One Pot Sloppy Joes

One Pot Sloppy Joes

One Pot Sloppy Joes- The classic! Ground beef simmered in a tangy sauce. It's all made up in one pot and can easily be doubled to feed a crowd. 

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 I have shared this recipe in the past and the one question is....is that ketchup amount correct?  The answer?  Yes, it is.   

This is my mom's sloppy joe recipe and just the smell of it in my kitchen transports me back to my childhood.  It's so yummy and goes perfect with a side of plain ole' potato chips!

Ingredients

• Ground beef
• Onion
• Celery
• White vinegar
• Brown sugar
• Lemon juice
• Worcestershire sauce
• Ketchup
• Salt/Pepper

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Recipe Notes

Can I Use Ground Turkey?

Yes. Your ground beef can easily be replaced with ground turkey. 

Onion and Celery

I like to use fresh versions of both.  I chop them up pretty well, so, I don't have chunks in the sauce. However, you can use dry minced onion or celery salt as a replacement. 

Can This Be Doubled?

Yes! This can easily be doubled. The doubled version will serve about 10-12 people! 

Can I Freeze This?

Again, yes!  Make your sloppy joes as directed and let them cool completely.  Then, store in a freezer safe, covered storage bag or container.  They will be good for 3-6 months. When you are ready, defrost to room temperature, then, reheat in a skillet. 

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Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken- Moist, flavorful chicken that only needs a handful of simple ingredients to make.  Serve it with your favorite starchy side and call it dinner. 

This chicken?  Soooo good.

This chicken? Soooo simple.

Ingredients Needed

• Chicken breasts
• Mayonnaise
• Bread crumbs
• Parmesan cheese
• Dried spices: onion, garlic, black pepper

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Recipe Notes

Chicken

This can be easily cut back or doubled to fit your serving size.   I usually make about 1 pound of chicken breasts or about 4 medium size breasts. 

Can I Use Any Type of Mayonnaise?

Yes.  I have used regular mayo, vegan mayo, mayo made with olive oil, homemade mayo and low fat.  They all work! Note, I have not used Miracle Whip or something similar, so, I can't say for sure how it would work out. If you do, please let me know. 👍

Parmesan Cheese

You can use fresh or grated. Go with your favorite!

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Baked Spaghetti

Baked Spaghetti

 Baked Spaghetti-  A delicious and easy dish filled with cooked spaghetti noodles, spaghetti sauce, cheese and Italian sausage. Pair it with garlic bread or a side salad to round out your meal.

Much like Three Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies, this recipe has been in my recipe archives for a really long time.  Honestly, I can't remember who gave it to me, but, it is, like the cookies, a family favorite. 

It can be adapted to your own taste preference and be ready in a snap.

Ingredients Needed

• Spaghetti
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Italian sausage
• Spaghetti sauce
• Egg

Recipe Notes

What Kind of Spaghetti Should I Use?

Any kind.  Yes, any kind  You can use regular spaghetti, whole wheat or a gluten free version.  I have used them all with this recipe and they all work great.  You will be baking your spaghetti after it's already cooked, so, simply follow the directions on your preferred pasta box. 

💡Tip:  If you have leftover, plain, cooked spaghetti in your fridge...this is a great way to make use of it. 

Why Do I Rinse The Pasta in Cold Water?

This will stop the cooking process of the pasta and will help prevent your spaghetti from being mushy or overcooked.  

Can I Use A Different Protein?

Yes.  Instead of Italian sausage, you can use ground turkey, ground beef or a meatless crumble option.  You can also omit the protein/meat altogether.  It's delicious either way. 😉

Storage

Keep any leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator. 

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Italian Sausage Manicotti

Italian Sausage Manicotti

Italian Sausage Manicotti- The classic pasta dish with a handy shortcut! Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this dish combines mozzarella cheese, manicotti shells and zesty Italian sausage for a satisfying meal that will leave everyone at the table craving for more.

Manicotti is something my mom made quite a bit.  However, her version seemed to take her all afternoon to make.  While it was delicious, I just didn't have the patience to make the traditional manicotti.  Plus, my family are not a fan of ricotta cheese.  

So, I omit it and use mozzarella string cheese as a quick and easy shortcut!

Ingredients Needed

• Manicotti shells
• Italian sausage (spicy or mild) 
• Crushed tomatoes
• Tomato paste
• Dried Spices: garlic, onion, basil, oregano, salt & pepper
• Mozzarella string cheese
• Shredded Italian blend cheese

Recipe Notes & Tips

String Cheese?

Yep.  See an example here. 

Do I Have to Use Italian Sausage?

No. If desired, you can use ground beef, ground turkey or a meatless option.  You can also omit a protein all together and only use the sauce. 

Can I Freeze This?

Yes.  If desired, you can freeze this before baking.  Simply prepare as noted in the recipe, with the exception of the shredded cheese topping  ( use a freezer safe baking dish!) and cover tightly with foil or a lid.  Place in the freezer for future use.  It will be good for a couple of months.  When you are ready to eat, defrost it to room temp and bake as noted in the recipe.  If you bake it while it is still frozen or even partially frozen, you will have to increase your baking time.  

Tips

• After making/draining your manicotti shells, do your best to space the cooked shells apart from each other.  After making, they can stick together easily. 
• Want to split up your recipe? You can divide this into 2- 8 or 9 inch baking pans.  Eat one for dinner and freeze the other pan for a future dinner.  See above for freezing instructions. 

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Ham and Cheddar Scramble

Ham and Cheddar Scramble

Ham and Cheddar Scramble- Start your day off right! A hearty dish of scrambled eggs, diced ham and sharp cheddar cheese is the perfect way to do it. Delicious and packed full of protein. 

While my mom was the total foodie in the family, my dad did a bit of cooking.  Mom handled desserts and dinner, and my dad made weekend breakfasts.  His go-to scrambled eggs were packed full of ham and cheese and were always made perfect.

He never had an official "recipe" for his eggs, but, I did develop this as my own recipe once I started cooking for myself. 

These are perfect for breakfast, brunch or dinner! 

Ingredients

• Eggs
• Milk
• Sharp cheddar cheese
• Deli ham
• Dried spices:  salt, pepper, onion powder
• Butter

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Recipe Notes

Can I Adjust This Recipe Easily?

Yes, of course! If desired, this recipe can be easily increased or decreased to fit your preference. 

Cheese

I love a good sharp cheddar cheese in my eggs, but, actually, any flavor will work.  I do recommend using shredded cheese ( either pre-made shredded or shredded by you), as it will melt easier and quicker.

How Long Should I Cook My Eggs?

Anywhere from 3-5 minutes.  This will depend on how you like your scrambled eggs.  If you like your eggs softer, cook them for a shorter time.  If you like them firmer, cook them longer. 

The Most Important Thing About Cooking Scrambled Eggs!

For the best eggs, cook them on low.  Cooking your eggs on high heat could dry them out and give you some not-so-great-tasting scrambled eggs.

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Baked Meatballs

Baked Meatballs

Baked Meatballs- Easy meatballs that are baked right in your oven and are totally versatile!  Goes perfect with a side of pasta, rice, on a sandwich or by themselves.

These meatballs are my mom's classic recipe.  She made them with ground beef and we usually ate them with pasta and red sauce.  I make them with ground turkey, ground chicken or ground beef. Plus, I serve them on sandwiches, with rice ( & sweet and sour sauce) or in casseroles. 

Ingredients Needed:

• Ground turkey
• Bread crumbs
• Eggs
• Milk
• Parsley + Minced garlic
• Grated Parmesan cheese

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Do I Have to Use Ground Turkey?

Nope. This recipe will also work for ground beef, ground chicken or ground pork.  With that said, ground turkey has less fat than these previous mention meats. So, you may need to cut back your baking time by just a minute or two. 

Can I Freeze These?

Yes.  Let them cool completely. Then, store in a freezer safe/covered container or storage bag. They will be good for 2-3 months. 

Serving Ideas:

These go great with the traditional red sauce and pasta. However, they will also go great on sandwiches, served with rice or potatoes, served with Alfredo sauce, with BBQ or just plain. They are also perfect for lunch! 

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