Beef Cubes and Potatoes

Tender, juicy pieces of beef served with crispy potatoes. It is almost a complete meal on its own. This is a simple recipe that is sure to please every member of your family.

Ingredients

1 1/2 lb.beef roast, trimmed and cut into 1 inch cubes*
1/4 c. soy sauce
2 Tbs. (or less) hot sauce
1 Tbs. olive oil or vegetable oil
1 lb. potatoes, quartered (We use Yukon gold potatoes)
1 Tbs. butter, divided
1 Tbs. olive oil or vegetable oil
4 cloves garlic
1 Tbs. Italian seasoning
salt and pepper to taste

Directions

In a bowl, combine beef cubes, soy sauce, hot sauce and oil.  Mix well and set aside.

In a large cast iron skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon oil over medium high heat.

Add potatoes and cook for about 15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and tender.  Turn them frequently to get all sides browned.  Remove the potatoes to a plate when they are tender and set aside.

In the same skillet, over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon butter.  Stir in the garlic and Italian seasoning.  Cook and stir for 20 seconds, or until fragrant.

Add in the beef cubes. Cook and stir to brown all sides of the beef.  It can take around 2 minutes per side.  You may have to do this in batches depending on how big your skillet is.

Put the potatoes back into the skillet and cook until they are heated through.

Season with salt and pepper.

Sprinkle some parsley over the top if desired. Serve and enjoy.

Notes

You can also use steak instead of a roast. We use the roast meat because it is cheaper for us to buy.

You can also use the potatoes that you have on hand or the ones you like best for this recipe as well.

• 
  
• 
  

Beef with Mushroom Gravy

Tender, flavorful beef served in a delicious mushroom gravy. This recipe is so easy, and it is certain to please everyone at your table.  You don't have to use sirloin beef tips for this recipe.  With the cost of beef being so high, you can use the cheaper cut of meat. Low and slow cooking is what tenderizes this meat.

Ingredients

2 lbs. sirloin beef tips or any roast meat, cut into bite sized pieces
salt and pepper to taste
2 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. onion powder
2 Tbs. flour
2 Tbs. butter
1 Tbs. oil
1 onion, diced
1 pepper, diced
2 to 3 garlic cloves, minced
1 (8 oz.) can mushrooms, drained
1 1/2 c.-2 c. beef stock
1 tsp.  thyme
1 tsp.  rosemary
1 bay leaf
1 beef bouillon cube
1 Tbs. Worcestershire sauce
2 Tbs.cornstarch
3 Tbs. cold water

Directions

Place the beef in a medium bowl.  Season the beef with salt and pepper.

In a small bowl, combine with garlic powder, onion powder, and flour.  Sprinkle this over the top of the beef, and mixing to ensure all the beef is coated in the mixture.

In a cast iron skillet, Dutch oven, over medium high heat, melt butter and oil. Working in batches, add some of the beef.  Sear until all sides of the beer are browned.  Remove the beef onto a plate and repeat this step with the remaining beef.

In the same skillet, add the onions, peppers and garlic. Sauté them for about 2 minutes.  Add a little more oil to the Dutch oven if needed.  Be sure to scrape the bottom of the skillet to remove all the tasty bits because that is where the flavor is.

Add the beef, mushrooms, beef stock, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, beef bouillon cube, and Worcestershire sauce back in.  Bring the mixture to a boil.  Reduce heat to low and cover with a tight-fitting lid.  Simmer for several hours, or until the beef is tender. If it runs low on liquid, add some more beef stock.

Dissolve the cornstarch in the cold water, stirring until smooth.  Slowly pour in the cornstarch mixture into the Dutch oven, stirring constantly. Cook and stir for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the gravy is thickened. 

Season with salt and pepper as desired. 

Serve over mashed potatoes, or noodles.

Italian Meatballs with Noodles

This is a recipe that is one of our favorites. Tender, juicy, flavorful meatballs served with a delicious sauce spooned over noodles or rice.  We bake our meatballs because it just makes things easier and faster for us, but you can fry them as well. It is up to you.

Ingredients

1 lb. ground beef
1/2 lb. hot sausage
3/4 c. breadcrumbs
1/4 c. whole milk
1 egg
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 onion, chopped fine
1/4 c. parsley
1/4 c. Parmesan cheese
1 tsp. Italian seasoning
3/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
Egg noodles or rice, cooked

Sauce

4 Tbs. butter
1 onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
3 Tbs. flour
2 c. beef broth
1 c. heavy cream
1 Tbs. Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp. mustard
4 Tbs. sour cream
1 Tbs. cream cheese
salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Preheat oven to 400°.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil if desired. Lightly spray the baking sheet or lining paper.  

In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, sausage, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, garlic, onion, parsley, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Mix lightly to combine.  Do not over mix as that makes the meatballs tough.

Roll into 1 1/2 inch meatballs.  You can scoop the meat up with a melon baller to keep them more uniform. Place the meatballs on a prepared baking sheet in a single layer, leaving space between each meatball.

Bake for 10 minutes, then remove them from the oven and turn them over.  Bake another 7 to 10 minutes, or until done. Set aside.

In a cast iron skillet, melt butter.  Add onions and garlic. Stir and fry until the vegetables are tender. 

Stir in flour and whisk for 1 to 2 minutes to remove the flour taste. 

Slowly pour in the beef broth, and heavy cream, stirring constantly. 

Mix in the Worcestershire sauce, mustard, sour cream and cream cheese.  Bring to a simmer.  Cook and stir until the sauce starts to thicken.  Season with salt and pepper to taste. 

Add the meatballs to the skillet and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the meatballs are hot. Serve over noodles or rice.

Beef Bulgogi

 

This recipe is super easy to make. Favorable meat, marinated in soy sauce, garlic, and sesame seeds. The longer you let the meat marinate, the better it will be.  The meat is so tender!

 Ingredients

5 Tbs. soy sauce
1 onion, chopped fine
2 1/2 Tbs. sugar, either brown sugar or granulated sugar
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 Tbs. sesame seeds
2 Tbs. olive oil
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 lb. steak or roast, sliced thin
1 Tbs. olive oil for frying

Directions

In a large glass bowl, combine soy sauce, onion, sugar, garlic, sesame seeds and olive oil. Whisk to dissolve sugar. 

Add the thinly sliced meat to the marinade.  Cover and place in the refrigerator for at least an hour.  If you can marinate the meat longer, that will be better. It will give the meat more flavor.

In a cast iron skillet, heat the olive oil over medium high heat. Working in batches, cook the thinly sliced beef, turning once.  Cook until the meat is full cooked through. This takes about 2 to 3 minutes per side.  Repeat until all the beef is done. 

Serve over rice if desired.  Or place some slices of beef in a lettuce leaf and enjoy it that way.

Lasagna Casserole

Layers of meat sauce, pasta and cheese. This dish is easy to make, but it does require a bit of cooking time to bring out the flavors. However, the effort is so worth it. If you don't have lasagna, use whatever pasta you have on hand, like rotini or shells. 

Ingredients

1 lb. ground beef
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (16 to 17 oz.) can tomato sauce, or you can use jarred pasta sauce
1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste
2 c.  water
2 tsp. beef bouillon
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1 1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning
2 bay leaves
salt and pepper to taste
8 oz. lasagna, cooked or rotini, or shells
1 c. cottage cheese or ricotta
8 oz. mozzarella cheese
Parmesan cheese, shredded

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°. Lightly spray or grease a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish.

In a heavy cast iron skillet, add ground beef, onion and garlic.  Cook until the ground beef is no longer pink. Drain off excess fat.

Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, water, beef bouillon, cayenne pepper, Italian seasoning, bay leaves, and basil.  Mix well. Add salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 90 minutes.

Arrange layers of lasagna or pasta, beef sauce, cottage cheese and mozzarella cheese in a prepared casserole dish. You should have 3 layers.

Sprinkle the top with Parmesan cheese. 

Bake, uncovered, for 45 minutes.

Stuffed Meat Buns

This is one of our favorite meals. A tender, fluffy bun filled with flavorful meat and cheese. These are perfect to serve as a meal, or you can take them along as a snack on the go.

Ingredients

1 lb. ground beef
2 carrots, chopped fine or grated
1 onion, chopped
1 tsp. thyme
1 tsp. bouillon
1 tsp. oregano
1 tsp. garlic powder
red chili flakes to taste
salt and pepper to taste
3 or 4 Tbs. salsa
1/2 c. cheddar cheese, shredded or pepper jack

Bread Buns Ingredients

3/4 c. warm water
1/2 Tbs. yeast
3 Tbs. sugar
2 1/2 c. flour
1/4 c. milk powder
1/2 tsp. salt
2 Tbs. olive oil
1 egg

Directions

In a bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Place in a warm location for 10 minutes, so it can bloom. 

In a large bowl, combine flour, milk powder, and salt.

Pour in the yeast mixture, olive oil and egg.  Mix with a mixer or wooden spoon until a soft dough is formed.

Place the dough on a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for 7 to 9 minutes, or until it is smooth and elastic.  Add more flour if necessary.

Lightly oil the bowl you mixed the dough in. You don't need to wash the bowl first.  Place the dough in the bowl, turning the dough over to ensure that all sides of the dough are oiled. Cover with a tea towel and place in a warm location.  Let rise for about an hour, or until doubled in size. 

While the dough is rising, it is time to make the beef filling. 

In a large cast iron skillet, add ground beef, onion and carrot.  Break the beef up into small pieces. We use a potato masher or a fork to help break up the meat. Cook until the beef is no longer pink and the onions and carrots are tender.

Stir in thyme, bouillon, oregano, and red chili flakes. Salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the salsa.

Simmer for about 2 minutes, then remove from heat.  If the meat seems too dry, add a little more water. Don't add too much, as you don't want the meat to be overly wet or soupy. 

Stir in the cheese and set aside. The cheese does not need to fully melt.

Punch the dough down when it has doubled in size.  Place the dough on a lightly floured surface. 

Cut the dough into 12 equal pieces. Form each one into a dough ball. Take one piece of dough and roll it out into a circle about 5 inches in diameter. 

Place about 1/4 cup of the meat filling in the center of the dough. Bring up two opposite edges of the dough and pinch the edges together to seal. Then repeat with the other two sides to completely seal in the filling.  You don't want it to leak out.

Place the seam side down on a greased baking sheet. Repeat the process with the remaining dough, and the meat and cheese mixture.

Cover and place the buns in a warm location until doubled. This takes about 30 to 45 minutes, depending on how warm it is. 

Bake at 350° for 20 minutes, or until the buns are golden brown. Serve warm.

Beef Birds

This is an old-fashioned recipe using beef round steak and vegetables.  The beef is rolled up jellyroll style, encasing carrots inside. When it is done cooking, the meat and the vegetables will be tender and delicious.

Ingredients

1 1/2 to 2 lbs. round steak, sliced 1/2 inch thick
1/4 c. flour
salt and pepper to taste
4 or 5 small carrots, cut in strips
1/4 c. lard
4 potatoes, peeled
1 onion quartered
1 can condensed mushroom soup

Directions

Cut beef steak into 3 x 5-inch pieces. Pound each piece until it is about 1/4 inch thick. 

Season both sides of the meat with salt and pepper.

Place 3 or 4 carrot strips on each piece of the meat. Roll the beef meat around the carrots, jellyroll style.  Fasten with a tooth pick to keep the carrots inside and the meat in a roll shape.

Add the flour into a shallow bowl or pan. Dredge the meat rolls in the flour, making sure to cover all sides.

Heat the lard in a heavy cast iron skillet over medium high heat. Brown the steak rolls on all sides. 

Add the potatoes and onions around the beef birds. Pour the condensed mushroom soup over the top of the meat, potatoes and onions. Cover and lower the heat to low.  

Simmer for 90 minutes or 2 hours until the meat and vegetables are tender.

Serve and enjoy.  Remember to let everyone know to remove the toothpicks before eating.

Notes

Instead of carrots, or even along with carrots, add celery strips and some onion. You can also try cheese, or mushrooms.

Beef Skillet

 A quick and easy meal that our family loves. Ground beef, mixed vegetables, and Italian seasoning served over egg noodles. We often spice this dish up by adding a hot pepper, or a dash of cayenne pepper.  It is flavorful, hearty and perfect to make on those days when you don't feel like cooking.

Ingredients

1 lb. ground beef
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce
1 (14.5 oz.) can diced tomatoes
1 Tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 tsp. Italian Seasoning
1 (16 oz.) pkg. mixed vegetables
3 c. egg noodles

Directions

In a large cast iron skillet, cook ground beef, bell pepper and onion over medium heat. Cook until the beef is no longer pink and the vegetables are tender. 

Stir in tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a boil.

Add the mixed vegetable.  Cook until they are heated through.

Fill a large saucepan with water and bring the water to a boil. Cook noodles according to package directions.  Drain.  

Serve over noodles. 

Slow Baked Beef Roast with Vegetables

This beef roast turns out tender and full of flavor. Slow cooking the beef is the way to get a tender cut of meat. The meat and vegetables act together to flavor each other, and you have the flavorful juices to pour over the meat or make into a gravy.  

Ingredients

1 (3 lb.) beef roast
salt
pepper
garlic powder
onion powder
6 potatoes, cut in half or quartered
1 onion, sliced and cut into half rings
2 stalks celery, cut into chunks
1 lb. baby carrots
2 c. beef stock or broth or 2 tsp. beef bouillon dissolved in 2 c. water.
1 c. red wine or water
4 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
1/2 tsp. rosemary
1/2 tsp. thyme
1 bay leaf

Directions

Preheat oven to 195° to 200°.  You can also use a slow cooker for this recipe, instead.

 

Season both sides of the beef roast with salt, pepper, garlic powder and onion powder.  Rub the seasonings into the meat. I don't have measurements for these seasonings, as it is personal preference. You can add as much or as little as you like of these seasonings.

 

Place the beef roast in a roasting pan or a large cast iron skillet or Dutch Oven. 

Add the potatoes, onions, celery and baby carrots around the beef roast.

In a bowl, combine the beef stock, wine, garlic, rosemary and thyme. Pour this in with the beef and vegetables. 

Bake for 8 to 10 hours.  The roast is done when the internal temperature reaches at least 145°. 

To serve, cut the beef roast into thick slices or shred with a fork. . 

 

Serve the roast and vegetables with the juices poured over the top of the meat, or you can make gravy. 

 

To make gravy, combine 2 tablespoons cornstarch with equal amounts of water. Mix until smooth. 

Remove the beef roast and vegetables from the roaster onto a serving platter. 

Bring the juices in the roaster to a boil.  Whisk in cornstarch mixture. Cook and stir until thickened. You can add more beef broth or water if needed.

Season with salt and pepper

Beef Tips and Gravy

Tender, flavorful beef in a seasoned gravy, served over mashed potatoes or rice. This meal doesn't take a lot of time to prepare, but it does take some cooking time to get the meat tender.

Ingredients

2 lbs. beef roast
1 Tbs. garlic powder
1 Tbs onion powder
1 Tbs. seasoned salt
1 Tbs. worcestershire
1 tsp. pepper
2 Tbs. oil
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 onion, chopped
1/3 c. flour
1 Tbs olive oil
2 Tbs. butter
1/3 c. flour
4 c. beef stock or broth

Directions

Trim off excess fat, then cut the beef roast into 1-inch cubes. Place them in a bowl. You can also buy beef stew meat that is already cut up for you. However, if you are wanting to save some money, just buy your own beef roast and cut it up yourself.

Season the beef with garlic powder, onion powder, seasoned salt, Worcestershire, and pepper.  Mix the beef cubes, so the seasonings are coating each cube.

In a cast iron Dutch oven or a large and deep skillet with a lid, heat oil over medium high heat.  Brown the beef cubes in the hot oil. You don't need to fully cook them.  You may need to cook the beef in batches as well. Remove the beef when browned and put it in the bowl you had it in earlier.

Add the olive oil and butter to the skillet. Stir in the bell pepper and onion.  Sauté them until they are tender. 

Stir in the flour.  It will be like you are making a roux.  Cook and stir the flour for a couple of minutes to remove the flour taste.

Whisking constantly, pour in the beef broth. 

Carefully add the seared beef back into the Dutch oven.  Make sure you have enough broth to completely submerge the beef.  Bring the contents to a bubble.

Cover the Dutch oven with a lid and lower the heat.  Cook for 50 to 60 minutes, stirring occasionally. The liquid will reduce, giving you a nice thick gravy and tender meat. Taste the gravy and season with more salt and pepper if desired.

Serve this over mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, or bread. 

Notes

You can add other vegetables. Try adding some carrots, mushrooms or celery.

If you want some extra spice, add in some cayenne pepper.

Mexican Style Taco Meatloaf

With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a flavorful meatloaf that your family will love. This is an easy recipe that tastes like a taco.  It is super easy to assemble. The longest time in this recipe will be in the baking.

Ingredients

1 1/2 lb. ground beef
1 onion, chopped
2 eggs
3/4 c. cheese, shredded  (like pepper jack, sharp cheddar, colby)
3/4 c. salsa,
1 c tortilla chips crushed or soda cracker crumbs or 1/4 c. soda cracker crumbs and 1/4 c. oatmeal
1 1/2 tsp. chili powder
1 1/2 tsp. cumin
1 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
3/4 tsp. paprika
3/4 tsp. onion powder
3/4 tsp. oregano
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/8 to 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
1/4 c. taco sauce or salsa

Directions

Heat oven to 350°. Lightly grease a 9 x 5- inch loaf pan, or you can use a large cast iron skillet.

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, onion, egg, salsa, tortilla chips, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, oregano, salt, pepper and cayenne pepper. 

Mix the contents thoroughly with your hands, but be careful to not over mix. If you mix it too much, the meat loaf will be tough.

Place the meat mixture in your prepared loaf pan or the cast iron skillet.

Pour the taco sauce or salsa over the top of the meatloaf.

Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until done.  The Internal temperature of the meatloaf should read 160° on an instant read meat thermometer. If you are using the cast iron skillet, bake for 30 minutes, then test to see if it is done. Since it is flatter, it won't take as long to bake.

Notes

You can use a package of taco seasoning if you prefer. Or you can use 2 tablespoons of homemade taco seasoning

You can use cheese nachos or spicy nachos as well instead of tortillas.

Unstuffed Bell Peppers

 Sometimes there just isn't time to make stuffed peppers the way my mama did. But that doesn't stop us from enjoying this delicious meal!  By cutting up the peppers and cooking it on the stove top, it makes fixing this dish super easy. 

Ingredients

1 lb. ground beef
1 onion, chopped
2 bell peppers, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 jalapeño hot pepper, chopped (optional)
1 (14.5 oz.) can diced tomatoes
1 (14 oz.) can beef broth
1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce
1 Tbs. Worcestershire
2 tsp. cumin
2 tsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp. onion powder
1 tsp. Italian seasoning
salt and pepper to taste
1 c. rice
1 c. cheddar cheese, shredded (optional)

Directions

In a cast iron skillet, add ground beef, onion, bell peppers, garlic and jalapeño pepper.  Cook until the vegetables are softened, and the ground beef is no longer pink.

Stir in diced tomatoes, beef broth, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder and Italian seasoning. Cook and stir until the mixture begins to bubble. Add the rice and mix well. 

Cover the skillet with a lid and turn the heat down to a simmer.  Let the mixture cook for 20 to 30 minutes for white rice, or 35 to 45 minutes for brown rice. Cook until the rice is tender. Stir the mixture occasionally, so it does not stick to the bottom of the skillet. If you need to add more liquid, pour in tomato juice or more beef broth. 

Season with salt and pepper. 

Mix in the shredded cheese. Cover with the lid until the cheese melts. It won't take long, maybe a minute or two.

Serve and enjoy.

Homespun Meat and Potato Pie

Meat and Potato Pie 

This is a very simple meat and potato pie recipe. This dish has ground beef, onions, potatoes, mushrooms, corn and cheese.   It is across between a meatloaf, and a shepherds' pie. My kids love this recipe and request that I make it often.

Ingredients

3 to 4 potatoes

3 tablespoons milk

salt and pepper to taste

1/2 c. cheese, cubed or shredded

1 can whole kernel corn, drained (optional)

1 lb. ground beef
1 onion, chopped

1 (4 oz.) can mushrooms, drained

1 egg
1/4 c. ketchup

1/4 c. dry bread crumbs

1/2 to 1 tsp. salt

Pepper to taste
Bacon, crisp fried and crumpled

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400°.

Wash and peel potatoes. Fill a pot with water and add your potatoes. Cook them until tender. If you want to, cut the potatoes into smaller pieces, so they will cook faster. When the potatoes are done, remove them from the water. 

Put the potatoes into a bowl and mash them with a potato masher, or you can use an electric mixer.  Mix until they are as smooth as you want them to be.

Add the milk, salt, pepper, cheese, and corn. Stir to combine. The cheese does not need to melt, it will do that in the oven.  You can use whatever cheese you like best, but we like sharp cheddar cheese or hot pepper cheese. We often use a mixture of both.

Cover the potatoes and set aside while you prepare the meat mixture.

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, onions, mushrooms, egg, ketchup, bread crumbs, salt and pepper.  Don’t mix them too much or the meat mixture will be tough.

Press the meat mixture into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie pan, or any baking dish. Bake in the oven for 15 minutes.

Remove the meat from the oven. Tip the pan to drain the excess fat away.  To make this job easier, place an empty pie pan or baking dish inside, so it rests on the meat.  Carefully tip the dish or pan, so the grease drains away.  This way, when you tip the container to drain it, the meat won’t fall out. 

Reduce the oven temperature to 350°.

Fill the meat shell with the potato mixture. Return to the oven and bake another 10 to 15 minutes, until everything is hot and cheese is melty.

Remove from the oven and sprinkle bacon over the top. Cut into servings.  Serves about 6 people.

Beef and Gravy

What could be better than beef served with gravy and mashed potatoes. This is comfort food! The recipe is so simple to make, and so delicious, that your family will request it often.

Ingredients

1 1/2 lbs. beef roast, trim off fat, cut meat into 1-inch pieces
1 tsp. brown sugar
1/2 to 1tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. onion powder
1/2 tsp. paprika
1/2 tsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper

Gravy

1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 Tbs. butter
2 c. beef broth
1/4 tsp. dried thyme
1 1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp. onion powder
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp. dried rosemary
1 beef bouillon cube
1/4 c. cold water
3 Tbs. flour

Direction

Place the cut up meat in a bowl.  

In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, paprika, chili powder, and pepper. Mix the spices together. 

Sprinkle the spices over the meat.  Mix the meat to ensure the spices are distributed evenly.

Sprinkle the flour over the meat. Toss until well coated. 

In a large cast iron skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. 

Working in batches, add the meat.  Cook the meat for a couple of minutes on each side until all sides are browned. Place the meat on a platter.  Repeat the process until all the meat is browned.

Melt the butter in the skillet.  Sauté onions and cook for a couple of minutes until they are translucent.  Add the garlic and cook another minute.

Pour in beef broth.  Add the Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, rosemary, and beef bouillon cube.  Bring to a boil. 

In a cup, combine water and flour. Stir until well blended.  Slowly pour this into the gravy, whisking all the while.  Cook and stir until the mixture thickens. 

Reduce the heat down to a simmer.  Add the meat back into the skillet.  Simmer for another 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Serve over mashed potatoes or egg noodles.  

One Skillet Beef Taco Pasta

For a fraction of the cost, you can make your own One Skillet Beef Taco Pasta dish. It's just as easy as opening the box and dumping things in your skillet. If you make your own taco seasoning mix, and salsa, you won't have all the added salt and preservatives either. And it makes for a more flavorful meal.

Ingredients

1 lb. ground beef
1 onion, chopped
1 sweet bell pepper, chopped
1 jalapeño pepper, chopped (optional)
1 pkg taco seasoning or 2 to 3 Tbs. taco seasoning mix
1 1/2 c. water
2 1/2 c. milk
2 c. pasta, bow-tie, elbow, any shape you like
3/4 c. salsa
1 c. corn, frozen or canned, drained
1 c. sharp cheddar cheese
corn chips

Directions

In a large cast iron skillet, cook the ground beef, onion, sweet bell pepper and jalapeño pepper over medium high heat until the beef is no longer pink.  Drain off excess grease.

Stir in taco seasoning, water, milk, and pasta. Bring to a boil.  Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes or until the pasta is tender. Stir occasionally.

Stir in salsa, and corn.  Cook until warmed through, and the sauce is the desired consistency you want.  

Stir in cheddar cheese.  Cook and stir until the cheese melts. 

Serve with corn chips placed over the top, and enjoy!

Beef Sandwiches with Dipping Sauce

If you cook the roast low and slow in the oven, or in the crock pot, you'll get tender, moist meat perfect for making pulled beef sandwiches.  Add some au jus gravy, and you have a delicious dipping sauce. This is a quick and easy recipe to make that your entire family will love.

Ingredients

2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. garlic powder
2 tsp. oregano
1 tsp. caraway seeds
1 tsp. marjoram
1 tsp. celery seed
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
1 beef roast, about 4 lbs.
1 onion, sliced thin
1 (14 1/2 oz) can beef broth
1/2 c. water
1 envelope au jus gravy mix
1 Tbs. Creole seasoning
1 Tbs. chili powder
2 tsp. cumin
6 French rolls, split or 10 sandwich rolls, split

Directions

Preheat oven to 175° to 200°.

In a small bowl combine salt, garlic powder, oregano, caraway seeds, marjoram, celery seed, pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix well.

Trim off excess fat from the beef roast. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the beef roast and rub it into the meat. Make sure to coat all sides of the beef roast. 

In a bowl combine beef broth, water, au jus gravy mix, creole seasoning, chili powder and cumin.  Mix well.

Place the roast in a Dutch oven. Cover the roast with onion slices. Pour the au jus gravy mix over the top of the roast.

Cover and bake for 8 to 10 hours, or until the meat is tender and falling apart. 

Remove the roast from the Dutch oven and place on a serving platter that has sides to catch the liquid.  Skim fat from the cooking juices.  

Shred the beef using with 2 forks. Return the shredded beef back into the Dutch oven. 

Continue to bake the beef until it is heated through and hot. 

Use a slotted spoon to place some meat on the rolls.  Top with a slice of cheese if desired.  Pour some of the juice into a bowl to dip your sandwich in. 

Cheesy Beef and Cabbage

 

The basic recipe to use cabbage in, is coleslaw.  But did you know that you can also use it in your meals, and it will make them go further?  When I have extra cabbage on hand, I chop it up like I do the onions. 

When my kids were young, they  hated cabbage. However, I started adding some to the ground beef dishes.  When I did that, they didn't know they were eating cabbage.  They thought the dish tasted great.    

Ingredients:

1 lb. ground beef
1 onion, chopped
1 sweet bell pepper, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 Tbs. vinegar
1 Tbs. Italian seasoning
1 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1 1/2 tsp. onion powder
1 to 2 tsp. sugar
salt and pepper, pepper to taste
3/4 c. rice
2 (10 oz.) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 1/2 c. beef broth
3 c. cabbage, chopped (or less if you prefer)
1 c. cheddar cheese, shredded

Directions

In a large cast iron skillet, cook the ground beef, onion, and sweet bell pepper.  Cook, until the ground beef is no longer pink.  Drain off excess grease.

Stir in Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, Italian seasoning, onion, garlic, and sugar. Salt and pepper to taste. Mix well.

Add the rice, diced tomatoes with green chilies and beef broth.  Stir well.

Add the cabbage and stir.  Cover and cook for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cabbage and the rice is tender. Stir occasionally. The longer you let this cook, the more the flavors blend together, and it gives you a much better taste. *

Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese.  Stir well. Continue to cook until the cheese melts.

Notes

Put the mixture in a crock pot and let it cook on low for 5 to 8 hours. Add more hot water or beef broth as needed. You can also put this in a 180° oven and allow it to bake for 5 to 8 hours as well.  Just remember to check to make sure there is enough liquid or your rice will be hard.

Cheesy Beef Helper Recipe

Beef is expensive.  We mostly use ground beef for the majority of our recipes because it is quick and easy.  This meal is packed with flavor, and it is just as easy to make without opening a box and dumping things into the skillet.  This meal is comfort food. There is nothing better than getting a big bowl of this cheesy beef helper and spending time with my family.  

Ingredients

1 lb. ground beef
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 Tbs. flour
3 Tsp. smoked paprika
2 tsp. thyme
2 tsp. oregano
1 tsp. onion powder
1 tsp. garlic powder
4 Tbs. tomato paste
4 c. beef stock
3/4 half-and-half or evaporated milk
1/4 c. sour cream
12 oz. cheddar cheese, shredded
1 c. macaroni, uncooked
salt and pepper to taste

Directions

 In a large cast iron skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until the beef is no longer pink. Drain off excess fat.

Stir in the flour, smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, onion powder and garlic powder.  

Mix in tomato paste. 

Pour in beef stock and add the macaroni.  Bring to a boil and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until it reaches the desired thickness.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Stir in half-and-half, sour cream and cheddar cheese.  Cook and stir over low heat until the cheese melts.

Serve and enjoy.

Beef Pot Pie with Biscuits

Beef pot pie with biscuits is so easy to make.  If you don't want to make your own biscuits, use store bought ones instead.   Then just put them on top of your of the beef and vegetable mixture, or cut  the dough into triangles and arrange them over the top.

Ingredients

1 lb. ground beef
2 to 3 cloves garlic, minced
1 onion, chopped
3 Tbs. flour
1 c. beef stock
1 c. milk
1/2 tsp. thyme
salt and pepper to taste
30 oz. canned, drained or 3 c. frozen mixed vegetables

Biscuit Ingredients

 1 c. flour
1 Tbs. sugar
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
4 Tbs. very cold butter
1/2 c. whole milk or buttermilk

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°.

In a heavy ovenproof cast iron skillet, cook ground beef, garlic, and onion.  Cook until the meat is no longer pink.  Drain off excess grease.

Stir in the mixed vegetables. Cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are hot. This takes about 4 minutes. 

Sprinkle the flour over the meat and vegetables. Mix well. 

Pour in the beef stock, milk, thyme, salt, and pepper.  Stir well to combine. Bring to a bubble, then lower the heat.  Simmer until the sauce becomes slightly thickened, stirring frequently. This takes about 10 minutes. 

Meanwhile, this is a good time to start making the biscuits, unless you are using store bought biscuits.

In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Use a whisk to mix the ingredients, as it helps to lighten the flour.

Cut the butter into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or two table knives held together in your hand.  The butter should resemble coarse crumbs or small peas.

Pour the milk or buttermilk into the flour and stir the dough until just combined. It is very important to not over mix the dough, or the biscuits will be tough. 

Drop the biscuit dough by heaping tablespoonfuls on top of the ground beef vegetable mixture.  It should make at least 12 biscuits.

Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through.

Notes

If you don't have a cast iron skillet, you can use a large casserole dish or a 9 x 13-inch pan.

Ground Beef Cornbread Bake

This ground beef cornbread meal is one I made quite often when I was growing up.  Ground beef, onions, peppers, garlic, tomatoes, and spices with cornbread baked over the top.  It fills you up and disappears quick. It is one that even the kids enjoy eating and request that I make it often.

Ingredients

1 lb. ground beef
1 onion, chopped
1 sweet bell pepper, chopped
1 jalapeño pepper, chopped
3 cloves garlic
1 (14 1/2 oz.) can diced tomatoes with green chilies or salsa
1 (8 oz.) tomato sauce
1 (4 oz.) can sliced mushrooms, drained
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp. basil
1 tsp. oregano
1/2 tsp. dill seed (optional)
1/4 c. Parmesan cheese
2 c. flour
1/2 c. cornmeal
2 Tbs. sugar
2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1 egg, beaten
1/2 c. milk or heavy cream
1 Tbs. melted butter

Directions

Preheat oven to 425°. Lightly spray one 11 x 7-inch baking pan or baking dish with cooking spray. Or if your cast iron skillet is oven safe, just leave the meat mixture in there for fewer dishes to wash. 

In a cast iron skillet, cook the ground beef, onion, green pepper, jalapeño pepper and garlic until the beef is no longer pink. Drain. 

Season the meat with salt, pepper and granulated garlic.

Add the tomatoes, tomato sauce, mushrooms, Worcestershire sauce, basil, oregano, and dill seeds. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, or until thickened.  Stir in Parmesan cheese.

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish or leave in your cast iron skillet. 

In a bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder and salt. 

In another bowl, combine egg, milk or cream and butter. Pour t this into the dry ingredients, stirring just until moistened. 

Spoon over the ground beef filling, spreading gently to cover the top.

Bake for 14 to 18 minutes, or until the filling is hot and bubbly and the cornbread is done.  Test by inserting a toothpick in the cornbread. If it comes out clean, it is done. Let stand for 5 minutes before cutting.