Tag: 30 minute meals

Meat Muffins, anyone?

Published on by Charlotte Cajun QueenLeave a comment

Sounds kind of gross I know. But it’s our family’s name for basically meatballs that are cooked in a muffin tin. This recipe is only 4 steps and cooks less than 30 minutes. Also, there are so many varieties to what you could do with this recipe I thought it would be a good “basic” one to share and then you could adopt it and alter it for your family.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs (will post recipe below for homemade breadcrumbs – super easy!)
  • 1 egg
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 Tbsp Extra virgin olive oil

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400° and spray mini muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. Mix all ingredients together until just incorporated. Do not over mix.
  3. Use greased Tbsp measuring spoon/scoop to scoop out mixture and fill muffin tin.
  4. Bake for 25 minutes until lightly golden brown.

Makes about 18 meat muffins.

Meat Muffin adaptations:

  • Top with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese during last 5 minutes of baking.
  • Add muffins to pita pocket and dollop with Tzatziki sauce.
  • Top with BBQ sauce during last 5 minutes of baking.
  • Top with cheddar cheese and a sliced jalapeno during last 5 minutes of baking.

Enjoy!

heart

*Bonus Recipe*

Homemade seasoned Breadcrumbs

Using a food processor, finely chop 4 pieces of bread (whatever you have on hand; I use whole grain sandwich bread). Mix in 1/2 Tbsp Italian seasoning and 1/4 tsp of garlic powder and pulse a few times to mix. Spread crumbs onto baking sheet and bake at 300° for 5 minutes. Let cool for a few minutes. Keep sealed in a bag in cool dry place for up to 2 weeks.

Chilly nights call for Chili nights.

Published on by Charlotte Cajun QueenLeave a comment

I was hesitant to write a post about this because if you’re anything like me, I’m very particular about my chili, and I assume everyone else is too. Most people have their “go-to” chili recipe, one that they’ve grown up on and can replicate over and over again blindfolded. But for those of you who don’t have a “go-to” chili recipe or you want to deviate and try something different, allow me to share mine. It’s SUPER easy 30 minute recipe, and you can obviously tailor it to how you like it, creating your own “go-to” chili recipe.

Ratio. It’s all about the ratio for me and I love beans! Lots of beans!!! If beans aren’t for you, you may want to quit reading now. But if you’re a bean lover, you’re in good company. Without further ado, here’s my “recipe”:

screenshot_20181019-202112~22410263782573170810..jpg

  • 1 lb ground organic turkey or beef
  • 1 can dark red kidney beans
  • 1 can of black beans, strained and rinsed (you can use any kind of beans you like)
  • 1 14oz can diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup diced zucchini
  • 1 packet of Chili seasoning mix (we prefer mild McCormick)
  • Shredded cheddar cheese and Fritos, for toppings

Instructions:

  1. Heat 2 Tbsp oil in a large heavy pot over medium/high heat, and brown the meat. If using a high fat content beef, drain excess grease after browning meat.
  2. Add zucchini and cook for a few more minutes, until softened.
  3. Stir in packet of seasoning and let cook 1 min.
  4. Add kidney beans and strained black beans.
  5. Add can of diced tomatoes.
  6. Add 1/2 cup of water and stir all together.
  7. Bring chili to simmer and cook for 20 minutes.
  8. Ladle chili into bowl and top with cheese and Fritos.
  9. Enjoy!
screenshot_20181019-2104414166746260393121795.png
Evie loves chili! ❤