Very Veggie Skillet Casserole...

...AKA "Serena Learning to Like Rice"


Growing up, I never liked rice. Don't know why... can't even recall trying eat at home. However, this is one of those things that I WANT to like. So, I've tried it more. Different ways, different seasonings... and this is the baseline for what I am learning to love. :)

In fact, just the other day, we tried something very similar. A Rice Side, mixed with chicken, mushrooms, carrots, some other veggies... yum yum!

Very Veggie Skillet Casserole
(Prevention)

3/4 Pound ground turkey
2 Tablespoon olive oil
1/2 Cup chopped onion
2 Clove garlic, minced
1/2 Cup finely chopped yellow summer squash
1/2 Cup finely chopped tomato
1/2 Cup sliced celery
1/2 Cup sliced carrot
1 Cup instant brown rice
1 1/2 Cup water
1 chicken bouillon cube

Instructions:
Cook turkey in large, deep nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, or breaking up meat with back of spoon, 8-10 minutes, or until no longer pink. Transfer turkey to medium bowl with slotted spoon.

Warm oil in same skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic. Cook, stirring often, 5 minutes or until onion is softened. Add squash, tomato, celery, and carrot. Cook, stirring often, about 5 minutes, or until vegetables are crisp-tender.

Return turkey and any juices to pan. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, and stir to combine. Add rice, water, and bouillon. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low. Cover and cook about 15 minutes, or until rice is tender.

Sausage Cheese Balls

Have I mentioned my feelings for Bisquick before? I like it because it's easy... I dislike it because everything you put it in tastes like Bisquick.

These are tolerable, but I would DEFINITELY use a substitute for the baking mix. (To be fair, the recipe called for baking mix... which basically means Bisquick.

Definitely something I would love to try again, but need to substitute the Bisquick.

Sausage Cheese Balls
(Jimmy Dean)

2 Pound pork sausage
1 1/2 Cup Bisquick
4 Cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 Cup finely chopped onion
1/2 Cup finely chopped celery
2 Teaspoon black pepper
2 Teaspoon minced garlic

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375. Combine all ingredient in a large mixing bowl; stir well. Form into 1" balls. Place on ungreased baking sheet; bake 18-20 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven; cool 5 minutes before removing from pan. Serve with cocktail forks or toothpick.

Yields: 6-9 dozen

Deluxe Pizza Goulash

I have never been a goulash fan. (Ask my Mama. Or not, she thinks I'm too picky anyways; let's not bring it up.) But I like to try new things, and this has 'pizza' in it, so hey, why?
Umm... it was more Goulash than Pizza.
Maybe you should try it. If you like goulash. :)

Deluxe Pizza Goulash
(Betty Crocker)

2 Cup uncooked elbow macaroni
1/2 Pound ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
3.5 Ounce sliced pepperoni
4.5 Ounce sliced mushrooms, drained
30 Ounce pizza sauce
1 Cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions:
Cook and drain macaroni as directed on package.
Meanwhile, in a 12" skillet, cook beef & onion over medium-high heat 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beef is thoroughly cooked; drain. Stir in macaroni, pepperoni, mushrooms and pizza sauce.
Cover and cook over medium heat 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until hot. Remove from heat. Sprinkle with cheese. Cover and let stand 2-3 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Serves: 6
Serving Size: 1 1/3 cup
Prep Time: 40
Total Time: 40

Calories: 450
Cholesterol: 45 mg
Fat: 21 g
Saturated Fat: 8 g
Calories From Fat: 190
Protein: 22 g
Carbohydrates: 43 g
Sodium: 1160 mg
Fiber: 5 g


As always, sorry for the lack of pictures.

Comments are love.

Ranch Pizza Pinwheels

We tried these awhile ago... they were OK. Neither Nate & I are fans of salad dressing, and the ranch taste was a little much. Overall, we liked the idea. Maybe try it without the ranch, and using pizza sauce instead? We've had something similar, but I would be willing to play with this recipe! I will definitely post if I try something else.
They were NOT good re-heated!

Ranch Pizza Pinwheels
(TOH)

13.8 Ounce refrigerated pizza crust
1/4 Cup prepared ranch salad dressing
1/2 Cup shredded colby-jack cheese
1/2 Cup diced pepperoni
1/4 Cup chopped green onions
Pizza sauce, warmed OR additional ranch salad dressing, optional

Instructions:
On a lightly floured surface, roll pizza dough into a 12x10" rectangle. Spread ranch dressing evenly to within 1/4" of edges. Sprinkle with cheese, pepperoni and onions. Roll up jelly-roll style, starting with a long side.
Cut into 1" slices. Place cut side down on a greased baking sheet. Bake at 425 for 10-13 minutes or until lightly browned. Serve warm with pizza sauce or additional ranch dressing if desired. Refrigerate leftovers.

Serves: 12

Sorry for no picture!

As always---comments are love!

Chicken Rice Bowl

This is something we made ages ago... Nathan actually cooked this one. ;) It turned out very yummy.

Chicken Rice Bowl
(TOH)

1 Cup uncooked instant rice
1 Cup chicken broth
1/2 Cup chopped frozen green pepper, thawed
1/4 Cup chopped onion
2 Teaspoon olive oil
9 Ounce chicken
1/2 Cup frozen corn, thawed
1/2 Cup frozen peas, thawed
1 Teaspoon dried basil
1 Teaspoon rubbed sage
1/8 Teaspoon salt
1/8 Teaspoon pepper

Instructions:
Cook rice in broth according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, saute the green pepper and onion in oil for 2-3 minutes or until crisp-tender. Stir in the chicken corn, peas, basil, and sage. Cook, uncovered, for 4-5 minutes over medium heat or until heated through. Stir in the rice, salt, and pepper.


Serves: 4

Sorry, no pictures.

As usual, comments are love.