Dinner Tonight

Wild West Chili

2 bacon strips, diced
1 pound ground beef or venison
2 teaspoons chili powder
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
3 to 5 drops hot pepper sauce
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 cup each finely chopped celery, onion and carrots
1/2 cup finely chopped green pepper
1 can (16 ounces) chili beans, undrained

In a large saucepan over medium heat, brown bacon and the beef or venison; drain. Add the seasonings; cook and stir for 5 minutes. Stir in tomatoes, celery, onion, carrots and green pepper; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 40 minutes. Stir in beans; cook 30 minutes longer. Makes 6 servings.

Chili Con Carne

2 pounds ground beef
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 medium onions, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons chili powder
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 cans (16 ounces each) tomatoes with liquid, chopped
3 beef bouillon cubes
1 cup boiling water
1 can (16 ounces) kidney beans, undrained

In a large kettle, brown ground beef. Drain and set aside. In the same kettle, heat oil; saute garlic and onions over low heat until onions are tender. Stir in green pepper, salt, chili powder, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, cumin and oregano.

Cook for 2 minutes, stirring until well mixed. Add beef and tomatoes with liquid. Dissolve bouillon in water and add to soup. Simmer, covered, for about 1 hour. Add kidney beans; simmer 30 minutes longer. Makes 8-10 servings (about 2-1/2 qts.).

Beef Burgundy

6 bacon strips, diced
1 boneless beef chuck roast (3 pounds), cut into 1-1/2-inch cubes
1 can (10-1/2 ounces) condensed beef broth, undiluted
1 small onion, halved and sliced
1 medium carrot, sliced
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 garlic cloves, minced
3/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 bay leaf
1/2 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced
1/2 cup burgundy wine or beef broth
5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2/3 cup cold water
Hot cooked noodles, optional

In a skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Use a slotted spoon to remove to paper towels. In the drippings, brown the beef; drain. Place beef and bacon in a 5-qt. slow cooker, Add the broth, onion, carrot, butter, tomato paste, garlic, thyme, salt, pepper and bay leaf. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or until meat is tender.

Add mushrooms and wine or broth. Combine flour and water until smooth; stir into slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for 30-45 minutes or until thickened. Discard bay leaf. Serve over noodles if desired. Makes 8 servings.

Tortellini Toss

1 package (19 ounces) frozen cheese tortellini
1 small onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 cup butter, cubed
1-1/2 pounds pork tenderloin or boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 3-inch strips
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning
1/4 teaspoon dried marjoram
1 package (14 ounces) frozen sugar snap peas or vegetable of choice, partially thawed
1/4 to 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Cook tortellini according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, saute onion and garlic in butter until tender. Add meat and seasonings; cook and stir for 5-7 minutes or until meat is no longer pink. Add vegetables; reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 2-3 minutes or until heated through.

Drain tortellini. Add to meat mixture; toss to coat. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Makes 6 servings.

Baked Spaghetti

2 pounds ground beef
2 medium onions, chopped
2 cans (one 15 ounces, one 8 ounces) tomato sauce
1 can (8 ounces) sliced mushrooms, drained
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 packages (7 ounces each) uncooked spaghetti
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
2 cups (16 ounces) 4% cottage cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons minced chives
1/4 cup bread crumbs
1-1/2 teaspoons butter, melted

In a large skillet, cook beef and onions over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Add the tomato sauce, mushrooms, garlic powder and oregano. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti according to package directions; drain.

In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream and chives; beat well. Place half of the spaghetti in a greased 4-qt. baking dish. Spoon cream cheese mixture evenly over top. Layer with remaining spaghetti and all of the beef mixture.

Toss bread crumbs and butter; sprinkle over the top. Cover and bake at 350° for 20 minutes. Uncover; bake 5-10 minutes longer until heated through. Makes 12 servings.

Taco Chili Pie

1 pound ground beef
2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
1 cup chopped onion
4 cups torn fresh spinach
1 can (16 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) stewed tomatoes, undrained
2 tablespoons taco seasoning
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon molasses

Crust
4-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
4 teaspoons sugar
2 teaspoons salt
2 cups cold butter
12 to 14 tablespoons cold water

In a skillet, cook the beef, mushrooms and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in the next eight ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 20-30 minutes.

Meanwhile, combine the flour, sugar and salt in a bowl. Cut in butter until crumbly. Gradually add water, tossing with a fork until dough forms a ball. Divide into fourths; flatten each portion into a circle. Cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Line two 9-in. pie plates with pastry. Divide beef mixture between crusts. Roll out remaining pastry to fit tops of pies; place over filling. Trim, seal and flute edges. Cut slits in top.

Bake at 400° for 20 minutes. Reduce heat to 375°; bake 30-35 minutes longer or until golden brown. Let stand for 10-15 minutes before cutting. Makes 2 pies (6-8 servings each).

Biscuit-Topped Italian Casserole

1 pound ground beef
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
3/4 cup water
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 package (10 ounces) frozen mixed vegetables
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 tube (12 ounces) refrigerated buttermilk biscuits
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

In a large skillet, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Stir in the tomato sauce, water and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from the heat. Stir in vegetables and 1-1/2 cups cheese. Transfer to a greased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking dish.

Split each biscuit in half. Arrange biscuits around edge of dish, overlapping slightly; brush with butter and sprinkle with oregano. Sprinkle remaining cheese over the meat mixture. Bake, uncovered, at 375° for 25-30 minutes or until the biscuits are golden brown. Makes 6-8 servings.

Taco Casserole

3 cups leftover taco-seasoned ground beef
1 can (16 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup milk
1-1/2 cups biscuit/baking mix
1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream
2 cups shredded lettuce
1 medium tomato, diced
1 can (2-1/4 ounces) sliced ripe olives, drained

In a large bowl, combine the taco meat and beans; spoon into a greased 8-in. square baking dish. Sprinkle with cheese. In another bowl, combine the eggs, milk and biscuit mix until moistened. Pour over cheese.

Bake, uncovered, at 400° for 20-25 minutes or until lightly browned and a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Spread with sour cream. Top with lettuce, tomato and olives. Makes 6 servings.

Slow-Cooked Short Ribs

2/3 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
4 to 4-1/2 pounds boneless beef short ribs
1/4 to 1/3 cup butter
1 large onion, chopped
1-1/2 cups beef broth
3/4 cup red wine vinegar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup chili sauce
1/3 cup ketchup
1/3 cup Worcestershire sauce
5 garlic cloves, minced
1-1/2 teaspoons chili powder

In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the flour, salt and pepper. Add ribs in batches and shake to coat. In a large skillet, brown ribs in butter.

Transfer to a 6-qt. slow cooker. In the same skillet, combine the remaining ingredients. Cook and stir until mixture comes to a boil; pour over ribs. Cover and cook on low for 9-10 hours or until meat is tender. Makes 12 servings.

Round Steak Supper

4 large potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1-1/2 pounds boneless beef round steak
1 can (10-3/4 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
1/2 cup water
1 envelope onion soup mix
Pepper and garlic powder to taste

Place the potatoes in a 3-qt. slow cooker. Cut beef into four pieces; place over potatoes. In a bowl, combine the soup, water, soup mix, pepper and garlic powder. Pour over the beef. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until meat and potatoes are tender. Makes 4 servings.

Baked Swiss Steak

1/2 to 3/4 pound boneless round steak
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, divided
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) stewed tomatoes
1/2 cup chopped carrot
1/4 cup chopped celery
1 tablespoon chopped onion
1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons sharp cheddar cheese

Cut meat into two portions; pound to 1/4-in. thickness. Combine 1 tablespoon flour and salt; coat meat on both sides. In a skillet, brown meat in oil. Transfer meat to a greased shallow 2-qt. baking dish; set aside.

To pan drippings, add tomatoes, carrot, celery, onion, Worcestershire sauce and remaining flour. Bring to a boil over medium heat; cook and stir for 2 minutes. Pour over meat. Cover and bake at 350° for 1-1/2 hours or until the meat is tender. Sprinkle with cheese; return to the oven until cheese is melted. Makes 2 servings.

Mexican Manicotti

1 pound lean ground beef
1 can (16 ounces) refried beans
2-1/2 teaspoons chili powder
1-1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 package (8 ounces) uncooked manicotti shells
2-1/2 cups water
1 jar (16 ounces) picante sauce
2 cups (16 ounces) sour cream
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Monterey Jack or Mexican cheese blend
1/4 cup sliced green onions
Sliced ripe olives, optional

In a large bowl, combine the uncooked beef, beans, chili powder and oregano. Spoon into uncooked manicotti shells; arrange in a greased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking dish. Combine water and picante sauce; pour over shells. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Cover and bake at 350° for 1 hour. Uncover; spoon sour cream over the top. Sprinkle with cheese, onions and olives if desired. Bake 5-10 minutes longer or until the cheese is melted. Makes 8 servings.

Marinated Chuck Roast

1/2 cup orange juice
3 tablespoons soy sauce
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 boneless beef chuck roast (3 to 4 pounds)

In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar and Worcestershire sauce; add the roast. Seal bag and turn to coat; refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.

Pour the marinade into a Dutch oven. Bring to a boil; boil for 2 minutes. Add roast to the pan. Cover and bake at 325° for 3 to 3-1/2 hours or until the meat is tender. Let stand for 10 minutes before slicing. Thicken juices for gravy if desired. Makes 8-10 servings.

Sweet-and-Sour Beef with Broccoli

1 can (20 ounces) unsweetened pineapple tidbits
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 cup reduced-sodium beef broth
1/4 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
2 teaspoons minced fresh gingerroot
1 teaspoon minced garlic
2-1/2 cups uncooked instant rice
2 cups fresh broccoli florets
1/2 pound sliced fresh mushrooms
1 medium sweet red pepper, julienned
1 can (8 ounces) sliced water chestnuts, drained
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 pound lean ground beef

Drain pineapple, reserving juice; set pineapple aside. In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch, broth, soy sauce, ginger, garlic and reserved juice until blended; set aside.

Cook rice according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, stir-fry the broccoli, mushrooms, red pepper and water chestnuts in oil for 3-5 minutes or until crisp-tender; remove and set aside. In the same pan, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain.

Stir cornstarch mixture and add to the skillet. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 1-2 minutes or until thickened. Stir in the reserved vegetable mixture and pineapple; heat through. Serve over rice. Makes 6 servings.

Hearty Chicken Casserole

2-1/2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup butter, divided
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon dried sage leaves
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups chicken broth
3/4 cup milk
3 cups cubed cooked chicken
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) sliced potatoes, drained and quartered
2 cups seasoned stuffing cubes

Cook vegetables according to package directions; drain. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, saute the onion in 1/4 cup butter for 2-3 minutes or until tender. Stir in the flour, sage, pepper and salt until blended. Gradually add broth and milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir until thickened. Stir in the chicken, potatoes and mixed vegetables; heat through.

Transfer to a greased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking dish. Melt the remaining butter; toss with stuffing cubes. Sprinkle over chicken mixture. Bake, uncovered, at 450° for 10-12 minutes or until heated through. Makes 6 servings.

Mostaccioli Bake

8 ounces uncooked mostaccioli
1 egg
1 egg white
2 cups (16 ounces) 1% cottage cheese
1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
2/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, divided
1/3 cup minced fresh parsley
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2-1/2 cups meatless spaghetti sauce, divided

Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the egg, egg white, cottage cheese, spinach, 2/3 cup mozzarella cheese, 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt and pepper; set aside. Drain pasta; stir in 2 cups spaghetti sauce.

Layer half of the pasta mixture in a greased 11-in. x 7-in. x 2-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Top with spinach mixture, remaining pasta mixture and remaining spaghetti sauce.

Cover and bake at 350° for 35-40 minutes or until bubbly. Uncover; sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Bake 5 minutes longer or until cheese is melted. Makes 8 servings.

Zippy Turkey Tortilla Bake

1 small onion, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
1 pound lean ground turkey
1 tablespoon vinegar
2 teaspoons chili powder
1-1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 jar (16 ounces) salsa
3/4 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
8 fat-free flour tortillas (8 inches)
1/2 cup shredded reduced-fat Monterey Jack cheese
1/3 cup reduced-fat sour cream

In a skillet, saute onion and garlic powder in oil until the onion is tender. Add turkey, vinegar, chili powder, oregano, cumin and cayenne; cook and stir over medium heat until turkey is no longer pink. Stir in beans. Remove from the heat. Combine salsa and broth; spread a thin layer in a 2-1/2-qt. baking dish coated with cooking spray.

Cut tortillas into 1-in. strips and then into thirds; arrange half over salsa mixture. Top with half of the turkey mixture and half of the remaining salsa mixture. Repeat layers. Sprinkle with cheese. Cover and bake at 350° for 25 minutes or until bubbly. Top servings with sour cream. Makes 8 servings.

Tuna Noodle Hot Dish

12 ounces uncooked egg noodles
2 cans (10-3/4 ounces each) condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted
1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream
1/3 cup milk
1 can (12 ounces) tuna, drained and flaked
1 cup shredded process cheese (Velveeta)
1 medium onion, chopped
1 jar (2 ounces) diced pimientos, drained
1 can (2-1/4 ounces) sliced ripe olives, drained
1 cup crushed potato chips
Paprika

Cook noodles according to package directions; drain. In a large bowl, combine the soup, sour cream and milk. Stir in the noodles, tuna, cheese, onion, pimientos and olives.

Pour into a greased 3-qt. baking dish. Sprinkle with potato chips and paprika. Bake, uncovered, at 375° for 30-35 minutes or until heated through. Makes 6-8 servings.

Chunky Cod Stir-Fry

2 teaspoons cornstarch
1/3 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons sherry or additional chicken broth
2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepepr flakes
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 package (16 ounces) frozen stir-fry vegetable blend, thawed
1 small sweet red pepper, julienned
1 pound cod fillets, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/4 cup chopped peanuts
4 cups hot cooked rice

In a bowl, combine the first five ingredients until blended; set aside. In a nonstick skillet or wok, stir-fry garlic in oil for 30 seconds. Add mixed vegetables; stir-fry for 2 minutes. Add red pepper; stir-fry for 2 minutes or until crisp-tender. Remove and keep warm. Add half of the cod to skillet; gently stir-fry for 3-5 minutes or until fish flakes easily with a fork. Remove and keep warm. Repeat with remaining cod.

Stir reserved broth mixture and add to skillet. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Return vegetables and fish to the pan. Add peanuts. Gently stir to coat. Cover and cook for 1 minute or until heated through. Serve over rice. Makes 4 servings.

Shrimp Scampi with Lemon Couscous

1 cup chicken broth
3 tablespoons lemon juice, divided
1 cup uncooked couscous
5 tablespoons butter, divided
3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley, divided
1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
2 tablespoons olive oil
1-1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
2 pounds cooked jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/3 cup white wine or additional chicken broth
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup shredded Asiago cheese

In a small saucepan, bring broth and 1 tablespoon lemon juice to a boil. Stir in couscous, 1 tablespoon butter, 1 tablespoon parsley and lemon peel. Cover and remove from the heat; let stand for 5 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.

Meanwhile, in a large skillet, stir oil and remaining butter over medium-high heat until butter is melted. Add garlic; cook and stir until tender. Add shrimp; cook for 1 minute on each side.

Add the wine or additional broth, salt, pepper and remaining lemon juice; cook 2-3 minutes longer or until heated through. Serve with couscous. Sprinkle with cheese and remaining parsley. Makes 6 servings.

Fried Whitefish

2 eggs, beaten
1-1/2 cups crushed saltines (about 45 crackers)
2 pounds whitefish fillets, cut in half lengthwise
Oil for frying

Tartar Sauce
1 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
1 tablespoon finely chopped onion

Place eggs and cracker crumbs in separate shallow bowls. Dip fillets into eggs, then coat with crumbs. Let stand for 5 minutes.

In an electric skillet or deep-fat fryer, heat oil to 375°. Fry fillets, a few at a time, for 2 minutes on each side or until fish is golden brown and flakes easily with a fork. Drain on paper towels. In a small bowl, combine the tartar sauce ingredients. Serve with fish. Makes 6 servings.

Lemon-Batter Fish

1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided
1 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1 egg, beaten
2/3 cup water
2/3 cup lemon juice, divided
2 pounds perch fillets or walleye fillets, cut into bite size pieces
Oil for frying
Lemon wedges, optional

In a shallow bowl, combine 1 cup flour, baking powder, salt and sugar; set aside. Combine the egg, water and 1/3 cup lemon juice; stir into dry ingredients until smooth.

In separate shallow bowls, place remaining lemon juice and remaining flour. Dip fillets in lemon juice, then flour and coat with the batter.

Heat 1 in. of oil in a skillet. Fry fish, a few at a time, over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes on each side or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Drain on paper towels. Garnish with lemon if desired. Makes 5 servings.

Baked Parmesan Fish

1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 egg
2 tablespoons milk
4 orange roughy or catfish fillets (4 ounces each)

In a shallow bowl, combine the Parmesan cheese, flour, paprika, salt and pepper. In another shallow bowl, beat egg and milk. Dip fish fillets into egg mixture, then coat with the Parmesan mixture.

Arrange in a greased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking dish. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until fish flakes easily with a fork. Makes 4 servings.

Meat Loaf Shepherd's Pie

5 slices cooked meat loaf
1 jar (12 ounces) beef gravy
1 can (15-1/4 ounces) whole kernel corn, drained
4 cups warm mashed potatoes (prepared with milk and butter)
3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup sliced green onions

Directions:
Place meat loaf slices in a greased 2-1/2-qt. baking dish. Cover with gravy; top with corn. Combine potatoes, 1/2 cup cheese, sour cream and onions; spread over corn. Bake, uncovered, at 375° for 25-30 minutes or until heated through. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake 2 minutes longer or until the cheese is melted. Makes 4-6 servings.

Pork Tenderloin with Stuffing

4 celery ribs, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
2 tablespoons butter
6 cups cubed day-old bread (1/2-inch cubes)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 pork tenderloins (1 pound each)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

In a small skillet, saute celery and onion in butter until tender. In a bowl, combine the bread cubes, celery mixture, salt and pepper; set aside.

Cut a lengthwise slit down the center of each tenderloin to within 1/2 in. of bottom. Open tenderloins so they lie flat; cover with plastic wrap. Flatten to 1/2-in. thickness. In a large skillet, brown pork in oil on both sides over medium-high heat.

Spoon stuffing onto one tenderloin. Top with the second tenderloin; tie with kitchen string. Place on a rack in a shallow roasting pan.

Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 50-60 minutes or until a meat thermometer inserted into meat reads 160°. Let stand for 5 minutes before slicing. Makes 6 servings.