1/2 cup heavy cream

salt and pepper

• Mix together the eggs, mayo, cream and salt and pepper to taste.
• Pour over the meat mixture.
• Top with shredded cheese.
• Bake at 350 for 35 minutes.

Italian Pasta Bake

I adapted this recipe from Heavenly Homemakers Blog.  This is an easy pasta bake that my family really enjoys.  -Kristin

1 pound ground beef
1/4 cup diced onion
diced zucchini (opt.)
4 cups tomato sauce
2 cups water
2 Tablespoons dried basil
1 Tablespoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
10 ounce pasta, any shape
2 cups of shredded mozzarella or any other kind your family likes

• Brown meat, onion and diced zucchini together, drain grease and set aside. 
• Meanwhile, bring tomato sauce, water, basil, oregano, garlic powder and salt to a boil. 
• Stir in pasta and boil until tender.  Do not drain, the pasta should absorb the liquid!
• Mix in cooked meat.  
• Spread mixture into a 9×13 casserole dish and top with cheese. 
•  Bake uncovered at 350° for 25 minutes or until cheese is melted and the casserole is heated through.

Taco Pasta

This is a quick and easy dinner that is so yummy! -Kristin

1 pound rotini
1 pound ground beef
chopped green pepper; optional
1 small onion chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 package taco seasoning
1 cup salsa
8 ounce package cream cheese, cut into 8ths
2 cups milk
1/2 cup sour cream
2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese

• Cook pasta according to directions; drain and set aside.
• Brown beef in skillet with the green pepper and onion. Drain fat.
• Add garlic to beef and cook and stir for 30 seconds.
• Add taco seasoning and salsa. Stir to combine and heat on low.
• In a saucepan with medium heat add cream cheese, milk and sour cream. Stir to combine. Cook until cream cheese is melted and mixture is thick and bubbly. Use a whisk once it is melted.
• Stir in shredded cheese.
• Add cheese sauce to beef and combine all with noodles...Dinner is ready :)

Open Faced Italian Sloppy Joes

I adapted this recipe off of this blog Once a Mom Always a Cook.  This was a huge hit!  -Kristin

1 # ground beef

2-3 garlic cloves, minced

1/4 onion, chopped finely

1 green pepper, chopped finely

8 oz sliced mushrooms, optional

15 oz. tomato sauce

6 oz. tomato paste

1 teaspoon oregano

1 teaspoon basil

1/2 teaspoon garlic salt

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/8 tsp red pepper flakes (or to taste)

1-2 Tablespoons honey

salt and pepper to taste

A loaf of French bread

8 oz. shredded mozzarella

Parmesan cheese

• Brown ground beef with the garlic, onion and green pepper.
• When beef is almost done cooking add the mushrooms if desired and continue cooking till done.
• Drain grease.
• Add the tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, garlic salt, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, honey and salt and pepper.
• Bring to a simmer for a few minutes.
• Cut the french bread equally down the middle.  Then hollow out the middle.
• Cover a baking sheet with foil and place the hollowed out french bread on there.
• Fill with the meat mixture.
• Sprinkle with the shredded mozzarella cheese.
• Sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese.
• Bake in a 350 oven until cheese is melted good.

Cheesy Polenta with Meat Sauce

This is a great recipe I got from a friend.  My whole family loved this dinner!  It is easy and tasty!  -Kristin

1# ground beef

1 jar spaghetti sauce

32 ounces tube plain polenta (I got the one called 'corn mush' in the refrigerated section at Meijer)

8 ounce shredded Italian blend cheese

• Lightly coat 9x13 casserole dish and preheat oven 350.
• Brown beef and drain. 
• Stir int he spaghetti sauce.
• Slice the polenta into 1/2 inch slices and place in the bottom of the 9x13 pan.
• Sprinkle 1 cup of the cheese over the polenta.
• Pour sauce mixture over the polenta.
• Bake about 35 minutes. 
• Remove from oven and sprinkle with remaining cheese.  Put back in the oven for a couple minutes until it is melted.

Kids Love it Casserole

Not sure about the name on this recipe, I pulled it from an old Taste of Home magazine. We really enjoyed the flavors of this easy dish.-Sarah

1 1/2 pounds ground beef
1 onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 jar spaghetti sauce
8 oz. tomato sauce
6 oz. tomato paste
3/4 cup water
1/2 t. salt
1 t. Italian seasoning
pepper
7 oz. macaroni or shell pasta, cooked
10 oz. frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup shredded cheddar
1/2 cup soft breadcrumbs
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

• Cook beef, onion and garlic, drain.
• Add the next seven ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes.
• Stir in remaining ingredients except Parmesan. Pour into a greased 9x13 pan and sprinkle with Parmesan. 
• Cover and bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes until bubbly. 

Stuffed Cabbage Casserole

I adapted this recipe off of a blog called Skinny Taste.  I changed it a bit, but the original is over there.  We love stuffed cabbage and are excited for this easier recipe with similar flavors! -Kristin

1 pound ground beef

1 large onion, diced

1 clove garlic, minced

1/8 tsp. ground thyme

1 teaspoon paprika

1 can (14.5 oz.) diced tomatoes, undrained

1 can (15 oz.) tomato sauce

1/4 cup water

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 large head green cabbage, coarsely chopped

3 Tablespoons olive oil

salt and pepper to taste
2 cups cooked brown rice

2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded

• Cook ground beef with diced onion.  Drain and rinse.
• Add cooked beef and onion back to the pan and add the minced garlic.  Cook for a minute.
• Then add the thyme and paprika.  Cook for 1 minute.
• Then add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, water and salt.  Simmer for 20 minutes.
• Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in large pan or pot.  Add the chopped cabbage and cook and stir often for about 20 minutes until the cabbage is mostly softened. 
• Add salt and pepper to taste to the cabbage. (If you have any Penzy's Forward this is great added too)
• After about 20 minutes stir in the cooked brown rice to the tomato mixture.
• Grease a lasagna dish.
• Place cabbage evenly on the bottom.
• Top that with tomato mixture.
• Cover tightly with foil.
• Bake at 350 for 40 minutes.
• Remove from oven, sprinkle the mozzarella over.
• Bake an additional 10 or so until cheese is bubbly.

Deep Dish Pan Burrito

My girls made this for me one night.  They did a fabulous job and it was delicious.  We will definitley make this again.  -Kristin

1 recipe Enchilada Sauce
2 pounds ground beef
1 package taco seasoning
1 package flour tortillas, torn into quarters
16 oz. can refried baens
10 oz. shredded cheddar cheese

• Brown ground beef and drain grease.
• Add taco seasoning and recommended water on package and simmer according to taco seasoning directions.
• Make enchilada sauce.
• Add 1/3 of prepared enchilada sauce to bround beef.
• Grease a 9x13 pan.
• Spread 1/3 of sauce on bottom.  
• Then layer in this order: tortillas, 1/2 of meat, 1/3 of cheese, tortillas, beans, 1/2 of meat, 1/3 of cheese, tortillas, remaining sauce and the rest of the cheese.
• Bake at 350 for about 40 minutes.

Chili Burgers

This is a great twist on the traditional sloppy joe. My family loved the flavors of this hearty sandwich. I love that it really stretched a pound of ground beef.-sarah

1# ground beef
1 can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 can cream of tomato soup, undiluted
1 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup ketchup
1 T. brown sugar
1 t. chili powder
1/2 t. ground mustard
1/2 t. salt
1/4 t. pepper
1/8 t. cayenne pepper
1/4 t. garlic powder
12 hamburger buns

• Brown beef and drain. Add remaining ingredients and simmer 30-40 minutes until vegetables are tender and flavors have combined.

Souper Joes

My family just loves these! I love that they are quick and delicious to put together.-Sarah

1 pound ground beef
1 can cream of mushroom soup (or 1/2 recipe of cream of chicken)
1 T. onion soup mix
1 cup shredded cheddar
8 hamburger buns

• Cook beef and drain. Stir in remaining ingredients and serve in hamburger buns.

Spicy Rice Skillet

This is a recipe from my mom.  It is awesome!  If you don't like the spice change the 10 ounce can of diced tomatoes with green chillies to a can of regular diced tomatoes.  -Kristin

2 pounds ground beef
1 onion, diced
1 green pepper, diced
10 ounce can diced tomatoes with green chillies, undrained
7 ounce can diced green chillies
2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 Tablespoons chili powder
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1-2 teaspoons hot sauce (like Franks Red Hot)
4 cups cooked brown or white rice
2 cups sour cream
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Corn Chips (Frito's)

• Saute the ground meat with the onion and green pepper.  Drain grease.
• Add the diced tomatoes, green chillies, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, salt, pepper and hot sauce.  Simmer uncovered for 10minutes.
• Add the remaining ingredients and keep over low heat for 6-8 minutes; stirring occasionally.
• Serve over corn chips.

Hamburger Noodle Bake

This casserole reminds me of our creamy beefy lasagna recipe that is on our blog.  My family really enjoys this casserole.  -Kristin

6 cups uncooked egg noodles
1 pound ground beef 
4 tablespoons finely chopped onion 
2, 8 oz. cans tomato sauce 
1/2 teaspoon sugar 
1/4 teaspoon salt 
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt 
Dash of pepper 
1/2 cup cottage cheese 
4 ounces softened cream cheese 
2 tablespoons thinly sliced green onions 
1/4 cup chopped green pepper 
2 tablespoon sour cream 
Grated Parmesan cheese

• Cook noodles according to package directions.
• Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook beef and onion until meat is no longer pink; drain. 
• Remove from the heat; stir in the tomato sauce, sugar, salt, garlic salt and pepper. 
• In a small bowl, combine the cottage cheese, cream cheese, green onion, green pepper and sour cream.
• Drain noodles; place half of noodles in a greased 2-qt. baking dish. 
• Spoon half of beef mixture over the top. 
• Layer with cottage cheese mixture and remaining noodles. 
• Top with remaining beef mixture; sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
• Cover and bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until heated through.

Bow Tie Lasagna

This is a quick and easy meal to throw together that your family will really like. It is a good idea to keep these ingredients on hand for those nights when you do not have much time to put dinner together. -Kristin

1 pound ground chuck

16 oz. bow tie pasta
26 oz. spaghetti sauce
1 t. salt
1/2 t. garlic powder
1 t. Italian seasoning
1 c. mozzarella
1/2 c. sour cream

• Fry the ground beef. Drain and rinse.
• Cook the noodles according to directions.
• Mix all together and heat a bit more.
• Enjoy!!!
• Serve with Parmesan cheese if desired.

Slow Cooker Bolognese Sauce

I've made this wonderful sauce recipe a few times and it turns out great every time. So nice have a hot meal without much work. And it makes a lot and freezes well. -Sarah

2 pounds ground beef
1 med onion, chopped
8 garlic cloves, minced
3, 14 oz. cans diced tomatoes, undrained
2, 15 oz. cans tomato sauce
2, 6 oz. cans tomato paste
1/3 cup sugar
2 T. dried oregano
1 T. dried basil
1 t. salt
1/2 t. pepper

• Cook and drain beef.
• Place all ingredients in a 4 quart slow cooker. Mix well.
• Cook on low for 8 hours.
• Serve over pasta.

Chili Pie

The combination of a couple of our favorites all in one dish...chili topped with hashbrown pototoes and cheese. YUM! -Kristin

1.25 lb ground turkey or beef

1 medium onion, chopped
1 1/2 T. chili powder (or more, if you like a stronger flavor)

2 t. ground cumin
salt and pepper to taste
8 oz. can tomato sauce
1 (15) oz can of diced tomatoes
1 (15) oz can of dark red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15) oz can of pinto beans, rinsed and drained
8 small to medium potatoes, peeled and shredded in food processor (or boughten shredded potatoes) (8 cups)

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

• Preheat oven to 400.
• Brown the ground meat in a skillet with the diced onions.
• Then stir in the chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes and the beans to skillet; simmer for about 10 minutes.
• Place in a 9x13 casserole dish.
• Top with the shredded potatoes and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
• Bake, covered for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake another 30 minutes.
• Top with cheese, bake until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Homemade Beefaronie

I've never had Beefaroni in a can and I guess Kristin hasn't either. Our conversation consisted of her calling it barfaroni and me telling her this recipe was awesome! I adapted this from a recipe I found online and it's a keeper, and Kristin better not knock it till she tries it!-Sarah

1# ground beef
32 oz. tomato sauce
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
1 T. sugar
1 t. garlic powder
1 t. salt
1 t. Italian seasoning
1/4 t. pepper
1# box Barilla Piccolini mini ziti, cooked and drained

• Brown beef and drain. Add the remaining ingredients except the pasta. Simmer about 10 minutes to combine flavors.
• Stir in the pasta and heat through.