Pasta Recipe & More

Hello,

I’m new to Budget 101, so this “hello” goes out to you all.

COOLCATPANTHER was looking for recipes for pasta, beans, etc… Wanted to change things up a little. That’s quite an inventory she has.

Anyway here’s a recipe I got from a friend with some additions (*) I made. Will also include a couple others.

From a friend:

Meat and Pasta Casserole

1 box ( 1 lb. ) cooked Rotini pasta ( could use other )
1 lb. ground meat (* chicken, turkey, pork, beef ) – I used grd.

turkey/ friend used beef
1 med. onion, diced
2 enve. taco seasoning (*reg./mild, your choice – can use spicier ) OR 1/4 c.

bulk taco seasoning
2 cans ( 8 oz. ea.) tomato sauce
1 can ( 15.25 oz ) black beans, rinsed *
1 – 2 c. frozen sweet corn * (could use canned/fresh )
8 oz.

shredded cheese * ( i used “mexican blend” – could use other )

Cook pasta and drain. While pasta is cooking, brown ground meat with diced onion in med.-lg. saucepan.

Drain meat juice if using beef or pork. Can use meat juice if using chicken or turkey because it’s less fatty. Add taco seasoning and tomato sauce to meat mixture; simmer for 10 mins.

Put everything in lg. mixing bowl, reserving enough shredded cheese to sprinkle on top of casserole, and mix well. Put in 9″ x 13″ baking dish, sprinkle reserved cheese on top and bake, uncoveredin 350* oven for 30 mins.

Serves 6

This one is mine:

Homemade Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake

1 box ( 1 lb.) cooked Rotini pasta ( could use other)
1 lb. grilled, diced boneless, skinless chicken breast seasoned w/lemon pepper ( about 4 ) – could use ground chicken or turkey, even canned would work
2 cans (10 3/4 oz. ea.) cheese soup ( have used 1 cheese soup & 1 nacho cheese soup OR 1 cheese soup & 1 creamed soup like celery, broccoli, etc…)
1 can ( 14 oz.

) chicken broth
1 med. onion, diced
2-3 stalks celery, diced/sliced
2 carrots, sliced OR 1-2 c. frozen mixed vegetables

Cook pasta and drain. Saute raw vegetables, if using. Put everything in lg.

mixing bowl and mix well. Put in 9″ x 13″ baking dish and bake, uncovered in 350* oven for 30 mins. Serves 6.

From a friend:

Chicken Enchilada Dip

1 lg. bag or box bulk tortilla chips/strips (Sam’s/Cosco)

1 can ( 13 oz.) drained chicken OR 3 grilled shredded (food processor) chicken breasts seasoned w/lemon pepper ( I used grilled)
1 can ( 10 oz.) green chile enchilada sauce, mild or med.
1 pk. cream cheese, softened
1/2 c. mayonnaise
1/2 c.

sour cream
8 oz. shredded cheddar cheese ( I used “mexican blend” )
1 can ( 4 oz. ) diced green chili

Mix everything together and cook uncovered in a 9″ x 9″ baking dish at 350* for 30 mins. Serve with chips and a salad for a complete meal OR as a appetizer.

Hope you can use these recipes! Enjoy reading my daily e-mails. Everybody has good ideas.

Keep up the good ideas, I’m enjoying them. Nice to meet you all.

Diane
itsmereilly@sbcglobal.net