Crunchy Baked Taco Wonton Cups

Crunchy Baked Taco Wonton Cups

Crunchy Baked Wonton Taco Cups

Hey all, happy New Year! I was recently invited to participate in JSL Foods Twin Dragon Asian Wrapper Recipe Challenge and I came up with a fun recipe for these Crunchy Baked Taco Wonton Cups using their Twin Dragon Wonton Wrappers. They make a great idea for a holiday appetizer or for game day…or any special event that includes finger foods for a crowd!

Baked Taco Wonton Cups

They’re basically bite-sized mini tacos in a crunchy wonton baked to perfection, filled with taco beef, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, cilantro, onions, and garlic; topped with melted Mexican-blend cheese, sour cream, salsa and cilantro…and they are soooo good and so easy to make!

Twin Dragon Wonton Wrappers

These Wonton wrappers are really easy to work with and they come precut in a package which is great. They can be boiled, steamed or fried, or easily baked like I did, by spraying some oil on top and in the bottom of the muffin pan so they get golden brown and crunchy. 

Cook beef and veggies

First brown your ground beef with some onions, garlic, and taco seasoning until the flavors meld together and the meat is cooked through. Then add the corn, cilantro, chopped tomatoes with chiles, and mix together. If you like a little extra heat you could add some extra jalapeños here!

layer wonton cups

Spray your muffin pan with some cooking spray and place one wonton in each cup. Fill with a tablespoon of the meat mixture and top with a tablespoon of the shredded cheese. Repeat with another wonton on top and another layer of taco mixture and cheese.

Baked Wonton Cups

Spray or brush the tops of the wontons with a little more oil and bake for about 10-12 minutes at 375 until they are crispy golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Baked Taco Wonton Cups

Serve on a platter with some salsa and sour cream and garnish with cilantro or green onions.

Baked Taco Wonton Cups

So fun and absolutely delish! Feel free to play with the toppings that you like – jalapeños, green onions, hot sauce, avocado or guacamole would be amazing.

Baked Taco Wonton Cups

Any way you make them you can bet they’ll be the hit of the party!

Baked Taco Wonton Cups

Baked Taco Wonton Cups
Baked Taco Wonton Cups
Baked Taco Wonton Cups

Crunchy Baked Taco Wonton Cups

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 32 minutes

Yield: 12 Wonton Taco Cups

Serving Size: 1

These Crunchy Baked Wonton Taco Cups are basically bite-sized mini tacos in a crunchy wonton baked to perfection, filled with taco beef, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, cilantro, onions, and garlic; topped with melted Mexican-blend cheese, sour cream, salsa and cilantro...and they are soooo good and so easy to make!

Ingredients

  • 24 Twin Dragon Wonton Wrappers
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, plus extra for garnish
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 2/3 cup water
  • 1/2 cup cooked corn
  • 1/2 cup diced tomatoes with chilies
  • 1 cup shredded Mexican Blend cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream, for garnish
  • 1/2 cup salsa , for garnish
  • Jalapeños, for garnish
  • Green onions, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
  2. Spray a muffin pan with cooking spray and set aside.
  3. Heat a large saute pan with oil and cook ground beef and onions until no longer pink.
  4. Add garlic and cilantro and cook for an additional minute.
  5. Add taco seasoning and water and reduce heat to medium; cook for an additional 5 minutes to let flavors meld.
  6. Stir in the corn and diced tomatoes with chilies, cook for 5 minutes more.
  7. Line each cup of prepared muffin pan with one wonton wrapper.
  8. Add 1 1/2 tablespoons of taco meat mixture and 1 tablespoon of cheese into each wrapper.
  9. Repeat layering with another wonton (pressing down a little bit) and add more taco meat and cheese into the pan.
  10. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the wontons are golden brown and crispy and the cheese is melted.
  11. Top the Baked Wonton Cups with salsa, sour cream, more cilantro and green onions and jalapeños if desired.

Notes

Feel free to experiment with fillings and toppings and most of all enjoy! Double or triple the recipe for a larger crowd.

https://www.theartfulgourmet.com/2021/01/crunchy-baked-taco-wonton-cups/

I can think of a million different ways to make these Crunchy Baked Wonton Cups – try chicken or shrimp or pork with some different sauces and toppings!

Baked Taco Wonton Cups

 

Baked Taco Wonton Cups

Have fun experimenting with them and if you make my recipe please leave a comment below on how they turned out!

Follow JSL Foods on Social Media for more fun recipe ideas! You can find the Wonton Wrappers online or in these stores: Walmart, Albertson’s, QFC, and Giant Food Stores, Shaw’s, Von’s, Stater Bros, Fred Meyer, Safeway, Associated Stores, Shop N Shop, Winco, and Price Chopper.

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#JSLFoods #BloggerRecipeChallenge #TwinDragon #ChefYaki

Mediterranean Beef Kebabs w/ Tzatziki

Mediterranean Kebabs w/ Tzatziki

These grilled Mediterranean Beef Kebabs are the perfect #low-carb/#Keto/#Whole30-friendly dish made with lightly spiced Steakhouse Elite Grass-Fed Ground Beef grilled on skewers. Now that Spring is on the way, I’m focusing on eating healthier and less carbs with whole, fresh, #organic ingredients.

Mediterranean Kebabs w/ Tzatziki

Once the beef skewers are grilled, they are served with a simple, lovely salad made with fresh sun-roasted tomatoes, cucumber, red onions, parsley, mint, and crumbled feta, and a side of homemade tzatziki sauce made with garlic, cucumbers, mint and greek yogurt.

Mediterranean Kebabs w/ Tzatziki

Healthy, light and delicious! You can also serve these on grilled pita bread if you wish. Pairs well with a crisp white wine or light red.

Mediterranean Beef Kebabs w/ Tzatziki

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Yield: Serves 4.

Serving Size: 1-2 Kebabs w/ Tzatziki

These grilled Mediterranean Beef Kebabs are the perfect low-carb/Keto/Whole30-friendly dish made with lightly spiced Steakhouse Elite Grass-Fed Ground Beef grilled on skewers. They’re served with fresh tomatoes, cucumber, red onions, parsley, mint, and crumbled feta, and a side of homemade tzatziki sauce. Healthy, light and delicious!

Ingredients

  • BEEF KEBABS:
  • 1 medium onion, minced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup fresh parsley, minced
  • 1 1/2 pounds Steakhouse Elite Grass-Fed Ground Beef
  • 1/2 cup finely ground almond flour + 1 tablespoon water
  • Kosher Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper
  • 4 teaspoons Mediterranean or Greek seasoning
  • SIDE SALAD:
  • 1 large tomato, sliced
  • 1 red onion, sliced
  • 1 cucumber, sliced
  • Parsley, chopped
  • Mint, chopped
  • Feta Cheese, crumbled
  • TZATZIKI:
  • 3 Persian, Kirby or ½ English cucumbers, cut into ¼-inch pieces
  • Kosher salt
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 garlic clove, lightly crushed
  • ¼ cup chopped mint

Instructions

  1. BEEF KEBABS:
  2. Soak 10 wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes to 1 hour, removing when ready to start making beef kebabs. Lightly oil a grill or grill pan and preheat to medium-high.
  3. Finely mince the onion, garlic, and parsley and place in a large mixing bowl. Add the ground beef, almond flour/water mixture, salt and pepper and Mediterranean spices. Mix together with your hands until well combined. Alternatively, you can mince all the ingredients together in a food processor.
  4. Take a handful portion of the meat mixture and mold it on a wooden skewer into a long log-shaped kebab about 1 inch wide. Repeat with the rest of the meat and skewers, laying them on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.
  5. Place the beef kebabs on the grill and cook for 4 minutes on one side, turn over and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
  6. Serve the kebabs with a side salad made of sliced tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, parsley, mint and feta cheese with a side of tzatziki for dipping.
  7. TZATZIKI:
  8. Toss cucumbers with a few generous pinches of salt in a small bowl; firmly squeeze several times with your hands to release excess water. Drain.
  9. Mix cucumbers, yogurt, oil, lemon juice, and garlic in a medium bowl; season with salt. Let sit at room temperature 15–20 minutes; discard garlic. Stir in mint just before serving.
  10. Do Ahead: Tzatziki can be made 2-3 days ahead (without mint). Cover and chill in the refrigerator, and add fresh mint just before serving.

Notes

You can also substitute the ground beef with ground lamb or chicken, and serve with a side of grilled pita bread if desired.

https://www.theartfulgourmet.com/2020/03/mediterranean-beef-kebabs-w-tzatziki/

Mediterranean Kebabs w/ Tzatziki

Enjoy!

Rock Star Chili

Rock Star Chili

It’s that time of year again where all i really want to do is stay in and cook some hearty comfort food and watch Netflix with my kitty under a big fluffy blanket. Chili is one of my fav recipes to make because it’s super easy, all in one pot, and a little spicy and savory and oh-so-good.

It’s a simple mix of ground beef, onions and garlic, chili seasoning, beans, stewed tomatoes, whole tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, kidney beans, chili beans, beef broth and a dash of hot sauce all simmered into a lovely big pot of chili goodness. Simply top it with all your favorite toppings like a dab of sour cream, some shredded cheddar or mexican blend cheese, jalapeños, cilantro and then serve some corn chips or tortilla chips along side for the perfect cozy dish, game-day ready!

To make homemade chili seasoning (rather than premixed) use this recipe:

Ingredients

  • 5 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoons cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

Instructions

  • Place all of the ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Adjust seasonings to taste.

Feel free to play with this base chili recipe and make it your own! You can add a 12-ounce bottle of beer along with the tomatoes and broth in the beginning of cooking for a more complex flavor. If you want to amp up the heat factor, add some chopped jalapeños and a few tablespoons of the jalapeño juice into the chili towards the end, adjusting to heat level desired. A few chopped up chipotle peppers and dash of sauce will also give a smoky flavor to the chili without the heat. Swap smoked paprika for regular paprika in the chili seasoning for some smoky flavor as well.

The chili can also be prepared a few days ahead. Let the chili cool then cover with foil and keep in the refrigerator. Rewarm over low heat before serving.

Rock Star Chili

Rating: 51

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour, 45 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours

Yield: 8-10

Serving Size: Approx 1 cup

This is a super easy and super delish rock star chili recipe - you can adjust the heat by adding additional jalapeños, diced green chilies and/or hot sauce. Perfect cozy one-pot dish for a gloomy Winter day!

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 3 pounds ground beef (80/20) - ground chuck***
  • 2 large onions, chopped
  • 6 garlic cloves, minced
  • One packet Chili-O seasoning mix or homemade chili seasoning (see post for recipe)
  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 3 cups low-sodium beef or chicken broth
  • One 8-ounce can stewed tomatoes
  • One 8-ounce can whole tomatoes, chopped
  • One 8-ounce can Ro-tel diced tomatoes with chilies
  • One 6-ounce can tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons hot sauce (optional, add to taste)
  • One 8-ounce can red kidney beans
  • One 8-ounce can prepared chili beans
  • Garnishes: sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro, jalapeño, corn chips or tortilla chips

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil in a large heavy pot and add ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease from pot. Stir in the chili seasoning, salt and pepper.
  2. Add onions and cook over medium heat until translucent, stirring often, about 8-10 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for another minute or so.
  3. Pour in the broth, all the tomatoes, tomato paste and hot sauce and simmer the chili over low heat until thickened to desired consistency, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, for at least an hour to 1 hour 15 minutes.
  4. Mix in beans. Simmer 5 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper, stir together. Reduce heat to low until ready to serve.
  5. To serve ladel into bowls and garnish with sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro, jalapeños and corn or tortilla chips, if desired.

Notes

Feel free to play with this base chili recipe and make it your own! You can add a 12-ounce bottle of beer along with the tomatoes and broth in the beginning of cooking for a more complex flavor. If you want to amp up the heat factor, add some chopped jalapeños and a few tablespoons of the jalapeño juice into the chili towards the end, adjusting to heat level desired. A few chopped up chipotle peppers and dash of sauce will also give a smoky flavor to the chili without the heat. Swap smoked paprika for regular paprika in the chili seasoning for some smoky flavor as well.

To make homemade chili seasoning (rather than premixed) use this recipe:

Ingredients- 5 tablespoons chili powder 1 tablespoons cumin 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 teaspoon dried basil 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon onion powder

Instructions- Place all of the ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Feel free to adjust seasonings to taste. 

DO AHEAD Can be prepared 3 days ahead. Refrigerate until cold, then cover. Rewarm over low heat before serving.

https://www.theartfulgourmet.com/2019/12/rock-star-chili/

One Pot Chili Mac Soup {Gluten Free}

One Pot Chili Mac Soup {Gluten Free}

It’s a cold, rainy Fall day in NYC, and what better than to make a big pot of cozy comfort food for the soul?

One Pot Chili Mac Soup {Gluten Free / TresOmega Pasta}

I was invited to join the TresOmega Blogger Recipe Challenge and I thought my One Pot Chili Mac Soup recipe would be the perfect thing to make with their gluten free pasta incorporated. This recipe is a cross between chili, tacos, mac and cheese and soup – all mixed together into a delicious pot of goodness..trust me, you’re gonna love this!!!

TresOmega Gluten Free Pasta

TresOmega Gluten Free Quinoa Elbows Pasta is made with a unique blend of Organic Royal Bolivian Quinoa – a nutrient packed superfood, organic amaranth, an ancient grain rich is vitamins and minerals, and organic white rice. The pasta is gluten-free, corn-free and certified organic and GMO-free, and has 3 grams of fiber and 6 grams of protein in each serving.

Tresomega Pasta + Coconut Oil

First I cooked the pasta and tossed it in some TresOmega Virgin Coconut oil  to add to the soup later.

Brown beef, garlic and onions

Next I browned the ground beef, garlic and onions in a little more coconut oil and added some taco seasoning to the mixture in a large dutch oven.

Add veggies and beans and chiles to the pot

Then I added all the delicious veggies to the pot – corn, three types of beans, tomatoes, and chiles, and mixed it all together with the ranch seasoning. Just cover the pot and let simmer on low for about an hour, adding the cooked pasta in the last 5 minutes of cooking. Guys, this is so easy..and soooo good!

One Pot Chili Mac Soup {Gluten Free}

You can top this soup with whatever your heart desires – sour cream, jalapeños, shredded Mexican cheese, green onions, corn chips, maybe even a little parsley or cilantro for some extra green…go nuts!

One Pot Chili Mac Soup {Gluten Free}

This one-pot recipe is so simple to make and so delicious and best of all gluten free! So you can have a big pot of comfort food without all the guilt and feeling weighted down. Although on a cold rainy day like today, it might just warrant taking a nice nap afterwards. Enjoy 😉

One Pot Chili Mac Soup {Gluten Free}

One Pot Chili Mac Soup

One Pot Chili Mac Soup {Gluten Free}

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Yield: 1 bowl

Serving Size: 6-8

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons Tresomega Virgin Coconut oil, divided
  • 2 pounds ground beef or turkey
  • 2 onions, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • One 15 1/2-ounce can pinto beans
  • One 15 1/2-ounce can black beans
  • One 15 1/2-ounce can kidney beans
  • One 8.75-ounce can whole kernel corn, drained
  • One 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
  • One 14 1/2-ounce can tomatoes with chiles
  • Two 4 1/2-ounce cans diced green chiles
  • One 1 1/4-ounce package taco seasoning mix
  • One 1-ounce package ranch salad dressing mix
  • One package Tresomega Gluten Free Elbows
  • Corn chips, for garnish
  • Sour cream, for garnish
  • Shredded Mexican cheese blend, for garnish
  • Chopped green onions, for garnish
  • Pickled jalapenos, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat one tablespoon of Tresomega Coconut Oil over medium high heat in a large skillet. Add the ground beef, onions and garlic and brown for about 5-7 minutes; drain the excess fat. Transfer the mixture to a large stockpot or Dutch oven, stir in taco seasoning.
  2. Add the beans, corn, tomatoes, green chiles and ranch dressing mix, and simmer over low heat for about 1 hour in the pot on the stove.
  3. Meanwhile, cook Tresomega Elbows according to package directions, drain, toss with a tablespoon of Tresomega Coconut Oil and set aside.
  4. Add cooked pasta to the pot in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
  5. To serve, ladle soup into bowls. Top with corn chips, sour cream, shredded Mexican cheese, green onions and jalapenos.

Notes

Note - you can also cook the soup in a slow cooker over low heat for 6-8 hours.

https://www.theartfulgourmet.com/2017/11/one-pot-chili-mac-soup-gluten-free/

One Pot Chili Mac Soup {Gluten Free}

To find out more info and purchase Tresomega Nutrition products, visit their website or visit them on social media:

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You can also purchase their products at: Sams.com, Amazon.com and Walmart.com”

#TookTheChallenge #Tresomega #OrganicsForLife

#glutenfree #HealthyFood

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post by TresOmega Nutrition as part of their Blogger Recipe Challenge. I did not receive compensation for this post but did receive products to develop this recipe and all opinions, recipes, photos and text are my own. Please do not use any images without my granted permission. Do feel free to share this post on social media with a link back to the original post and credit to Kristen Hess/The Artful Gourmet. 

One Pot Chili Mac Soup {Gluten Free}

Porcini Linguine w/ Spicy Beef + Mushroom Ragu

Porcini Pasta

So Fall is finally here guys! My absolute favorite time of the year – cooler temperatures, the leaves changing, sweaters, jeans and boots, leather jackets, crickets late in the day along with spectacular sunsets… and especially the FOOD!

Porcini Pasta

I had some gorgeous porcini linguine that I bought at the Rochester Downtown Farmer’s Market on hand, and thought a Spicy Beef and Mushroom Ragu sauce would be the perfect compliment for a savory tasty Fall pasta dish.

Porcini Pasta

I added some Crushed Hot Chili Pepper Spread  to the beef and mushroom mixture sautéed with shallots and garlic, which took the flavor and heat up just a notch…then added a little spicy marinara sauce, but not too much…

Porcini Pasta

After I cooked the pasta, I mixed the beef and mushroom ragu back into the pot, and tossed it all together with some of the reserved pasta water and  lots of parmesan cheese, just because.

Porcini Pasta

Of course I topped it all of with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley and torn mozzarella cheese, salt and pepper… and it happily made my day.

Porcini Linguine w/ Zesty Beef + Mushroom Ragu

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Yield: 4-6

This pasta dish has a savory umami flavor from the porcini mushroom linguine, along with a spicy beef and mushroom ragu zested up with some red chile pepper paste, shallots and garlic. Super healthy and delicious with some crusty Italian bread and olive oil and a glass of red wine.

Ingredients

  • * 1 pound porcini mushroom linguine
  • * 2 tbsp olive oil
  • * 3/4 pound ground beef
  • * 6-8 baby bella mushrooms, sliced
  • * 2 shallots, sliced thin
  • * 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • * 2 tablespoons spicy hot chili pepper paste (Colavita)
  • * 3/4 cup marinara sauce
  • * 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • * Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • * 2-3 slices fresh mozzarella cheese, torn into pieces
  • * 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta in salted boiling water for about 9-10 minutes until al dente, drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water, and set aside.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a sauce pan over medium heat, cook the ground beef, about 5-7 minutes, drain and set aside.
  3. Add the additional tablespoon of olive oil and cook garlic, mushrooms and shallots for another 5 minutes or so until soft and cooked through. Mix into the cooked ground beef mixture and add spicy chili pepper paste and marinara sauce with some of the reserved pasta water until it's soft and mixes together into a sauce (but not overly saucy). Feel free to add more sauce and water to your liking for the desired consistency and thickness / thinness of the sauce.
  4. Toss the meat ragu in with the cooked pasta, add parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Serve pasta with fresh torn mozzarella and chopped fresh parsley.
https://www.theartfulgourmet.com/2017/09/porcini-linguine-w-spicy-beef-mushroom-ragu/

Porcini Pasta

So easy and delicious with all the flavors of Fall. Enjoy!

Balsamic Tomato Basil Pasta w/ Fresh Ricotta

Balsamic Tomato Basil Pasta with Fresh Ricotta

Summer is in full swing, and we all know what that means…TOMATO SEASON! I’m sure you all have a bountiful crop of tomatoes lying around from your garden..and if not, a plentiful supply of them from the farmers market or grocery store. So what better recipe to make with them than a gorgeous, easy Summer pasta dish?

Balsamic Tomato Pasta

Now I know this may sound weird, but I am not a fan of raw tomatoes. Never have, never will. Yeah, I am THAT person. But, when they’re cooked with a plethora of fresh ingredients to sweeten them up and break them down into a gorgeous sauce or salsa? I’m a huge tomato fan once they are transformed into some sweet and savory deliciousness…so here we go. Balsamic Tomato Basil Pasta with Fresh Ricotta.

Balsamic Tomato Pasta

This is truly Summer in a Bowl, my friends. This pasta dish is so simple and fresh you’re gonna love it. I made a lovely chunky sauce with a batch of chopped fresh tomatoes, simmered in 7 Barrels Balsamic Vinegar and their Sweet Basil Olive Oil (omg #LOVE!), with sautéed sweet onions and garlic, red pepper flakes and chicken stock.  Then I tossed the pasta with a little bit of the pasta water, added the cooked balsamic tomato sauce, and topped it with fresh basil, some big dollops of fresh ricotta, and lots of Parmesan cheese. Juicy, sweet, tangy, savory perfection.

Balsamic Tomato Basil Pasta w/ Fresh Ricotta

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Yield: Serves 4-6

Serving Size: 1 cup

This is truly Summer in a Bowl, my friends. Made with fresh tomatoes simmered in 7 Barrels Balsamic Vinegar and Sweet Basil Olive oil, with sautéed sweet onions and garlic making a lovely chunky tomato sauce..topped with fresh basil and ricotta cheese and more Parmesan cheese! And it's so easy to make that you won't be slaving over the stove in this hot weather either. Juicy, sweet, tangy, savory perfection. 

Ingredients

  • 1 pound of pasta, reserving some of the pasta cooking water
  • 1 tablespoon Seven Barrels Sweet Basil extra virgin olive oil
  • 4-6 large tomatoes, diced
  • 1 small onion, diced (about 1/2 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 cup Seven Barrels Traditional Balsamic vinegar
  • 1/4 cup chicken stock
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh ricotta cheese, for garnish
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, torn into pieces, for garnish
  • Sea salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions, drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add tomatoes, onions, garlic and red pepper flakes.
  3. Reduce the heat to medium and cook 3 to 5 minutes over medium heat, until onions begin to get soft and lightly browned and tomatoes release some of their liquid.
  4. Place balsamic vinegar, chicken stock, and cornstarch in a small bowl and whisk well. Carefully add it to the skillet and continue to cook for a few minutes more until the sauce slightly thickens; remove from the heat.
  5. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the tomatoes, and toss together over low heat for an additional few minutes until the sauce coats the pasta. Add a small amount of the pasta cooking water if the mixture is too dry, to your desired sauce consistency.
  6. Place the pasta in large bowl and top with fresh grated Parmesan, ricotta cheese, and basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Serve hot, immediately with some crusty garlic bread.
https://www.theartfulgourmet.com/2017/08/balsamic-tomato-basil-pasta-w-fresh-ricotta/

Balsamic Tomato Pasta

Yes please, I’ll take another bowl.

Beef Enchilada Tortilla Casserole for Game Day!

 

Beef Enchilada Tortilla Casserole

 

It’s finally Fall (Yay!) and football season is in full force which means fun tailgating and parties with friends mixed with lots of delicious football party food and drinks! My favorite time of year.

Beef Enchilada Tortilla Casserole

I’ve partnered with Mission Foods to create a delicious Game Day recipe for serving a crowd with their awesome flour tortillas, and I present to you my Beef Enchilada Tortilla Casserole.

Beef Enchilada Tortilla Casserole

 

It’s made with ground beef and taco seasoning, onions, garliccorn, jalapeños, chopped tomatoes, beef broth and LOTS of cheese, all baked in layers of spicy, cheesy, ooey-gooey goodness with the flour tortillas in a 9-inch pie pan. Then it’s served cut into wedges and topped with some fresh green onions. You can also serve it with some sour cream and cilantro for extra garnish, if you like, on the side.

Beef Enchilada Tortilla Casserole

 

I love making casseroles and one-pot dishes in the Fall, and especially for parties with friends because they’re easy to make and easy to transport and serve, and they are usually a huge hit on the food table! This one will disappear fast so you might want to double the recipe for a big crowd – trust me!

Group8_Soft_Flour_Tortillas

I’m also hosting a giveaway for my readers to win 2 packs of Mission Foods Tortillas – all you need to do is leave a comment and your email below telling me how you would use the tortillas to make a delicious recipe for your Fall Football party! A winner will be chosen at random.

Beef Enchilada Tortilla Casserole

Hope you enjoy my super yum recipe and enter for a chance to win tortillas to make your party more delicious and fun too!

Mission Foods Football Party Food

Beef Enchilada Tortilla Casserole

Beef Enchilada Tortilla Casserole for Game Day!

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Yield: 6-8

Serving Size: 1 wedge

This Beef Enchilada Tortilla Casserole is a super easy and tasty dish to make for Football season! Made with Mission Foods flour tortillas, all layered with a spicy enchilada beef, mixed with onions, garlic, corn, tomatoes, broth and jalapeño and lots of cheese in the layers and on top! Garnished with scallions, sour cream and cilantro if desired...and DIG IN!

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 onion, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1/2 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 cup petite diced tomatoes and juice (or 1 8-ounce can tomato sauce)
  • 1 cup frozen corn
  • 1 jalapeno, chopped
  • 4 large Mission Foods flour tortillas
  • 1 6-ounce package shredded Mexican Blend cheese (Colby, Monterey Jack and Cheddar)
  • 1-2 scallions, sliced, for garnish
  • 1/2 cup sour cream, for garnish (optional)
  • 2-3 tablespoons cilantro, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  2. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and onion to pan and cook for about 5-6 minutes until browned and crumbled.
  3. In a separate medium saucepan, melt the butter and sauce the garlic for 1 minute until lightly golden, sprinkle with flour and stir, cooking for 30 seconds.
  4. Add broth, taco seasoning, tomatoes, corn and jalapeños to the saucepan and bring to a boil.
  5. Reduce heat and simmer for about 5 minutes.
  6. Add 1 1/2 cups of the tomato-corn-jalapeno mixture to the cooked ground beef and onions in the large saute pan, mixing together and reserving the rest for the top layer of the casserole.
  7. In a 9-inch pie plate, place 1 tortilla on the bottom. Top with 1 cup of the beef mixture, and sprinkle with a layer of the shredded cheese. Repeat layers 2 more times, ending with the 4th tortilla on top.
  8. Spread the reserved tomato mixture over the tortilla and top with the rest of the shredded cheese.
  9. Bake at 400 degrees for about 10 minutes until cheese is melted and golden.
  10. Let cool slightly, then cut into wedges and serve with sliced green onions, and sour cream and cilantro (if desired).

Notes

You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef. For a large crowd, I suggest doubling the recipe to make two casseroles as this one will disappear fast!

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https://www.theartfulgourmet.com/2015/10/beef-enchilada-tortilla-casserole-for-game-day/

STEP-BY-STEP PHOTOS

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Cheesy Skillet Beef Goulash

Cheesy Skillet Beef Goulash

 

It’s summer and OH. SO. HOT. And I honestly haven’t really been in the mood to cook  or do anything lately except lie down in the AC or chill on the beach – but a girl’s gotta eat, right?

Cheesy Skillet Beef Goulash

I’ve also been a bit blue because my Dad is in the hospital and having double bypass heart surgery on Monday morning which is a bit scary..and too much to deal with.

Kristen and Dad

So I decided I needed a dose of some comfort food this weekend to cheer me up and bring me a little closer to home with Dad. 🙂

Cheesy Skillet Beef Goulash

I had a few samples of RedPack petite diced tomatoes on hand and thought they would be perfect for a comforting baked pasta dish – something that reminded me of what Mom used to make for us for dinner.

Cheesy Skillet Beef Goulash

So I whipped up a Cheesy Skillet Beef Goulash – made with ground beef, tomatoes, onion, garlic, elbow macaroni and three cheeses – all cooked together in one skillet, then baked into a pot of bubbly, cheesy goodness.

Cheesy Skillet Beef Goulash

Super simple to make and definitely comforting at that. I think I’ll get through the weekend and Dad’s surgery just fine…after I have some of this deliciousness..and maybe a nap in the A/C. 🙂

Kristen and Dad

Cheesy Skillet Beef Goulash

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Yield: 6-8

This is a classic cheesy baked pasta dish made with macaroni, ground beef, diced tomatoes, onion and garlic, topped with Parmesan and shredded cheddar cheese.

Ingredients

  • 1 package elbow macaroni
  • 2 tablespoons cooking oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3-4 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1- 28 ounce can RedPack petite diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the macaroni, drain and set aside.
  2. Meanwhile, In a large nonstick skillet, add oil and heat until it's shimmering. Add onion, and cook over medium heat until onion is soft, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
  3. Add the ground beef and brown until no longer pink, stirring and breaking it up as you cook.
  4. Add the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce to the skillet and stir. Cook the mixture for about 5 minutes or so until heated through.
  5. Stir in the cooked pasta and Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper, mixing well. Adjust seasonings to your taste buds accordingly...:)
  6. Top the pasta mixture with both shredded cheeses and bake in the oven for about 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  7. Top with additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired and serve hot immediately.

Notes

Goes great with a green salad and garlic bread and a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light fruity red table wine.

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https://www.theartfulgourmet.com/2015/08/cheesy-skillet-beef-goulash/

 

Superfoods Recipes for a Healthy New Year

Once the holidays are over, it’s time for a break from all the super rich food and cocktails and detox with some healthy recipes made with some of my favorite superfoods for a fresh start to a healthy New Year!

What’s all the fuss over superfoods about? They help step up your immunity, boost energy, slow down aging, lift your spirits, improve circulation, detox, improve sleep, and they have healing benefits too. And they just make you feel better and healthier all around. Colorful fruits and vegetables possess tons of vitamins and minerals – start ‘eating the rainbow’, and you’re off to a healthy start, and you can complement it with supplements as thai kratom.

Veggie Bean Soup

The best way to get your fix of Superfoods is to make a big pot of veggie soup in the middle of winter, not only for it’s warming properties, but also because soup gives a big dose of healthy vegetables that boost the immune system, as well as detox and cleanse the body with its healthy ingredients, antibacterial properties, vitamins and minerals, also people use different kind of supplements to burn fat and be healthy just visit site and find out the best ones.

Simmer Soup KitchenAid Stockpot

I’ve created a super healthy soup recipe that I made with my KitchenAid 11-cup Food Processor, that is so convenient to chop, grate and shred all those lovely veggies. Then I just threw them all in my KitchenAid 8-Quart Stainless Steel Stockpot (part of the Stainless Steel 8-piece set that I just got!) to make a delicious and heartwarming Vegetable and Bean Soup. The Stockpot is great because it heats up fast on the stovetop to sauté all the veggies and seasonings and it has etched measurement markings inside the pot that make it easy to measure all the liquids for the soup.

Soup_Ingredients

My soup is full of onions, garlic and chicken stock, which all help build the immunity system and keep the colds away. It also has tons of fresh veggies including zucchini, kale, carrots, celery, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and northern white beans topped with grated Parmesan cheese and extra virgin olive oil and some crusty whole wheat bread for dipping.

Kiwi Apple Berry Blast Smoothie

The New Year is also a great time to cleanse and detox by eating lots of healthy Superfood fruits! I love all berries that are full of antioxidants, with plenty of vitamins for a super boost in the morning.

Smoothie_Ingredients

I’ve created a delicious Kiwi Apple Berry Blast Smoothie recipe made with kiwi, apples, vanilla greek yogurt, almond milk, blueberries, acai berry puree, honey, lemon zest, flax seed and raw almonds.

Fruit and Almonds KitchenAid Diamond Blender

I simply threw all the ingredients into my powerhouse KitchenAid 5-Speed Diamond Blender with 5 different settings that does all the stirring, mixing, blending, pureeing and heavy lifting for me.And the smoothie is a healthy breakfast or snack, giving a big boost of protein and energy from the yogurt, almond milk, flax seeds and almonds; antioxidants from the berries and honey; and betacarotene, vitamin E and C from the kiwi fruit and lemon zest.

Click here to read the full post on the Kitchenthusiast blog by KitchenAid for more photos and recipes!

Chicken Meatball Soup with Kale, Chickpeas & Orzo

ChickenMeatballSoup1

There’s nothing better than a big pot of soup in the Winter – and this has been the longest one..ever. I’ve always loved my Gram’s Minestrone soup – chock full of veggies, ground beef and pasta and thought I would make a spin on it by making it a combination of her Minestrone and Italian Wedding Soup just for fun. I made a batch of chicken meatballs with lots of parmesan cheese, garlic, onion and fresh parsley..browned them up a bit before adding some kale, carrots, chickpeas, chopped tomatoes and orzo and let it all simmer up into a big batch of healthy, heartwarming goodness. I topped it off with some extra grated parmesan, sea salt and fresh cracked pepper and mopped it up with some fresh baked Italian Rosemary bread from Todaro Bros. down the street.

Who says you can’t have some fun during a blizzard? I’m happy as a clam right now. Or as a meatball, bathing in that gorgeous broth with veggies.

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Chicken Meatball Soup with Kale, Chickpeas & Orzo

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour, 15 minutes

Yield: 8

Ingredients

  • Chicken Meatballs:
  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 1/2 cup bread crumbs (plain, dried)
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg, whisked
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon minced dried onion
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Tony Chacere's Creole Seasoning (or sub seasoned salt or poultry seasoning)
  • pinch of cayenne
  • pinch of nutmeg
  • dash of red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon Deliciously Dill Blend (The Spice Hunter)
  • Sea salt
  • Fresh ground black pepper
  • Soup:
  • 2 tablespoons olive or canola oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 20 baby carrots, sliced 1/4 inch thick
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups water (use 3 or 4 if you like a thinner soup)
  • 1 (28 ounce) can chopped Italian tomatoes
  • 1 bunch kale, torn (ribs and stems removed)
  • 1 can chickpeas
  • 1 cup orzo or other small pasta (ditalini, pastina, risi or stars)

Instructions

  1. Make the meatballs:
  2. Preheat a dutch oven over medium heat and spray with some cooking oil.
  3. Add all ingredients into a large mixing bowl and stir. Mix together well with your hands and roll into small meatballs (about 1 1/2 inch size), place on a baking sheet or plate.
  4. Brown meatballs in batches for about 6-8 minutes until lightly golden brown (but not cooked all the way through).
  5. Remove meatballs, cover and set aside while prepping soup ingredients.
  6. Make the soup:
  7. Add additional 2 tablespoons of oil to the Dutch oven and saute onions, garlic and carrots for about 6 minutes until soft and translucent.
  8. Stir in broth, water, and tomatoes; cook over medium-high for about 5-7 minutes until liquid comes to a boil.
  9. Add kale, chickpeas, orzo to the pot, let soup come to a steady rolling boil for about 5 mins or so.
  10. Add browned meatballs, cover and let simmer for about 20-30 minutes over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until orzo and meatballs are cooked through. Add additional salt and pepper to taste.
  11. Serve in large soup bowls topped with additional grated parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley for garnish and a side of crusty Italian bread or Rosemary Foccacia bread for mopping up the soup.
  12. Don't forget the wine, fireplace, and your Valentine to make it a complete meal.
https://www.theartfulgourmet.com/2014/02/chicken-meatball-soup-kale-chickpeas-orzo/

ChickenMeatballSoup2

ChickenMeatballSoup4

Recipe adapted from my Grandma’s Classic Minestrone Soup and Italian Wedding Soup by Whole Foods.