Taco Quesadillas

Happy New Year! Now this recipe isn't much to look at but it sure was delicious! Quesadillas have become a thing at our house, I make a whole bunch then pile them up on a plate and sit them on the table with toppings out. Then everyone can grab and fix what they want! Easy peasey! This recipe is adapted from Pioneer Woman.

1 1/2 pounds ground beef
2 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
3 tbsp tomato paste
1 cup water
salt to taste
3 cups shredded monterey jack cheese
8 tortillas
butter
toppings (sour cream, guacamole, salsa, lettuce, tomato)

Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Brown the ground beef then drain off the grease. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, tomato paste, water and salt. Let it simmer for 5 minutes. In a separate skillet heat to medium heat and place a small slice of butter in the bottom. Coat the skillet with butter then place a tortilla down. Top with cheese and taco meet then another layer of cheese and a tortilla. Once the tortilla has browned, flip to the other side. Continue with the remaining tortillas, cheese and meat. Slice and serve with toppings. 

Ritzy Meatloaf

I must admit that I do love meatloaf.
There's almost nothing as homey
as the smell of meatloaf in the oven.
I have several recipes that I like to rotate
that use different fillers like: breadcrumbs,
 bread, saltine crackers, oatmeal, and they
 are all good. This one uses Ritz crackers.

Using the Ritz in place of the usual 

is what makes this meatloaf just a bit

 different and very tasty. This is another
 good one to add to your recipe collection.

Crush a sleeve of crackers to make
about 1 cup. I did this in a bowl using the
bottom of a glass to crush. 

Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl.

Put into a 5x9 loaf pan or just shape into

a loaf and place in a shallow casserole, 

Bake for 30 to 45 minutes first before

spreading on the topping. This prevents 

the topping from burning due to 

the brown sugar content. 

Combine the brown sugar, ketchup, mustard

and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl.

Spread it over the top and return to the 

oven for another 15 minutes. 

I'm using my vintage Corningware loaf pan. 

Makes me want to wear one of my aprons too. 

I found this pan for $2.00 thrifting.

Ritzy Meatloaf

2 lbs ground beef

1 C crushed Ritz crackers 

(about 24-26)
1 C milk

2 eggs, beaten

½ C ketchup

½ C onion, finely chopped

1 t salt

½ t pepper

½ t garlic powder

In a large bowl mix all the ingredients

until thoroughly combined. Shape into

a 5x9 loaf, or use a loaf pan. Bake @350º

for 45  minutes. Spoon off excess fat.
Spread with topping.

Topping

½ C ketchup

¼ C brown sugar

½ T mustard

 T Worcestershire sauce

Combine in a small bowl. 

and bake another 15 minutes. Let rest
 15 mins before slicing and serving.

Enjoy!

Links: Between Naps On the Porch

Italian Turkey Meatloaf

This meatloaf isn't a typical meatloaf but it has become my favorite.  Made with turkey meat, stuffed with cheese, basil and marinara sauce.  It's loaded with flavor.  

I like to serve with roasted vegetables (zucchini, red pepper, onion and mushrooms).  

Ingredients:

1.25 lbs. ground turkey (I use Jennie-O Lean Ground Turkey) 

2  garlic cloves, minced

1/2 cup chopped onion, finely chopped

2 eggs

1/2 cup panko crumbs

1/2 cup marinara sauce 

4 oz. asiago cheese, diced

1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

1/4 cup basil, chopped 

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

After cooked 1 hour add:

3/4 cup marinara sauce

4 oz. fresh mozzarella, sliced (I like Bel Gioioso Brand)

Mix everything together and form into a loaf on a baking sheet. Bake at 375 for around 1 hour.  Remove from oven and spoon marinara over top and place fresh mozzarella slices over it bake additional 15 minutes.  Garnish with fresh basil.

Recipe adapted from Proud Italian Cook 

Korean Beef and Rice

This dish is super easy and I had it on the table in 15 minutes!  It has the same flavors as bulgogi, a traditional Korean dish.  But, with Bulgogi, thinly sliced sirloin has to marinate for hours.  So, not only was this quick and easy it was so flavorful.  It makes 4 small servings so if you have bigger eaters or want leftovers I would double this recipe.  

INGREDIENTS

• 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed 
• 1/4 cup soy sauce 
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil 
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red-pepper flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger or 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 
• 1 pound ground beef 
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced 
• Cooked rice, for serving

INSTRUCTIONS

• In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, red pepper flakes and ginger. 
• In a large skillet over medium high heat, brown ground beef and garlic until browned making sure to crumble the beef as it cooks; drain excess fat. Stir in soy sauce mixture until well combined, allowing to simmer until heated through, about 2 minutes.  Top with green onions and serve over rice.