Quick Recipies for Busy Holidays

Hash Brown Casserole

I always keep cream soups  on hand in the winter months for quick yummy comfort food.

Approx 1 pound frozen hash brown shredded potatoes, thawed
1 can cream of chicken soup, undiluted
1/4 cup water
4 tablespoons margarine, melted
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
2 cups shredded Colby or cheddar (you can use light cheddar)
Salt and pepper to taste
A couple handfuls of cheddar to sprinkle on top after baking (opt)

Mix potatoes chicken soup, margarine and onion in a big bowl until well blended. Add cheese and mix well. Pour into small casserole, like an 8x8. Bake in preheated 350 degree oven about 45 minutes or until casserole is heated through and cheese is melted.

Remove from oven and sprinkle with more cheese if you like. Serves 6-8.

 

Pasta Fagioli

1 pound pasta, bow tie, macaroni or penne, boiled
1/3 cup olive oil
1 tablespoon garlic
1-1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
¼ to ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
28 oz diced tomatoes
2 cans beans: l can ea: cannelinni and either red kidney, black, great northern, or your choice
Handful of fresh spinach or escarole
Parmesan for sprinkling on top

In olive oil, sauté garlic, oregano and red pepper flakes just until garlic is golden. Don’t let it brown. Add everything but pasta and greens. Cook 20 minutes. Salt to taste. Add greens & stir in. Pour over pasta. Sprinkle with cheese.

Southwestern Chicken Taco Soup

This is an awesome crock pot meal. The whole house smells wonderful.

 

2 cans chicken broth or more if needed
1 can tomatoes and chilies
2 cups corn
2 bell peppers, chopped
1 generous cup onion, chopped
1 pound chicken breasts cut into chunks
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
1 can kidney beans, drained
1-2 packages, 1.25 ea., dry taco seasoning
1 teaspoon ground cumin
Salt and pepper

Other add ins: 1/2 cup uncooked rice, other veggies such as bell pepper. hamburger instead of chicken,

Add everything to crock pot but cumin, salt and pepper. Cook on low 4-5 hours or high 2-3, until chicken is cooked Add more broth if necessary. Stir in seasonings. Serves 6-8.  We serve this over tortilla chips. Garnish with cheddar or Mexican cheese, green onions, etc.

Pulled Pork

3 pounds boneless pork loin roast
1-1/2 cups favorite Barbecue sauce

1 small onion, chopped
Couple dashes garlic powder or ¼ teaspoon fresh chopped garlic
Extra barbecue sauce as needed

Trim fat and cut the pork in half.

Put into crock pot. Pour barbecue sauce on, add onion and garlic powder and cook on low for 8-10 hours.

We serve this on hamburger buns.

Chicken Crockpot Chilli

1-1/2 pounds chicken, cubed

2 to 2-1/2 cups diced onions
2-3 teaspoons minced garlic
1 ea: red and green bell pepper, chopped
1 can, 16 oz, cannelini or great northern beans, drained if desired
2 cans black beans, drained
¼ cup bulghur wheat
1 can corn, drained
2-3 tablespoons chili powder blend
1-1/2 to 2 teaspoons dried oregano
3 cans, 14 oz ea,chicken broth
1 teaspoon cumin 
Put meat, onions, garlic and bell pepper in and stir to mix. Add beans and stir. Add wheat and corn if using. Add chili powder and oregano. Add chicken broth. Cook on low 8 hours or high 4-5. You can cook as long as 10 hours on low and the chili will still have a great texture and taste. About 15 minutes before serving, add cumin (if you add it at the beginning, the flavor may dissipate and you may have to add more at the end). Garnish with tortilla strips , cheese, sour cream, cilantro, salsa.