Quick and Easy Beer Chili

Chili!!!! Chili is always always always a hit with everyone in my family! It's my oldest's absolute favorite food! And my little ones seems to really love it too! Out of all the many chili recipes I've made I think this might be my favorite! This recipe is adapted from Simply Whisked.

2lbs ground beef
1 onion (chopped)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1/2 tsp salt
5 tbsp chili powder
1/2 tbsp paprika
2 tsp cumin
1 tsp oregano
28oz diced tomatoes
1 cup IPA beer
1 tsp worcestershire sauce
2 cans black beans (drained and rinsed)
1 can kidney beans (drained and rinsed)

In a large pot brown the ground beef then drain off the grease. Add the onion and garlic and cook for another 2 minutes. Lower heat and stir in the salt, chili powder, paprika, cumin and oregano then stir well. Add the diced tomatoes and beer. Bring to a simmer and stir in the worcestershire sauce and all of the beans. Let simmer for 15-20 minutes. Serve with your favorite toppings.

Ranch Beef Tacos

This is such an easy taco recipe but with a fun twist from the normal! Tacos are always a hit at my little ones and happy kids at dinner time make for a happy mama. I love serve tacos with a big bowl of black beans and some chips and salsa.

1.5 lbs ground beef
1 pkg taco seasoning
1 pkg ranch seasoning mix
1 cup water
tortillas
shredded cheese
toppings: salsa, sour cream, guacamole, lettuce

Brown the ground beef in a medium skillet.  When the beef is browned, turn down the heat and drain off the grease. Stir in the taco seasoning, ranch seasoning and water. Stir for several minutes until it thickens up. Remove from heat and serve on tortillas with desired toppings.

Taco Crescent Cups

I love anything that is perfect for little kid hands! These taco crescent cups were a super easy dinner and also easy for my kids to eat! Everyone could top them with whatever they wanted and they made for a great quick dinner!

1lb ground beef
1 pkg taco seasoning
2/3 cup water
2 cans crescent rolls
1 cup shredded colby jack cheese
toppings: salsa, sour cream, guacamole, lettuce, tomato

Heat oven to 375. Brown the ground beef then drain off the grease and stir in the taco seasoning and water. Turn the heat down to low.  Open the crescent rolls and seal the edges together then cut into 8 squares. Grease a muffin tin then carefully put the crescent squares down in the muffin tin. Spoon the taco meat into each crescent up then top with cheese. Bake for 14-18 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before removing from pan and serving.

Sloppy Joe Sliders

I was going to make these when we were getting together with friends but at the last minute that got cancelled so I just made them for dinner for my family.  There wasn't a single one left! They devoured them them all and my son was sad there weren't more.  My 2 year old called them "fluffy joes" which kept us laughing all through dinner too.  This recipe was adapted from Valerie's Kitchen.

1lb ground beef
1/2 cup chopped onion
8oz can tomato sauce
1/2 cup ketchup
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tsp mustard
2 tsp brown sugar
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp cumin
12 slider buns
1 cup cheddar cheese
2 tbsp melted butter
1/2 tsp sesame seeds

Heat oven to 350. Cook the ground beef and onions in a skillet.  Drain off the grease. Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, brown sugar, garlic powder and cumin.  Let it simmer for 10 minutes. Place the bottom half of the buns in a 9x13 baking dish. Spoon the sloppy joe meat onto each bun. Sprinkle with cheese. Top with the other half of the bun then brush with butter and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Bake for 10-12 minutes.

Cheeseburger Meatball Sandwiches

Both of my children are currently loving meatballs of any kind. My oldest LOVES meatball sandwiches so I thought this was a fun twist on it! They turned out great and everyone loved them!

Meatballs:
1lb ground beef
1/4 cup finely diced onion
1 egg
1 tbsp worchestershire sauce
1 tbsp ketchup
1/2 tsp garlic salt
pepper to taste
1/2 cup panko

Sauce:
8oz tomato sauce
1/3 cup ketchup
1 tbsp mustard
1 tbsp worchestershire sauce
1/4 tsp onion powder
pinch of pepper

4 Hoagie Rolls
8 slices cheddar cheese 

Heat oven to 400. In a bowl combine the ground beef, onion, egg, worchestershire, ketchup, garlic salt and pepper until combined. Stir in the panko. Form the meatballs and place in the bottom of a greased baking dish. Bake for 25 minutes or until cooked through.  While the meatballs are baking, make the sauce by whisking all the ingredients together in a pot then heating until hot.  Once the meatballs are done, place them in the sauce and let them sit for 5 minutes. Then place the meatballs on the rolls, top with cheddar cheese and serve.

Hamburger Steaks with Grilled Onions

This is one of those recipes that came about because of a craving.  I was going to make something else with ground beef that night but then I was thinking about this local cafeteria we would go to after church or on Wednesday nights with my family. I would often get a hamburger steak with mashed potatoes and green beans. And a roll, oh their rolls were so good! I would share a slice of lemon meringue pie with my dad too.  It's one of those simple yet perfect memories.

1 lbs ground beef
1/2 onion (diced)
1/2 tsp dried parsley
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
2 onions (sliced)

In a bowl combine the ground beef, onion, dried parsley, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Form 4-5 patties.  Heat a skillet with canola oil in the bottom over medium heat.  Cook the patties on each side for 5-6 minutes or until cooked through. Remove to a plate. Add the onions to the skillet and saute until tender.  Top the steaks with the onions and serve.

BBQ Meatloaf

The first time I had this meatloaf was a few months ago at a friend's house.  I'm usually not a big meatloaf fan but this one was so good that I had to get the recipe from her.  Everyone was very happy when I made this fro dinner a few weeks ago.

Meatloaf
2lbs ground beef
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 medium onion (diced)
4 tbsp ketchup
1/2 cup milk
1 egg
1 1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper

Sauce
8 tbsp brown sugar
6 tbsp vinegar
4 tbsp worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup onion (diced)
1 cup ketchup

Heat oven to 350.  Mix all of the meatloaf ingredients together in a large bowl then form 3 small meatloaves.  Lightly grease a roasting pan and place the meatloaves on it. In a small pot combine the brown sugar, vinegar, worcestershire sauce, onion and ketchup. Let the sauce heat up until warm. Spread the sauce evenly over the three meatloaves. Cook for 1 hour. Remove from oven and let cook for 10 minutes before slicing.

Greek Meatballs over Lemon Dill Risotto

We love risotto. And we love the beautiful flavors of greek food. This recipe is a new family favorite, it was soooo good and will be in the regular rotation of meals for sure. This recipe was adapted from Dinner at the Zoo.

1 lb ground beef
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1 tsp oregano
1 clove minced garlic
1 egg
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tsp olive oil
1 1/2 cups arborio rice
3 1/2 cups chicken broth
salt and pepper to taste
1 large zuchinni (sliced and quartered)
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
1/2 tsp dill
1 tbsp lemon juice

Heat oven to 350. In a bowl combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, oregano, minced garlic, egg, salt and pepper. Form the mixture into meatballs. In an oven safe skillet heat the olive oil over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on each side and remove. Place the arborio rice and chicken broth into the skillet and bring to a boil, if you have room in your skillet add the meatballs, cover and place in the oven. If you do not have room, cover the rice and chicken broth and place in the oven the place your meatballs in a small baking dish and place in the oven as well. Bake for 25 minutes. Remove the meatballs and risotto from oven. Stir the zucchini into the risotto, cover and place back in the oven for 5 minutes. Remove again and stir in tomatoes, dill and lemon juice then place back in the oven for 5 more minutes. Remove and serve the risotto topped with the meatballs.

Smothered Burritos

This recipe was a huge hit at my house and has already been requested again! They were so flavorful and the homemade chili gravy was so good! This recipe is adapted from House of Yumm.

Beef:
2 lbs ground beef
8oz can tomato sauce
1 tbsp chili powder
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp onion powder

Chili Gravy
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup flour
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp salt
1 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp cumin
2 tbsp chili powder
2 cups beef broth

8 burrito size tortillas
4 cups monterey jack cheese
16 oz can refried beans

Heat oven to 350.  In a large skillet cook the ground beef over medium heat and drain off the grease. Turn the heat to low and stir in the tomato sauce, chili powder, salt, cumin, garlic powder and onion powder. Bring to a simmer then remove from heat and set to the side.  Melt the butter in a sauce pan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and let cook for 3 minutes. Stir in the black pepper, salt, garlic powder, cumin and chili powder. Slowly pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer and allow the sauce to thicken. Once it has thickened to a sauce consistency remove from heat. To assemble the burritos first place a spoonful of refried beans on a tortilla and spread down the middle. Top with 1/4 cup of ground beef then top with cheese. Roll up then place the seem side down in a 9x13 baking dish. Once all of the burritos are made, top with the chili gravy and 2 cups of cheese. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove from oven and top with lettuce, tomato, sour cream and guacamole.

Taco Quesadillas

Happy New Year! Now this recipe isn't much to look at but it sure was delicious! Quesadillas have become a thing at our house, I make a whole bunch then pile them up on a plate and sit them on the table with toppings out. Then everyone can grab and fix what they want! Easy peasey! This recipe is adapted from Pioneer Woman.

1 1/2 pounds ground beef
2 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
3 tbsp tomato paste
1 cup water
salt to taste
3 cups shredded monterey jack cheese
8 tortillas
butter
toppings (sour cream, guacamole, salsa, lettuce, tomato)

Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Brown the ground beef then drain off the grease. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, tomato paste, water and salt. Let it simmer for 5 minutes. In a separate skillet heat to medium heat and place a small slice of butter in the bottom. Coat the skillet with butter then place a tortilla down. Top with cheese and taco meet then another layer of cheese and a tortilla. Once the tortilla has browned, flip to the other side. Continue with the remaining tortillas, cheese and meat. Slice and serve with toppings. 

BBQ Mozzarella Meatballs

These little meatballs were so delicious! My kids are all about meatballs no matter the recipe. These little guys were a crowd pleaser which makes me a happy mama.

1 lb ground beef
1/3 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 tsp seasoning salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
1 egg
1 cup bbq sauce

Heat oven to 400. Grease a baking dish.  Combine the ground beef with the breadcrumbs. Add in the seasoning salt, pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, shredded mozzarella and egg. Stir together until combined then form the meatballs. Place in the baking dish and bake for 20-24 minutes. Remove from oven and brush with bbq sauce then place back in the oven for 4 more minutes. Remove and brush with bbq sauce again then serve.

Game Day Chili

I made this one night when we were keeping some friends' children for the weekend, I doubled the recipe for our crew and everyone enjoyed it! It was perfect for a cool crisp fall night while watching football on the tv. This recipe is adapted from Lisa's Dinnertime Dish.

1 1/2 lbs ground beef
1 small onion (chopped)
1 tbsp diced pickled jalapenos
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 (15oz) can black beans
1 (15oz) can kidney beans
1 (15oz ) can diced tomatoes
1 (28oz) can crushed tomatoes
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
3 tbsp chili powder
1 tbsp cumin
cheese, corn chips, sour cream

In the bottom of a large pot brown the ground beef. When the beef is cooked stir in the onion and cook for several minutes then stir in the garlic, jalapenos and red pepper flakes. Drain the beans and add them to the pot along with the diced tomatoes and crusted tomatoes. When it starts to bubble stir in the salt, black pepper, chili powder and cumin. Let simmer for 30 minutes before serving.

Crock Pot BBQ Meatball Sandwiches

I made these one Saturday when we had a night football game that we wanted to watch on TV. It was perfect because at dinner time I just had to throw these sandwiches together quickly. The BBQ sauce has this tangy aspect too it that was different but really enjoyable. These were a hit and would make a great busy weeknight dinner too! Recipe is adapted from Amanda's Cookin.

Meatballs:
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 tsp onion powder
2 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp cumin
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 egg
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb ground beef

Sauce:
2 cups ketchup
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tbsp grlic powder

4-6 Rolls
4-6 slice provolone cheese

In a large bowl combine the breadcrumbs, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, salt and black pepper. Add the ground beef, egg and olive oil and combine. Using your hands, form meatballs and place in the bottom of the crock pot. In a bowl whisk together all of the ingredients for the sauce. Spoon the sauce over each meatball and pour over the remaining sauce. Cook on low for 7-8 hours.  Once the meatballs are done, split the rolls and lightly toast. Top with meatballs and cheese.

Meatball Burgers

My oldest has recently become a fan of meatball sandwiches and he's a huge fan of burgers so when I came across this recipe I knew it would be a great one for you family! They were a great change from your typical burger and we all enjoyed them! This recipe is adapted from Mix and Match Mama.

2 lbs ground beef
1 cup plain breadcrumbs
2 eggs (lightly beaten)
1/2 cup onion (finely chopped)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
2 tbsp italian seasoning
6 buns
1 1/2 cup marinara sauce
fresh slices mozzarella cheese
fresh chopped basil

In a bowl combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, garlic and italian seasoning. For 6 burger patties. Grill over medium high heat until the burgers are cooked to your desired temperature. Lightly toast your buns on the grill or under the broiler. Top burgers with fresh mozzarella slices, marinara sauce and freshly chopped basil.

Avocado Club Burgers

I just made these up on a whim.  I actually loved using the baguette as bread, it just changed up the burgers. Plus all of the delicious toppings just make it that much more yummy.

2 lbs ground beef
1 1/2 tsp seasoning salt
1 lb bacon (fried crsip)
1 avocado (sliced)
2 tomatoes (sliced)
romaine lettuce
6 slices cheddar cheese
mayonnaise 
1 baguette (sliced in half and then into 6 "buns")

Mix the ground beef with the seasoning salt and then form 6 patties. Grill the burgers over medium heat until they have reached your desired doneness. Top with cheddar cheese slices. Lightly toast the baguette buns. Spread mayonnaise on the bun then top with the burger patty, 3 slices of bacon, tomato, avocado, lettuce.

Crescent Taco Squares

This was one of those recipes were I marked a recipe without fully reading it and decided to make it then realized my people probably weren't going to like it so I completely changed it and made it my own. Super easy! And totally delicious. There wasn't a single bite left!

1 roll crescent rolls
1 lb ground beef
1/3 cup water
1 pkg taco seasoning
1 cup colby jack cheese
sour cream
guacamole

Heat oven to 425.  Grease an 8x8 baking dish and set to the side. Open the crescent rolls and divide in half. Press one half into the bottom of the baking dish.  Brown the ground beef and drain the grease off. Stir in 1/3 cup of water and mix in the taco seasoning. Pour the taco meat over the crescent rolls. Top with cheese. Place the remaining crescent rolls over the top  and seal the edges. Cook for 10-15 minutes or until the crescents are starting to brown.

Meatballs with Creamy Mushroom Gravy

This was the perfect dinner on a very winter like spring night.  It was hearty and warm, the gravy was so savory and delicious.  You could put it over rice as well but over mashed potatoes was just perfect. This recipe is adapted from Miss in the Kitchen.

1 lb ground beef
1 egg (beaten)
2 tbsp steak sauce
1/3 cup bread crumbs
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper

2 tbsp butter
8 oz mushrooms (chopped)
2 cups chicken broth
2 tbsp cornstarch
2 tsp herbs de provence
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
3 tbsp cream cheese (softened)

Heat oven to 375. In a bowl combine the ground beef, egg, steak sauce, bread crumbs, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Divide and shape into meatballs.  Place in a greased baking dish and cook for 20  minutes. In a large skillet melt the butter.  Add the mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes. Stir in the herbs de provence, salt and pepper. In a small bowl whisk together the chicken broth and cornstarch. Stir into the mushroom mixture then lower the heat and cook for 5 minutes. Add the cream cheese and stir until smooth. Place the meatballs in the gravy and cook for 10 minutes. Serve over mashed potatoes or rice.

Freddy's Burgers

I was craving a good burger the night I made these.  Not a big ole grilled out bigger but one of those thin and greasy burgers, you know the ones.  This Pioneer Woman recipe did not disappoint!

1 lbs Ground Beef
Salt
American Cheese
Hamburger Buns
Toppings of choice

Heat a skillet to medium high heat. Dive the beef into 2-3oz portions and roll them into a rough ball. Place the been on the skillet. Using a non slotted spatula press down to flatted the beef into a thin patty. Sprinkle with salt and then flip cooking each patty for 1-2 minutes on each side. Place the cheese on top to let melt then place two patties on each bun and top. 

Cheesy Beef Burrito Skillet

I had been eyeing this recipes from The Girl Who Ate Everything for a while.  We love tacos and burritos and this seemed like a fun and different way to fix on of our favorites. We ate this entire pan full, it was delicious! And next time I think I will have some lettuce and tomato to go on top too!

1 lb ground beef
1 package taco seasoning
1 cup water
1 cup chunky salsa
1 (15 oz) can black beans (rinsed and drained)
4 (6 inch) flour tortillas
1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
sour cream and guacamole for topping

In a skillet brown the ground beef and drain off the grease. Meanwhile cut the tortillas into strips and set to the side.  Stir in the taco seasoning, water, salsa and black beans. Cook for 5-7 minutes. Reduce heat and stir in the tortilla strips then top with cheese and cover.  After 1 minute remove from heat and let sit until the cheese is melted. Serve topped with sour cream and guacamole.

Oven Baked Meatball Sandwiches

I threw these together on a whim one night when we were craving meatball sandwiches. 

1 recipe Italian Meatballs (cooked)
1 jar Marinara Sauce
Sliced Mozzarella Cheese
Italian Bread or Sandwich Rolls

Heat oven to 400. Make sure the meatballs and sauce are both warmed. Slice the bread or rolls. Place several meatballs inside of the bread and top with sauce and then two slices of cheese.  Wrap the sandwich in tin foil and place in the oven for 5-8 minutes. Remove from oven and serve.