Category: Main Dishes

BBQ Meatloaf Sandwiches

As much as I do love meatloaf, for me the best meatloaf is on a sandwich like on these BBQ meatloaf sandwiches. The joy of meatloaf is that it is (usually) a little denser than a hamburger. It also (usually) comes with vegetables and other seasonings mixed in. Slap a big slice of meatloaf on a big hearty bun, top it with BBQ sauce, bacon, and French-fried onions and I’m not just sort of happy, I’m very happy!

BBQ Meatloaf Sandwiches

This Isn’t A Salad

Don’t mess around with little ole thin slices of meatloaf when you make BBQ meatloaf sandwiches. And don’t mess around with those little ole grocery store hamburger buns that are barely bigger than a potato chip. Go big. You want a bun that can hold up to a seriously thick slice of meatloaf. The dripping BBQ sauce, crunchy smoky bacon and crispy onions can put a hurt on wimpy bun

If I’m reaching for a bottled BBQ sauce, I often go for Sweet Baby Ray’s.

Sweet Baby Ray's Varierty Pack, 1 Original Barbecue Sauce, 18 OZ, Hickory and Brown Sugar Barbecue Sauce, 18 OZ, Sweet N Spicy Barbecue Sauce, 18 OZ, Honey Barbecue Sauce, 18 OZ, 1CT
Sweet Baby Ray’s Varierty Pack, 1 Original Barbecue Sauce, 18 OZ, Hickory and Brown Sugar Barbecue Sauce, 18 OZ, Sweet N Spicy Barbecue Sauce, 18 OZ, Honey Barbecue Sauce, 18 OZ, 1CT

Also try my pepper jack meatloaf.

BBQ Meatloaf Sandwiches
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

BBQ Meatloaf Sandwiches

As much as I do love meatloaf, for me the best meatloaf is on a sandwich like on these BBQ meatloaf sandwiches.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword meatloaf, sandwich
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 610kcal
Author Based on a recipe from The Cozy Apron

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350 F.
  • Line a baking sheet with foil.
  • Place the ground beef into a large bowl and add all of the remaining ingredients up to the buns.
  • Using your hands, combine the mixture well. If it is too wet add a bit more bread crumbs. If it is too dry add just a bit of water and combine.
  • Place the mixture onto the foil and form into a loaf. You want a loaf that is just slightly larger around than your buns.
  • Brush 1/4 cup of BBQ sauce over the meatloaf then sprinkle with black pepper.
  • Bake 45-50 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 F.
  • Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes then brush with 1/2 cup BBQ sauce.
  • Slather buns with mayonnaise.
  • Slice meatloaf and place on the buns.
  • Add bacon, a good dollop of BBQ sauce and some French-fried onions.
  • Add top bun, serve, and devour.

Notes

You’ll get approximately 8 servings from this recipe, depending on how thin or thick you cut the meatloaf.

Nutrition

Calories: 610kcal | Carbohydrates: 58g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 95mg | Sodium: 1369mg | Potassium: 516mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 183IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 158mg | Iron: 5mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)
Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)

Breakfast Pizza

I was digging around in the bottom of the fridge when I came across a tub of pizza dough. A quick check of the freezer found that I didn’t have any pizza sauce. And no ‘normal’ pizza toppings in the fridge, either. Well, I figured that this was the opportune time to make a breakfast pizza. I can’t say I went into the project with great optimism. Well, I’ve been wrong before. This breakfast pizza was easy to make and came out tasting fantastic. It was a welcomed twist on a regular ole pizza.

Breakfast Pizza

Have It Your Way

Of course you can add more toppings. Such as crumbled cooked breakfast sausage. Roasted red bell peppers. Salsa. Hot sauce.  Jalapeno slices. Use my version of breakfast pizza as sort of a canvas for whatever you want to do. You can’t mess it up. Also make my breakfast po boy and my egg McMuffin casserole.

Geedel Rotary Cheese Grater, Kitchen Mandoline Vegetable Slicer with 3 Interchangeable Blades, Easy to Clean Rotary Grater Slicer for Fruit, Vegetables, Nuts
Geedel Rotary Cheese Grater, Kitchen Mandoline Vegetable Slicer with 3 Interchangeable Blades, Easy to Clean Rotary Grater Slicer for Fruit, Vegetables, Nuts

I highly recommend that you shred or grate your own cheese at home. Don’t buy the pre-shredded or pre-grated stuff. It has stuff added to it to keep it from sticking together. That ‘stuff’ affects how the cheese melts. Shred it yourself and use the good stuff.

Breakfast Pizza
Print Pin
4 from 1 vote

Breakfast Pizza

This breakfast pizza was easy to make and came out tasting fantastic. It was a welcomed twist on a regular ole pizza.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword breakfast, pizza
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 770kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Pillsbury

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 tube refrigerated pizza crust
  • ½ cup bacon coarsely chopped
  • 6 eggs beaten
  • 4 ounces cream cheese cubed
  • 2 cups pepperjack cheese shredded
  • ¼ cup red onion thinly sliced
  • cilantro chopped, optional

Instructions

  • Open dough and prepare per package instructions but bake only 4-6 minutes until the crust just starts to get crusty. Remove from oven.
  • Cook bacon over medium heat in a large skillet.
  • Drain all but 1 teaspoon of the drippings.
  • Add eggs, lower heat to medium low, and cook, stirring constantly, until just starting to set.
  • Remove from heat and sprinkle egg over cooked dough.
  • Drop cubes of cream cheese onto crust. Add the pepperjack, red onion and bacon.
  • Return to oven and bake 10-13 more minutes or until the cheeses have melted and the crust is crunchy and golden brown.
  • Remove from heat and garnish with cilantro.

Notes

A few slices of jalapeno on top make this pizza even better!

Nutrition

Calories: 770kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 48g | Saturated Fat: 23g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 347mg | Sodium: 1390mg | Potassium: 249mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 1183IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 490mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Lodge BOLD 14 Inch Seasoned Cast Iron Pizza Pan, Design-Forward Cookware
Lodge BOLD 14 Inch Seasoned Cast Iron Pizza Pan, Design-Forward Cookware

Country Ham Egg Muffin

I’ve made my share of egg sandwiches. And they were all good, but there was just a little something missing from them. Something was needed to put them over-the-top. When I ran across the recipe for these country ham egg muffin sandwiches in John Currence’s Big Bad Breakfast I quickly put the items I needed to make them onto my grocery list. They turned out to be my favorite egg sandwiches of all time. And nothing is missing from them. I’ve made them three times this week already (is that wrong?).

Country Ham Egg Muffin

The Perfect Breakfast Sandwich

Velveety American cheese, hot sauce, fried ham, a little thyme and salt and pepper, mayonnaise, and a perfect egg. Each bite was perfect. And don’t omit the mayonnaise. At first I wasn’t sure about mayonnaise on an egg sandwich. I’m not sure why. Maybe it’s because I associate mayonnaise with a big ole meaty lunch sandwich and not breakfast. Well, mayonnaise is really great on these country ham egg muffins, so don’t leave it off!

Oh how I wish I could eat at City Grocery. It’s on my bucket list for sure.

Also try my cowboy breakfast sandwiches.

Country Ham Egg Muffin
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Country Ham Egg Muffin

These turned out to be my favorite egg sandwiches of all time. I’ve made them three times this week already (is that wrong?).
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Keyword breakfast, sandwich
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 4 sandwiches
Calories 625kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Big Bad Breakfast

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375 F.
  • Brush the insides of the muffins with 1/4 cup of the butter.
  • Place onto a baking sheet and bake until lightly golden and starting to get crispy around the edges.
  • Add 2 tablespoons of the remaining butter to a large over-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add the ham and brown on both sides. Remove.
  • Add remaining butter to the skillet.
  • Crack eggs into 4 silicon ring molds.
  • Sprinkle with thyme, salt and pepper.
  • Reduce heat to low and cook for 2 minutes or until the whites are almost done.
  • Transfer the skillet to the oven and cook another 2 minutes until the whites are cooked. Remove.
  • Spread mayonnaise on the muffin halves.
  • Add the cheese, ham, eggs, a few splashes of hot sauce and the muffin tops.
  • If desired, place the sandwiches in the oven for 5 minutes to lightly melt the cheese.

Notes

You can substitute bacon for the ham.

Nutrition

Calories: 625kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 47g | Saturated Fat: 22g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 294mg | Sodium: 1288mg | Potassium: 301mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1245IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 294mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)
Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)

Oriental Chicken Salad

This oriental chicken salad is by far our favorite meal-sized salad. I can never eat just one little ole serving. It’s addictingly good. The dressing is just the right combination of acid and sweet. It is truly the best dressing for an Asian-inspired salad. Instead of traditional croutons there are crunchy yummy fried Ramen noodles. They make for the perfect topping over the just-as-crunchy cabbage.

Oriental Chicken Salad

I love the dressing for this oriental chicken salad so much that I always double the recipe for it. The Ramen noodles stay crunchy in the dressing so you don’t get down to the bottom of the plate only to discover sad, soggy ‘croutons’. Don’t be afraid to double the amount of Ramen either.

Nissin Top Ramen Beef Flavor Ramen Noodle Soup 3 Ounce (Pack of 24)
Nissin Top Ramen Beef Flavor Ramen Noodle Soup 3 Ounce (Pack of 24)

Also try my southern fried chicken salad.

Oriental Chicken Salad
Print Pin
5 from 2 votes

Oriental Chicken Salad

This oriental chicken salad is by far our favorite meal-sized salad. I can never eat just one little ole serving. It’s addictingly good. 
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword Asian, chicken salad
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 948kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

For the salad

  • 2 packages Ramen noodles spice mix discarded
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 3 cups chicken cooked, chopped
  • 1 head green cabbage shredded
  • 1 bunch green onion chopped
  • ½ cup slivered almonds
  • 3 tablespoons sunflower seeds

For the dressing

Instructions

For the dressing

  • Whisk together all ingredients

For the salad

  • Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Crunch the noodles into the skillet and brown, 2-3 minutes.
  • Add the almonds and cook another minute. Remove from heat.
  • Place the remaining salad ingredients into a large bowl.
  • Add the Ramen noodles and toss.
  • Drizzle with the dressing, toss, and serve.

Notes

The dressing is crazy good. Double the amount and you won’t be sorry.

Nutrition

Calories: 948kcal | Carbohydrates: 58g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 75g | Saturated Fat: 48g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 31mg | Sodium: 2100mg | Potassium: 706mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 21g | Vitamin A: 351IU | Vitamin C: 85mg | Calcium: 157mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)
Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)

Chicken Shawarma

This chicken shawarma recipe from Chef Richard Blais has quickly become a favorite lunchtime dish for us. It takes absolutely no time to make and uses ingredients I often have on hand. The chicken is fantastic, thanks to a Mediterranean-inspired rub, and it’s very tender (chicken thighs are another favorite in our house). And the yogurt sauce is fantastic, cooling and slightly sour. All wrapped in a warm pita. This dish gives our local gyro joint a run for its money!

Chicken Shawarma

Fat Is Flavor

You could substitute boneless skinless breasts when making chicken shawarma, but I guarantee that the end result won’t be as good. Thighs have more fat and more flavorful. And they’re super tender. If you do use breasts do not overcook them or they’ll quickly become tough.

Cook ‘Em Indoors Or Out

You could make the chicken indoors instead, using a Dutch oven or a skillet. Of course it won’t pick up that great grill flavor and aroma, but the marinade will make up for that. Just get the Dutch oven or skillet nice and hot and add the chicken. Cook a few minutes on each side, flipping once, until you get a little color and the internal temperature reaches 175 F.

Amazon Basics Enameled Cast Iron Covered Round Dutch Oven, 6-Quart, Blue
Amazon Basics Enameled Cast Iron Covered Round Dutch Oven, 6-Quart, Blue

Also try my grilled meatball gyros.

Chicken Shawarma
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Chicken Shawarma

This chicken shawarma gives our local gyro joint a run for it’s money!
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword chicken, Indian
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 515kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Richard Blais

Equipment

Ingredients

For the chicken marinade

For the yogurt sauce

  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • 2 limes juiced
  • 1 clove garlic minced

For the pitas

  • 6 pitas halved
  • ¼ cup mint chopped
  • ¼ cup cilantro chopped

Instructions

For the chicken marinade

  • In a bowl, whisk together the oil, cumin, paprika, allspice, turmeric, garlic powder and cinnamon. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Add the chicken thighs, turning to coat. Set aside.
  • Fire up grill for direct and indirect cooking.
  • Shake off any excess marinade from the chicken and place the thighs onto the grill over direct heat. Note that the marinade contains oil which might cause flare-ups. If you do encounter a flare-up simply move the chicken to indirect heat until it stops.
  • Cook chicken until lightly charred and the internal temperature reaches 175 F.
  • Transfer chicken to platter. Cover and let rest 5 minutes.

For the yogurt sauce

  • Whisk together the yogurt, lime and garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

For the pitas

  • Slice chicken into strips and divide between the pitas.
  • Add chopped mint and cilantro and the yogurt sauce.

Notes

You can make these using chicken breasts, but they are much better made with dark meat.

Nutrition

Calories: 515kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 112mg | Sodium: 402mg | Potassium: 410mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 287IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 117mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Weber 6493 21-Inch 3-Sided Grill Brush
Weber 6493 21-Inch 3-Sided Grill Brush

Save

Buffalo Chicken Subs

I made a nice big ole batch of slow cooker shredded Buffalo chicken the other day. Then I made some awesome Buffalo chicken panini sandwiches, which came out so fantastic that I just had to keep going with the theme. So… I made Buffalo chicken subs! Spicy Buffalo chicken, cold, creamy, crunchy slaw, tangy blue cheese, and cool Ranch dressing, all on a lightly toasted sub roll. Every bite is packed full of flavor.

Buffalo Chicken Subs

Easy. And Delicious.

Nothing could be easier to make than these subs. I also make extra Buffalo chicken and keep some in the freezer for a quick lunch sandwich. For more Buffalo flavor, if that’s what I’m craving that day, I can sprinkle extra sauce on top of my Buffalo chicken subs before serving.

Don’t like the tang of blue cheese? Gorgonzola is a bit more mellow, but if that’s too strong for you just use Monterey Jack.

Amazon Fresh - Artisan Bake at Home French Style Demi Baguette, 12 oz (2 ct)
Amazon Fresh – Artisan Bake at Home French Style Demi Baguette, 12 oz (2 ct)

I also like to use shredded Buffalo chicken in my alfredo dish. Or fire up the grill and make my crazy-yummy Buffalo chicken burgers.

Buffalo Chicken Subs
Print Pin
4 from 1 vote

Buffalo Chicken Subs

Spicy Buffalo chicken, cold, creamy, crunchy slaw, tangy blue cheese, and cool Ranch dressing, all on a lightly toasted sub roll. Every bite is packed full of flavor.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword Buffalo, chicken, sandwich, submarine
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 2 sandwiches
Calories 275kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 sub rolls or use a loaf of French bread, halved, warmed if desired
  • ½ cup Buffalo chicken shredded, warmed (see our slow-cooker or Big Easy recipes for making Buffalo chicken)
  • 2 tablespoons blue cheese crumbled
  • ½ cup coleslaw mix
  • 2 tablespoons Ranch dressing

Instructions

  • Combine the chicken with the blue cheese and divide between the bread.
  • Mix the slaw and Ranch dressing and divide between the sandwiches.

Notes

Depending on the size of your loaves you may want to increase the amount of ingredients below.

Nutrition

Calories: 275kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 2397mg | Potassium: 57mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 76IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 55mg | Iron: 11mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)
Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)

Creamy Pimento Cheese Soup

If no one had been looking, I would’ve just put down my spoon and picked up my bowl of creamy pimento cheese soup and poured it right into my mouth. I know, not a pretty image but a spoon was just slowing me down. I could not get over how much I loved how creamy, rich and cheesy this soup was. It was like a tasty velvety bowl of happiness. For just a little contrast I added a small handful of homemade copycat Ruby Tuesday croutons, my favorites.

Creamy Pimento Cheese Soup

Make Extra Because It’s Extra Good

Creamy pimento cheese soup is absolutely perfect warmed up on a cold winter day, but also just as good on a hot day served at room temperature or thereabouts. Next time I’ll definitely double the recipe because the soup disappeared so fast. All I was soon left with was a memory. I’d rather have had another bowl!

I highly recommend that you shred or grate your own cheese at home. Don’t buy the pre-shredded or pre-grated stuff. It has stuff added to it to keep it from sticking together. That ‘stuff’ affects how the cheese melts. Shred it yourself and use the good stuff.

Geedel Rotary Cheese Grater, Kitchen Mandoline Vegetable Slicer with 3 Interchangeable Blades, Easy to Clean Rotary Grater Slicer for Fruit, Vegetables, Nuts
Geedel Rotary Cheese Grater, Kitchen Mandoline Vegetable Slicer with 3 Interchangeable Blades, Easy to Clean Rotary Grater Slicer for Fruit, Vegetables, Nuts

Also try my cheddar cheese soup and my delicious mac and cheese soup.

Creamy Pimento Cheese Soup
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Creamy Pimento Cheese Soup

If no one had been looking, I would’ve just put down my spoon and picked up my bowl of creamy pimento cheese soup and poured it right into my mouth.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword pimento cheese, soup
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Calories 323kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Paula Deen

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  • Add the onion and pimentos and saute for 5 minutes.
  • Whisk in the flour.
  • Whisk in the stock and cream. Bring to a simmer and reduce to a simmer and simmer, stirring often, until thickened.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the cheese until melted.
  • Add green onions and salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve garnished with green onions and croutons.

Notes

For a little kick, substitute pepper jack cheese for some (but not all) of the cheddar.

Nutrition

Calories: 323kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 19g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 106mg | Sodium: 176mg | Potassium: 153mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 1180IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 125mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)
Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)

Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs

I smoked a big (and I do mean big) batch of meatballs the other day. I knew exactly what dish I was going to use them in first: baked spaghetti and meatballs. The idea just appealed to me. Easy, tasty, and pretty to boot. And like the big batch of meatballs, I knew I’d end up with a big batch of spaghetti, making for an easy week of meals. Score! You can use any meatballs you want. Frozen. Your mom’s favorite recipe. Anything.

Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs

Add More Stuff

I actually ended up doubling the sauce for this baked spaghetti and meatballs. I like my pasta saucy. And spicy, so I also added a healthy amount of red pepper flake. You could add other favorite ingredients as well. Mushrooms and bell peppers would be great.

I love making this dish in a cast iron skillet, even though I could really use a deep baking dish. I just like the extra ‘crust’ hot cast iron gives me.

Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron 3 Skillet Bundle. 12 inches and 10.25 inches with 8 inch Set of 3 Cast Iron Frying Pans
Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron 3 Skillet Bundle. 12 inches and 10.25 inches with 8 inch Set of 3 Cast Iron Frying Pans

If you’re using a store-bought marinara sauce, go for the more expensive bottle over the cheap stuff. It really makes a difference in this baked spaghetti and meatballs. The extra cost is well worth it in the end.

Also try my slow cooker spaghetti and meatballs.

Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs

If you’re using a store-bought marinara sauce, go for the more expensive bottle over the cheap stuff. It really makes a difference in this baked spaghetti and meatballs. The extra cost is well worth it in the end.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword baked, meatballs, spaghetti
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 467kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Joy In Every Season

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Heat the oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat.
  • Add the onion and saute for 4 minutes.
  • Add the garlic and saute for another minute.
  • Add the meatballs, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning and red pepper flake, if using.
  • Cover and reduce heat to medium low and simmer for 30 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350 F and cook the spaghetti per package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking liquid.
  • Remove the meatballs from the skillet using a slotted spoon.
  • Add the cooked spaghetti and the 1/2 cup of cooking liquid. Stir until the pasta is coated with sauce.
  • Add the meatballs back to the skillet.
  • Add the cheeses and place in the oven. Bake for 20-30 minutes or until the sauce is hot and bubbly and the cheese is melted.

Notes

Just as great leftover, too.

Nutrition

Calories: 467kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 55mg | Sodium: 1023mg | Potassium: 643mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 827IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 329mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)
Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)

Creole-Style Bean Soup

You had me at ‘okra’. I love okra. Grilled, fried, sauteed, roasted… or tossed into this Creole-style bean soup. The okra helps thicken up the broth and adds such a great flavor. All the flavors of a gumbo, along with some hearty beans to boot. Easy to make and fantastic on a cold day.

Creole-Style Bean Soup

Shrimp Now Or Shrimp Later

I don’t add the shrimp to the entire pot of Creole-style bean soup if I’m not going to eat the entire batch at once. Reheated shrimp are not my favorite thing. They get too tough. Instead, I transfer some of the soup (just enough for dinner) to a separate pot and then add the shrimp. It’s a bit more trouble but I think it’s worth it. I could leave out the shrimp entirely and still have a great soup, but it wouldn’t be the same, that’s for sure.

I like to use my good ole trusty Dutch oven to make this soup and pretty much darned near anything like it on my stovetop. It’s nice and big and sturdy. That extra weight helps it maintain and distribute heat perfectly. As an added bonus, it’s actually pretty easy to clean up too!

Amazon Basics Enameled Cast Iron Covered Round Dutch Oven, 6-Quart, Blue
Amazon Basics Enameled Cast Iron Covered Round Dutch Oven, 6-Quart, Blue

Also try my smoked turkey and file gumbo pie.

Creole-Style Bean Soup
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Creole-Style Bean Soup

You had me at ‘okra’. I love okra. Grilled, fried, sauteed, roasted… or tossed into this Creole-style bean soup. 
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword beans, Creole, soup
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 202kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place all ingredients except the okra and shrimp into a large pot or Dutch oven.
  • Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer and let simmer for 45 minutes.
  • Add the okra and shrimp.
  • Return to a boil and boil for 5 minutes then reduce again to a simmer and simmer until the shrimp are done.

Notes

Great made with andouille too!

Nutrition

Calories: 202kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 76mg | Sodium: 961mg | Potassium: 410mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 462IU | Vitamin C: 22mg | Calcium: 92mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Lodge ASAHH41 Silicone Assist Handle Holder, Red
Lodge ASAHH41 Silicone Assist Handle Holder, Red

Spicy White Chicken Chili

Whew, oh boy! This spicy white chili chicken isn’t some boring, barely-seasoned, overly-tame, put-you-to-sleep white chicken chili, no sir! You pretty much open your pantry and grab everything in it that is spicy and throw it in a pot with some chicken, some beans, some roasted peppers, and some broth. Done! Not too much later you get rewarded with something you’ll want to make again and again. I didn’t used to be a fan of chicken chili. But I sure am now.

Spicy White Chicken Chili

A Bowl Of Greatness

I really enjoyed the smokiness of this spicy white chicken chili. There are so many different flavors coming together in every spoonful. I’m thinking you could easily make this a beef chili by substituting cooked crumbled ground beef (or small pieces of chuck) along with beef broth. Or you can easily go the turkey route, using crumbled cooked ground turkey.

I like to use my good ole trusty Dutch oven to make this chili and pretty much darned near anything like it on my stovetop. It’s nice and big and sturdy. That extra weight helps it maintain and distribute heat perfectly. As an added bonus, it’s actually pretty easy to clean up too!

Amazon Basics Enameled Cast Iron Covered Round Dutch Oven, 6-Quart, Blue
Amazon Basics Enameled Cast Iron Covered Round Dutch Oven, 6-Quart, Blue

Also try my 6 bean chili. Because more beans is more better.

Spicy White Chicken Chili
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Spicy White Chicken Chili

Whew, oh boy! This spicy white chili chicken isn’t some boring, barely-seasoned, overly-tame, put-you-to-sleep white chicken chili, no sir! 
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword chicken, chili
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Calories 133kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Lousiana Kitchen and Culture

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Heat oil in large Dutch or pot over medium-high heat.
  • Add onion and cook for 5 minutes.
  • Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
  • Add cumin, chili powder, cayenne, chipotle powder and salt and pepper and stir.
  • Add roasted poblanos, roasted jalapeno, green chiles, cilantro, 3 1/2 cups of the chicken broth, chicken, lime zest and juice.
  • Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook 30 minutes.
  • Add the beans and cook another 15 minutes, adding more broth if necessary.
  • Serve with desired toppings.

Notes

This is a great way to use rotisserie chicken.

Nutrition

Calories: 133kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 39mg | Sodium: 542mg | Potassium: 416mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1198IU | Vitamin C: 40mg | Calcium: 49mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Lodge ASAHH41 Silicone Assist Handle Holder, Red
Lodge ASAHH41 Silicone Assist Handle Holder, Red