Beef Cubes and Rice

This hearty meal of tender beef chunks, rice, and mushrooms goes together quick and is full of flavor.

Instead of buying beef stew meat, buy a roast and cut it up yourself.  You can save money that way and have the meat pieces the size that you want.

Ingredients

3 Tbs. olive oil
3 Tbs. butter
2 lbs. beef roast, cut into bite size pieces
salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp. Italian seasoning
1 tsp. cumin
1 onion, chopped
1 sweet bell pepper, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 c. flour
5 1/2 c. beef broth
1 Tbs. Worcestershire sauce
2 (6 oz.) packages long grain and wild rice mix
1 (8 oz.) can sliced mushrooms, drained

 Directions

In a heavy cast iron skillet or cast iron Dutch oven, heat the olive oil and butter together over medium heat. 

Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper, Italian seasoning and cumin.

Place the flour in a shallow bowl or pan.  Dredge the seasoned beef pieces in the flour.  

Brown the beef in the hot oil and butter, stirring and turning often, so all sides are browned.

Add onions, bell pepper and garlic.  Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently to keep them from burning.

 Pour the beef broth into the pot, scraping the bottom of the skillet or Dutch oven to remove the flavorful browned bits stuck on the bottom. 

Add Worcestershire sauce, rice, the flavor packets found in the boxes of rice and mushrooms.  Stir until the seasoning is completely mixed in. Bring to a boil, then turn the heat to low. Cover and simmer until the beef is tender and the rice has absorbed the liquid.  This can take about 60 to 30 minutes. 

If you are working and want a meal to come home to, place the Dutch oven in the oven set at 175° or in a slow cooker set on low.  Cook for 8 hours or more. 

Serve and enjoy.

Cheesy Beef and Macaroni

Cheesy Beef and Macaroni One Dish Meal

Ground beef, pasta, and cheese is a comforting meal to settle down to and enjoy with your family. It is quick and easy to put together. It cooks all in one skillet, saving you of having to wash extra dishes.

Ingredients

1 lb. ground beef
1 onion, chopped
1 sweet bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 c. chopped carrots (optional)
1 Tbs. steak spice seasoning (your favorite)
1/2 Tbs. Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp. Chili powder
1 (8 oz.) can mushrooms, drained
1 (28 oz.) can tomatoes with green chilies, diced
1 c. water
1 (10 1/2 oz.) can cream of mushroom soup
1 Tbs. Dijon mustard
salt and pepper to taste
2 c. macaroni
2 c. cheddar cheese, shredded

Directions

In a large cast iron skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef, onion, green peppers and carrots. Cook until the ground beef is no longer pink. Drain off excess grease.

Stir in garlic, steak seasoning, Worcestershire, chili powder, cream of mushroom soup, tomatoes, water, and mustard. Stir well.  Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Add the pasta, and bring to a bubble.  Cover and cook over medium heat, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.  This takes around 8 to 10 minutes. Taste.  Season with salt and pepper if desired.

Sprinkle cheddar cheese over the top. Cover and cook for 1 minute, or until the cheese is melted. 

Serve and enjoy.

Shredded Roast Beef Sandwiches with Gravy

Shredded Hot Roast Beef Sandwiches with Gravy

Growing up, I remember we would sometimes stop at a truck stop for our supper meal before returning home. This truck stop was always busy, and you had to wait for a table to become available before you could sit down and order. The one meal we would order was the hot roast beef sandwiches and gravy. The meat was so tender and flavorful! It was delicious. Comfort food!

Sad to say that due to a change in management, the meals are not as good at this truck stop. It is easy to see that decline in business because they are no longer busy.  It seems that very few people stop there to eat.  My family included.

Ingredients

2 to 3 lb. beef roast
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
salt and pepper to taste
2 c. beef broth
1 onion, sliced
2 Tbs. cornstarch
1/2 c. cold water
Bread slices
Creamy mashed potatoes

Directions

Season all sides of the beef roast with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Place the beef roast in a Dutch oven or roasting pan. Pour beef broth into the roasting pan and add the onions. 

Cover with a lid and bake at 250° for one hour. Reduce heat to 180°and bake until the meat is done.  This can take 10 hours for a small roast, or 15 or more hours for a roast 3-pounds or more. 

Remove meat when done and place in a covered dish or pan to keep warm.  Be careful because the meat will be falling off the bone tender. Remove most of the fat and then shred the beef with two forks.

Place the Dutch oven over medium heat to keep the liquid hot. You should have at least 2-cups broth.  In a small bowl or cup, combine corn starch and cold water.  Stir until the cornstarch dissolves and no lumps remain.  Slowly pour the cornstarch mixture into the hot broth, whisking constantly.  Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil and thickens. Taste and season with more salt and pepper if desired. 

Place a slice of bread on a plate. Sop with shredded beef. Place another slice of bread over the top. Cut the sandwich in half on a diagonal cut from corner to corner. Separate the two halves. Place a scoop of creamy mashed potatoes in the open spot of the plate. Make a well in the center of the potatoes. Pour hot gravy over the roast beef sandwiches and potatoes.  Serve. 

Easy Mongolian Beef

Mongolian Beef

 Mongolian Beef is one of our favorite go to recipes. The meat is flavorful and tender and when served over a bed of rice, you have a complete meal. 

With the rising meat prices, we buy a beef roast and trim off the fat. This is so much more economical than buying a steak.

Ingredients

1 lb. beef roast or steak with fat trimmed off
1/4 c. cornstarch
2 Tbs. vegetable oil
3 to 4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp. minced ginger
1/3 to 1/2 c. soy sauce
1/3 c. water
1/2 c. brown sugar
1 onion sliced into half rings
salt and pepper to taste
1/8 to 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes
hot cooked rice

Directions

Slice the roast against the grain into 1/4 inch thick slices. Place the slices in a glass or plastic bowl. Sprinkle the cornstarch over the sliced beef, making sure each piece is fully coated with the cornstarch.  Set aside.

In a large cast iron skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the roast slices in a single layer to the skillet and cook for one minute on each side.  You will probably need to cook the meat in batches because you don't want to crowd the pan. This will give your meat that nice sear to lock in the juices.  Remove the beef when done and set aside.

Add the onion to the pan. Sauté until the onion is translucent and tender.  Add the ginger, and garlic. Saute for 15 seconds.  

Stir in soy sauce, water, and brown sugar to the skillet.  Bring the mixture it to a boil. Add salt, and pepper to taste, along with the red pepper flakes.

Add the steak to the skillet. Cook and stir until the sauce thickens and the meat is heated through. Serve over a bed of rice. 

Ground Beef, Peppers, and Rice Skillet Meal

Growing up, my mother made stuffed peppers throughout the late summer and fall months.  I loved eating the meat and rice inside the pepper, but not the pepper itself.  If you have little ones like this, chop up the peppers and put it in with the meat. Same great flavor and a lot less waste. 

It is safe to note that the peppers that I didn't eat when I was younger, never went to waste. My mother loved peppers, so she happily ate mine.

Ingredients

3/4 c. long grain rice
1 lb. ground beef
2 sweet peppers, chopped
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
3/4 c. long grain rice
2 ( 14oz) can. diced tomatoes with chilies or jalepenos
2 c. beef broth or stock **
2 Tbs. tomato paste
1 Tbs. Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp. Italian seasoning
salt and pepper to taste
1 1/2 c. shredded cheese

Directions

In a large cast iron skillet or Dutch oven, combine beef, peppers, and onion.  Cook until the meat is browned and the vegetables are tender. Drain off excess grease.

Stir in rice, diced tomatoes, beef broth or stock, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and  Italian seasoning.  Add salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Reduce heat and cover the skillet or Dutch oven with a lid.  Cook for about 18 to 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and done, stirring occasionally.

Top with shredded cheese. Cover and let cheese melt over low heat.  Serve and enjoy!

Notes:

Instead of beef broth or stock, add 2 cubes or teaspoons beef bouillon to hot water. 

 

Strips of Beef Casserole With Sour Cream Puffs

 Ingredients

1 to 1 1/2 lb. steak or roast
2 Tbs. cooking oil
1  onion, chopped
2 Tbs. flour
1 c. water or beef stock or broth
1 c. tomatoes
1 (6 oz. can) tomato paste
1 Tbs. sugar
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
salt and pepper to taste
1 c. mushrooms
1 c. sour cream

Sour Cream Puffs Ingredients

1 1/4 c. flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 c. shortening
3/4 c. sour cream
sesame seeds (optional)

Directions

Oven temperature set to 400°. 3-quart casserole

Cut steak or roast into strips 1/2-inch strips.  

In a heavy cast iron skillet, heat oil.  Brown the strips of meat in the hot oil until browned.  You may have to work in batches to do this.

Add onions and cook until they are lightly browned and tender. 

Stir in flour, water or beef stock, tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, and Worcestershire sauce.  Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cover and simmer for 90 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add mushrooms and sour cream.  Simmer for 5 more minutes.  Spoon mixture into  a casserole dish or leave it in the cast iron skillet if it is oven safe. Set aside as you make the Sour Cream Puffs.

In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in shortening with two table knives held together in your hand, or a pastry cutter, until the shortening is the size of small peas. 

Add sour cream and mix well. 

Turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Pat the dough out, so it is 1/2 inch thick. Cut into 6 or 8 biscuits using a biscuit cutter, or a glass.

Place the biscuit puffss over the top of the beef mixture.  Sprinkle the tops of the puffs with sesame seeds.

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the biscuit puffs are browned and done.

 

Taco Pot Pie With Biscuits

This is an easy pot pie recipe with a great Mexican taste. It doesn’t take much time to assemble. My son often makes this meal for us, so we can enjoy a meal together as a family after I get off work.

Ingredients

1-1/2 lbs lean ground beef
1 medium-large onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 to 2 hot peppers, chopped
2-3 cloves garlic
1 (1.25-oz) package taco seasoning mix
3/4 cup water
1 (16-oz) can kidney beans, do not drain
1 (11-oz) can whole kernel corn, drained
1 tube Pillsbury Grands Biscuits, or similar
3 cups cheddar cheese, shredded and divided (or taco blend cheese)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F.

In a cast iron skillet, or an oven-safe sauté pan, brown the hamburger, onions, peppers, and garlic over medium high heat; drain.

Stir in the taco seasoning packet, 3/4 cup of water, kidney beans along with the juice, and the corn. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently to keep it from sticking to the bottom of the skillet. Reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Sprinkle the top with 2-1/2 cups of the shredded cheese. Remove the biscuits from the tube and place on top of the cheese.

Bake for 20 minutes, or until the biscuits are done. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese. Let stand for 5 minutes.

Notes

You can choose canned whole kernel corn with sweet peppers for a different flavor, or use 2 cups frozen corn with one diced roasted red pepper.

You can garnish the dish with cilantro or parsley if desired.

Homemade Spicy One Skillet Hamburger Helper

Spicy One Skillet Hamburger Helper

It is always good to stay away from the processed foods found in a box, and this Homemade Spicy Hamburger Helper recipe is a perfect substitute.  It is just as easy to make and everything goes in one skillet.

Ingredients

1 lb. ground beef
1 onion, chopped
1 sweet bell pepper, diced
1 hot pepper, diced (optional)
1 tsp. onion powder
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. chili powder
1/2 c. tomato paste
1 Tbs. ketchup
1 tsp. prepared mustard
1 1/2 c. macaroni
3 1/2 c. beef broth or water
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 c. sour cream (optional)
2 c. shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

In a large cast iron skillet, add the ground beef, onion, sweet bell pepper and hot pepper.  Cook, stirring occasionally, until the ground beef is no longer pink and the vegetables are tender. Drain off excess grease.

Stir in onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, tomato paste, ketchup, mustard, macaroni, and beef broth.

Bring to a boil.  Cover and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, or until macaroni is cooked through. Stir occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Remove pan from heat. Stir in sour cream until blended.

Top with shredded cheddar cheese and serve!

Beef Vegetable Bake

If you want a great tasting casserole dish that goes together fast, this is the recipe!  It combines seasoned ground beef with vegetables. Serve with homemade biscuits, and you have a complete meal.

Ingredients

2 lbs. ground beef
1 1/2 lbs. soft bread crumbs
1 onion, chopped
2 eggs
2 (8 oz. ) cans tomato sauce
1/2 to 1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 1/2 tsp. chili powder
1/8 to 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
1 (10 oz.) pkg. frozen carrots and peas
1 (10 oz.) pkg. frozen corn
 salt and  pepper to taste
1/4 tsp. garlic salt
3/4 c. shredded American cheese or sharp cheddar cheese

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, soft bread crumbs, eggs, 1 can tomato sauce, salt, pepper, chili powder and cayenne pepper.

Transfer the meat mixture into a 2-quart casserole dish.  Build up the sides, so there is a well in the center.  Bake for 20 minutes.

Season the frozen vegetables with salt and pepper to taste, garlic salt and salt. Spoon the vegetables into the center of the hot ground beef mixture. 

Pour remaining tomato sauce over the loaf.

Bake for another 20 minutes.  

Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top and bake another 5 minutes, or until the cheese melts. 

Serve and enjoy.

Hamburger Cheese Biscuit Ring

This is a recipe from the early 1960's. It is one that my mother often made after a long day of taking care of her family. This meal goes together quickly, so you don't have to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. If you want to save even more time, use the premade biscuits in a can.

Ingredients

2 lb. ground beef
1 onion, chopped
1 (10 1/2 ox.) can condense cream of celery soup
1/2 c. tomato soup
3/4 c. beef bouillon
1/4 c. ketchup
1 tsp. chili powder
1/4 to 1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes (optional)
1/4 c. sliced stuffed olives
salt and pepper to taste

Cheese Biscuits

1/4 c. shortening
1/3 c. cheddar cheese, shredded
2 c. biscuit mix
2/3 c. milk

Directions

In a large cast iron skillet, brown ground beef and onions.  Drain off excess fat.

Mix in condensed cream of celery soup, tomato soup, beef bouillon, ketchup, chili powder, and red pepper flakes.  Bring to a simmer and cook until it is slightly thickened, stirring occasionally.  Add salt and pepper to taste. Turn the heat to low while you prepare the cheese biscuits. 

Preheat oven to 425°. Grease a baking sheet.

Cut in shortening and cheese into biscuit mix. 

Add milk.  Stir with a fork to make a soft dough, beating for 15 strokes. Do not over mix or the biscuits will be tough. 

Drop dough by tablespoons onto prepared baking sheet.

Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until golden brown. Makes 12 large biscuits.

To serve, spoon meat into the center of a platter and surround with hot Cheese Biscuits. Garnish with sliced stuffed olives.

Skillet Zucchini Beef One Dish Meal

Zucchini, onions, peppers, and garlic picked fresh from the garden. Add some ground beef, and you have a great one dish meal.

You can also use fresh tomatoes and homemade salsa as well.

Ingredients

1 lb. ground beef
1 onion, chopped
1 sweet bell pepper, chopped
2 to 3 garlic cloves
3 medium zucchini, cut into bite size pieces
1 (10 oz.) can diced tomatoes or salsa, or Mexican style diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 c. frozen corn
1 Tbs. tomato paste
3 tsp. chili powder
3 tsp. cumin
1/2 tsp. onion powder
1/2 tsp. creole seasoning
1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
1 c. uncooked instant rice
1/3 c or more beef broth
salt and pepper to taste

Directions

in a large cast iron skillet, cook the beef, onion, pepper, and garlic over medium high heat. Cook until the beef is no longer pink and the vegetables are tender.  Drain off excess grease.

Add zucchini, tomatoes, corn, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, crushed red pepper flakes, uncooked rice, and beef broth.  Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and cover. Simmer until the rice is tender and the zucchini is cooked. This takes around 10 to 15 minutes.  Check occasionally and add more beef broth or tomato juice if it is low on liquid.

Hamburger Bean Dish

This is an easy dish to put together. It makes a hearty meal that your family is sure to love. Serve it with coleslaw, creamy cucumbers and sourdough biscuits for a complete meal. 

You can use any beans that you like best, even baked beans. Fresh tomatoes, onions, and peppers from the garden gives this dish a great flavor.

Ingredients

1 1/4 lbs. hamburger, ground sausage, or half hamburger and half ground sausage
salt and pepper to taste
1 onion sliced
1 sweet pepper, diced
1 can kidney beans
1 (24 oz.) can tomatoes
1/2 lb. bacon, cooked

Directions

Heat oven to 350°.   

Brown the ground beef in a cast iron skillet until it is no longer pink. Drain off excess fat. The beef does not have to be fully cooked. You just want most of the grease out of the dish.

Place hamburger in a casserole dish or leave it in the skillet if it is oven safe. Season with salt and pepper and mix to combine.

Next, layer the sliced onions over the top of the ground beef. Then add a layer of sweet peppers, kidney beans, tomatoes, and finally, the cooked bacon. Cover with a sheet of foil, or a lid.

Bake for 45 minutes.

Notes:

You can also make this on the grill by cooking it over medium low coals. You can also use the slow cooker as well.

Marinated Garlic Steak

 

Nothing is better than a tender steak, grilled or pan fried to perfection. Steak is high prices right now, but you can still take a tough cut of meat and make it tender. 

You can add some mushrooms over the tops of the steaks and have a baked potato on the side for a complete meal.

Ingredients

1/3 c. olive oil
1/3 c. soy sauce
1/4 c. Worcestershire sauce
2 Tbs. vinegar  or red wine vinegar or lemon juice
3 Tbs. dried basil
2 Tbs. honey or brown sugar
1 1/2 Tbs. garlic powder
1 1/2 Tbs parsley flakes
1 tsp. pepper
1 tsp. dried minced garlic
2 1/2 lbs. steak meat

Directions

In a sealable bag or a glass bowl with a lid, combine olive oil, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, basil, honey, garlic powder, parsley flakes, black pepper, and minced garlic. Mix the ingredients thoroughly.

Add the steak. Turn the steak, so it is completely covered in the marinade.  Place in the refrigerator for 2 hours or overnight.  Remove the steaks at least one hour before grilling.

Start the grill.  Preheat the grill to high heat with the lid down. The temperature should be around 400°.  If you don't have a grill, you can use your stove top. Heat a heavy cast iron skillet over high heat. 

Remove the steaks from the marinade and shake off some excess marinade.  Sprinkle some salt and pepper over the steaks to taste, if desired.  

Place the steaks on the grill or in the skillet.  If you want medium-rare steaks, and your steak is 3/4 of an inch thick, grill for 4 or 5 minutes on one side.  Turn the steaks over and grill for an additional 3 to 5 minutes on the other side. If your steaks are thinner or thicker, then you would need to adjust the cooking time. See notes below.

Remove the steaks from the grill or skillet and place them on a serving platter. Cover them loosely with foil or a bowl.  Let them rest for 5 to 8 minutes before serving.

Notes. 

For medium-rare steaks, the internal temperature should be 135°. 

If you want a medium steak, grill or cook for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the internal temperature is 140°.

For a medium-well done steak, grill or cook 8 to 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature is 150°.

Loaded Nacho Platter

Nachos are a great alternative to the usual tacos.  Sometimes, I will break up my taco shells into 4 pieces when we don't have tortilla chips handy.  Pile on the salsa, refried beans, olives, sweet and hot peppers, tomatoes and sour cream for a delicious treat. Perfect for snacking or as a main meal. 

Ingredients

1 lb. ground beef
1 onion, chopped
1 pkg taco seasoning mix or make your own Taco Seasoning Mix
2/3 c. water
1 (15 oz.) can black beans, pinto beans or chili beans
1 (18) oz. bag tortilla chips
1 c. cheddar cheese shredded or a can of nacho cheese sauce
1 (15.5 oz.) can refried beans
1 c. salsa
1 (10 oz. ) can pitted black olives, drained and chopped
1 onion, chopped (optional)
1 green pepper
2 or more jalapeño peppers, sliced
1/2 c. chopped tomatoes
1 c. sour cream

Directions

In a large cast iron skillet, brown ground beef and onion together over medium heat. Cook until the ground beef is no longer pink and the onions are tender.  Drain off excess grease.

Stir in taco seasoning mix and black beans. Cook and stir until the mixture is thickened. This takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper if desired, or add some more taco seasoning.

Spread tortilla chips over the bottom of a baking sheet.  Top with a layer of shredded cheese. Scoop tablespoons of refried beans and place randomly over the top of the chips and cheese. Sprinkle the browned ground beef over the top. 

Place in the oven with the rack placed about 6 inches away from the broiler heat source. Turn on the broiler.

Broil  the Nachos for about 3 to 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted. Be sure to watch the nachos closely to keep them from burning.

Top nachos with salsa, olives, more chopped onion, green peppers, jalapeño peppers, chopped tomatoes and sour cream.

You can line the baking sheet with aluminum foil if you want, for easier cleanup.

Slow Baked Barbecued Beef Ribs

Slow Baked, Falling off the Bone Barbecued Beef Ribs

 These ribs are falling off the bone. The sauce is sweet, tangy with a bit of heat. Baking ribs low and slow, will give you tender, juicy  beef ribs.

Ingredients

4 lbs. beef ribs
1 Tbs. brown sugar
2 tsp. paprika
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. onion powder
3/4 tsp mustard powder
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1/2 tsp. cumin

Barbecue Sauce

1 1/2 c. ketchup
1/2 c. vinegar
1/2 c. brown sugar
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic or 2 tsp. garlic powder
1 1/2 Tbs. Worcestershire
2 tsp. onion powder
2 tsp. mustard powder or 1 1/2 Tbs prepared mustard
1 to 2 tsp. liquid smoke
1 tsp. black pepper
1/4 to 1 tsp. cayenne pepper (more or less depending on the amount of heat you want.)
2 c. water

Directions

In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, paprika, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, black pepper and cumin.

Pat the beef ribs dry with paper towels. Season both sides of the ribs with the seasoning rub and press or rub the seasoning onto the meat. 

Place the beef ribs in a roaster or baking dish. Cover the roasting pan or baking pan with a tight-fitting lid or a sheet of aluminum foil. 

Bake at 180° for 4 hours. You can also place the ribs on a rack to keep them from sitting in grease.  Then, when you put the sauce in the pan, remove the rack so the beef ribs can soak up that delicious flavor. . About 15 minutes before the time is up, make the barbecue sauce.

In a saucepan, combine ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, Worcestershire, onion powder, mustard, liquid smoke, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Pour in the water, stir to mix. Over medium heat, cook until the mixture comes to a bubble.  

Remove the beef ribs from the oven and drain off excess grease. Pour the barbecue sauce into the pan. Place the ribs in the sauce. Then, turn them over so that both sides are coated with BBQ sauce.  Cover the roasting pan or baking pan with a tight-fitting lid or a sheet of aluminum foil.

Continue baking for another 2 to 4 hours, or until the ribs are tender.

Baking low and slow will give you tender, juicy ribs.  If you have extra time, you can bake the ribs at 160° for 10 to 12 hours.  Turn the ribs over after 3 hours.

Bacon Jalapeño Meatballs

Spicy, yet moist meatballs packed with flavor.  You can make these ahead of time and place in the freezer. So when time is limited, all you need to do is remove them from the freezer, defrost and reheat them.

Ingredients

1 lb. ground beef or chicken or turkey
4 slices bacon, cooked and cut into small pieces
3 jalapeños, finely chipped
1 small onion, finely chopped
4 coves garlic, minced
1 egg
1/2 c. bread crumbs
2 oz. cream cheese, softened **
2  Tbs. Worcestershire sauce
1 Tbs. oregano
1 tsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1/2 c. shredded Mexican cheese blend (or your favorite cheese.)

Directions 

Preheat oven to 350°. Lightly spray a baking sheet with cooking oil. Set aside.

In a large bowl, combine ground meat, bacon, jalapeños, onion, garlic, egg, bread crumbs, cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, chili powder, salt, pepper and shredded Mexican cheese blend.   Mix ingredients lightly with your hands or a wooden spoon. Do not over mix or the meatballs will be tough.  

Use a large cookie scoop to make about 12 large meatballs, or a medium cookie scoop to make about 20 meatballs. Lightly roll the ground beef into balls between your palms if you want them to be round. Place on prepared baking sheet.

Bake for 20 to 22 minutes, or until lightly browned and cooked through.

** Microwave the cream cheese to make it very soft if possible.  It needs to be soft, so you can mix it in to the meat mixture easily. 

 

 

Ground Roast Beef Sandwiches aka Cement

We call it Ground Roast Beef Sandwiches and others call it "Cement." No matter what it is called in your family, it is a great and delicious way to use up leftover roast. 

Whenever we have leftover beef roast, we will grind the meat, add some mayonnaise and seasonings for a great tasty sandwich spread. This is perfect to put on bread or crackers.  You can also cook up a roast to make up ahead of time if you don't have any leftovers.

Ingredients

4 c. cooked cubed beef with fat and gristle removed or 1 1/2 to 2 pound roast
1 onion chopped
3 stalks celery, finely chopped
1 large carrot shredded (Optional)
2 Tbs. sweet pickle relish (Optional)
1/2 to 1 c. mayonnaise
2 tsp. prepared horseradish, creamy or mustard
1/2 to 1 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Using a food processor or a meat grinder, grind the roast beef. Pulse 10 to 12 times for a course grind. You may need to do this in batches, so the grind on the meat is even throughout.  Or if using a food grinder, insert the coarse grind plate, or choose a finer grind if you want a finer texture.

Place the ground up beef roast in a bowl.  Add onion, celery, carrot, and sweet pickle relish.  Mix to combine. 

Stir in mayonnaise, prepared creamy horseradish or mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, along with salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate about an hour, so the flavors can mingle and marry.

Spread on bread, or crackers.

Grilled Stuffed Hamburgers

 

Ingredients

1 lb. ground beef
1 onion, finely diced
3/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
4 tbs. pickle relish
4 oz. cheddar cheese, sliced
4 hamburger buns
sliced tomato
ketchup
mustard
sliced onion
lettuce
hamburger pickles
mayonnaise
cheese

Directions

Preheat the barbecue grill.

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, onion, salt, and pepper. Mix the meat lightly with your hands.

Divide the hamburger mixture into 8 portions. Shape each hamburger into a thin pattie.  Place 1 tablespoon of  pickle relish on four of the patties. Top each with a one ounce slice of  cheese.

Take the other four patties and place on top of the cheese. Press the edges to seal well, otherwise the cheese will leak out.  Season with more salt and pepper if desired.

Grill the hamburgers until one side for several minutes, then carefully turn the hamburger patties over and grill the other side until they are done  It can take about 5 minutes for a well done hamburger pattie. 

Open the hamburger buns and place the open side down on the grill for maybe a minute if you want the buns toasted. 

Serve on toasted buns and top with a slice of tomato, ketchup, mustard, sliced onion,  lettuce, hamburger pickles, mayonnaise or cheese if desired.

Sweet and Savory Barbecued Meatballs

 

This is one of the best barbecued meatball recipes I have come across. The meatballs are moist and flavorful and the Barbecue sauce is sweet and tangy. We usually double our sauce, but I don't always double the brown sugar. I go by taste and if it needs more sweetness, I add until it is right for us. That also goes for the rest of the seasonings.

Ingredients

1 1/2 lb. ground beef
1 c. oatmeal  or bread crumbs, plain or Italian style
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 can evaporated milk
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
2 tsp. liquid smoke
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 tsp. cumin
1 tsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. red pepper (optional)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 onion, finely chopped
1/4 c. Parmesan cheese

BBQ Sauce

1/2 to 3/4 c. brown sugar
1 c. ketchup or BBQ sauce or use half and half of each
1 Tbs. molasses
1 onion, chopped fine
1 Tbs. vinegar
1 Tbs. Worcestershire
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1 to 2 tsp. liquid smoke

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°. Spray a  shallow baking pan with cooking oil or line the pan with foil and spray that for easier cleanup. 

In a small bowl, combine the oatmeal or bread crumbs and egg together.  Let sit for several minutes so the bread can soak up the liquid.

Lightly combine ground beef, bread crumbs soaked in the egg and evaporated milk, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, red pepper, garlic, onion, and Parmesan cheese. It is important not to over mix, or your meatballs will be tough. 

Shape the meat into 30, 1-inch meatballs. Space the meatballs about 1 inch apart in the pan. Place the meatballs on a greased rack, if you have one, in a shallow baking pan. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 18-20 minutes or until meat is no longer pink; drain.

Bake 18 to 22 minutes or until done. The internal temperature should read at least 160° and the middle of the meatball should not be pink. Drain off excess grease.

As the meatballs are baking, prepare the barbecue sauce.  In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, ketchup or barbecue sauce, molasses, onion, vinegar, Worcestershire, garlic powder and liquid smoke. Bring the sauce to a boil. Reduce and simmer for 2 minutes stirring frequently.

To finish up the meatballs, you can put the meatballs in a slow cooker or simmer them on the stove top. To finish in the slow cooker, pour the sauce over the top and cook on low for about 4 hours. Or, place the meatballs in a large saucepan. Pour the sauce over the top and simmer on low heat until done. Stir occasionally. The heat needs to be low, otherwise the sugar will burn and your sauce will not be good.

 Hamburger and Wild Rice

For those days when you don't want to cook, or you don't have time to cook, this recipe is one of the best.  Using only 4 ingredients and some spices, you'll have a great meal prepared in no time. For the best flavor, use 2 different boxes of the long grain and wild rice. We used a cheap generic brand, and Rice-a-Roni.

Ingredients

2 boxes long grain and wild rice
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 lb. ground beef
1 onion, chopped
salt and pepper to taste
garlic powder
Tony Chachere's Original Creole Seasoning

Directions

In a heavy cast iron skillet, cook the ground beef and onion until the meat is done, and the onion is tender.  Season with salt, pepper and garlic powder. Drain off excess grease.

Combine the 2 boxes of long grain and wild rice together and seasoning packets in a small pot. Pour in the amount of water directed on both of the packages. Cook according to the longest cooking time directions, or until done. We just put ours on the stove and brought it to a boil without covering the pot. Then we turned the heat down to a simmer and continued to cook it until the rice was tender. We stirred it a couple of times when the rice was about done cooking as it was sticking on the bottom of the pot.

Stir in 1 can cream of mushroom soup into the long grain and wild rice. Add some pepper and Tony Chachere's Original Creole Seasoning to taste

You can either combine the long grain wild rice and ground beef together. Or you can grab a bowl and put a spoonful of ground beef and then a spoonful of the rice and mix it in your bowl.