Chicken 'n Noodles

Nothing is as basic and simple as popping some chicken in a pan and making a skillet meal out of it. So basic in fact that it's hard to make a proper introduction to the meal. Yup. Quick and simple. Right then, let's get to it.

Ingredients:

Cleaned chicken breast halves

garlic powder

paprika 

1 3/4 cups chicken broth

1/2 tsp dried basil

salt & pepper for taste

~2 cups frozen vegetables 

~2 cups egg noodles

Step 1: Coat chicken in a mix of paprika and garlic powder. Place in skillet and brown both sides.

Step 2: Add in broth, basil, salt and pepper, vegetables. I used a frozen fajita mix, but you can also try broccoli, carrots & peas, green beans.

Step 3: Bring to a boil.

Step 4: Stir in noodles. Try to submerge as many as possible.

Step 5: Reduce heat to low. Cover pan and let simmer for 10-15 minutes (until chicken and noodles are cooked)

Step 6: Serve. Claim this meal was more difficult than it was.

Meatloaf: A necessary evil

When I brought my meatloaf leftovers into work the other day, I learned that I am not the only one who doesn't go gaga for meatloaf. In some homes meatloaf is a staple of comfort food. In other homes, meatloaf is a quick fix dish for people without the time or energy to make something fancy. This recipe is excellent for those busy nights you want to make something simple with a nice kick to it. Even if it is meatloaf.

Served with steamed green beans and Crash Potatoes.

Ingredients:

• Loaf: 
• 1 - 1/2 1/2 pounds ground beef
• 1 egg
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 1/2  cup milk
• 1 cup mashed saltines
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• Sauce:
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons prepared mustard
• 1/3 cup ketchup
• 1/4 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 tsp milk

Step 1: Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a meatloaf pan or regular pan.
Step 2: Saute the onions lightly. This isn't necessary but it will bring out the flavor.
Step 3:Mix together ground beef, egg, milk, onion, saltines, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce.
Step 4:Shape meatloaf. If the meat isn't the proper consistency, add more milk (softer) or breadcrumbs (harder).
Step 5: In a new bowl, combine the brown sugar, mustard and ketchup, Worcestershire sauce and milk. Stir together. Generously spread out the sauce all over the top of the loaf.
Step 6: Bake for one hour.

Mexican Helper!

Are you sick and tired of tacos, hamburgers, sloppy joes and basic ingredients for your ground beef? So was I. Don't get me wrong, I love taco night. I just would like to defrost my ground beef without a sense of resignation. As if it wasn't exciting enough, this is also a 1-pot dish. Rejoice! An easy cleanup!

Way tastier than it is photogenic...

Ingredients:

~l lb ground beef/turkey
1 cup chopped onion
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can tomato sauce
1 cup corn (frozen, canned, cobbed)
1/2 cup water
1 cup pasta of your choice (I chose shells)
Shredded cheese (I used taco cheese)
for taste:
chili powder
taco seasoning
oregano
garlic powder
onion powder
salt

Step 1: On a medium heat, cook the ground beef and onions in a large skillet until meat is browned and the onions are tender. Drain.
Step 2: Add tomatoes, corn, water and spices. Season to your liking. Bring to a boil.
Step 3: Add macaroni. Stir it in so it is all submerged by the mixture.
Step 4: Reduce heat. Cover and let simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until noodles are cooked.
Step 5: Add cheese on top and let it melt.