Jalapeno Turkey Burgers

We had these delicious burgers on the 4th of July and they were great! They had a spicy kick to them and were full of flavor, espically with creamy avocado and crunchy veggies. Yum! Perfect for the next time you want to bbq burgers!

Ingredients:

1 lb. ground turkey
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
2 teaspoons chopped jalapeno
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
salt and pepper
hamburger buns

toppings:
tomatoes
lettuce
cheddar cheese
avocado, pitted and mashed with a bit of salt

1. In a medium bowl combine the ground turkey, onion, cilantro, garlic, jalapeno, cumin, paprika, salt and pepper. Mix your ingredients together with your hands and form in to 4-5 patties. Place them on a plate and let them rest for at least an hour. Letting your burgers sit in the fridge will make a HUGE difference on how they cook up on the grill. My turkey burgers used to kinda fall apart on the grill and not stay in thier shape. But letting them rest makes them turn out perfect!

2.  Heat your grill to medium high heat and grill your patties for 5-6 minutes per side. After you have flipped your burgers place a peice of cheese on each burger. Toast your buns, slather them in avocado, and assemble your delicious burgers and dig in!

Creamy Taco Pasta

I love creamy pasta. I love it even more when I don't feel bad eating a heaping bowl of it! This recipe is so yummy! It is spicy and creamy and everyone loved it. It comes together really quick and can be made on any busy week night. Pair this pasta with a crisp green salad and dinner is served. I promise this will become a family favorite!

Ingredients:

1 lb. ground turkey

8 oz. small pasta shapes

1 small onion, chopped

1 clove garlic, minced

1 cup salsa (I used medium heat to make it a bit spicy)

1 package taco seasoning

3 oz. low fat cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup fat free sour cream

chopped cilantro

salt and pepper

1. Bring a big pot of water to a boil and toss in your pasta. Cook according to package.... usually about 9- 11 minutes. While your pasta is cooking you will make the yummy sauce!

2. In a skillet over medium heat, drizzle a bit of olive oil and soften up your onions and garlic. After about 3-4 minutes add in your ground turkey and brown until cooked through. Season with salt and pepper. Next add in your salsa, taco seasoning, sour cream and cream cheese. Let the heat of the ground turkey soften and melt the cream cheese into the rest of the mixture. Stir until all the ingredients are combine.

3. Drain your noodles and add them right into the creamy sauce. (Save a bit of pasta water to thin out sauce if you need too) Stir the noodles and sauce together. Add any pasta water if your pasta is too thick. Dish up and top with cilantro, sour cream and a bit of shredded cheese. Perfect dinner is ready!

Cheese Burger Sloppy Joes

My husband loves sloppy joes. Loves them. So, I decided to create a new version of the classic for him. Well, as I thought.... he loved it! Well here you have it....tangy sauce, cheeseburger toppings, all on a toasted bun, oh delish!



Ingredients:

1 lb. ground turkey
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup ketchup
2-3 tablespoons spicy mustard
salt
pepper
chopped tomatoes
shredded lettuce
shredded cheese
sliced pickles
hamburger buns

1. This is so easy and great because it comes together really quick! First toss your onions in a non-stick skillet drizzled with just a teaspoon olive oil and cook over medium heat until they are a soft and translucent.
2. Next, add your ground turkey and crumble it into the onions. Cook all the way through. Add some salt and pepper. I like pepper, a lot.... so I added a little bit more. Time to add your condiments.
3.Add your ketchup and mustard and stir to combine. Add a splash of water to thin it out if it is a bit too thick. You want it to be nice and saucy. Now taste. Is it good? Add more mustard, ketchup, salt or pepper so it is just how you like it. Or don't touch it.... it is going to be delicious will all the toppings.
4. Toast your buns and top with your sloppy cheeseburger mixture. Right on topp add cheese, lettuce, tomato, and pickles and dig in!

*this is great with homemade french fries and fruit salad. Or in the summer, a nice juicy watermelon!

Tex-Mex Meatloaf

Meatloaf can be kinda well.....boring. But this recipe was so good! It was totally different from every other meatloaf recipe and with all the spices,tomatoes,and chilies mixed in, it was a Mexican hit! My kids even ate it....that is a good sign.



Ingredients:

1 lb. ground turkey
1/2 cup petite diced tomatoes
4 oz. can green chilies
1 egg
3/4 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
salsa
sour cream

1. Heat your oven to 400. This comes together really quick.
2. Put your ground turkey in a large bowl. Then....wait for it.... add EVERYTHING in right on top (except of the salsa and sour cream). Don't mix until everything has been added. This way your meat mixture won't be tough or over mixed. Combine all your ingredients (I used a spoon or you could use your hands) until combined.
3. Line a 13x9 pan with foil and spray with non-stick spray. Plop (very technical word) your meatloaf mixture into your pan and shape into a loaf or a log shape. I find that cooking my meatloaf this way it cooks much faster. But you could put it into a loaf pan and increase the cooking time until it is done if you want to.
4. Cook your yummy loaf for 55 minutes and let it rest for 5 minutes after it comes out of the oven. I covered mine in foil for maybe the last 15 minutes so just check the top and make sure it doesn't get to dark. Slice and serve! You can serve it with sour cream and salsa on the table if you want, but it is pretty darn good just how it is!

* Good sides would be roasted potatoes or vegetables and a green salad or steamed veggies and fruit, muffins or rolls.

Taco Soup

Here is another wonderful, healthy, warm soup for you this fall. I started making this when I was first married and it has been a keeper! This recipe is made with ground turkey but you could use shredded chicken or an extra can of beans to make it a vegetarian meal. Anyway you go it is spicy and wonderful!!




Ingredients:

1 lb. ground turkey (or cooked shredded chicken)
1/2 onion, chopped
1 can sweet corn, undrained
1 can kidney beans, undrained
2 (15oz.) cans diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can diced green chilies
1 package taco seasoning
grated cheese
sour cream
chopped cilantro
chopped tomatoes
warm tortillas (homemade recipe is next!)

1. This is the easiest soup....ever. In a big soup pot heat to medium/high heat and cook your onions until they start to become translucent. Add in your ground turkey and brown until cooked through. Add your seasoning packet and to the meat and onions. Give that a stir and open ALL those cans.
2. One by one add your canned veggies and beans. Now if you want to go vegetarian add another can of kidney beans or a can of black beans. Also, if you are using chicken add that now. Allow your soup to come to a simmer to combine all the flavors. Turn it to low and keep warm until dinner.
3. If your soup gets a bit thick, just thin it out with a bit of water. When it is time to dish up you can add cheese, sour cream, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, crushed chips.....OK you can add a ton of stuff to really spice this soup up!

* Serve with tortillas on the side or corn chips. I made homemade tortillas that were amazing!! I seriously could have eaten those and been completely satisfied.... but the soup is good too!!
* Tortillas are the next post!

Teriyaki Turkey Burgers

I love burgers. My husband loves burgers. And add some homemade fries, oh man....so good. Every year on my birthday growing up I got to pick what I wanted for dinner. Yep, you guessed it, burgers. So I am always trying out new combos for gourmet burgers and these teriyaki burgers are amazing! Especially when you cook them on the grill. They stay nice and juicy!



Ingredients:

1 lb. ground turkey
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup teriyaki baste/glaze
2 green onions, chopped
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
salt
pepper

Toppings:
crushed pineapple (slightly drained, you want a bit of juice)
cheese
lettuce
grilled/sauteed onion (cut into rings)
tomato
buns
teriyaki mayo: 1/4 cup teriyaki baste and 2 tablespoons mayo whisked together

1. Heat your grill or a non stick pan to medium/high heat. Combine ground turkey, garlic, baste, green onions, bread crumbs, salt, pepper and ginger. Use your hands, it is easier and really insures that all the ingredients are combined.
2. Shape into 4-6 patties. Kinda depending on how big and thick you want you burgers. As I shape my patties I put a bit of olive oil on each side and then place them on a small square of wax paper. Then I put another piece of wax paper on top. Now my next patty won't stick and it makes it really easy to just place them right on the grill.
2. Grill/cook your burgers for about 5 minutes a side. After you have flipped them for the first time, top with the onions and then the cheese. The cheese will melt and keep the onions on your patty. When the burgers are finished cooking, put them on toasted buns slathered in the teriyaki mayo. Then top with juicy crushed pineapple, lettuce, and tomato.
3. Serve with baked fries, watermelon, and root beer! SO GOOD!!

Enchilada Skillet

I love creating recipes and this just so happens to be one! We love Mexican food....warm, saucy and spicy. Oh yum, takes me back to me waitressing days at good old Gringos :) Anywhoo, this meal was a hit, I love the tortillas mixed right in and the fresh veggies on top!


Ingredients:

1 lb. ground turkey
1 packet taco seasoning
1 can pinto beans
1/2 can enchilada sauce (10 oz. size)
1 cup chicken stock or chicken broth
2 tablespoons fat free sour cream
2 low fat flour tortillas, cut into 2 inch squares
chopped lettuce
chopped tomato
grated cheese
fat free sour cream
guacamole

1. Start by cooking your ground turkey. After it is mostly cooked through season your meat with your taco seasonings. Add a bit of water to really incorporate the seasoning in. Ok, next toss in those beans, enchilada sauce, and sour cream. Stir to combine.
2.Next add a little bit of chicken stock at a time so your mixture remains creamy, not runny. You might not use the whole cup of liquid. Next, add in your tortillas. I love this part. I love warm, soft tortillas and covered in enchilada sauce... ah yes please! Stir those babies in nice and good, get them covered! Let that cook up for a couple minutes so the tortillas are soft. If you want, add a bit more stock if you want it thinner, I just happen to like thick creamy sauce.
3. Ok, time to plate! Give everyone a nice big scoop, top with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese and sour creams and guacamole! Oh, I can't wait to make this again!

* If you want add corn, olives, green chilies... Serve this meal with fresh watermelon, a green salad, or rice.
* Leave out the ground turkey for a great vegetarian meal!

Pastitsio {greek pasta}

This pasta dish is creamy and full of flavor. This dinner comes together in no time and I love the hint of cinnamon, it really stands out to make this meal wonderful!



Ingredients:

1 package {7oz} uncooked short pasta
1 lb. ground turkey
1 medium onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 can {8oz.} tomato sauce
1 teaspoon salt, divided
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
3 teaspoons butter
3 teaspoons flour
1-1/2 cups low-fat/fat free milk
1 egg, beaten

1. Cook pasta for 8-10 minutes. While pasta is cooking, cook the ground turkey, onion, and garlic over medium heat until meat is cooked through. Stir in the tomato sauce, 1/2 teaspoon salt, oregano, pepper and cinnamon.
2.Drain the pasta. Place half the noodles into a greased 9x9 pan. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup cheese. Next layer with meat mixture and the remaining macaroni. Set aside.
3.In a small sauce pan, melt the butter and stir in the flour and remaining salt until smooth. Gradually add the milk. Bring to a boil, cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened.
4. Remove from the heat. Stir a small amount of the hot mixture into the beaten egg. Pour the egg mixture into the sauce pan stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle boil. Cook and stir for 2 minutes. Remove form heat and add remaining cheese.Pour sauce over the macaroni.
5. Bake uncovered at 350 for 30 minutes or until golden brown. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

* Serve this meal with a fresh green salad or steamed broccoli or green beans. Add some toasted garlic bread and you are ready!

Turkey Gravy and Mashed Potatoes

This meal is super easy and something that my grandma taught me how to make back in high school. It is a great comfort food dinner and perfect for a chilly day.



Ingredients:

1 lb. ground turkey (or lean ground beef)
1/2 small onion, chopped
2-3 tablespoons flour
low fat/fat free milk
salt and pepper
garlic powder
5-6 russet potatoes, peeled and chopped

1. Get a big pot of salted water boiling and toss those potatoes in. While they are cooking you can make the gravy.
2. In a skillet over medium heat add a bit of olive oil and add the ground meat and onions. Cook until meat is cooked through and onions are soft and translucent. Sprinkle with garlic powder, salt and pepper. (you will taste for flavor later too...)
3. Next, sprinkle the flour over your meat mixture and stir with a wooden spoon. You want the mixture to absorb all the flour and make a paste like texture. Once the flour has been added, you now add a splash of milk and stir. You continue to add milk and stir until you reach the consistency you like. *Kinda like the gravy on biscuits thickness*. Go ahead and taste for flavor. Add more salt and even garlic powder to enhance flavor. Let it sit on low while you drain and mash your potatoes. (You can continue to add milk if it thickens up on you while you are making the potatoes)
4. Flavor the potatoes like you would regular mashed potatoes. Serve by scooping potatoes onto each plate and pouring your gravy right on top. Garnish with green onions if you want.

* I serve this with a dark green veggie like broccoli, green beans, or a salad. Pair it with garlic bread or muffins and you are set!

Lemon Turkey Patties

I found this recipe from Family Circle magazine and had to try it. We love turkey burgers around here and this is a slightly different variation where you don't use a bun and toppings. Just a pattie with a couple of yummy sides to go with it. It was so good I have already made it twice. The lemon zest really makes this meal!



Ingredients:

1 lb. ground turkey
1/4 cup bread crumbs
1 egg white, beaten
2 tablespoons chopped scallions
1 clove garlic, chopped
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
zest and juice from one lemon
a pinch of salt and pepper
olive oil

1. Place ground turkey in a bowl. Add everything else right on top of the meat, except for the olive oil. Using a fork or a spoon, mix all the ingredients together. *If you use your hands to mix, you can tend to over mix and the meat will become tough.
2. Form into 4-5 patties using your hands and place in a medium heat skillet (I used a nonstick skillet so they wouldn't stick) drizzled with a bit of olive oil. Cook for about 6-7 minutes per side. Until the meat is golden brown. Flip and cook another 7 minutes or until cooked through.
3. Serve while warm with a veggie side dish and some crusty garlic bread. You are set!
* I served this with roasted yams and apples. Wanna try it? All you do is peel and cut your yams and toss them in a bowl. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil and salt and pepper. Place on a foil lined cookie sheet and cook for 20 minutes at 425. While they are cooking prepare your turkey patties. Also cut 2-3 apples into thinnish slices and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar. After the yams have been cooking for 20 minutes, use a spatula and flip them around to cook even. Toss the apple on the cookie sheet at this point and cook both apples and yams for another 15 minutes while the patties cook! Done and delish!
* other good veggie dishes would be roasted potatoes, steamed broccoli or steamed carrots.

Sloppy Joe Di Maggios

My sister told me about the Rachel Ray recipe and it was a hit! Everyone loved this twist on a classic sandwich. Perfect for feeding a hungry family or sharing at a summer bbq!



Ingredietns:

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
2 pounds lean ground turkey
1 packages turkey hot dogs, sliced 1/2-inch thick
1 onion, chopped
1 tablespoon steak seasoning (recommended: Montreal Steak Seasoning by McCormick)
1 tablespoon chili powder
3 tablespoons dark brown sugar
3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 (14.5-ounce) can tomato sauce (I would recommend adding another 1/2 to 1 can more of tomoato sauce for a good saucy sammy)
9 soft whole grain burger rolls, toasted

1.Heat the extra-virgin olive oil, a turn of the pan, in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add meat and crumble as it browns. Add chopped hot dogs after 3 to 4 minutes then cook 3 to 4 minutes more.
2. Add the onions to the pan and cook to soften, 5 to 6 minutes more. In a bowl mix the spices, sugar, Worcestershire and tomato sauce. Pour sauce over the meat and simmer a few minutes to combine flavors. At this point you could deciede if you wanted to add more sauce. If so, just open a can and satrt pouring until the right consistancy for you! Slop onto toasted buns and serve.

Yumm! So fast right? Yeah it will take a whole 20 minutes. Here are some side dishes you could add to finish this meal: coleslaw, salad, watermellon, corn on the cob, fresh veggies and dip, fruit salad..... Whatever you like! ENJOY!!

Winner and Urban Cowboy burgers

Ok, well it has been so much fun reading posts from my fans...thanks guys!! I told Rex that I wanted to buy gifts for all my readers to show my appreciation, but we are still starving students :) I love you all and I am grateful that I am able to do this and that I have loyal fans!!! Ok, moving on the winner is.....

True Random Number Generator

Min: 1
Max: 15
Result: 2

Powered by RANDOM.ORG

# 2, which is my cutest friend Aubrey Richardson!! Yeah Aub! Congrats, love you!! here is my email: britneybeard@yahoo.com . Send me your address and I will send your package tomorrow! Thanks to everyone out there too!!

Ok, onto the food part, yum! These turkey burgers are soooo good and full of tons of flavor! I make them all the time! Thanks to Mrs. Rachel Ray for being the queen of burgers!



Ingredients: (yield:4 burgers)

4 pieces turkey bacon
1 lb. ground turkey
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1/4 cup chopped red onion
1 teaspoon dried thyme
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoon Montreal steak seasoning
lettuce
tomato
avocado
pepper jack cheese
pickles
whole grain buns

1.Chop garlic and veggies
2. Heat nonstick skillet and cook bacon until crisp. Drain on paper towels. Wipe skillet clean and return to heat.
3.While bacon is cooking combine turkey, garlic, onion, thyme, cilantro, cumin and grill seasoning. Divide mixture into 4 equal mounds then form into patties. Spray patties with olive oil spray. Cook in skillet over med-high heat until done. About 5-6 minutes per side. Place cheese on during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
4. Garnish buns and burgers as desired and serve with homemade french fries!

Stuffed Tomatoes

I got this recipe out of my family circle magazine and we loved it! They always have great ideas and recipes, which is why I tried this one out. Really good, fast, and fun to try something different. Give it a try :)



Ingredients:

6 large ripe tomatoes
1 lb. ground turkey
2 large cloves garlic, chopped
1 cup cooked instant brown rice
1/4 cup pine nuts
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

1. Heat oven to 325. Rinse tomatoes and pat dry. Cut tops off tomatoes and scoop out pulp.
2. Heat a large nonstick skilled over medium heat and add ground turkey and garlic. Break up meat and cook for about 7 minutes or until cooked through. Add rice, pine nuts, oregano, salt, and pepper to meat. Cover and cook on medium low for 3 minutes.
4. Remove pan from heat and stir in cheese and 1 1/2 tablespoons parsley. Spoon filling into tomatoes, mounding slightly.
5. Place tomatoes in a 9x13 dish. Cover dish with foil and bake at 325 for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake and additional 5 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining parsley.

* Serve with crusty bread and a salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted sweet potatoes.
* Only 280 calories and less that 8 grams of fat! Awesome!

Taco Pizza

We love us some yummy pizza around here, so I am always trying to think of new ways to make it. This week I came up with this! SO GOOD!! Combine Mexican and Italian and poof, delicious!!!



Crust
I use this one, but you can use any thing you like!

Toppings:

1/2 lb. cooked ground turkey, seasoned with taco seasoning
red taco sauce
shredded mozzarella cheese
chopped tomatoes
shredded lettuce
olives
(any other taco toppings you like)

1. After you make your crust or prepare it bake it at 425 for about 7-8 minutes to prep it. Next, spread red taco sauce on it and cover in meat and then cheese. Bake at 425 again for about 10 minutes or until cheese is melted and crust is golden brown.
2. Top with lettuce, tomatoes, and olives and cut into slices. So GOOD and so easy!!

Pot Stickers and Fried Rice

This was soooo good! It was fun to try something new too!! It didn't take me 30 minutes, more like 45, but totally worth it! My hubby loved these pot stickers and it is a perfect fake out take out! Try it!

Ingredients:

Pot Stickers:

1/2 lb. ground turkey

1 cup shredded blanched cabbage ( I used green) To blanch: boil some water and add your shredded cabbage to water for 1 minute. Take out with tongs and lay on paper towels to cool.

1/4 cup grated carrots

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1/4 teaspoon ginger powder

salt and pepper

won ton wrappers

Fried Rice:

1 cup instant brown rice

2 scrambled egg whites or eggs

1/4 peas

1/4 cup diced steamed carrots

1. Mix your ground turkey, blanched cabbage, carrots, ginger, soy sauce and salt and pepper. Boil about 3 inches of water in a big pot. Assemble your pot stickers by putting about 1 teaspoon of mixture into the center of won ton wrapper. Wet the edges and fold and press.

2 After your pot stickers are ready place a colander into pot with water. Lay a few large cabbage leaves onto colander. This keeps the pot stickers from sticking to the colander. Lay as many as you can with out over lapping or touching. These babies will stick together and you don't want that :) Place lid on pot and steam for about 10 minutes. Repeat until all you pot stickers are cooked.

3. While your pot stickers are cooking prepare fried rice. Boil 1 cup of water and add 1 chicken bouillon cube to it. When boiling add rice and cook for 10 minutes on med/low. In last couple of minutes add peas and carrots. Right before serving gently fold in scrabbled eggs. Season with salt and pepper. Serve this yummy meal with steamed broccoli or steamed snap peas and this quick dipping sauce!

Sauce: Mix 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 teaspoon spicy mustard and 2 teaspoons rice or white vinegar together and dip!

Sweet and Sour Meatballs

I love using my crock pot and the fall season seems so appropriate to cook lots of yummy meals in it. These meatballs are a total crowd pleaser for sure and the yummy sauce is to die for! And of course it is and fix it and forget it meal so dinner is ready on busy nights. Enjoy!

Ingredients

Meatballs:

1 lb. ground turkey

1/2 cup bread crumbs (I use Italian for more flavor)

1/4 cup fat-free milk

3/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1 egg, beaten

2 tablespoons finely chopped or grated onion

1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Sauce:

1/3 cup packed brown sugar

2 tablespoons cornstarch

13 oz can pineapple chunks, undrained

1/3 cup vinegar

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 green bell pepper

1/3 cup water

1. Combine meatball ingredients in a bowl. Shape into 3/4-1 inch balls. (I use my little cookie scoop) Brown all sides in a non-stick skillet. Place in slow cooker.

2. Add brown sugar and cornstarch to same warm skillet. Stir in remaining ingredients. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Pour over meatballs.

3. Place lid on cooker and cook for 3-4 hours on low. Pair these meatballs over rice (brown or white) and serve with steamed broccoli and you have a delicious healthily meal.

* If you like pineapple you can use the 20 oz. can. That's what we do and my hubby isn't a huge fan of peppers so I just leave them out and use lots of pineapple!

Melty Meatball Sammies

These are always a request by my husband and they are really good!! I love sammies, because you can make a million different combos, but this one is great! Perfect if you have left over meatballs, but if you don't have any they come together in no time!! SO GOOD!

Ingredients:

1/2 lb. ground turkey (makes about 3 sammies, double for more!)

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 cup bread crumbs

handful of Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup chopped onion ( I grate it because Rex isn't a huge fan of onion chunks)

a squeeze of ketchup

salt and pepper

1/2 cup pasta sauce, whatever you have in the fridge

a loaf of french bread, sliced into long sandwich pieces

mozzarella cheese

parsley

1. Make the meatballs: mix meat, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic powder, parm cheese, ketchup and a bit of salt and pepper in a bowl. Using a little cookie scoop, scoop out balls and place on a foil lined cookie sheet, sprayed with non-stick spray. Bake at 450 for about 12 min.

2. While they are cooking, cut bread and spread each slice with some pasta sauce (don't use all of it we need a little more for later!) When the meatballs are done toss them in a bowl with remaining pasta sauce. You can make them as saucy as you like!

3. Cut each ball in half and place on bread. Top with mozzarella cheese and pop under the broiler for a few minutes. Sprinkle with parsley and you are ready to eat!! I pair these sandwiches with salad or broccoli and you are set! Enjoy!

Yummy Shepherd's Pie

I am a Rachel Ray fan, especially of her food and recipes! They always turn out great! Well, this 30 minute pie is so easy and good, delicious comfort food that is of course healthy and quick. It makes a casserole full so good for leftovers or in your hubby's lunch! It will fill an empty belly!

I am not sure why but you can't see any carrots in this picture, but I assure you they are in there!!

Ingredients:

2 lbs. russet potatoes, peeled and cubed ( I guessed about 5-6 med potatoes)

1 lb. ground turkey

1 carrot, peeled and chopped

1 onion, chopped

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons flour

1 cup beef broth

2 teaspoons Worcestershire

1/2 cup frozen peas

2 tablespoons sour cream

1/4 cup milk

1 teaspoon paprika

fresh parsley

1. In a large pot, boil potatoes in salted water until tender, about 12 minutes.

2. While potatoes boil, beat a large skilled over med-high heat. Add a drizzle of oil and add ground turkey. Season with salt and pepper. Brown and crumble meat for 3-4 minutes. Add carrot and onion. Cook 5 more minutes, stirring frequently. In a second small skillet or sauce pan over med. heat cook butter and flour together, 2 minutes. Whisk in broth and Worcestershire. Cook to thicken, 1 minute. Add gravy to meat mixture. Stir in peas.

3. Drain potatoes and pour into bowl. Combine sour cram and milk. Pour the mixture into potatoes and mas until almost smooth. Taste and add salt and pepper if needed.

4. Preheat broiler to high. Fill and 2 quart dish with meat and vegetable mixture. Spoon potatoes evenly over the meat. Sprinkle with paprika and broil 6-8 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped parsley.

* I would serve this with tomatoes or a green salad. Add a biscuit and you are good to go!

* I made extra potatoes so my kids could eat them without the meat. They loved it!!

Creamy & Meaty Pasta with Veggies

I came up with this last week because I wanted to use yummy veggies from my mother-in-law's huge garden. I LOVE creamy pastas, but not fatty ones, so this is a new way to enjoy a yummy one dish, healthy, warm meal. Try it, you will love it! Oh, it's really fast and easy to make too :)

Ingredients:

1 lb. ground turkey

3 cups curly noodles

1 can cream of chicken soup (98% fat free)

1/2 cup beef stock or water

1 cup sliced carrots

1 cup cut green beans

1/2 cup corn

sliced tomatoes

1. Get some water boiling and cook those noodles. While they are cooking, steam the carrots and green beans in microwave or on the stove.

2. In a skillet, cook the ground turkey and season with salt, pepper, onion and garlic powder. When the meat is cooked through, and the soup and water/broth in until smooth and creamy. Now, you can add more water if you like. However you like your sauce. Next add your veggies and stir to combine.

3. Drain your noodles and toss them into. Stir gentley and taste. Add more salt and pepper if needed. I am a fan of pepper.... so I added some more. Next dish into bowls and top with tomatoes....garden fresh if possible!! Enjoy.

* You can serve with corn muffins or berry muffins to complete this meal.

Baked Wagon Wheel Pasta

I love making yummy comfort food that is healthy. Especially meals where you don't have to feel guilty about after dinner is over. So, here is a great dinner that is sure to hit the spot! I got this one out of my trusty Better Homes and Gardens cookbook and with them you just can't go wrong! The best part is you probably have everything you need in your kitchen so you can make this any night! Enjoy!

Ingredients:

2 1/3 cups dried wagon wheel pasta

1 lb. ground turkey or turkey Italian sausage

( I used a little of each, what I had in the freezer)

3/4 cup chopped onion

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 26-ounce jar pasta sauce

3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

fresh basil and oregano

1. Cook pasta according to directions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet cook meat, onion, and garlic until meat is brown, remove from skillet.
3. In a large bowl stir together pasta sauce, 1/2 cup cheese, and the pepper. Add the cooked pasta and meat mixture. Gently stir to combine. Spoon mixture into a 2 quart casserole dish.
4. Bake, covered, in a 375 degree oven for 25 minutes. Uncover and sprinkle with 1/4 cup cheese and cook for 5 more minutes until cheese is melted. Sprinkle with fresh cut basil and oregano.
5. Serve with garlic bread and broccoli and you have a healthy meal!

* You could also bake this in little single serving ramekins for fun! Cook for 15-20 minutes and then add cheese.
* Add mushrooms and sliced zucchini for a little more flavor too!