Western Meal in One

This is a great casserole style dish. This is often my go to meal when I need to take a meal to someone. Everyone likes it and I've been known to switch it up a little too (I'll put my switch ups at the end of the post).

1 lb extra lean ground beef or turkey
1 clove garlic
1/2 c. chopped onion
1 bell pepper diced
1 t. salt
1 t. chili powder
16 oz can kidney beans
2 1/2 c. canned tomatoes with juice, diced
3/4 c. instant rice, uncooked
3/4 c. shredded cheddar cheese

Brown beef and garlic in pan with cooking spray. Add onions and green pepper, cook until onion is transparent and drain off fat. In 2 quart casserole dish combine meat mixture, salt, chili powder, beans and tomatoes and rice. Bake covered at 350 for 30 minutes, uncover sprinkle with cheese and bake another 15 minutes.

Serves 6-8.

So last time I made this I decided to spice it up a little, instead of the tomatoes I used 2 1/2 cups salsa, and black beans instead of kidney. I then used Mexican blend cheese instead of cheddar, and added some cilantro. It was slightly spicy so if I made it this way again I would probably omit the chili powder.

Favorite Waffles

As I have stated before we LOVE waffles, so here is my favorite waffle recipe. I often make these plain, but sometimes I throw in blueberries. Baby girl LOVES blueberry waffles and eats them with out syrup.

Waffles

2 eggs
2 C. Flour (I usually use 1c. white, 1 c. wheat or 2 c. wheat)
1 3/4 c. milk
1/2 c. canola oil
1 T. white sugar (I usually use splenda)
4 t. baking powder
1/4 t. salt
1 1/2 t. vanilla
1 c. frozen blueberries thawed (optional)

Preheat waffle iron.

Beat eggs in large bowl with hand beater until fluffy. Beat in flour, milk, oil, sugar, baking powder, salt, and vanilla- just until smooth.

Spray waffle iron.

Pour mix onto hot iron and cook until golden brown.



I usually double the recipe and freeze what doesn't get eaten. Then we can just pull out how many we want when we want them, plop them in the toaster and voila homemade breakfast on a busy school morning.

ENJOY!!!