Black Pepper Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry

This is yet another quick fix meal. It is a very simple stir fry type dish. Isabel who is 18 months will also eat some of this one. Serve with rice. Serves 4.

2 Tablespoons veg oil
4 cloves garlic, chopped
1 pound ground beef
1/2 small head of cabbage, shredded (I use the bagged cole slaw mix a lot of times)
1 red bell pepper, cut into stripes (the red is just for color, you could use green for a better budget friendly meal)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1/2 cup water
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Heat wok or large skillet over med-high heat, and add oil. Saute garlic for 5-10 seconds, the add ground beef. Cook beef until evenly browned, drain off fat.  Stir in cabbage & bell pepper, cook until vegetables are tender. Combine soy sauce, cornstarch & water, and stir into beef mixture. Season with pepper. Cook, stirring until sauce has thickened (about 5-8 minutes).

Note- sometimes I add some chopped baby carrots depending on my mood & of course depending on what is in the fridge.

Greek Style Beef and Pasta

Once again I saw this recipe, & just had to try it. It was very good even though I did not eat the feta cheese myself. The hubs did though. In my book it is a keeper!
Serves 5

2 1/2 cups uncooked penne pasta (8 oz)
2 slices bacon, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with basil, garlic and oregano, undrained
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (about 4 oz). Or I used Parmesan cheese on mine!

1. Cook and drain pasta as directed on package; cover to keep warm.

2. Meanwhile, in 12-inch skillet, cook bacon and onion over medium heat until bacon is crisp, stirring frequently. Add ground beef. Cook 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beef is thoroughly cooked; drain.

3. Stir in olives, tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano and salt. Reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly heated. Serve over cooked pasta; sprinkle cheese over top.

Note- Parmesan cheese does not contain lactose & if you like feta, as long as it is made with goat or sheep's milk you are fine. Make sure you look at the label.

Impossibly Easy Cheeseburger Pie

I got this recipe off the Betty Crocker's website. I read over it, after it was suggested to me, of course I read the reviews & changed it up a little bit. It was so super easy & delish. Next time though, I think I will add a few jalapeno's for some spice.


1 lb ground beef (at least 80%)
1 large onion chopped
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups shredded cheese
1/2 can diced tomatoes - drained(optional)
1/2 cup Original Bisquick® mix
1 cup Milk
2 Large Eggs

Heat oven to 400°F. Spray 9-inch glass pie plate with cooking spray.

In 10-inch skillet, cook beef, onion & garlic over medium heat 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beef is brown; drain. Stir in salt. Let cool for a few minutes. Stir in cheese & tomatoes. Dump this mixture into a pie plate.

In small bowl, stir remaining ingredients with fork or wire whisk until blended. Pour into pie plate.

Bake about 25 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Let stand for 5 min. before serving.

High Altitude (3500-6500 ft): Bake 30 to 35 minutes.