Ranch Pasta Salad
This simple pasta salad can be served as the main meal or a side. Perfect complements include hamburgers, hot dogs, and Sloppy Joes.Total Prep Time: 25 minutes
You Will Need
3 cups uncooked tricolor spiral pasta
1 cup chopped fresh broccoli florets
3/4 cup chopped seeded peeled cucumber
1/2 cup chopped seeded tomato
1 bottle (8 ounces) ranch salad dressing
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
What to Do
Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and rinse in cold water. In a large bowl, combine the pasta, broccoli, cucumber, and tomato. Drizzle with salad dressing; toss to coat. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Serves: 8
Salsa Sloppy Joes
A twist on an old favorite, this recipe's sweet brown sugar and tangy salsa are a surprisingly wonderful combination.Total Prep Time: 20 minutes
You Will Need
1 pound ground beef
1 jar (11 ounces) salsa
1 can (10 3/4 ounces) condensed tomato soup, undiluted
1 tablespoon brown sugar
8 hamburger buns, split
What to Do
In a large skillet, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain. Stir in the
salsa, soup, and brown sugar. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes or until heated through. Spoon 1/2 cup onto each bun.
Serves: 8
Veggie Ham Medley
This sophisticated take on macaroni and cheese feels both modern and nostalgic.Total Prep Time: 20 minutes
You Will Need
1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
1 cup diced fully cooked ham
1 tablespoon minced fresh basil
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons butter
1 package (10 ounces) frozen mixed vegetables
1/4 cup sour cream
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
What to Do
1. Cook macaroni according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ham, basil, and garlic powder in butter for 5 minutes.
2. Add vegetables; cook until tender, stirring occasionally. Drain macaroni; add to the skillet. Stir in sour cream and 1/4 cup cheese. Sprinkle with remaining cheese; cover and let stand until cheese is melted.
Serves: 3
Turkey Florentine
This quick dish is both tasty and healthy. Complement the turkey with pasta to represent all four food groups.Total Prep Time: 30 minutes
You Will Need
1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
8 slices uncooked turkey breast
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
4 slices Swiss cheese, cut in half
1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
3 cups meatless spaghetti sauce
What to Do
1. Place the bread crumbs in a large resealable plastic bag; add the turkey in batches and shake to coat. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown turkey in oil. Remove from the skillet.
2. Place half of a cheese slice and 2 tablespoons of spinach down the center of each turkey slice. Fold turkey over filling; secure with toothpicks. Place in a greased 9-inch. square baking dish. Top with spaghetti sauce. Bake, uncovered, at 400° for 12-15 minutes or until heated through. Discard toothpicks.
Serves: 4
Chili Bean Nacho Skillet
Stimulate your taste buds with this hearty Mexican dish. Serve with a salad to create a quick and complete meal.Total Prep Time: 30 minutes
You Will Need
1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 can (15 1/2 ounces) chili beans, undrained
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
1 can (11 ounces) Mexicorn, drained
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 to 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Tortilla chips (optional)
What to Do
1.In a large skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in the beans, tomato sauce, corn, sugar, chili powder, and oregano. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes.
2.Sprinkle with cheese; remove from the heat. Cover; let stand for 5 minutes or until cheese is melted. Serve with tortilla chips if desired.
Serves: 6
Shrimp 'N' Veggie Alfredo
This simple but impressive entrée will look like you spent hours in the kitchen. The shrimp and vegetables effortlessly dress up the otherwise ordinary pasta.Total Prep Time: 30 minutes
You Will Need
1 package (16 ounces) fettuccine
1/2 pound fresh or frozen sugar snap peas, thawed
1 medium sweet red pepper, julienned
2 medium carrots, julienned
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
1 1/2 pounds uncooked medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 jar (16 ounces) Alfredo sauce, warmed
What to Do
Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, sauté the peas, red pepper, carrots, and garlic in 2 tablespoons oil until crisp-tender; remove and keep warm. Add remaining oil to skillet. Sauté shrimp in oil until shrimp turn pink. Return vegetables to pan; mix well. Drain pasta. Place pasta on six dinner plates. Drizzle with Alfredo sauce and top with shrimp mixture.
Serves: 6