Smoked Sausage Skillet

Ingredients

1 lb smoked sausage
2 cans green beans
8-10 red baby potatoes
1 yellow onion
salt and pepper

Directions

Place potatoes and sausage in bottom of deep dutch oven. Slice onion on top add green beans with the liquid. Add generous amount of fresh cracked pepper. Pour 1 can of water on top. Salt to preference. Bring to boil and lower heat to simmer. Cook till potatoes are done.

From RecipeZaar
Submitted by Shelli

Quick and Easy Chicken Cacciatore

Ingredients

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 16 oz package frozen onion and three pepper blend, thawed
1 14 oz jar spaghetti sauce
1 cup shredded low fat mozzarella cheese

Directions

Cook chicken in a large nonstick skillet on medium-high heat 2 minutes on each side. Add vegetables; cover. Cook 5 minutes. Stir in spaghetti sauce. Simmer 5 minutes on medium heat or until chicken is cooked through (165 degrees). Top with cheese.

From RecipeZaar
Submitted by Shelli

Recession Noodles

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 lb frozen mixed vegetables
3 3 oz packages ramen style noodles, saving 2 seasoning packets
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder

Directions

Over medium heat, cook ground beef in a large pan with garlic and onion powder. While the beef is cooking, boil Ramen noodles according to directions and drain. Once the beef is browned, add frozen vegetables, noodles and seasoning packs and mix well. Cover and turn heat to medium-low until vegetables are hot. ( We do NOT drain the beef fat, as it adds more flavor to the dish, but to keep it healthier, feel free to drain it). Serve and enjoy!

From RecipeZaar
Submitted by Shelli

Basic Beef Casserole

Ingredients

1 lb lean ground beef
1 small chopped onion
2 T chopped green peppers
1 14 oz can tomatoes
1 1/2 cups noodles, cooked

Directions

Brown the ground beef and chop up. Add in the other ingredients and simmer for 7 or 8 minutes.

Note: You can get creative and throw in any other ingredients you'd like to experiment with.

From RecipeZaar
Submitted by Shelli

Tamale Soup

Ingredients

1 quart pinto beans
1 15 oz can corn
1 15 oz can tomatoes
1 15 oz can tamales

Directions

Mix beans, undrained corn, & tomatoes. Unwrap & slice tamales & add to mixture. Simmer on stove for 20 minutes.

From RecipeZaar
Submitted by Shelli

Summer Corn and White Bean Soup

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 1 cup sliced green onions
• 3/4 cup chopped cooked ham (about 4 ounces)
• 3 cups fresh corn kernels (about 5 ears)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 (15-ounce) cans navy beans, rinsed and drained
• 2 (14-ounce) cans fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
• 2 (4.5-ounce) cans chopped green chiles, undrained

Directions

Heat canola oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onions and ham, and cook 3 minutes, stirring frequently. Stir in corn and remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil; reduce heat, and simmer 5 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Serves 6.

From Cooking Light
Submitted by Shelli

Summer Squash Soup with Pasta and Parmesan

Ingredients

• 6 cups fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
• 3 cups water
• 2 1/4 cups uncooked farfalle (about 6 ounces bow tie pasta)
• 2 cups finely chopped yellow squash
• 2 cups finely chopped zucchini
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup (2 ounces) grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil

Directions

Bring broth and water to a boil in a Dutch oven. Add pasta, and cook 8 minutes or until almost tender. Add squash and the next 7 ingredients (through pepper). Reduce heat, and simmer 4 minutes or until pasta is done and squash is tender. Sprinkle with cheese and basil. Serves 4.

From Cooking Light
Submitted by Shelli

Corn and Summer Vegetable Saute

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions (about 4)
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 cup sliced fresh okra (about 4 ounces)
• 1 cup chopped red bell pepper (about 1)
• 1 finely chopped seeded jalapeño pepper
• 1 cup fresh corn kernels (about 2 ears)
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/3 cup minced fresh cilantro
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions and garlic; sauté 1 minute. Add okra; sauté 3 minutes. Reduce heat to medium. Add bell pepper and jalapeño; cook 5 minutes. Add corn; cook 5 minutes. Stir in beans; cook 2 minutes. Stir in cilantro; sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Serves 6.

From Cooking Light
Submitted by Shelli

Lemon Couscous with Toasted Pine Nuts

Ingredients

1 cup water
2/3 cup uncooked whole-wheat couscous
1 tsp grated lemon rind
1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
2 tsp olive oil
1/4 tsp salt

Directions

Bring 1 cup water to boil in small saucepan. Stir in couscous and lemon. Remove from heat; cover and let stand 5 minutes. Add pine nuts, olive oil, and salt; fluff with fork. Serves 4.

From Cooking Light
Submitted by Shelli Howells

Taco Beans and Rice

Ingredients

1 T olive oil
1 1/2 cups prechopped tricolor bell pepper
1 cup prechopped onion
1 16-pz can dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 1.25 oz pkg taco seasoning mix, divided
1 8.8 oz pouch microwavable brown rice
1/2 cups reduced fat shredded sharp cheddar cheese.

Directions

Heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Add bell pepper and onion; cook 7 minutes or until lightly browned, stirring frequently. Add beans and cook 1 minute or until thoroughly heated. Remove from heat; stir in half package of seasoning mix.

Place rice in medium bowl; heat according to package directions. Stir remaining half of seasoning mix into rice. Spoon mixture over rice; sprinkle with cheese. Serves 4.

From Cooking Light
Submitted by Shelli

Vietnamese Noodle-Vegetable Toss

Ingredients

6 cups water
6 oz linguine-style rice noodles
1 T sugar
2 T water
1 T fish sauce
1 T fresh lime juice
2 cups packaged tricolor slaw mix
1 cup grated English cucumber
1 cup fresh bean sprouts
1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
1/2 cup chopped peanuts

Directions

Cook rice noodles in water according to directions.

Combine sugar and next 3 ingredients in small bowl; stir well with a whisk. Combine noodles, slaw mix, and next 3 ingredients in a large bowl. Add sugar mixture; toss well. Sprinkle with peanuts. Serves 3.

From Cooking Light
Submitted by Shelli

Soba Noodle Salad with Chicken and Sugar Snap Peas

Ingredients

3 oz uncooked soba noodles
1 8 oz pkg sugar snap peas
3 cups shredded lemon-pepper rotisserie chicken
1/2 cup light sesame ginger dressing
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
Toasted sesame seeds (optional)
Sliced green onions (optional)
Shredded napa cabbage (optional)

Directions

Prepare soba noodles according to directions.

Microwave peas in package at HIGH 1 minute. Rinse peas under cold water. Combine soba, peas, and next 3 ingredients in large bowl; toss well. Garnish with sesame seeds and onions; serve over cabbage. Serves 4.

From Cooking Light
Submitted by Shelli

Cheese Tortellini and Vegetable Soup

Ingredients:

3 cups water
3/4 tsp Italian seasoning
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 16-oz pkg frozen Italian-style vegetables
1 14-oz can diced tomatoes with garlic and onion
1 11 1/2 oz can condensed bean with bacon soup, undiluted
1/2 9-oz pkg fresh cheese tortellini
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:

Combine first 6 ingredients in a 4-quart saucepan; cover and bring to a boil over high heat. Add pasta; reduce heat to medium. Cook, partially covered, 7 minutes or until pasta and vegetables are tender. Stir in cheese. Serves 6

From Cooking Light
Submitted by Shelli

Spanish Tortilla

Ingredients

4 medium potatoes peeled and chopped
1 onion chopped
4-5 eggs
salt

Similar to a fritatta it can be adapted by adding veggies and meats as you like.

Directions

Cook potatoes and onion in olive oil on med/hi until tender (you can pre-boil taters to save time). In a large bowl whisk eggs. Add potato & onion mixture, stir , add salt (here is where you add shallots, zuchinni or whatever you like). Pour entire mixture back into pan (add oil if needed to recoat the pan) Cook slowly on med/lo heat. When the tortilla is mostly solid with just a small pool of egginess get ready for the flip.

Slide a spatula around the edges of the tortilla to free it from the pan; then place a plate or a large lid over the top of the pan; hold tightly and flip the pan over onto the plate; slide the tortilla into the pan to cook the other side (usually just a few minutes). When the tortilla is done slide it onto a cute plate, garnish and serve either warm or cold (I like room temp).

From Wendy Pearl, Circle of Moms Recipe Swap

Pumpkin Pasta

Ingredients

1 pound penne pasta
2 Tbsp Olive oil
1 Tbsp Fresh Rosemary leaves (I use closer to 2 Tbsp)
1 15 oz can of pumpkin puree
1 Cup water
1 Cup white wine ( or you can use 2 cups water)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 garlic clove, minced
1/3 cup grated Parmesan ( or fresh pecarino romano is really good)

Directions

Prepare pasta according to directions. Combine oil, rosemary, pumpkin puree, water, wine, cream, and garlic. Let the sauce simmer for a couple hours for a better taste. Pour over your penne and top with fresh rosemary or grated cheese. My kids LOVE it. They think its more of a snack than a meal. Hope someone tries it and enjoys it!

From Carisa Brewer, Circle of Moms Recipe Swap

Cheesy Chicken and Noodles

Ingredients

• 12 ounces wide egg noodles
• 2 cups desired frozen vegetables (such as peas, carrots, sweet red pepper strips and/or pea pods)
• 1 16-ounce jar light Parmesan-Alfredo pasta sauce
• 1 9-ounce package frozen cooked chicken breast strips, thawed
• 1 4-1/2-ounce can sliced mushrooms, drained
• 2 tablespoons dry white wine, dry sherry, chicken broth, or milk
• Milk, optional
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. In a 4-quart Dutch oven, cook noodles according to package directions, adding the vegetables the last 3 minutes of cooking time. Drain; return noodle mixture to Dutch oven.

2. Stir in sauce, chicken, mushrooms, and wine. Heat through. If desired, stir in additional milk to reach desired consistency. Sprinkle servings with Parmesan cheese. Makes 6 servings.

From Better Homes and Gardens
Submitted by Shelli

Spinach Tortellini with Beans and Feta

Ingredients

• 1 9-oz. pkg. refrigerated cheese-filled spinach tortellini
• 1 15-oz. can cannellini (white kidney) beans, rinsed and drained
• 3/4 cup crumbled garlic-and-herb-flavored feta cheese (3 oz.)
• 2 Tbsp. olive oil
• 1 large tomato, chopped
• Ground black pepper
• 4 cups baby spinach

Directions

1. Cook tortellini according to package directions. Drain and; return to pan.

2. Add drained beans, feta cheese, and olive oil to tortellini in saucepan. Cook over medium heat until beans are hot and cheese begins to melt, gently stirring occasionally. Add tomato; cook 1 minute more. Sprinkle black pepper.

3. Divide spinach among four dinner plates or shallow salad bowls. Top with tortellini mixture. Serves 4.

From Better Homes and Gardens

Submitted by Shelli

Mexican Beef and Tortillas

Ingredients

• 8 6-inch corn tortillas
• 1 17-oz. pkg. refrigerated beef pot roast with juices
• 1 14-1/2-oz. can diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 green sweet pepper, cut into strips
• 1 lime, cut into wedges
• Dairy sour cream (optional)
• Fresh cilantro sprigs (optional)

Directions

1. Wrap tortillas in microwave-safe paper towels. Microwave on 100 percent power (high) 45 to 60 seconds or until warm. Cover; set aside.

2. Microwave beef according to package directions. Meanwhile, place undrained tomatoes in small saucepan; heat through.

3. Remove meat, reserving juices. Cut in slices. Serve on warmed tortillas with tomatoes and green pepper strips. Pass lime wedges, sour cream, and cilantro. Drizzle reserved juices. Makes 4 servings.

From Better Homes and Gardens

Submitted by Shelli

Asparagus and Couscous with Orange-Sesame Vinaigrette

Ingredients

2 pounds fresh asparagus
1/4 cup orange juice, preferably fresh
1 T rice vinegar or red wine vinegar
1 t. orange zest
1 t. soy sauce
1 T vegetable oil
2 t. Asian sesame oil
1/4 t. salt
1 t. butter or oil
1 cup couscous
2 t. sesame seeds
1 orange, halved and sliced

Directions

To prepare the asparagus, snap 1 stalk; this will remove the tough part. Line up the rest of the asparagus and cut them the same length as the first stalk. In a large saucepan, bring 1 1/2 inches of water to a boil. Place the asparagus in a steamer over the water and cook until tender but still firm, about 7 to 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the orange juice, vinegar, orange zest, and soy sauce. Whisk in the vegetable and sesame oils until well blended. Set aside. In a small pan, bring 1 1/3 cups water to boil over high heat. Add the salt and butter (optional). As soon as the butter melts, stir in the couscous, cover, and remove from heat. Let stand 5 minutes.

Fluff the couscous with a fork and turn it out onto a serving platter. Top with asparagus and sprinkle sesame seeds over the asparagus. Top with vinaigrette or pass vinaigrette on the side as a dipping sauce. Garnish with the orange slices. Serves 4.

From One-Pot Vegetarian Dishes
Submitted by Shelli

Rice and Red Lentil Stew with Cauliflower and Peas

Ingredients

1 T vegetable oil
2 large leeks, rinsed and sliced
1 1/2 t. ground coriander
1 1/2 t. ground cumin
1 1/2 t. dry mustard
1 t. turmeric
1/4 t. cayenne
3/4 cup long-grain rice
1 1/2 t. salt
1/2 cup red lentils
1/2 med. head cauliflower, cut into 1" florets
1/2 cup fresh or frozen peas
2 T butter

Directions

In medium stew pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add leeks, coriander, cumin, mustard, turmeric, and cayenne, stirring constantly to toast the spices, for 1 minute.

Add rice, salt, and 4 1/4 cups water. Bring to a boil over high heat. Stir in lentils. Reduce heat to medium, cover, and cook until rice and lentils are just tender, about 20 minutes.

Add cauliflower, raise heat to high, and continue to cook, covered, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes. Add peas and cook until they are warmed through and the stew has an oatmeal-like consistency, about 5 minutes longer. Add the butter, stirring until it melts. Serve hot in bowls. Serves 4-6.

From One-Pot Vegetarian Dishes
Submitted by Shelli