Cowboy Casserole

So I got a big thumbs up from the husband on this one tonight. It's definitely not on the healthy side, but it sure is on the hearty and warm side for a cold winter's day.

First I diced up 5 red potatoes. I then put them in a large zip lock bag and added 1 tablespoon olive oil and my favorite seasonings and shook well.

Next, I browned 1 lb of hamburger meat, then added 8 oz of cream cheese, 1 can of corn (drained), 1 can of rotel (drained), 1 diced onion, and 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce. Mix well.

Then I layered half of the potatoes in a greased 9 x 13 pan and topped some of the hamburger mixture on top. I cubed 8 oz of velveeta and added 4 oz to it. Then I repeated the step adding shredded cheese on top. I placed foil on top and baked for 1 hour on 375 degrees.

Ingredients:
1 lb of hamburger meat
1 can of corn
1 can of rotel
8 oz of velveeta
1 cup of shredded cheese
8 oz of cream cheese
5 red potatoes
1 onion
1/2 cup of BBQ sauce
your favorite seasonings

Sausage and Shrimp Gumbo

I debated on blogging on this because I don't feel like I perfected this. I kind of just through it together with the ingredients I had in my house. However, because I thought it did turn out pretty good I'll share what I did and when I perfect it I'll blog on it again. I definitely think anyone would enjoy the recipe I am going to share I am just picky at what I like and don't like.

I first peeled all my shrimp and cooked them and the sausage. I cooked the sausage for about 10 minutes before adding the shrimp. If you prefer to buy pre cooked shrimp and sausage that will save you some leg work.

I added it to a large pot then topped it with two cans of chicken broth, 1 can of rotel, a can of diced tomatoes, a can of corn (leave the juices in all the cans for added flavor), a diced onion and because I had no red or bell peppers which I would have preferred I added about 15 pickled jalapeno peppers. I'd recommend a bell pepper if you are following this recipe over the jalapenos.


I then added 1 tablespoon of cumin, 1 tablespoon of cayenne pepper, 1 tablespoon of cajun seasoning, and 1 tablespoon of bay leaves. Stir well.

I didn't have instant rice so I pre cooked 2 cups of brown rice. If you have the 10 minute rice or boil in the bag rice it cooks much faster so you can add it to your pot just as it is. If its the rice that takes 45 minutes to cook pre cook it before adding it in.

I added my rice and stirred well and let it sit on the stove on a simmer for about two hours. It really turned out quite delicious. I served it with some shredded cheese and crackers.

Ingredients:
1 lb sausage
1 lb of shrimp
1 tablespoon of cumin
1 tablespoon of cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon of cajun seasoning
1 tablespoon of bay leaves
2 cans of chicken broth
1 can of corn
1 onion
1 can of rotel
1 can diced tomatoes
2 cups of rice
bell pepper/jalapeno peppers (whichever you prefer)

You can add extra seasonings if you like your spicier. 

Rock your Socks Stovetop 30 minute Chili

This chili took me about 30 minutes to put together. It is also absolutely delicious. Now I have to remind my readers that I do not like beans. Yes you hear that correctly, I do not like beans! Never have and never will. So my chili is beanless. However, if you want beans all you have to do is add a can or two of your favorite beans such as pinto or kidney. It is as easy as that.

I started off by dicing 1 jalapeno. I removed the seeds, but if you want extra spices leave the seeds.  I then diced an Anaheim green chili pepper (also remove the seeds) as well as a green bell pepper, a red bell pepper and a large white onion. I added that to a pot with 2 table spoons of butter and began to sautee it.

While that was cooking I browned 2 lbs of hamburger meat. Be sure to drain out the grease! I came across this cajun seasoning and I have been using it for almost everything. It is really good. I added this to the meat as I browned it.

Once the veggies were done cooking I added a can of tomato paste, 2 cans of petite diced tomatoes, 2 tablespoons of crushed red pepper, 1 tablespoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and stirred well together. Next I added my ground beef and 1 jar of marinara. Stir well. Add additional seasonings to it as you see fit.

Ingredients:
2 lbs of hamburger meat
1 white onion
1 red bell pepper
1 green bell pepper
1 jalapeno
1 chili pepper (sub canned diced chilis)
2 cans of petite diced tomatoes (I prefer fire roasted, but I didn't have any)
2 tablespoons of crushed red pepper
1 tablespoon cumin
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 jar of mariara
1 can of tomato paste
2 tablespoons of butter

Baked Chicken Tacos

Get your corn tortillas and wrap in a moist towel and microwave for 1 minute. Then spray each one with greasing spray (pam). Lay over the baking rack. What you need to remember is placing a baking sheet to catch the grease or your house will start smoking. Bake on 375 for about 10 minutes.

Once you have your shells ready. I got my cooked chicken and diced it into small  chunks. I added a can of rotel (drained) 1/2 a finely chopped jalapeno pepper (optional), 3 chopped sweet peppers, a handful of diced cilantro and stirred together.

Then I used that to stuff my shells. I added melted cheese on top and baked for 10 minutes on 350.

Ingredients:
10 corn tortillas
1 lb of chicken
can of rotel
cilantro
1 jalapeno
3 small sweet peppers
shredded cheese

Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells and Italian Stuffed Shells

Yes, I decided to make two different kinds for fun. However, you can make either or and not both.

I chose to grill my chicken because I felt it would be easier, but you can pan cook it or bake it in the oven first. I would add whatever seasoning you like to your chicken too. Once your chicken is cooked dice it up and add to the skillet.

For the Buffalo I added diced onion, diced bell pepper, 1/2 cup of Ranch dressing, 8 oz of cream cheese and 1/2 cup of buffalo sauce. Mix well. Cook through until the veggies are soft.

For the Italian I added a small container of ricotta cheese (15 oz), fresh spinach,  diced bell pepper, diced onion, 1 tablespoon of basil, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 3 minced garlic cloves. Mix well. Once the vegetables looked soft I added a can of petite diced tomatoes. Cook through until the veggies are soft.

For your shells you will want to boil a box of large shells. Once they are cooked drain them well. Then you can begin stuffing. I use a spoon to stuff the shells. Once they were done I drizzled more buffalo sauce on top of the buffalo shells and marinara on the Italian shells. Added shredded cheese on top. Bake for 15 minutes on 350. What I like about these is you can actually use as finger foods.

Ingredients for Buffalo Shells:
Box of Jumbo Shells
1 lb of chicken
1/2 diced onion
1/2 diced bell pepper
1/2 cup of ranch
1/2 cup of buffalo wing sauce
8 oz of cream cheese
shredded cheese (optional)

Ingredients for Italian Shells: 
Box of Jumbo Shells
1 lb of chicken
1/2 diced onion
1/2 diced bell pepper
handful of fresh spinach
1 can petite diced tomatoes
15 oz of ricotta cheese
1 tablespoon basil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
3 small minced garlic cloves
marinara 
shredded cheese (optional)

Broccoli and Cheese Baked Potato Casserole

This one was so fun to make and really good, especially if you love things like broccoli and cheese soup.

First I sliced up approximately 6 potatoes and placed them in a greased 9x13 dish. I added a little pepper, garlic powder and crushed red pepper for taste.

Next I cubed up raw chicken and placed on top of the potatoes, then added pre cooked bacon bits. Then I diced up 4 oz of velveeta and placed on top. I also shredded up 3 small carrots on top. Next, I added a bag of diced broccoli, poured 1 cup of milk on top and added more shredded cheese.

I added foil and baked for 1 hour on 400 degrees. My husband rated this an 8. I would say it was pretty amazing!!!

Ingredients:
1 lb of chicken
6 small-medium potatoes
4 oz of velveeta
1 cup of milk
bacon bits (I made mine from real bacon)
sliced carrots (optional)
bag of frozen broccoli
2 cups of shredded cheese
seasons to taste

Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas with a Creamy Green Chili Sauce

The main part of this I crock potted which is amazing because it saves so much energy. I put 1 lb of chicken in the crock pot then added 1 can of green chilis, 1 can of green enchilada sauce, 1 diced green bell pepper, 1 package of taco seasoning and let it cook for 4 hours on high (or until the chicken shreds).

 Then I used the mixture and wrapped them in flour tortillas and added shredded cheese. You can do corn, but I prefer flour. Know with corn they are more likely to fall apart.

For the sauce I got 8 oz of cream cheese, 1 can of green chilis and 1 cup of milk. Cook on a low heat stirring often. Once it is melted pour on top and bake for 15 minutes on 350. I added some cilantro on top too, but that's optional.

Ingredients:
1 lb of chicken
1 can of green enchilada sauce
2 cans of green chilis
1 package of taco seasoning
1 green bell pepper
flour tortillas
8 oz of cream cheese
1 cup of milk
shredded cheese
cilantro (optional)

Not Yo Mama's Taco Soup

Talk about hearty and yummy! First I precooked a pound of hamburger meat with taco seasoning. Then I put it in the bottom of my crockpot and added:

1 can of red enchilada sauce
taco seasoning
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can of rotel
1 can of diced green chilies
1 can of low sodium cheddar cheese
1 can of corn
1 diced onion
handful of diced cilantro
3 sweet peppers (diced)
1 package of chili seasoning
(I don't care for beans, but 1 can of black beans if you are a bean fan)
1 cup of water 

Stir well

Cook in the crock pot for 3 hours on high. Serve with tortilla chips or fritos and top with shredded cheese.

Mexican Breakfast Bake

So we went through the other breakfast casserole within a few days between Matt, me and the boys. I decided to try something new.

I broke up 8 corn tortillas with my hands and put in the bottom of a 9x13 greased dish. I then used my chopper and chopped fresh spinach and cilantro. The secret is for the kids to not know there are vegetables in their breakfast ;-). I also chopped up some sweet peppers (3) half a bell pepper and a handful of mushrooms.

I placed the veggies on top of the corn tortillas and then added freshly cooked bacon (crumbled). I then topped it with 8 whisked eggs with a cup of milk in the eggs and shredded cheese. Bake for 30 minutes on 375. Totally yummy! Serve with a side of salsa.

Ingredients:
8 corn tortillas
8 eggs
1 cup of milk
handful of spinach
handful of cilantro
handful of mushroom
3 diced sweet peppers
1/2 diced bell pepper
1 cup of shredded cheese
1/2 lb of cooked bacon

Chicken Philly Smothered Sandwiches

Here is a new twist to Chicken Phillies! First I cut up all the veggies and added to a saute pan.

Red Bell Pepper, 2 Green Bell Peppers, 1 onion, 1 deseeded jalapeno, diced mushroom and banana peppers. Then I added diced raw chicken and added some seasoning to it as well as 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce and 1 tablespoon of olive oil.

 I sauteed on a medium heat until everything was cooked through.

I got french baguettes and seasoned with crushed red pepper and oregano and baked them for 5 minutes on 400 just to get a crisp on top.

Last I added 8 oz of cream cheese and stirred through thoroughly and then smothered it on top of the bread. I added shredded cheese and baked on 400 for 12-15 minutes. I would have preferred mozzarella or provolone, but all I had was mild cheddar. It still tastes amazing!

Ingredients: 
French Baguettes
1 lb of chicken
2 green bell peppers
1 red bell pepper
1/2 jar of banana peppers
1 package of sliced mushrooms
1 jalapeno (deseeded)
1 8 oz package of light cream cheese
1 tablespoon Worcestershire
1 tablespoon olive oil