Skillet Lasagna Is a loose rendition of the standard baked version. They both have all the elements of meat, cheese, tomato sauce and pasta in common. Baked lasagna has big ruffly noodles layered with sauce, meat, then cheese and repeat. Skillet lasagna stirs meat, sauce and noodles in the pan, then tops with cheese when the noodles are just right for eating. For anyone maximizing time, skip the layering and enjoy the same flavors. You can go from cupboard to stove to table in about 30 minutes! This recipe is budget friendly and kid friendly too! Something quick but a little more sophisticated? Check out Grilled Brie and Pear Sandwich. Skillet Lasagna Print Prep time 5 mins Cook time 30 mins Total time 35 mins Author: A Pinch of Joy by ... [Read More]
ground beef
Baked Tacos — Chicken or Beef!
Baked Tacos are so easy, so quick and so delicious, it almost seems like cheating to have them on the menu. Use precooked shredded or chunked chicken. Or prebrowned ground beef. I nearly always have 2 cup bags (1 pound) of both in my freezer because that saves so much time on a busy day. Either one will make these wonderful tacos a snap to stir together. Use frozen diced onions to save time instead of chopping a fresh onion. If you want green chilis, add a small can or buy diced tomatoes with green chilis added. You already know me – I skipped the additional zip. Same with the taco seasoning. I only used half a package. Prebaking taco shells turns them into a whispery crunch that is s-o-o-o good. They are also only 6 carbs each. Compare that to the 22-28 grams of carbs in ... [Read More]
Asian Beef and Noodles
What’s for lunch? Asian Beef and Noodles. This is a colorful, budget friendly stir-fry dish that takes only five ingredients—all of which you're likely to have on hand. Ready to eat in about 20 minutes! Serve with fruit (fresh, frozen or canned – whatever you have available) for a complete meal. I had to raid Bytes’ cupboard to find the ramen. I don’t usually buy it, but he keeps it on hand because he likes it for a snack. Or a meal when he is pressed for time. It was worth sneaking down the stairs, avoiding the laser beam network, dodging under the security camera, giving the guard cat a generous handful of treats to keep him busy, and opening the cupboard door just right to avoid setting off the piercing alarm. Actually, I just asked over the stair rail, “got any ramen?” and ... [Read More]
Baked Spaghetti
What’s for lunch? A big pan of baked spaghetti. Or Pasketti as Bytes’ Big Brother used to say. The whole family will love it! Layers of pasta, meat sauce, sour cream and cheese – comfort food of the highest order! The number of servings will depend on the appetites at your house. It makes 8 large servings, which will serve the three of us with two man-sized servings (and one regular serving for me) for TWO meals. Two littles usually ate the equivalent of one of the 8 servings. Which means enough for the man sized eater, two littles and one regular serving. The point? You may very easily get TWO meals for the effort in making one! And that’s a bonus in my book. If your cooking tends to be based on last minute decisions, you’ll find no judgment here because there are a lot ... [Read More]
Enchilada Bake
Layered Enchilada Bake is deliciously easy. You get all the goodness and flavor of an enchilada without wrapping and tucking tortillas. And – IF – there are any left overs they are even better than the serving you had when they were freshly made! Begin by browning the ground beef. Drain excess grease and push the meat to one side to lightly saute the chopped onion. Stir in the can of corn and the enchilada sauce (mild or to your taste), plus the Taco seasoning mix. Bring to boil, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat when mixture reaches a boil. In the meantime, place two tortillas end to end in a 9x13 pan sprayed with cooking spray. Cut a third tortilla into 2 inch wide strips and place around the edges so that the bottom is fully covered. Spread half the sour ... [Read More]
Cowboy Beef Hash
Cowboy Beef Hash is a meat and ‘taters meal that is ready in about 30 minutes. It is a quick and easy, stick to the ribs meal that everyone in the family will love. You probably have the ingredients on hand in the pantry/freezer right now. Add it to the rotation and your family will thank you!! The recipe is also easily adjusted to individual taste. Instead of adding the entire 16 ounce jar of salsa to the meat mixture, I only add half and then serve the remainder on the side for those who want more kick. (You know – my wimpy taste buds!) I like the shredded frozen hash browns, because you can cook them crispy. Bytes and Wheels like their potatoes so they prefer Potatoes Obrien for heartiness -- and that's what I use. I had not heard of Frozen Roasted Sweet Corn until I saw ... [Read More]
