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*

Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

2 bananas
3/4 c brown sugar
2 Tbsp butter
1/2 c oil

Mix these together well, then add;
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 3/4 c flour
1/4c milk
1 c chocolate chips

Fill muffin tins 3/4 full and bake at 350 for 24-26 minutes.

*These are really dense muffins. They are really yummy and a great way to use leftover bananas!*

Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal

Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal

1/2 c quick oats
1/2 c water
sprinkle of cinnamon
1 tbsp brown sugar

I put oatmeal and water in a microwave safe bowl and cook for 2 minutes. When done sprinkle with cinnamon and brown sugar. Top with milk if desired.

*Isabel even comments that this tastes almost like real oatmeal! I guess she is used to the packaged kind :)

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!

Chicken Pozole

Chicken Pozole
(this is really good if you like mexican food)

2c chicken, cooked and diced or shredded
1 Tbsp Olive oil
1 lg. onion, diced very finely
1 can green chilies
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 Tbsp chili powder ( or chipotle powder)
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp oregano
14oz can chicken broth
2c milk
1-2 15oz cans hominy, drained and rinsed
1 lime, cut into wedges

In a large stock pot saute onion in olive oil for 3min. Add green chilies, garlic, chili powder, cumin, and oregano and cook for 1 minute. Add Chicken, milk, and hominy. Simmer on low for 20min. Serve with lime wedges. You can also serve with corn tortillas if wanted. My kids don't like this because it tends to be spicy, but we serve it with quesedillas and they are just fine :)

Orange Glazed Chicken

Orange Glazed Chicken
(the kids loved this!)

1lb chicken cut into 1" chunks
1/2 c orange marmalade
1/4c soy sauce
1/4c honey
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

In a skillet, brown chicken in olive oil. (I seasoned mine with salt and pepper). While it is browning, whisk together sauce ingredients. When chicken is almost done cooking, pour glaze over chicken and continue cooking until chicken is done and sauce forms a glaze (apx 10min). Serve with rice and heart shaped carrots. :)

Lemon Chicken Pasta

Lemon Chicken Pasta

1 lb noodles of choice
2 chicken breasts, cut into 1" cubes
salt and pepper to taste
3 cloves garlic, sliced
1/4tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
3 Tbsp Olive oil
2 lemons, juiced
1/2 c Parmesan cheese

Boil pasta til done, then drain. In a saute pan, season chicken with salt and pepper and cook until done. When done, remove to plate.
Add the garlic, olive oil and red pepper flakes to pan. Saute until fragrant (apx 2 min). Mix with noodles and add chicken. Add fresh squeezed lemon juice and stir. Top with Parmesan cheese and serve.

* we leave the red pepper flakes out so that the kids will eat it. If wanted, they can be added at the end. Isabel liked it cause it was sour chicken :) I think that this recipe came from the Neely's on Food Network.