Tasty Tuesday: Italian beef and Lentil Stew

Thank you Weight Watchers USA for today’s recipe……

Last week, I took the plunge!  I signed back up for WW Online.  I know going to meetings can be overwhelming for me and it is hard to focus BUT I wanted to get off the few pounds which crept back on over the last year or so.  I am determined to get back to my goal weight.  It will help with the walking issues I am having with MS and I will feel better about ME!  So, watch for some YUMMy recipes to come your way….

The weather is getting colder and I am a soup/stew nut!  I could eat it for lunch and dinner   every day…. Slow-simmer soup is a cold-weather comfort food and makes the house smell so GOOD! This one takes just 20 minutes of prep and your slow cooker does the rest.  The result is a flavorful soup with tender pieces of beef. For the lentils, opt for green or brown lentils. They hold their shape better and add more texture than red lentils, which dissolve as they cook (ideal for a smoother soup). Dry lentils don’t need to soak like dried beans do before adding them to the soup.   It is a good idea to rinse them and remove any debris. You can substitute 2 cups of fresh green beans, cut into 2-inch lengths, for the zucchini, and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley for the basil.

Total Time:  7 hr 20 min     Prep:  20 min     Cook: 7 hr     Serves:  6

Ingredients

• 1 small, chopped uncooked onion(s)
• 1 medium clove(s), minced garlic clove(s)
• 1 large, diced uncooked zucchini
• uncooked lean beef round: 16 oz, cut into 1-inch chunks, or 1 pound
• ½ tsp, crushed dried oregano
• 14½ oz, undrained canned diced tomatoes
• 1 Tbsp canned tomato paste
• ¾ cup(s) dry lentils
• 4 cup(s) canned beef broth
• 1 tsp table salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ cup(s), fresh, slivered basil

Instructions

1. Place all ingredients except basil in 5- to 6-quart slow cooker; stir well. Cook on Low until beef is very tender, 6−7 hours.
2. Stir in basil and cook 5 minutes longer.
3. Serving size: 1½ cups

Headed to a tailgate party.  What better way to warm up then with a cup of soup!  Thirty One’s Market Thermal is the perfect way to keep things HOT….The Fresh Market Thermal is a stylish, portable thermal that’s large enough to hold two 9″x13″ casserole dishes. A must-have for family picnics, tailgating, trips to the beach, days on the boat, potlucks, grocery shopping or weekend camping. Its water-resistant Leak Lock^® thermal lining means you can add ice to this cooler bag to keep food and drinks cold. Need more room? The sides unsnap and expand to give you more space inside. Long handles allow you to carry it over your shoulder when you need to be hands-free. The Fresh Market Thermal also features a zipper closure for securing contents and an exterior front pocket to hold other important items.

Have a blessed day!

Tasty Tuesday: Undone Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Thank you Lori Sharkey, an Executive Manager with Pink Zebra, for today’s recipe from the Kraft Kitchens.  Lori’s family loved this dinner option.

Prep Time: 15 minutes     Total Time: 40 minutes   Servings: 7 at 1 cup each

You layer the ingredients of this Undone Stuffed Pepper Casserole to save time and deliver big flavor. Enjoy this stuffed pepper casserole as a weeknight entrée!

Ingredients:

1 lb. lean ground beef
2 green peppers, coarsely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups cooked long-grain white rice
1 jar (24 oz.) OLIVO by CLASSICO Traditional Pasta Sauce
1-1/2 cups KRAFT Shredded Italian* Five Cheese, divided

Directions: 

1. Heat oven to 350ºF.
2. Brown meat with peppers and garlic in large skillet; drain. Return meat mixture to skillet; stir in rice, pasta sauce and 3/4 cup cheese.
3. Spoon into 2-qt. casserole sprayed with cooking spray; top with remaining cheese.
4. Bake 25 min. or until heated through.

So, let me tell you a little bit about the AMAZING Lori and Pink Zebra. I connected with Lori many years ago and we have been “unofficial” accountability partners over the last few years.  Getting together with Lori sparks ideas and gets my creative juices flowing.

Pink Zebra is an amazing company offering a fun twist on home fragrance and décor. She’s been a part of the company since 2013, and can go on for pages about each of our products!  Our flagship product, Sprinkles, are scented soy pieces you can use in our fun, decorative warmers. But, the best part, or most innovative fact about our Sprinkles is they can be mixed and matched to create a completely custom fragrance unique to you and your space. That’s kind of what we’re about: making things, “uniquely yours.”  Her favorite part of what she does is watching people take a whiff of any of our 55+ fragrances and recreating a fond memory. Science has shown us scents can bring us back to a place we loved as a child, influence our mood, and even help us focus and work performance so she’d love a chance to help you find the perfect fragrance for you!

And what’s the best way to take this yummy dish to a family gathering or a tailgate party?

That’s right!  Thirty One’s Perfect Party Set…The Perfect Party Set expands to hold two 9” x 13” casserole pans inside 2 interior water-resistant thermal compartments. Handle grips make it easy to carry, while the exterior zipper pocket can keep additional items like utensils, baking instructions and additional ingredients secure during transport. It’s the most convenient way to take your favorite casseroles, desserts, appetizers and more to your next family picnic, neighborhood cookout, celebration or camping trip!  Monogramming and personalization options available.  Approx. 4”H unexpanded, 7”H expanded x 16.25”L x 10.25”D

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

Tasty Tuesday: Slow-Cook Fake Baked Beans

Thank you Hungry Girl for another AMAZING recipe…

Nutrition Values: 1/10th of recipe (about 3/4 cup): 178 calories, 0.5g total fat (0g sat fat), 432mg sodium, 37g carbs, 8.5g fiber, 13g sugars, 8g protein.

Freestyle™ SmartPoints® value 2*      MAKES 10 SERVINGS

Prep: 20 minutes     Cook: 3 – 4 hours on high or 7 – 8 hours on low

Ingredients:

One 6-oz. can tomato paste
1/4 cup molasses
2 tbsp. cider vinegar
1 tbsp. yellow mustard
1 tsp. chopped garlic
1/2 tsp. salt
One 15-oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed
One 15-oz. can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
One 15-oz. can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
3 cups finely chopped onion
2 cups finely chopped red bell pepper
1 cup finely chopped Fuji or Gala apple

Directions:

1. In a medium bowl, combine tomato paste, molasses, vinegar, mustard, garlic, and salt. Mix until smooth and uniform.
2. Place all remaining ingredients in a slow cooker. Add tomato mixture, and stir to coat.
3. Cover and cook on high for 3 – 4 hours or on low for 7 – 8 hours.
4. Stir well before serving.

Do you know the perfect way to carry a crockpot full of yumminess to a picnic?  With Thirty One’s Fresh Market Thermal.

The Fresh Market Thermal is a stylish, portable thermal large enough to hold two 9″x13″ casserole dishes (and a crock pot). A must-have for family picnics, tailgating, trips to the beach, days on the boat, potlucks, grocery shopping or weekend camping. Its water-resistant Leak Lock thermal lining means you can add ice to this cooler bag to keep food and drinks cold. Need more room? The sides unsnap and expand to give you more space inside. Long handles allow you to carry it over your shoulder when you need to be hands-free. The Fresh Market Thermal also features a zipper closure for securing contents and an exterior front pocket to hold other important items.

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

Tasty Tuesday: Sweet Potato And Buffalo Chicken Casserole

I LOVE spicy food (hot Mexican is my favorite) but I honestly am not  big fan of “buffalo” or hot sauce.  Weird, right?

Serves: 4      Prep: 20 min      Cook: 50 min

Ingredients

2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes;
5 sweet potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch cubes;
1 tbsp. paprika;
2 tbsp. garlic powder;
6 tbsp. hot sauce;
½ cup olive oil or melted ghee;
1 cup bacon, cooked and cut into pieces;
1 cup green onions, sliced;
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste;

Directions:

• Preheat your oven to 400 F.
• In a large bowl, combine together the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, hot sauce, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Add the sweet potatoes and chicken, and stir to coat.
• Empty the bowl into a casserole dish.
• Bake in the pre-heated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, stirring every 10-15 minutes.
• Add the green onions and bacon to the dish and place back in the oven for another 5 minutes to let all the flavors combine.

This would be a great casserole to take on the road or to the next pot luck supper.  Keep it hot in Thirty One’s Perfect Party Set Thermal.

The Perfect Party Set expands to hold two 9” x 13” casserole pans inside 2 interior water-resistant thermal compartments. Handle grips make it easy to carry, while the exterior zipper pocket can keep additional items like utensils, baking instructions and additional ingredients secure during transport. It’s the most convenient way to take your favorite casseroles, desserts, appetizers and more to your next family picnic, neighborhood cookout, celebration or camping trip! Monogramming and personalization options available.  Approximate size: 4”H unexpanded, 7”H expanded x 16.25”L x 10.25”D

  

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

Tasty Tuesday: Spaghetti Squash Casserole

Today’s recipe is from my amazing Weight Watcher’s Leader, Michelle.  I am grateful for Michelle’s encouragement and inspiration as I walk my weightless journey.

SmartPoints™ value: 1  Servings: 8

Ingredients

1 medium uncooked spaghetti squash
1 medium uncooked onion(s)
1 medium uncooked zucchini
1 medium yellow summer squash
2 clove(s) garlic clove(s)
15 oz canned diced tomatoes
½ cup(s) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
½ cup(s) fresh mushroom(s)
2 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Cut spaghetti squash in half. Take out seeds. Roast cut side down in 350 degree oven for approximately 45 minutes.
2. Chop vegetables and saute in non stick pan, sprayed with non stick cooking spray. Season to taste (salt, pepper, Italian seasoning).
3. Spray 11×13 pan with non stick cooking spray. Scoop out cooked spaghetti squash to cover bottom of the pan. Add sauteed vegetables to the top of the spaghetti squash.
4. Sprinkle with mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
5. Bake approximately 20-25 minutes at 350.

If there should be any leftovers…. You will want to take them for lunch the next day in one of Thirty One’s thermals..  Try my favorite, the Going Places Thermal.

The Going Places Thermal has a spacious compartment for lunch and snacks as well as a water-resistant thermal lining. The crossbody strap is ideal for taking snacks on the go for long walks, hikes, or any time when you just need your hands to be free to carry other items. A zip-around closure keeps contents sealed and protected, while an interior mesh pocket and exterior flat pocket provide extra storage spaces for other items like cell phones or keys. Holds up to 10 lbs.!  Monogramming and personalization options available.  It is 8”H x 9”L x 5.5”D

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!