One Pot Pasta

I've been struggling quite a bit this summer with finding recipes that I can whip up after work. I generally don't get home until after 7:00 (and often it's more like 7:30 or 8:00), and there just isn't time to make something complicated. I figured out early on that "easy" doesn't necessarily mean "fast" (some casseroles are just simple-dump-it-in-and-mix, but they take almost an hour in the oven).

So, I set out to find some recipes that are truly fast but also tasty, and this one definitely worked out!

Recipe adapted from here.

Ingredients:
1 pound lean ground beef
1 small onion, diced
8 oz fresh mushrooms, sliced
1 tsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 jars tomato-basil pasta sauce
1 cup water
3 tbsp dried Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 20-oz package refrigerated ravioli (I used Buitoni four-cheese)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions:
1. Cook the ground beef in a large pot over medium heat until cooked through (no longer pink). Drain and set aside. Wipe down the pot with a paper towel.
2. Put olive oil in the pot and heat over medium heat. Add the onion and mushrooms and saute until tender (8 minutes or so). Add garlic and saute 1 minute more.
3. Add cooked beef, sauce, water, Italian seasoning, and pepper to the pot. Bring to a boil, then add the ravioli.
4.  Reduce heat to medium-low, put a lid on the pot, and simmer (stirring every couple of minutes) until the pasta is done (8-10 minutes). Stir in the cheese and serve!

(BIG pot)

(meat cooking)

(all done!)

(sliced mushrooms and onions)

(sautéing mushrooms and onions)

(adding sauce, meat, etc.)

(bringing to a boil)

(all finished!)

Ta-da!

Enjoy!

Cilantro Lime Rice

Who doesn't love cilantro lime rice? It's just delicious. Plus, it's a perfect side dish for Creamy Green Chile Enchiladas or Mexican Lasagna or Garlic Lime Pork Chops (along with Mexican Tomato Corn Salad)!

Ingredients:

1 tbsp olive oil

1 cup basmati rice

Juice from two small limes

1 1/2 cup water

3 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro

Basmati Rice - 

I tbsp evoo + 1 cup rice + juice from two small limes

1 1/2 cup water --> boil

25 minutes

3 tbsp cilantro

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add in the rice and lime juice, and heat and stir for a minute or two.

2. Add in the water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes (or until rice is cooked).

3. Add in the cilantro and serve!

(heating olive oil)

(this is the rice I use)

(adding in rice and lime juice)

(stirring together rice, olive oil, and lime juice)

(after adding water and bringing to a boil, simmer covered for 25 minutes)

(chopped cilantro)

(adding cilantro)

Ta-da!

Enjoy!

Mexican Tomato & Corn Salad

Want a healthy, summery, flavorful side dish? Look no further than this Tomato & Corn Salad! It's perfect with Mexican food, at a potluck or picnic, or just for something to make when you couldn't resist those beautiful ripe tomatoes at the grocery store... 

Recipe adapted from here.

Ingredients:

{salad}

1 tbsp olive oil

1 1/2 cups frozen corn kernels

2 cups quartered cherry tomatoes

1 cup crumbled queso fresco cheese

4 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro

salt, pepper, and sugar to taste

{dressing}

1 tbsp fresh lime zest

1 tbsp fresh lime juice

1 tbsp white wine vinegar

1 tbsp olive oil

1 1/2 tbsp minced garlic (about 4-5 garlic cloves)

Directions:

1. Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add in the corn and cook until soft, about 4-5 minutes. Set the corn aside to cool.

2. Whisk together the dressing ingredients in a bowl. 

3. In a separate bowl, combine the tomatoes, cheese, cilantro, and corn. 

4. Toss the salad with the dressing, and add salt, pepper, and sugar to taste. 

(heating olive oil)

(heating corn)

(tomatoes + cheese + cilantro)

(after adding corn)

(zested limes)

(dressing ingredients)

(mixing in the dressing)

(yumm!)

Ta-da!

Enjoy!

Southwestern Pecan Cheeseball

I really like cheese. If I could live off of cheese and bread and desserts, I'd be a very happy Katie. This cheeseball is simple to whip up to as an appetizer, and it's packed with yummy flavor.

Recipe adapted from here.

Ingredients:

1 8oz package cream cheese, softened

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp dried oregano

1/2 tsp dried parsley

dash of black pepper

3/4 tsp Worcestershire sauce

3/4 tsp hot pepper sauce (like Tabasco)

1/2 cup finely chopped pecans

Directions:

1. Mix the cream cheese in a stand mixer until smooth. Add the cheddar cheese, spices, and sauces and mix until thoroughly combined. 

2. Place the pecans into a shallow dish.

3. Lightly grease your hands with cooking spray or oil and pull the cheese mixture out of the mixer bowl. Shape the cheese mixture into a sphere. 

4. Coat the cheeseball with the pecans. It's easiest to grab the pecans and press them into the cheeseball on all sides. 

5. Cover in plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve. 

(softened cream cheese)

(into the mixer...)

(cream cheese mixed up)

(shredded cheddar)

(mixing it all up...)

(chopped pecans)

(rolled into a ball!)

(ready to go into the fridge!)

(served with herb crackers)

(yumm!)

Ta-da!

Enjoy!

Sauteed Squash and Zucchini

I think all side dishes should be quick and easy. I mean... who really has time to create a complicated side dish when you have a main dish, other side dishes, and a dessert to worry about? This one's a simple and quick recipe that pairs well with a wide variety of main dishes (and it's pretty good for you too!).

Recipe adapted from here. 

Ingredients:

1 medium-sized yellow squash, sliced in 1/4-inch slices

1 medium-sized zucchini, sliced in 1/4-inch slices

1/2 medium onion, chopped

1 tbsp olive oil

1 minced garlic clove

salt and pepper to taste

1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Directions: 

1. Heat oil in a large pan. Sauté squash, zucchini, and onion in the oil over medium-high heat until cooked, stirring occasionally (about 5-7 minutes). 

2. Add garlic and sauté  for 1 more minute. Add salt and pepper to taste. 

3. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese before serving.

(chopped veggies)

(starting to cook...)

(right before adding garlic)

(done cooking!)

Ta-da! 

Enjoy!