Marvelous Recipes

If you are looking for an easy alternative to stuffed manicotti, this is the perfect recipe for you. Delicious Italian flavor in every bite!

12 lasagna noodles
1 pound lean ground beef
1 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (26-ounce)jar pasta sauce with herbs
1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese
1-1/4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a 13×9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

2. Cook the noodles according to package directions; drain. Lay the cooked noodles flat on waxed paper.

3. Cook the beef, onion and garlic in a medium skillet over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until the meat is browned and crumbly; drain. Add the pasta sauce, bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Spread 2 cups of the sauce mixture in the prepared baking dish.

4. In a large bowl, blend the ricotta cheese and 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese. Spread about 3 tablespoons of the cheese mixture over each lasagna noodle.

5. Roll up the noodles tightly; place seam sides down over the sauce in the baking dish. Spoon the remaining sauce over the rolls; sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese. Bake 30 minutes or until the rolls are heated through and bubbly. Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese; let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Makes 6 servings.

Emily

On really busy days I love making use of my slow cooker. This hearty, no-fuss, zesty beef stew is the perfect busy day recipe.

1 pound beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 (16 ounce) package frozen mixed vegetables
1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1-1/2 cups water
1 (8 ounce) can pizza sauce
2 tablespoons medium pearl barley
1 tablespoon dried minced onion
2 teaspoons beef bouillon granules
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

1. Combine all the ingredients in a 3-quart slow cooker. Cover and cook on Low for 3-1/2 to 4-1/2 hours or until the meat is tender. Makes 6 servings.

I found this wonderful recipe a couple of years ago in a Taste of Home magazine. It is not only super easy-to-make but tastes fabulous!

6 boneless pork loin chops (1/2 inch thick)
1 tablespoon cooking oil
1 (6 ounce) package herb stuffing mix
2 celery ribs, chopped
1 medium tart apple, peeled and chopped
1 cup dried cherries or cranberries
1/2 cup chopped onion
2/3 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup butter, melted

1. In a large skillet, brown pork chops in oil on both sides. In a large bowl, combine the remaining ingredients. Place half of the stuffing mixture in a 3-quart slow cooker. Top with pork and remaining stuffing mixture. Cover and cook on Low for 3 hours or until a meat thermometer reads 160 degrees. Makes 6 servings.

Emily

Enjoy the unique flavor of the South with this delightful, easy-to-make Gumbo casserole!

2 (10-3/4 ounces each) cans condensed chicken gumbo soup
1 soup can water
1 teaspoon dried minced onion
1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 cup frozen okra, thawed
3/4 cup uncooked instant white rice
1-1/2 cups cooked ham, diced
1/2 pound cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined

1. In a 2-quart casserole, stir together all of the ingredients.

2. Bake at 375 degrees F. for 35 minutes or until hot; stir before serving in individual bowls. Makes 4 servings.

Emily

Adding apple cider and cinnamon gives a unique flavor to this economical and easy-to-make beef stew.

4 cups frozen vegetables for stew, thawed
1 (8 ounce) can sliced water chestnuts
1 (4-1/2 ounce) jar sliced mushrooms, drained
1 tablespoon dried minced onion
2 envelopes brown gravy mix
2 tablespoons onion soup mix
2 teaspoons steak seasoning
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 (14-1/2 ounce) can beef broth
1-1/4 cups apple cider*
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 bay leaf
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1/3 cup cold water

1. Place the vegetables, water chestnuts, mushrooms and onion in a 5-quart slow cooker. In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the gravy mix, soup mix, steak seasoning and cinnamon; add the beef, a few pieces at a time and shake to coat. Add to the slow cooker.

2. In a medium bowl, combine the broth, cider and tomato sauce; pour over the beef. Add the bay leaf; cover and cook on Low for 6 to 7 hours or until the beef is tender.

3. In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and water until smooth; stir into the stew. Cover and cook on High for 15 minutes or until thickened. Discard the bay leaf before serving. Makes 8 to 10 servings.

* You may substitute unsweetened apple juice for the apple cider if desired.

Emily

Simple, easy-to-fix and totally delicious!

2 (10-3/4 ounce) cans condensed golden mushroom soup
1/2 cup water
1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves, crushed
8 boneless pork chops, 3/4-inch thick
4 large Granny Smith apples, sliced
2 large onions, sliced

1. Stir the soup, water, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce and thyme in a 3-1/2-quart slow cooker. Add the pork chops and turn to coat with the soup mixture.Top with the apples and onions.

2. Cover and cook on Low for 8 to 9 hours or until the pork chops are cooked through. Makes 8 servings.

Emily

Melt-in-your-mouth tender beef and vegetables will make your family glad to come home for dinner. The perfect warm-them-up dish for those chilly nights!

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon sunflower oil
1 large onion, cut into wedges
3 pounds top round or rump roast
3 carrots, peeled and thinly sliced
3 medium white potatoes, cubed
2 bay leaves
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 (1.4 ounce each) envelopes onion soup mix
3 cups boiling water
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon water

1. In a large skillet, heat the butter and sunflower oil; add the onion and beef. Brown the beef on all sides; transfer beef and onion to a 5-quart slow-cooker.

2. Arrange the carrots, potatoes and bay leaves around the beef; sprinkle with the salt. In a heatproof bowl or measuring cup, combine the soup mix with 3 cups boiling water, stirring to combine.

3. Pour the soup mixture over the beef and vegetables in slow-cooker. Cover; cook on High until the meat is very tender, about 3-1/2 hours or on Low for 7 hours.

4. In a medium saucepan, combine the cornstarch and 1 teaspoon water; stir to form a paste. Add 2 cups hot liquid from the slow cooker and bring to a boil, stirring until the gravy has thickened. Slice the beef and serve with the vegetables and gravy. Makes 4 servings.

Emily

The holidays are behind us and now it’s time to get back to work and school. This recipe is not only delicious and nutritious but quick-to-fix. The tender strips of beef tossed with crunchy broccoli are a great combination of tastes and textures.

1/2 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon firmly packed brown sugar (light or dark)
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
2 pounds top sirloin, sliced 1/4-inch thick
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
2 medium heads broccoli, cut into florets (about 4 cups)
1/2 cup water
2 teaspoons grated fresh gingerroot

1. In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, lemon juice, cornstarch, brown sugar, garlic and pepper; set aside.

2. In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef and stir-fry about 2 minutes or until the meat is almost cooked through. Transfer to a plate, cover and keep warm.

3. Heat the remaining oil in the same skillet; add the onion and stir-fry for 5 minutes. Add the broccoli and 1/2 cup water; bring to a boil, cover, reduce the heat and simmer for 3 minutes.

4. Return beef to the skillet; stir in the reserved soy sauce mixture and gingerroot. Bring to a boil; cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 2 minutes. Serve over a bed of hot fluffy rice. Makes 6 servings.