I have a blog request for you…do you think you could do another call for recipes, specifically quick and easy stuff like casseroles and/or stuff that can be frozen and then popped in the oven? I have made most of the recipes that have already been posted, with Tessie’s tater tot hotdish [from this post] being my family’s all time favorite for years and years. So good! But I need fresh ideas.
If not, no worries, that’s what Pinterest is for. But I like tried and true recipes, and your readers have never steered me wrong :)
Thanks!!
~Laura
I’m going to send you an email…I have a list of 20 or so recipes (links included) that I’ve sent to a bunch of friends and more than a few strangers. Feel free to either post the list or forward it on to Laura. Everything on there is something I can pull off on a weeknight. (My kids are almost 4 and almost 2, so that’s no small feat.)
I’m going to see if I can post them!
********
Unstuffed peppers – cook 1# Italian sausage, saute mushrooms, add diced
peppers; cook a box of Uncle Ben’s long grain & wild (get the quick cooking
stuff); combine, serve in tortillas (you can also throw in some diced red
onion)
Oven Fajitas <http://www.budgetbytes.com/2013/02/oven-fajitas/> (I throw in
a little sugar and homemade taco seasoning)
Crock Pot Jambalaya <http://redbeansanderic.com/?p=2791>
Chili Mac & Cheese
<http://damndelicious.net/2014/03/15/one-pot-chili-mac-cheese/> (fast one
pot meal, especially if you’ve got your meat already cooked)
Crock Pot Potato Soup
<http://simplymadewithlove.blogspot.com/2013/12/easy-crockpot-potato-soup.html>
Crock Pot Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice Soup
<http://chefmommy-brandao.blogspot.com/2011/02/slow-cooker-creamy-chicken-and-wild.html>
Crock Pot Mexican Chicken Chili
<http://newleafwellness.biz/2014/08/27/slow-cooker-mexican-chicken-chili-cornbread-topping/>
(I put a dishtowel across the pot/under the lid when I add the corn bread to
absorb the condensation; otherwise the center doesn’t bake.)
Creamy Orzo w/Chicken Sausage
<http://www.tablefortwoblog.com/creamy-orzo-with-chicken-sausage/> (one pot
meal)
Dragon Noodles <http://www.budgetbytes.com/2012/08/spicy-noodles/> (I add a
squeeze of lime)
Oven Roasted Smoked Sausage and Potatoes
<http://recipesfromthebigbluebinder.blogspot.com/2012/08/oven-roasted-smoked-sausage-and-potatoes.html>
(I add mushrooms to the mix and throw on some peppers the last few minutes to
make it more complete)
One Pot Creamy Tortellini & Sausage
<http://www.yellowblissroad.com/one-pot-tortellini-sausage-tomato-cream-sauce/>
Asian Quinoa Salad
<http://www.twopeasandtheirpod.com/asian-quinoa-salad/> (This
is a little putzy but freaking delicious)
One Pot Enchilada Pasta
<http://www.number-2-pencil.com/2013/12/09/one-pan-enchilada-pasta/> (I add
veggies)
One Pot Sausage Pasta
<http://www.kevinandamanda.com/recipes/dinner/spicy-sausage-pasta.html#_a5y_p=668423>
Crock Pot Tortellini Soup
<http://www.heatherlikesfood.com/creamy-slow-cooker-tortellini-soup/> (I’ve
made this with meat and without…prefer it without)
Garlic Parm Salmon
<http://www.caloriewarrior.com/garlic-parmesan-salmon-asparagus-foil-pack/>
Crock Pot Chicken Chili
<http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Crock-Pot-Chicken-Chili/Detail.aspx?event8=1&prop24=SR_Thumb&e11=crock%20pot%20soup&e8=Quick%20Search&event10=1&e7=Home%20Page>
Crock Pot Cheesy Chicken & Rice
<http://www.southernplate.com/2010/09/slow-cooker-cheesy-chicken-and-rice-the-downside-of-being-a-swan-princess.html>
(not healthy, but delicious)
Crock Pot Chicken & Rice
<http://forkinit.blogspot.com/2008/01/dinner-reality-check.html>
Crock Pot Ravioli <http://www.cooking4carnivores.com/2010/10/snooki.html>
Crock Pot Chicken/Bacon/Tator Tot Casserole
<http://www.thecountrycook.net/2012/07/cheesy-chicken-tater-tot-casserole-slow.html?m=1&ref=nf>
(3 oz of bacon? Please. Cook a whole package.)
Crock Pot Hawaiian Chicken
<http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/2011/06/crock-pot-hawaiian-bbq-chicken.html>
Hm. Not as pretty as how it looked when you sent it to me! But serviceable.
This is so what I was looking for, thank you Katie!!! My kids are 4 and 6 and hubs and I both work more than 40 hours, so I am mentally done by dinner time. This is going to be a lifesaver!
You are very welcome! I am right there with you…the last thing I feel like doing after work and playing with the kids is making dinner! I’ve sent this list to tons of people…hopefully there will be some new favorites for you!
We have a ton of recipes from Michael Symon’s 5 in 5 cookbook in heavy rotation. All are easy and quick and good. I m don’t think I’ve ever recommended an entire cookbook before but I’ve made at lest 60% of the recipes multiple times and my family loves them. (I have the original/first cookbook – I think he’s published more).
Also, we are big big fans of ramen (usually using leftovers) : http://momofukufor2.com/2010/05/chicken-miso-ramen-recipe/
Oh and this creamy chicken and rice is a huge hit: http://natashaskitchen.com/2014/06/26/creamy-chicken-and-rice-recipe-a-one-pot-meal/
http://www.budgetbytes.com/2011/07/taco-chicken-bowls/
Super easy taco bowls over rice, or you can serve in tortillas. I use the leftovers to make easy quesadillas. I think they need more spice so I use a hotter salsa and increase the spices a bit, but I like a little heat.
http://smittenkitchen.com/blog/2010/12/garlic-butter-roasted-mushrooms/
I use this as a easy side with grilled meat. I know it seems fancier, and I do use it for guests, but if you like mushrooms, it is the easiest thing. Basically dump everything in a baking dish and put in the oven for 15-20 minutes.
This is awesome already, thanks for posting, Swistle!!!
::pin… pin… pin… pin:: thank you everyone ;-D
My favorite easy meal is meatball stir fry… frozen Trader Joe’s meatballs, simmered in TJs Island Teriyaki sauce, throw in whatever frozen/leftover veggies you have, then serve it all over warmed-up frozen TJs rice.
I see several people have posted recipes from Budget Bytes already, but I’m a big fan of her whole site. Her recipes are almost invariably tasty, doable on a weeknight, and require reasonable easy-to-find ingredients.
Here are a couple of my my favorites:
Chorizo Sweet Potato Skillet: http://www.budgetbytes.com/2014/06/chorizo-sweet-potato-skillet/
Black Bean and Avocado Enchiladas: http://www.budgetbytes.com/2013/04/black-bean-avocado-enchiladas/ (This one is about as complex as her dinner recipes get)
Sweet Potato Tortilla Soup: http://www.budgetbytes.com/2014/12/sweet-potato-tortilla-soup/
Chili Cheese Beef and Mac: http://www.budgetbytes.com/2012/05/chili-cheese-beef-n-mac/
Weeknight Black Bean Chili: http://www.budgetbytes.com/2015/02/weeknight-black-bean-chili/
And on a different note, I’ve been using a meal-planning/shopping service called Lighter Culture for the last few months and really loving it. It’s similar to Blue Apron and Plated, but more adaptable to specific needs (although it is vegan, so if you need meat and dairy at every meal it won’t work). You sign up for a specific number of meals a week, in whatever combination of breakfast, lunch, and dinner you want, they’ll put together a grocery list, you can check off whatever you already have, and then they’ll use Instacart (or similar) to buy the the groceries you need from Whole Foods (or similar). The recipes are easy, and they include a variety of snacks. Unfortunately, they’re only in a few cities, but I think they’re looking to grow. I haven’t loved every single recipe, but I love not having to think so much about my meals. (I know I sound like a commercial, but I’m really hooked!)
Budget Bytes is awesome! The Oven Fajitas linked above and the Sweet Potato Chorizo Enchiladas – http://www.budgetbytes.com/2011/02/chorizo-sweet-potato-enchiladas/ are in regular rotation in our house.
http://tastykitchen.com/recipes/main-courses/slow-cooker-green-chili-pork-tacos/
Strongly recommend pork loin over pork butt. I skip the onions, tomatoes, and cilantro because TOO HARD and also YUCK. We usually eat half and freeze half. Great filler for tacos, nachos, enchiladas, etc.
Most of these aren’t crockpot meals, but they are all easy and quick meals I make. I have a 1 year old and 3 year old, so quick+easy+relatively somewhat healthy is key in our house!!
Tomato bacon tortellini
http://m.allrecipes.com/recipe/219218/hunts-tomato-and-bacon-tortellini/
Sausage tortellini soup
http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/rustic-italian-tortellini-soup
Breakfast casserole. http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/impossibly-easy-breakfast-bake-crowd-size/b9412093-eaf2-46fd-bc9e-967ae7af7b6c
Meatloaf (I make with only lean ground beef)
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/bacon-wrapped-meat-loaf-with-brown-sugar-ketchup-glaze-recipe.html
Homemade hamburger helper (I add chopped green pepper and onion)
http://www.farmgirlgourmet.com/2012/12/homemade-hamburger-helper.html
Baked ziti (I use jarred Alfredo and jarred marinara and can’t tell a difference from when I followed directions)
http://www.food.com/recipe/baked-ziti-from-cooks-illustrated-354885
http://www.kevinandamanda.com/recipes/dinner/spicy-sausage-pasta.html
http://m.allrecipes.com/recipe/23852/creamy-chicken-and-wild-rice-soup/
http://www.skinnytaste.com/2010/04/barbacoa-beef.html?m=1
http://www.skinnytaste.com/2010/03/mexican-slow-cooked-pork-carnitas.html?m=1
http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/09/roasted-vegetable-minestrone/
http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/01/homemade-chicken-and-noodles/
I make this fairly often: http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/oven-chicken-risotto
It’s super-easy since you don’t have to cook the rice ahead of time; just dump it all in and forget it!
My current easy dinner favorites:
Sour Cream Noodle Bake – http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/sour-cream-noodle-bake/
Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken – http://www.handletheheat.com/slow-cooker-honey-sesame-chicken/
Neo-Enchiladas Suizas Recipe – http://www.chowhound.com/recipes/neo-enchiladas-suizas-10619
Chicken Chilaquiles – http://www.handletheheat.com/chicken-chilaquiles/
Skillet Cheesy Chili Mac – http://sweetpeaskitchen.com/2014/02/skillet-cheesy-chili-mac/
Baked Tilapia with Pecan Rosemary Topping – http://www.cookincanuck.com/2013/03/baked-tilapia-recipe-with-pecan-rosemary-topping/
Broccoli Pesto Pasta – http://www.annies-eats.com/2013/03/07/broccoli-pesto-pasta/
Most of my other current favorites are from The Best Simple Recipes by America’s Test Kitchen – http://americastestkitchen.buysub.com/america-s-test-kitchen-special-magazine-issues/the-best-simple-recipes-2013.html So, if you can get it from the library or are willing to buy it, my favorites from it are Skillet Chicken Tetrazzini, Creamy Chicken and Biscuit Bake, Skillet Tamale Pie, and Black Bean and Chorizo Enfrijoladas.
Wow, thank you, EVERYONE.
This is amazing.
http://sweetdashofsass.com/2014/01/chicken-broccoli-alfredo-stuffed-shells/
I put the chicken in the food processor because easy.
And also this is level amazeballs:
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/rachael-ray/sloppy-joe-and-macaroni-casserole-recipe.html
I posted my Emergency Rations Casserole a long time ago. I’ve changed it up at home a bit. Added some white wine and you could use chicken, pork, or even tuna if you don’t have turkey. It’s great for using up leftover chicken and whatnot.
Thank you all so much! Happy New Year!
Here are a few of our favorite quick recipes:
Cheesy Shepherd’s Pie
(Kraft)
1 pkt. cheesy mashed potatoes
1 lb. lean ground beef
1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
1 cup beef gravy
Heat oven to 375º.
Brown meat in large skillet; drain.
Add vegetables & gravy to meat; mix well.
Meanwhile, prepare potatoes as directed on package.
Spoon meat/vegetable mixture into 8” square baking dish; cover with prepared
potatoes.
Bake 20 – 25 minutes.
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Three Bean Casserole
(Allrecipes)
1 lb. franks, sliced
1 (15 oz.) can pork & beans
1 (15 oz.) can butter beans
1 (16 oz.) can chili beans, drained
1 small onion, chopped
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 tsp. dried oregano
2 Tbsp. white vinegar
Preheat oven to 350º.
In a large bowl, combine all ingredients & mix well.
Pour mixture into a lightly greased 9” x 13” baking dish.
Bake uncovered for 1 hour, or until cooked through and bubbly.
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Western Wagon Wheels
(Best-Loved Casseroles)
1 lb. lean ground beef (or turkey)
2 cups wagon wheel pasta, uncooked
1 can (14.5 oz.) stewed tomatoes
1 1/2 cups water
1 box (10 oz.) frozen corn
1/2 cup barbecue sauce
salt & pepper to taste
In large skillet, brown meat and drain.
Stir in all other ingredients except salt & pepper; bring to boil.
Reduce heat, cover & simmer 15 – 20 minutes or until pasta is tender, stirring occasionally.
Season with salt & pepper.
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Chicken & Biscuits
(Best-Loved Casseroles)
1/4 cup butter
1 to 1 1/4 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2” pieces
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 tsp. dried thyme
1/2 tsp. paprika
1/4 tsp. black pepper
1 (14 oz.) can chicken broth, divided
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 (10 oz.) pkg. frozen peas & carrots
1 (12 oz.) can refrigerated biscuits
Preheat oven to 375º.
Melt butter in large skillet over medium heat.
Add chicken, onion, thyme, paprika, & pepper.
Cook 5 minutes or until chicken is browned.
Meanwhile, combine 1/4 cup chicken broth with the flour; stir until smooth. Set aside.
Add remaining chicken broth to chicken mixture in skillet. Bring to boil.
Gradually add flour mixture, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
Simmer 5 minutes.
Add peas & carrots; continue cooking 2 minutes.
Transfer to 1 1/2 quart casserole; top with biscuits.
Bake 20-25 minutes or until biscuits are golden brown.
Chicken Pot Pie
Chicken Breasts
1 can Cream of Mushroom Soup
1 can Cream of Chicken Soup
1 can Veg-All
Pillsbury pie crust
Cook chicken in a pan with salt and pepper, dice it into bite-size chunks,, then add it to a big pot with the soups and veg-all. Line the pie-pan with the bottom crust, add, filling mixture, put on top crust, and bake until crust is golden brown.
I’m late to the party but I just made something new that turned out good. Creamy chicken noodle soup in the crockpot. I never want to eat baked chicken plain, but sometimes I bake it to use in other stuff later. This was perfect.
2cups cubed cooked chicken
1bag frozen mixed veggies (was a little light on veggies IMO; would add more next time and maybe add onion and celery if I felt fancy)
2 cans cream of mushroom or chicken or whatever you like
5 cups water
Some seasoning to your liking
Stir up the soup and water before putting in the other stuff. Crockpot for 3-4 hrs high or 6-8 hrs low. Turn it to high and dump in half a bag of egg noodles for about 20 minutes. Voila. All done and it makes a ton. It would probably freeze well too.