Easy Ground Beef Lo Mein {In under 30 minutes}

I can't even tell you how many times I have made this.  My whole family loves it.  It comes together super fast and it tastes great leftover.  This has really become a go-to recipe.  After the first bite, I knew it would become a regular menu item.

I adapted it from this recipe, but since we don't really eat much steak, I went with hamburger and I also doubled most of the sauce recipe.

Seriously, the flavor of this dish is outstanding and it even tastes great leftover.  Have dinner on the table in no time with this simple and delicious recipe.  

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Easy Ground Beef Lo Mein
Slightly adapted from: The Recipe Critic
(Printable Recipe)

8 oz. spaghetti noodles
3 c. fresh broccoli florets
1 Lb. lean ground beef
1 Tbl. dried onion flakes
2 garlic cloves, minced
1- 1 1/2 c. shredded carrots (I buy the pre-shredded/matchstix)

For the sauce:
1/2 c. light brown sugar
1/2 c. reduced-sodium soy sauce
1/4 c. hoisin sauce
2 tsp. sesame oil
1/2 tsp. ground ginger
1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

In a large pot of boiling water, boil the spaghetti noodles according to package directions.  About 5 minutes before the noodles are done, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water.  Drain when done.  Meanwhile, brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat.  When meat is just about browned all the way through, add in the dried onion flakes, minced garlic and shredded carrots and cook until meat is cooked through and carrots are tender, stirring frequently. Add in the cooked spaghetti noodles and broccoli and then pour in the sauce.  Toss to coat everything in sauce and cook for 1-2 minutes until sauce is heated through.  Serve.

For the Sauce:
Whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, ground ginger and red pepper flakes.   

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One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta with Artichokes and Spinach

School starts this week, which means quick and easy dinner recipes are much needed.  This recipe is not only quick to make, but it's also made all in one pot.  How easy is that?  You start by cooking the pasta in a mixture of water and milk, then you add the remaining ingredients and cook for a few minutes until the sauce turns thick and creamy.  

I added spinach and artichokes to mine, but I can think of so many other vegetables that would be great in this . . . like broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, corn, asparagus and so many more.  Just make sure if you use different vegetables you either cook them first or use thawed frozen veggies.  

This recipe makes a large pot of pasta and serves a lot of people.  It also tastes great leftover.  Be sure to add this easy cheesy pasta to your dinner rotation.  

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One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta
adapted from: Betty Crocker
(Printable Recipe)

4 c. water
2 (12 oz.) cans evaporated milk
1 tsp. salt
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 Lb. uncooked pasta (I use Cellentani)
2 tsp. cornstarch
2 c. diced rotisserie chicken
1 (14 oz.) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
1 1/2 c. shredded Parmesan cheese
juice of 1 lemon
2 Tbl. unsalted butter
4 c. baby spinach (I like to roughly chop mine)
1/2 tsp. pepper
3/4 tsp. McCormick Roasted Garlic & Herb Seasoning (or similar seasoning)

In a large Dutch oven, heat water, 1 can of evaporated milk, salt, garlic and pasta over medium heat.  Simmer for 12-14 minutes, stirring frequently, until pasta is tender.  In a medium bowl, stir together remaining 1 can of evaporated milk with the cornstarch; stir in the chicken and artichoke hearts.  Add to mixture in the Dutch oven; return to a simmer, and continue to cook until sauce has thickened, about 2-3 minutes.

Remove from heat and stir in half of the cheese and the lemon juice.  Then, stir in the remaining cheese (reserving a little for topping).  Last, stir in the butter, spinach, pepper and seasoning and stir until spinach has wilted and butter is melted.  Serve with reserved cheese.  Serves 7-8.  

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Slow-Cooker BBQ Ribs (Fall off the bone tender)

My Father-In-Law makes the best ribs.  He spends all day smoking them and then grilling them to perfection.  They taste absolutely amazing and can't be beat.  

This recipe is for all of us rib lovers that need a super easy recipe that has great results with very little hands-on time.

These ribs start out with a dry rub and are cooked in the slow-cooker without adding any additional liquid.  The ribs will release their own liquid as they cook and there is no need to add any extra.  Then, once they are tender, you brush them will barbecue sauce and broil until they are charred and absolutely perfect.

These ribs are so so so tender.  You can pull the bone out without any effort.  These will definitely satisfy that rib craving.  I served mine with My Favorite Twice Baked Potatoes and it was an incredible Sunday dinner.  

Slow-Cooker BBQ Ribs
(Printable Recipe)

1 1/2 Tbl. smoked paprika
1 Tbl. packed light brown sugar
1 Tbl. kosher salt
2 tsp. pepper
2 tsp. onion powder
2 tsp. garlic powder
2 (2 1/2 - 3 Lb.) racks St. Louis-style spareribs, cut each rack in half
1/2 c. favorite barbecue sauce, or more, if desired

In a small bowl, combine paprika, brown sugar, salt, pepper, onion powder and garlic powder; set aside.  Pat ribs dry with paper towels and coat all over with rub.  Arrange ribs vertically with thick ends pointing down and meaty side against interior wall of slow-cooker (ribs will overlap).  Cover and cook until ribs are just tender, around 6 to 7 hours on low.  

Line rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and set a wire rack in pan.  Using tongs, carefully transfer ribs, meaty side up, to prepared rack.  Let ribs sit for 10 minutes to allow surface to dry out.  Adjust oven rack 3 inches from broiler element and heat broiler.  Liberally brush ribs with 1/2 cup of barbecue sauce and broil until sauce begins to char, about 4 minutes.  Remove ribs from oven, brush with additional sauce, if desired.  Tent with foil and allow to rest for 20 minutes.  Cut ribs in between bones to separate and serve.  

Jenn's Notes:  This also works if you want to cover the ribs with the rub the night before, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.  Then, add to the slow-cooker in the morning.  

Cooking method and rub adapted from: Cook's Country 

My Favorite Twice Baked Potatoes

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Top 10 Main Dishes from 2017

Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili (with Hominy)

Fresh Garden Tomato Chili

Baked Chicken Ranch Taquitos

Easy Teriyaki Meatballs

Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole

Easy Chicken, Bacon and Ranch Sliders

24 Hour Chicken Marinade

Stroganoff Spaghetti and Meatballs

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Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili {with hominy}

Happy November :)

This is my 3rd white chicken chili recipe on the blog.  Each recipe is slightly different and equally as delicious.  My original version has cream cheese in it and black beans (this is my Mom's favorite), my second version has white beans and sour cream stirred into the chili.  This new version also has white beans along with hominy and cream of chicken soup.  The flavor is outstanding.  I had this at a work luncheon on Halloween and had to have the recipe to share with all of you.

It's so simple.  You throw everything in the slow cooker and let it go.  

It is a pretty brothy chili and you can always add less broth, if you prefer.  If you top it with cheese and sour cream then it becomes a creamy bowl of deliciousness. 

Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili {with hominy}
adapted from: Ruth Ann and Shanelle
(Printable Recipe)

1 Lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 (15.5 oz.) cans great northern beans, drained
1 (15.5 oz.) can hominy, drained
1/2 large onion, diced (around 3/4 - 1 cup)
2 (14.5 oz.) cans chicken broth (I use low-sodium)
2 Tbl. taco seasoning, plus more, if needed
1 (4 oz.) can diced green chiles
1 (10.5 oz.) can cream of chicken soup
juice of 1 lime
2 Tbl. chopped fresh cilantro

For serving (optional):
Fritos
shredded cheese
sour cream
cornbread
chopped green onions

Place chicken in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.  Top with beans, hominy and diced onion.  In a medium bowl, combine chicken broth, taco seasoning, green chiles, cream of chicken soup and lime juice.  Pour into slow cooker.  Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until chicken is cooked through.  Remove chicken and shred.  Return chicken to slow cooker along with the chopped cilantro.  Stir to combine.  Taste and add a little more taco seasoning, if needed.  Serve with desired toppings.  Serves: 5-6.

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Easy Teriyaki Meatballs

Ever since I tried Sweet and Sour Meatballs, I have been obsessed with meatballs.  This has now become my new go-to base recipe for meatballs and I have been trying them with all different kinds of sauces.

My latest version are these Teriyaki Meatballs.  This recipe is so so yummy.  The meatballs come together super fast and while those bake, you can prepare the sauce and cook the rice (I use Minute Rice) and broccoli.  In less than 30 minutes total, you can have this super delicious dinner on the table.  I highly recommend using a cookie scoop for the meatballs.  It is so much easier and faster than trying to roll them by hand.

The flavorful meatballs mixed with the sweet teriyaki sauce is a perfect pair.

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Easy Teriyaki Meatballs
From: Jenn@eatcakefordinner
(Printable Recipe)

2 Lbs. ground beef (85/15 works best)
2/3 c. panko bread crumbs
2 Tbl. dry minced onion
1 large egg
1/4 c. milk
1 1/2 tsp. ground ginger
2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper

Teriyaki Sauce
1 1/2 c. cold water
3/4 c. packed light brown sugar
1/2 c. low-sodium soy sauce
1 tsp. garlic powder
3 Tbl. cornstarch
1 tsp. sesame oil

For serving
chopped green onions, opt.
cooked white or brown rice
cooked broccoli florets

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan; set aside.  To a large bowl, add ground beef, bread crumbs, onion, egg, milk, ginger, salt and pepper.  Mix with your hands until just combined.  Use a 1 1/2 Tablespoon cookie scoop and scoop meat mixture into balls and place in prepared pan.  Or, rub a little oil on your hands and then roll the meat mixture into roughly 1-inch balls.  Bake, uncovered, for 20 minutes.  Makes around 35 meatballs.   

To prepare the teriyaki sauce:  Pour all of the sauce ingredients into a medium saucepan.  Whisk together until no lumps remain. Heat over medium heat until it thickens, whisking occasionally.  This should only take 3-5 minutes.

When meatballs are done baking, dunk them in the teriyaki sauce and serve over cooked rice.  Garnish with chopped green onions and serve with broccoli florets on the side.  

Base meatball recipe adapted from: Our Sweet Basil Kitchen



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Fresh Garden Tomato Chili

I originally posted this recipe back in 2013.  I have been making it every year since.  I have simplified the recipe a little since then.  I originally would peel my tomatoes, but then I discovered the peel really doesn't stand out to me, so I don't do that anymore, which saves a ton of time.  I also have been throwing the tomatoes in my food processor instead of dicing them.  You can do whichever you prefer.

Here is my original post from 10/07/2013:

My mom brought me a big bag of fresh garden tomatoes the other day.  Garden tomatoes have such an amazing flavor.  A flavor unlike any store-bought tomato.

Rather than eating the usual BLT or making salsa with the tomatoes, I wanted to try something different.  I had seen a recipe for Fresh Tomato Chili awhile back and I wanted to create my own version.

I am super happy with how it turned out and the flavor is incredible.  I prefer a thick and chunky chili and so I simmered mine with the lid off and that way the liquid evaporated.  To top it all off, I added a healthy amount of shredded Cheddar, a dollop of sour cream and some chopped green onions . . .  mmm.

I will make this recipe over and over again.  If you can't get any garden tomatoes, you can always use regular store-bought tomatoes.  The flavor will be a little different, but it will still be good.  If you like a little kick to your chili, you can add some chipotle chili powder or a diced canned chipotle chili in adobo.

Serve alongside:
French Bread Rolls
Soft and Chewy French Bread
Cornmeal Buttermilk Biscuits
Chili Cheese Bake Potatoes (use leftovers)

Fresh Garden Tomato Chili
From: Jenn@eatcakefordinner
(Printable Recipe) 

1/2 Lb. lean ground beef
1/2 Lb. ground pork or ground turkey
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1/2 c. finely chopped onion
1 garlic clove, minced
*12 large ripe garden tomatoes (see notes down below)
1 Tbl. chili powder, or to taste
2 tsp. ground cumin, or to taste
2 tsp. garlic powder, or to taste
1 tsp. oregano, or to taste
2 bay leaves, opt.
1 Tbl. brown sugar
salt and pepper
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can chili beans, undrained

For serving:
sour cream
shredded Cheddar cheese
chopped green onions
Fritos or tortilla chips

Brown ground beef and ground pork or turkey in a large pot over medium heat.  A few minutes before it is completely cooked through, add the chopped bell pepper and onion and saute for 3-4 minutes.  Add the garlic and saute 30 more seconds.  Add remaining ingredients and stir until combined.  Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for at least 30 minutes.  I like to simmer mine for at least 2 hours for better flavor.  The longer it simmers the more the liquid will evaporate.  If you like more liquid, then simmer with the lid on.  Taste and adjust seasonings, if needed.  Remove bay leaves before serving. 

Garnish with sour cream, grated Cheddar cheese, chopped green onions and serve with Fritos or crushed tortilla chips.  Serves: 4-6.    

*For the tomatoes:  I like to remove the stem, cut the tomatoes in half and remove half of the seeds.  Then, I throw all of the tomatoes into my food processor and process until there are only a few chunks.  I pour the tomato puree into my chili.  The tomatoes break down when you cook them anyway, so I don't spend the extra time peeling or dicing them.

Or, if you prefer skinned and diced tomatoes, you can remove the peel, stem and seeds and dice, but this will take a lot longer. 

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Easy Chicken, Bacon and Ranch Sliders

I recently told one of my friends about the amazing Rhodes Warm-N-Serv Rolls and her family has been enjoying them ever since.  The other night she said they made hamburgers for dinner, but didn't have any buns, so they pulled these rolls out of the freezer, baked them and then had hamburger sliders for dinner within 15 minutes.  That got me to thinking of all the yummy sandwiches that could be made using these delicious Warm-N-Serv Rolls.

One of my favorite combos is bacon, ranch, chicken and cheese.  You can't go wrong with that, right! So, I threw all of the ingredients together and made Chicken, Bacon, Ranch Sliders and let me just tell you that these 5-Ingredient sliders are so dang good.  The soft buttery roll paired with the creamy ranch, crisp bacon, melty cheese and tender chicken is guaranteed to be a huge hit.   

Let me show you how easy these are to make . . . 

First, get all of your ingredients ready.  You will need baked Rhodes Warm-N-Serv Rolls, cooked bacon, cooked breaded chicken tenders, sliced cheese and ranch dressing.  

Slice the baked rolls in half, spread ranch over each half of each roll.  Then, top one half of each roll with sliced cheese.  

Top one half of each roll with sliced bacon.  

Cut the breaded chicken tenders in half.  Top one half of each roll with half of a chicken tender.  Place the tops onto each roll.  Place in a warm oven for a few minutes until the cheese is melted.  Serve.  

#RhodesBread #RhodesRolls #completethemeal

Easy Chicken, Bacon and Ranch Sliders

From: Jenn@eatcakefordinner

(Printable Recipe)

6 Rhodes Warm-N-Serv Dinner Rolls

1/4 c. ranch dressing, plus more for serving

3 large slices Pepper Jack cheese (or your favorite cheese)

3-4 slices bacon, cooked

3 frozen breaded chicken tenders, baked

Bake Rhodes Warm-N-Serv Rolls according to package directions.  When finished baking, slice rolls in half and spread ranch dressing over each half.  Cut or tear the slices of cheese into fourths.  Place two pieces of cheese onto one half of each roll.  Tear the bacon into smaller pieces and divide between one half of each roll.  

Cut the cooked chicken tenders in half and place one half onto each half of each roll.  Place tops onto each roll and place in a warm oven until the cheese is melted, about 2-3 minutes.  Serve with additional ranch dressing, if desired.    

This post is sponsored by Rhodes Bread.  I have always been a fan of Rhodes Rolls and all opinions are my own.  Thanks for allowing me to work with the brands that I love. 

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Stroganoff Spaghetti and Meatballs

I have been eating my Mom's Stroganoff my whole life and it's still one of my favorite meals.  It has become one of my hubby's favorites too.  I make it at least once a month.  Lately, we have been loving meatballs, so I decided to switch things up and turn my Mom's stroganoff into a spaghetti and meatball dinner.

This is soooooooo easy to make.  I couldn't believe it was done as quick as it was.  The meatballs are loaded with flavor and the sauce is thick and creamy and coats the pasta perfectly.  This is special enough for Sunday dinner and quick enough for a weeknight meal.  We all loved it.  

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Stroganoff Spaghetti and Meatballs
From: Jenn@eatcakefordinner
(Printable Recipe)

Meatballs
1 Lb. ground beef (85/15 mix works best)
1/3 c. panko bread crumbs
1 large egg 
1 Tbl. dried minced onion
1 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. ground black pepper
3/4 tsp. ground ginger
2 Tbl. milk

Sauce
1 (10.5 oz.) can cream of chicken soup
1/3 c. milk, plus more if needed
1 c. sour cream
ground black pepper, to taste
fresh parsley, for garnish, opt.
8 oz. angel hair pasta

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Grease a 9x13-inch pan; set aside.  Add all of the meatball ingredients to a medium bowl and mix with your clean hands until just combined.  Rub a little oil on your hands and roll the meat mixture into roughly 1-inch balls (or use a cookie scoop).  Place meatballs in prepared pan.  Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook angel hair pasta according to package directions.  In a large skillet, stir together the cream of chicken soup and the milk.  Heat over medium heat until warm.  Stir in the sour cream and pepper.  If mixture is too thick, add a little more milk.  When pasta is done, drain and add the noodles to the sauce mixture.  Toss together until all the noodles are coated in sauce.  Top with cooked meatballs and garnish with parsley.  Serves: 4.  This makes around 18-20 meatballs, so depending on how many each person will eat, your servings may vary.  


Base meatball recipe slightly adapted from: Our Sweet Basil Kitchen

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Baked Chicken Ranch Taquitos

Taquitos are one of my favorite, go-to, recipes.  They are so easy to make and my whole family loves them.  I could probably eat taquitos almost every day and never get sick of them.  Same  goes for ranch dressing.  I always have ranch on hand and I eat it with so many things.  

My latest creation are these totally mouthwatering taquitos . . . I combined Litehouse Homestyle Ranch Dip with shredded chicken, cheese, green onion and a little chili powder and rolled the creamy filling up inside soft corn tortillas.  

I always bake my taquitos.  They get plenty crisp by baking, so there is no need to fry them.  Just spray the tops lightly with cooking spray and sprinkle with a little kosher salt and that is all you need for a super tasty and crisp taquito.  

It's amazing that a few simple ingredients can create SO MUCH flavor.  These are seriously so good and both kids and adults love them.  They even taste great when they are re-heated the next day.  Serve with additional Litehouse Homestyle Ranch Dip and you will have one happy family.

Litehouse Homestyle Ranch Dip has no artificial preservatives and is made with simple ingredients like sour cream, buttermilk, garlic and onion.  That is why it tastes like homemade ranch.  You can find this delicious ranch dip along with other Litehouse products in the refrigerated part of the produce section at your local grocery store.    

Click HERE to see what other amazing Litehouse products are available.  

Baked Chicken Ranch Taquitos
From: Jenn@eatcakefordinner
(Printable Recipe)

2 1/2 c. shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie works great)
1/2 c. Litehouse Homestyle Ranch Dip
2 Tbl. chopped green onions
1 c. shredded Cheddar cheese
3/4 tsp. chili powder, opt.
9-10 (6''-7'') corn tortillas
cooking spray
kosher salt

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.  Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with cooking spray; set aside.  In a medium bowl, stir together shredded chicken, Litehouse Homestyle Ranch Dip, chopped green onions, shredded cheese and chili powder.

Heat tortillas in the microwave for 25-30 seconds or until pliable.  Divide chicken filling between warmed tortillas and roll up tightly.  Place, seam-side down, on baking sheet.  Spray tops of taquitos lightly with cooking spray and sprinkle with a little kosher salt.  Bake for 13-14 minutes or until crisp.  Serve plain or with additional Litehouse Homestyle Ranch Dip.  Serves 3-4.   

This post is sponsored by Litehouse Dressing.  As always, all opinions expressed herein are my own.

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