Ma What's For Dinner?

Yes I’ve been on a casserole kick.

I can’t help it.

I just love the fact that they can be made in advance!

And with school starting and activities heating up I just like to know that a yummy dinner the boys will like can get on the table fast.

There is nothing not to like in this dish.

I toss in some protein and veggies to make it a complete meal in one.

Not to mention the fact the boys like all the stirring help they get to do.

Now let’s get to the good stuff!!

Cheesy Macaroni Surprise

Serves: 8  Prep Time:  10 minutes  Cook time: 35 minutes

1 lb wagon wheel pasta

3 T  butter unsalted

3 T all purpose flour

3 cups whole milk

1/2  t fresh grated nutmeg

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded swiss cheese

1/2 kielbasa link, diced

1 10 oz box frozen peas

S&P

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Set a large pot of water over high heat to boil.  In a large saucepan melt butter over medium high heat.  Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.  Slowly whisk in milk, and bring to a gentle boil, stirring constantly.  Once the milk has thickened add in nutmeg and season with S&P.  Reduce to medium low heat and melt in cheddar and swiss cheeses.  Allow to cook on low for a few minutes.

When water is boiling season water with salt and add pasta.  Note package cooking time and reduce by 2 minutes, the macaroni will continue cooking in the oven later.  Once pasta is cooked, drain and return to pot.

Add your peas and sliced kielbasa to your cheese sauce and pour over the pasta.  Mix well.  Transfer to a greased 13×9 baking  dish and top with additional cheese if desired.  Bake in a 375 degree oven for 30 minutes.

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Serves: 6 Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 45 minutes

1 lb. elbow macaroni
3 T butter, divided
2 T all purpose flour
½ t dry mustard
3 cups whole milk
1 t fresh grated nutmeg
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese cut in large cubes

1/2 lb. kielbasa cubed

1/2 lb. bacon chopped

1/2 large white onion chopped

½ cup grated parmesan cheese
½ cup panko bread crumbs
S&P

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Set a large pot of water over high heat to boil. In a large saucepan melt 2 T butter over medium high heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk, and bring to a gentle boil, stirring constantly. Once the milk has thickened add in mustard and nutmeg, and season with S&P. Reduce to medium low heat and melt in shredded cheese. Allow to cook on low for a few minutes.

When water is boiling season water with salt and add pasta. Note package cooking time and reduce by 2 minutes, the macaroni will continue cooking in the oven later. Once pasta is cooked, drain and return to pot.

In a separate sauce pan heat bacon over medium high heat.  Once bacon is crispy removed with a slotted spoon to a paper towel lined plate and allow to cool.  In the bacon drippings saute chopped onions.  Once the onions are soft, combine with parmesan cheese and bread crumbs, turn off heat and set aside.

Pour cheese sauce over pasta in pot. Mix well. Add in chopped kielbasa and cubed cheese.  Transfer to a greased 13×9 baking dish and top with bacon, onion, and bread crumb mixture. Bake in a 375 degree oven for 30 minutes.

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Serves: 6     Prep time: 15 minutes  Cook time:  10 minutes

1 1/2 pounds ground beef

1 T Worcestershire sauce

1/4 cup beef stock

1 small can diced tomatoes with green chiles

1 T ground cumin

1/2 T ground coriander

1/2 T garlic powder

1/2 T onion powder

1/2 T chili powder

1/2 T dried oregano

S&P

Taco Shells

1 head romaine lettuce shredded

3 roma tomatoes chopped

1/2 onion chopped

1/4 cup cilantro chopped

1 avacado chopped

1 can sliced olives

sour cream

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup shredded pepper jack cheese

hot sauce

Preheat your oven to 300 degrees.  Set a large skillet over medium high heat.  Once pan is hot add in your ground beef breaking it up into small pieces.  Allow to brown.  Once meat is browned pour off the fat and return to heat.

Pour tomatoes into pan with the meat and mix.  Add cumin, coriander, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, oregano and S&P.  Stir and allow to simmer together for 3-4 minutes.  Add in Worcestershire sauce and beef stock.  Bring to a boil and then turn down to a simmer.  Allow to simmer for 10 minutes while you assemble the toppings.

Chop your lettuce, tomato, and onions.  Arrange on a plate and sprinkle onions with chopped cilantro.  Shred your cheese and arrange on a another plate.  Open sour cream, hot sauce and olives.  Either transfer to a serving dish or place next to other plates.

Put your taco shells on a baking dish and bake in a 300 degree oven for 3-4 minutes until just warm.  Allow your family to make their own tacos with whatever toppings they choose.  That is part of the fun.

Ole!

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