Mini Cheddar Meatloafs

3/4 c milk
1 c shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 c oats
1/2 c chopped onions (1/4 c dehydrated onions)
1 tsp salt
1lb ground beef

Topping:
2/3c ketchup
1/2c brown sugar
1 & 1/2 tsp mustard

In a bowl combine milk, cheese, oats, onions and salt. Add the beef and mix with hands to incorporate. Shape into 8 mini loafs and place in a foil lined 9x13 pan. Combine topping ingredients, then spoon over top of meatloafs. Bake uncovered at 350 for 45 min.

Ben LOVES these. He will eat 3-4 of them! The topping is really good!

Tacos in a Pasta Shell

Tacos in a Pasta Shell

1 pkg jumbo pasta shells
1-1&1/2 lbs hamburger
1 pkg cream cheese (8oz)
1/8c dried onions (handful)
salt and pepper
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp garlic
1c water
1/2 pkg taco seasoning
cheese, grated

Cook noodles according to package directions. Brown hamburger with onions and salt and pepper. Drain grease, then add cream cheese and spices. ( I usually don't measure them, I just sprinkle them on until it tastes like how I would like it) When cream cheese is melted, use this filling to stuff the pasta shells. Place in a 9X13 pan. When all shells are stuffed, mix taco seasoning with water and pour over top of shells. Sprinkle grated cheese on top. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes, covered then 10 min uncovered. Can serve with sour cream or salsa if desired.

*my kids love these. Last time I made them I didn't pour the taco seasining on some of them cause Isabel decided that she didn't like taco seasoning, and I cooked them covered the whole time so the noodles wouldn't get crispy on top. These are perfect if your kids can't agree on if they want tacos or noodles*

Steak Sloppy Joes

Steak Sloppy Joes

2lbs beef tenderloin, diced
2 tsp black pepper
2 tsp salt
1/2 c onion, minced
1/2 c green pepper, minced
4 cloves garlic, minced
6 Tbsp A-1 sauce
4 Tbsp brown sugar
2 dash hot sauce (optional)
2 tsp dry mustard

Season beef with salt and pepper and saute over medium high heat 2-3 min. Add the onion, green pepper and garlic and cook 3 min. Mix sauce ingredient together and pour over beef. Try not to over cook the steak so it will stay tender.

* I use whatever cut of steak I have on hand. Brady likes it with hot sauce, the kids don't, so he puts it on after. The kids really like this, it can be cooked in 1 skillet and it super easy!

Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Sweet and Sour Meatballs

(adapted from The Open Pantry)

Meatballs:

7 Tbsp soy sauce

6 Tbsp sugar

1 tsp garlic salt

1/4 c water

1 tsp ginger

1 tsp fresh cracked pepper

2 lbs ground beef

2 c panko bread crumbs

Sauce:

1 c brown sugar

2 Tbsp soy sauce

1 & 1/2 c water

1 tsp ginger

1 & 1/2 c ketchup

1/3 c pineapple juice

1/3 c vinegar

salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Whisk together all the sauce ingredients and set aside. To make the meatballs mix together all ingredients except the ground beef and breadcrumbs. Place ground beef in a large bowl and make a well in the center. Pour the breadcrumbs in the well, then pour the soy sauce mixture over the crumbs. Blend together with hands. Shape into meatballs and place in a 9x13 foil lined pyred dish. Pour the sauce over the top and bake at 300-325 for 50min-1hr. Serve over rice.

Brazilian Stroganoff

Brazilian Stroganoff

1&1/2 lbs filet mignon (I used stew meat)

1/2 onion, chopped

2 Tbsp butter

1 Tbsp mustard

1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce

3 Tbsp Ketchup

1 can creme de leite (creme media)

Saute beef and onion in butter. Add mustard, ketchup and worchestershire sauce, then put in the crock pot for 2-3 hours on high. The last 20min of cooking, add the can of cream. Serve over rice with potato chip sticks on top.

The cream can be found in the mexican aisle of the grocery aisle. It's in a blue can. If you can't find it, then you can use heavy cream.