Hearty Beef and Vegetable Soup

I love love love soup so even though it is 90 plus degrees outside I am still makign soup. This recipe is another WW recipe but it was good.

1 32oz caron low sodium beef broth
3 cups water
1 can tomato paste
3/4 tsp salt
1 lb round steak trimmed and cut into 1 inch pieces
3 large carrots 1/2 inch thich
2 celery stalks, 1/2 inch thick
1 large leek cleaned and cut in half and cut into 1 inch pieced white and light green parts only
1 potato peeled and diced
2 turnips peeled and diced
3/4 cup frozen peas.

Whisk broth,water tomato paste and salt in a 6 quart crock pot. Stir in beef and all veggies except the peas. Cover and cook for 4-6 hours on high or 8-12 on low.
at the end of cooking time, stir in peas. Cover and cook on high until peas are heated through, about 15 minutes.

Serving-6
serving size-2 cups
calories- 213
fat -3
chol-39
sodium 667
carb 25
fober- 5
protein-22

Points -4

Cheesy Mock Shepherd's Pie

If you remember I posted a recipe last week for Sloppy Joe's and I told you to save half of the meat from that recipe. Well this recipe uses that meat you saved. I have to say that I enjoy meals where I can use meat for 2 recipes. Makes my life easy. Also this meal can be made ahead of time and put in the fridge or freezer. Just adjust cooking times some

Cheesy Mock Shepherds Pie
1 1/2 pounds potatoes peeled and quartered
3 Tbsp butter
1/3 cup milk
salt and pepper
reserved meat mixture from sloppy joes
1 1/2 cup chopped zucchini (1 medium)
1 16 oz bag frozen mixed veggies
1 can cheddar cheese soup, condensed
2 to 4 tbsp water.

1. In a large saucepan cook potatoes in enough water to cover for 20 -25 minutes or until tender. Use a potato masher, and mash potatoes. Stir in butter and milk. Season to taste with salt and pepper. If you don have time to make real mash potates use boxed kind following directions. Omit first 3 ingredients.

2. Meanwhile preheat oven to 350. In another large saucepan, combine the meat, zucchini, veggies, soup and water. Cover and cook until heated through.

3. Pour Mixture into a 3 qt casserole. Top with spoonfuls of potato mixture and smooth over top of the casserole. Bake uncovered 20 to 25 minutes. I added a handful of cheese and baked additional 5 minutes.

Shrimp, Peas and Rice

This dish is another great Weight Watchers meal. I loved it. My oldest loved it and the youngest did not. I will be making it again.

Shrimp, Peas, and Rice

1 lb shrimp
1 cup uncooked rice
2 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup frozen peas
1 tbsp butter
2 tsp plus 1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp parmensan cheese
parlsey

In a medium saucepan melt the butter. Add rice and saute about a minute. Add chicken broth and peas and bring to a boil. When all liquid is absorbed, heat to low, cover and cook on low for 15 minutes. In a large skillet heat 2 tsp olive oil, season shrimp with salt and pepper add to hot pan. Cook 2-3 minutes. Remove the shrimp from pan and set aside. Add 1 tbsp olive oil to the skillet, add rice,shrimp, cheese, and parsley. Saute another minute.

Servings-4
Serving Size- 1 cup
Caliores 340
Points 7

Sloppy Cheeseburger Joes

My husband is not a big fans of sloppy joes but I love them. They remind me of good times as a child. I got this recipe from Dinners for Less. This recipe also makes enough for another recipe so make sure you save some of the meat mixture and I will post that recipe soon.

Sloppy Cheeseburger Joes
2 lbs ground beef
1 cup onion,minced
1 can tomato soup condensed
1/4 cup water
1 TBSP Worcestershire Sauce
2 cloves garlic minced
1/4 tsp pepper
8 hamburger buns
8 slices american cheese

1. In a large skillet cook ground beef and onions over medium heat until beef is browned and onion is tender, breaking up meat as it cooks. Drain off fat, sti in soup, water, worcestershire sauce, garlic and pepper.

2. Simmer, covered for 15 to 20 minutes or until thickene. Reserve Half of the mixture. Divide the remaining meat mixture among the bun bottoms. Top with cheese slices and bun tops.

Calories- 332
Fat-15
Cholesterol-54
Sodium-615
Carbs-27
Fiber-1
Protein- 19

Fried Rice

So a few weeks ago I had a craving for some fried rice. I went in search for a good recipe in one of my many cookbooks. I found this recipe in a Magazine Dinners for Less. I did change the recipe up some based on the veggies in the home. A plus about this recipe is that my kids loved it.

Fried Rice
Start To Finish-30 Minutes
Cost $7 for the entire recipe as is
All my changes will be in Bold

4 eggs lightlty beaten
2 tsp soy sauce
2 tsp vegetable oil
2 colves garlic, minced
1 cup celery, sliced thin (2 Stalk)- (1 stalk)
1 1/2 cup fresh mushrooms sliced- I used canned
4 cups cooked rice (I used brown)- I would definalty use white rice next time
1 cup carrots, sliced thin ( I used pre shreeeded carrots)
1cup frozen peas
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup sliced green onions
1 cup cabbage mix

1. In a small bowl, combine eggs and 2 tsp soy sauce. Set aside

2. Pour the 2 tsp oil in a skillet, heat over medium heat. Add Garlic, cook and stir for 30 seconds. Add eggs and cook until scrambled. Remove egg and set aside.

3. Pour 2 TBSP oil in skillet, heat wok over medium high heat, add celery and cabbage if used; cook and stir for 1 Minute. Add mushrooms cook for 1 minute.

4.Add cooked rice, carrots and pea. Sprinkle with the 1/4 cup soy sauce. Cook and stir fro 4 minutes or until heated through. Add cookedegg mixture and green onions. Cook and stir for 1 MINUTE.

You could add any type of meat if so inclined.

Ground Beef and Cabbage Wraps

So I found a recipe like this the other day in a magazine but could not find the recipe again so I took to the world wide web. This recipe can be found ar parnetsconnect.com. This recipe is almost like the one I found in the recipe.

I was worried that the barbecue sauce and cabbage would tatse funny but man this recipe was dead on for a hot summer night. I had it completely doen in 15 minutes. The shocking thing was that both girls liked it. I did have to scrape it out of the wrap for Maddison but she still gobbled it up. Any modicfications I made are in bold.

1 pound lean ground beef
½ cup frozen chopped onion (used onion and garlic powder)8 (8-inch) flour tortillas
1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed ( I used frozen and it was yummy)
⅔ cup barbecue sauce(mmaybe used 1/2 cup)
½ (16-ounce) package coleslaw mix, not dressed

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. (Did not use, used the microwave)


In the bottom of a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook beef and onion until beef is fully cooked through, about 10 minutes.


While beef is cooking, warm the tortillas according to package directions.


Add corn and barbecue sauce to the beef and onion, stirring well to mix, and cook for 2 minutes, until heated through.


To serve, place about ½ to ⅖ cup of beef mixture on each tortilla, top with a small handful of slaw, and roll into wraps.

Mock Nachos

So tonight I was in the mood for something quick and yummy and I did not want fast food. I had a pound of ground beef so I threw together this recipe tonight for dinner.

Mock Nachos
1 lb ground beef
1 tbsp minced onion
half can corn drained
taco sauce 8 oz
1/2 cheese
Tortilla Chips

Brown ground beef, and onion. Drain. Add corn and taco sauce. Cook until heated through. Add Cheese and mix well. Turn off heat. Serve with Chips. Fast and easy

Chicken Stew with Gnocchi

When I was at Target the other day doing some shopping I came across a package of gnocchi. I wanted to make something that my kids would eat but that i could freeze for later use. After searching several recipes I came across this recipe at Taste of Home. I did modify the recipe a tiny bit as for the flavoring of the broth plus I did not thicken the recipe. I will add my modifications in bold at the end. The last 3 ingredients I eyed balled.

I enjoyed this recipe alot.I also have enough left over to put into freezer bags and save for later use. I hope you enjoy.

Chicken Stew with Gnocchi

Ingredients
3 medium parsnips, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces (did not use)
2 large carrots, cut into 1/2-inch slices
2 celery ribs, chopped
1 large sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes (did not use)
4 green onions, chopped
3 pounds bone-in chicken thighs, skin removed (used shredded chicken from the freezeer when I made chicken broth)
1/2 teaspoon dried sage leaves (did not use)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup water
3 tablespoons cornstarch (did not use)
1/4 cup cold water (did not use)
1 package (16 ounces) potato gnocchi
Hot pepper sauce, optional
Parsley
Basil
Garlic Powder

Directions
Place the parsnips, carrots, celery, sweet potato and onions in a 5-qt. slow cooker. Top with chicken; sprinkle with the sage, salt and pepper. Add broth and water. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until a meat thermometer reads 180°.
Remove chicken; when cool enough to handle, remove meat from bones and discard bones. Cut meat into bite-size pieces and return to the slow cooker.
Mix cornstarch and cold water until smooth; stir into stew. Add gnocchi. Cover and cook on high for 30 minutes or until thickened. Season with hot pepper sauce if desired. Yield: 8 servings (3 quarts).

New Recipe Wednesday- Cheese enchiladas

I got this recipe from my mother in law and it is so yummy and easy. I make it twice a month. So I hope you enjoy it.

Enchiladas

8 tortillas
2 cups shredded cheese
can of Hormel chili no beans
8 oz can tomato sauce


Lay the 8 tortillas out on the counter and put some cheese in the tortillas. I usually eye ball it but I would say 3 TBSP. Roll the tortillas up and place in a baking dish. In a bowl combine the chili and the tomato sauce together and spread over the tortillas. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake @ 350 for 20 minutes.

Turkey Potpie

SO my husband had to work the night shift a few weeks ago and I decided to try my hand at turkey pot pie. After looking at several different version online I found this version at Allrecipe. All I have to say about this recipe was that it was so yummy that I plan on making this when my hubby has to start working the nigth shift

Turkey Pot Pie II
1 recipe pastry for a 9 inch double crust pie( I bought premade pie sheets)
2 cups cubed cooked turkey
2 cups frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
2 tablespoons chopped onion(did not use)
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup milk

1.Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line bottom of pie pan with crust. In a skillet saute the chopped onion until slightly soft and set aside.
2.Mix together the turkey or chicken, mixed vegetables, onion, soup and milk. Pour into pie crust, cover with top crust and crimp edges.
3.Poke holes in top crust and bake for 40 to 50 minutes.

Jeannie's Lasgna

Ok I wish I could say that I created this great recipes bu I did not. I got it from
the Williams Family Blog.
This recipe is awesome I have made it twice but did modify it because we do not like the taste of curry.
Here is a quick and easy recipe.

6 lasagna noodles
1 lb ground beef
1 onion, chopped (did not use as hubby does not like onions)
1 jar spaghetti sauce (original or traditional)
1/2 tsp curry powder(did not use)
1 tsp oregano or Italian seasoning
8 oz cottage cheese
8 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
8 oz cheddar cheese, shredded

1. Preheat oven to 350.

2. Cook lasagna noodles per package directions

3. Chop onion. ( if you plan on using)

4. Brown hamburger and onion.

5. Add jar of spaghetti sauce, curry powder, and Italian seasoning

6. Simmer until most of liquid is gone.(I do this for about 10 minutes)

7. Layer:
3 noodles, ½ meat sauce, ½ cottage cheese, ½ mozzarella cheese, ½ cheddar cheese.
Repeat layers.

8. Bake uncovered for 30-45 minutes

Enjoy.


Tomorrow: Homemade Cranberry Sauce.

Barbecue Beef

When I mad this I honestly did not think my husband would like it but he said it was one of is his favorites. I will put this on a different kinds of meat for variety.

1 1/2 lb round steak, cubed
1 cup barbecue sauce
1 cup ketchup
1 can beef broth
2 tbsp honey
1 pkg Lipton onion soup mix

In a large bowl, mix all ingredients. Transfer into crock pot and cover and cook on low for 8 hours. This can be served over rice or mashed potatoes.

3 Can Creamy Cheese Chicken

This a great meal. My husband loved it even though there were mushrooms in the recipe.

4 chicken breasts
1 tsp salt
1.4 tsp pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 can golden mushroom soup
1 can cream of cheddar cheese soup
1 carton sour cream

Season the chicken breast on both sides with salt, pepper and garlic. Put in crock pot. combine all 3 soups until smooth. Pour over chicken and cook on low for 7 hours. 15 minutes before serving add the sour cream and mixed until blended. Cook on low an additional 10 minutes.

Chili

This has now been added to our monhly meal planner. The only thing I did not use was the corn beacuse my hubby doen not eat veggies.

1 can black beans draind
1 can corn, drained
22oz can crushed tomatoes
1 pkg taco seasoning
1 pkg ranch dress mix(dry)
1 lb ground beef

Brown gound beef and drain. Put all ingredients in crokpot on low for 2-4 hours.

Ranch Pasta with Hamburger

This is just like the hamburger helper kind but not as strong in the the ranch flavor which my husband did not enjoy when we tried the hamburger helper flavor.

1 lb ground beef
2 cloves garlic
salt and pepper to taste
1 box pasta( any kind of small tube)
1 cup milk
1 up sour cream
1 pouch dry ranch mix

In a large pot cook pasta according to directions. In a lg skillet brown meat and garlic, add sat and pepper. Drain. In a medium bowl combine the milk, sour cream and ranch mix until mixed. Drain Pasta and add meat to pasta pot. Add sauce and let simmer 5 minuets until thickened.

Ranch Pork

I have made this several times and everyone loves this meal even my picky hubby.

Ranch Pork

4 pork chops(Can use bonein)
1 Can Cream of Chicken soup
1 packet ranch dressing mix
1/2 Can Water

Combine cream of chicken soup and ranch dressing. Place Pork in crock pot. Cover the meat with the soup. Then pour water over the soup. Cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 6 hours.

I serve with roasted potatoes which I will post tomorrow.

South of the Border Chicken and Pasta Skillet

This recipe comes from Sam's Club Recipes.

While I like this dish my husband was not a fan of it because of the salsa.The next time I make it I will use a can of tomato sauce that way he will eat it.

South of the Border Chicken and Pasta Skillet
2 Cups medium size pasta
2 chicken breast skinless and boneless cut into inch cubes
16 oz salsa
4 oz cream cheese cubed
1/4 tsp cumin
1 cup cheese

Cook pasta according to directions. Meanwhile cook chicken on medium heat for 6 minutes or until juices run clear. Add salsa, cream cheese and cumin. Simmer on medium low for 6 minutes or until cream cheese is melted.
Drain Pasta; add to skillet along with half of the cheese. Simmer 3 minutes.Top with remaining cheese and remove from heat and let stand 5 minutes.

I served it with broccoli and garlic bread.

Cowboy Lasagna

I made this yummy recipe last night. Hubby did not like it but he is too picky of an eater.
Very simple and quick meal!!

Cowboy Lasagn

2lbs Ground Beef
1 Onion Chopped
1 can enchilada sauce
1 bag grated cheddar cheese
1 tbsp chili powder
2 cans cream of chicken
1 bag tortilla chips

Brown ground beef, add chili powder and choped onion. Add soup and enchilada sauce, mixing well. In a 2 quart casserole dish, layer beef mixture, chips, cheese, beef mixture, chips, and end with cheese. Bake at 350 for 40 minutes.

Serves 5

Yummy Chicken Recipe

So I have several chicken recipes that I have been wanting to try and this one is so yummy it will defintly be kept in my recipe collection. I am not sure what blog I got it from but I have to say this is one of the better chicken recipes. It is actually 2 recipes but the prep and cook time is 20 minutes.

Super Fast Spice Rubbed Chicken

1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken (breasts, thighs, tenderloins)
1/2 teaspoon each:
salt
pepper
cumin
chili powder (you can use chipotle for smokiness)
paprika (you can use smoked for more smokiness)
garlic powder
coriander
2 tablespoons brown sugar
Ideally, you're going to add all your spices to a bowl, mix them up and sprinkle them on the chicken. I said ideally. What I really do is grab the spices out of the cupboard, sprinkle them on one side of the chicken, rub it in, flip it over and repeat. Please don't measure and use your favorite spices, of course. Now, preheat a grill (indoor or outdoor) a saute pan or the broiler. You want a good high heat. Spray your cooking surface with no stick cooking spray, or add a bit of oil. Grill or saute for about 6 minutes per side. Broil on a foil lined cookie sheet about six inches from the source for about five minutes per side. Always check the center to be sure it is no longer pink. Let rest for five minutes.

I was able to use this chicken in my actual dinner recipe and plus put half of the chicken in the freezer for later use. I used 1.37 lbs of chicken tenderloin.

This recipe is one I made for dinner. I served it with some chips and broccoli. So yummy!!

Mini Barbecue Chicken Sandwiches
4 English muffins, preferrably whole grain, split and toasted
2 tablespoons mayonnaise or ranch dressing, regular or low-fat
8 paper thin red onion slices
2 cups fully cooked chicken, (USE YOUR LEFTOVER SPICE RUBBED CHICKEN)
8 tablespoons smoky barbecue sauce
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated1 tablespoon chopped cilantro

Preheat broiler. Line cookie sheet with foil. Spread toasted muffins with mayonnaise and place on prepared baking sheet. Top muffins with onion slices and chicken. Drizzle each half with a tablespoon of barbecue sauce. Sprinkle with cheese and broil until cheese is melted and bubbly. Sprinkle with cilantro and serve.

Healthy Dinner that My kids Like!!!

So when I do my grocery shopping I always buy some tiliapia. This fish is a mild fish and does not have a fishy taste. My oldest child can eat two pieces. My husband does not like but will eat it because he knows it is good for them and him. Tonight I paired it with a brown rice recipe that I loved. Definitely will be making again.

Tilapia with Garlic Butter
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons butter ( I used 4 tsp butter and 2 tsp olive oil)
2 cloves garlic, finely minced( I used freeze dried and garlic powder)
dash pepper
dash salt
pinch dried dillweed or parsley
dash paprika
4 tilapia fillets ( I had 6 which is why I had more butter)

Preparation:In saucepan, combine butter, garlic, pepper, salt, dillweed, and paprika. Heat over low heat until butter is melted and starts simmering. Remove from heat. Brush a little of the butter mixture in the bottom of a shallow baking dish (line baking dish with foil, if desired) then place tilapia fillets on the buttered area. Brush top of each tilapia fillet with the seasoned butter mixture. Bake at 350° for 12 to 15 minutes, until tilapia flakes easily with a fork.Serves 2.

Brown Rice Recipe
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Ingredients:
1/2 cup chopped onion ( I used red onion)
1/4 cup finely chopped green pepper
1/4 cup butter or margarine( I used 2 tsp olive oil)
1 can or jar (4 ounces) mushroom pieces
3 cups cooked brown rice (I used 2 cups)
3/4 teaspoon seasoned salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1tsp onion powder

Preparation:In a skillet over medium low heat, melt butter. Cook chopped onion and green bell pepper in butter for 4 minutes. Add remaining ingredients; cook until hot and lightly browned, stirring occasionally.Serves 4 plus I had some leftover for lunch tomorrow

Be sure to check back tomorrow for the weekly recipe from the 200 recipes under 200 calories.