Taco Stuffed Taters!

 

 

 

"Taco Stuffed Taters" is something I have made for years!   It turns a simple baked potato into a meal and everyone loves these!  It's also nice because each person can garnish their own to their liking.  I cook for picky people so this is an important part of my meal planning!   You can have these on the table in less than 30 minutes, if you use the microwave to bake the potatoes.

 

Here is what you will need:

 

4 large baking potatoes, baked

1  1/2 lbs. ground chuck or ground beef

1 pkg. taco seasoning mix

salt

black pepper

2 cups shredded Monterey Jack Cheddar blend cheese (could use all Cheddar)

salsa

sour cream

green onions

black olive slices

cilantro

jalapeno slices

 

 

Brown the ground chuck and drain any excess grease.  Add the taco mix and water called for on the package. Bring to a boil then decrease to simmer and just let it cook long enough for some of the water to evaporate...just like you do for tacos. 

 

Cut the baked potatoes in half and place on a baking sheet.  I lightly score them to make it easier to dig into when they are served.  Lightly sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.  Pile some taco meat on each potato half, dividing it between the 8 halves.  Sprinkle with cheese, covering the tops.  Place in a 375 degree oven for about 15 minutes or until the cheese is nice and melted.  I serve like this with the various toppings in bowls so everyone can garnish their own!

 

I like to top mine with salsa or taco sauce, sour cream, green onions, black olives, cilantro, and jalapeno slices!   Whatever you like on a taco is good!

 





Cajun Smoked Sausage Alfredo!

This is a delicious pasta recipe you can have on the table in 30 minutes or less.  It's nice when you are short on time and don't want to use a huge list of ingredients!   This is so full of flavor from the smoked sausage and the Cajun seasoning!   Add a salad and dinner is done!   Here is what you will need:

  

8 oz. pasta, cooked and drained ( I used penne, but you can use what you like or have on hand)

1 14 oz. pkg. smoked sausage sliced

2 Tbs. butter

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup half and half

2 tsp. Cajun seasoning (I used Tony Chachere's Creole seasoning)

1/4 tsp. black pepper

1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Cook the pasta according to the package directions, drain and set aside.  Melt the butter in a skillet and saute the smoked sausage until just lightly browned. 

Place the cream and half and half along with the Cajun seasoning and the black pepper in a saucepan  Bring to a boil, stirring continuously.  Turn down and simmer until it starts to thicken up.  Keep stirring or it can stick.   Once it thickens, add the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted. 

 Pour the pasta into the sauce and toss to coat it, then pour onto a deep platter or pasta plate.  Pour the browned smoked sausage over the top.  Garnish with a little fresh parsley! 





It's ready to serve!  It's just that easy!  Add a salad and it's a complete meal.  If you want to add something green to this dish, stir in some green peas to the pasta and Alfredo mixture!

Pasta Primavera Carbonara!

"Pasta Primavera Carbonara" is just a fancy schmancy way of saying pasta with veggies and bacon!  This is an really quick and easy pasta dish you can have on the table in no time flat!  It's delicious, fairly healthy, and is hearty enough for a main dish! 

 Here is what you will need for this:

5-6 slices bacon, fried crisp

2 Tbs. butter

2 tsp. minced garlic

1 medium sweet onion, diced

1 green or red pepper diced

2 medium zucchini, diced

1 yellow squash, diced

1 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced

1/2 tsp. seasoned salt

1/4 tsp. black pepper

8 oz. penne pasta, cooked according to pkg. directions al dente

2 Tbs. olive oil

2 eggs

1/2 cup half and half

1 pkg. dry Italian dressing mix

1  1/2 cups shredded Parmesan cheese, divided

In an oven proof skillet, fry the bacon until crisp and set aside on a plate.

Add the 2 Tbs. butter to the drippings in the pan.   Saute the garlic, onion, bell pepper, zucchini, yellow squash, and mushrooms until just crisp tender.  Sprinkle with seasoned salt and black pepper.  

While the veggies are sautéing, cook the pasta according to the package directions and drain.  Add the drained pasta to the sautéed vegetables and mix.  Drizzle with the 2 Tbs. olive oil.

In a  bowl, whisk the eggs, half and half, and Italian dressing mix together.  Stir in 1 cup of the Parmesan cheese.  Fold into the hot pasta and vegetable mixture.  

Sprinkle the top with the other half cup of the Parmesan cheese.   Place in a 375 degree oven for 10 - 15 minutes or just until the cheese melts.  

Crumble the bacon and sprinkle on top!