Quick & Easy Family Dinners Cookbook (6 page)

8-oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened

1-1/2 c. sour cream

2 to 3 T. onion, grated

12-oz. pkg. fine egg noodles, cooked

2 lbs. ground beef, browned

2 t. salt

3 6-oz. cans tomato paste

2 c. water

2 t. sugar

1 t. pepper

Garnish: grated Parmesan cheese

Blend cream cheese, sour cream and onion; stir in cooked noodles. Place in bottom of 3-quart casserole dish; set aside. Combine remaining ingredients except garnish in a saucepan; heat thoroughly. Pour over noodles; sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. Serves 8.

3-1/2 c. biscuit baking mix

2-3/4 c. shredded Cheddar cheese

1 t. garlic powder

1-1/4 c. milk

2 eggs, beaten

Combine all ingredients until just moistened; spread evenly into a greased 9”x5” loaf pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 to 40 minutes; cool on wire rack. Makes 8 servings.

Whip up a tasty dip for sliced fruit. Swirl fruit preserves into vanilla yogurt…just the thing for hungry kids waiting for dinnertime.

6 c. cabbage, shredded

1 c. red cabbage, shredded

1 carrot, peeled and shredded

1/2 red pepper, cut into strips

1/4 c. sweet onion, chopped

3/4 c. mayonnaise-type salad dressing

2 T. lime juice

1 T. fresh dill, snipped

1-1/2 t. sugar

1/4 t. salt

1/4 t. pepper

Combine cabbage, carrot, red pepper and onion in a large bowl; set aside. Blend remaining ingredients together in a small bowl; mix well. Pour over cabbage mixture; toss to coat. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours; stir before serving. Serves 8 to 10.

Making a casserole for a small family? Divide the casserole ingredients into two small dishes and freeze one for later. Casseroles that don’t freeze well can be shared with a friend or neighbor.

1 lb. carrots, peeled and cooked

3 T. butter, melted

2 T. brown sugar

1 T. Dijon mustard

1/2 t. ground ginger

Place carrots in a bowl, set aside. Whisk together remaining ingredients and pour over carrots. Toss gently. Makes 6 servings.

Fill a big shaker with a favorite all-purpose spice mixture…keep it by the stove for a dash of flavor on meats and veggies as they cook.

1 lb. ground beef

15-oz. can ranch-style beans, drained

14-1/2 oz. can tomatoes with chiles

11-oz. can corn with diced peppers, drained

1-1/4 oz. pkg. taco seasoning mix

Brown ground beef in a stockpot; drain. Stir in remaining ingredients; lower heat and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until heated through. Serves 6 to 8.

Declare a Picnic Night at home! Just toss a checkered tablecloth on the dinner table and set out paper plates and disposable plastic utensils. Relax and enjoy dinner…no dishes to wash!

1 lb. ground beef

1 onion, diced

1 clove garlic, minced

12-oz. bottle green taco sauce

4-oz. can green chiles

2 to 3 15-oz. cans black beans, drained and rinsed

15-1/4 oz. can corn, drained

15-oz. can tomato sauce

2 c. water

1-1/4 oz. pkg. taco seasoning mix

Garnish: sour cream, shredded Cheddar cheese, corn chips

Brown beef, onion and garlic in a large skillet over medium heat; drain. In a slow cooker, combine beef mixture and remaining ingredients except garnish. Cover and cook on high setting for one hour. Serve with sour cream, shredded cheese and corn chips. Serves 8 to 10.