Dinner Tonight

Dinner Tonight

Healthy Cooking for a Healthy Texas

Chili

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Dinner doesn’t have to be complicated.  By using some staples in your kitchen – ground beef from the freezer, canned tomatoes, and beans along with spices from the pantry and a slow cooker this chili will be ready for you when you walk in the door. This hearty comfort food is perfect any time of the year.

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Chili
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Servings
8 1 cup servings
Servings
8 1 cup servings
Chili
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Servings
8 1 cup servings
Servings
8 1 cup servings
Ingredients
Servings: 1 cup servings
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Instructions
  1. Wash your hands and clean your preparation area. Rinse fresh vegetables under cool running water and rinse can lids before opening.
  2. In a medium skillet brown the ground beef along with the bell pepper, onion, jalapeno and garlic. Once ground beef is browned add it to the slower cooker.
  3. To the slow cooker, add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, pinto and black beans, beef broth, chili pepper, cumin, paprika, and oregano. Stir to combine.
  4. Turn slower cook on HIGH for 4 to 6 hours to cook or LOW for 8 to 10 hours to cook.
  5. To serve top each serving of chili with 2 tablespoons of cheddar cheese.
Recipe Notes

Chicken with Peachy Ginger Sauce Slow Cooker

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Who says peaches are just for dessert? This Slow Cooker Chicken with Peachy Ginger Sauce is the perfect meal for Spring! This meal is Freezer Meal Prep friendly, and utilizing the slow cooker helps to keep your kitchen cool while the temperature is rising outdoors. Serve over your favorite whole grain like brown rice or quinoa!


Chicken with Peachy Ginger Sauce Slow Cooker
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Servings
4 servings
Servings
4 servings
Chicken with Peachy Ginger Sauce Slow Cooker
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Servings
4 servings
Servings
4 servings
Ingredients
In Freezer Bag
Serving Day
Servings: servings
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Instructions
For Freezer Bag
  1. Place chicken thighs and onion in a freezer bag.
  2. In a bowl, combine peach jam, soy sauce, ginger root, and minced garlic to form a sauce.
  3. Pour the sauce to evenly coat the chicken thighs and onions.
  4. Remove as much air as possible from the bag, seal, and lay flat in the freezer until ready to cook.
When Ready to Cook
  1. The day before you are ready to cook, transfer from freezer to refrigerator to thaw.
  2. When thawed, empty contents into a slow cooker and cover with a lid.
  3. Cook on a low setting for 3-5 hours or until the internal temperature of the chicken is 165 degrees and shreds easily with a fork.
  4. While the chicken is cooking, prepare brown rice according to package instructions.
  5. Shred chicken and return to juices in the slow cooker until ready to serve.
  6. Serve over brown rice and enjoy!
Recipe Notes

Homemade Broth

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Are broth and stock the same thing? Although the terms are often used interchangeably, there is a difference between the two liquids. Both are used to make recipes such as soups, sauces, and gravies. The key difference between broth and stock is the use of meat or bones, the type of seasonings added, and the cooking time.

Making your own chicken broth is a great strategy to reduce food waste, stretch your food dollars, and control the amount of sodium.

How to Slow Cook Homemade Chicken Broth

Learning to make your own chicken broth is a great strategy to reduce food waste and stretch your food dollars! Due to its versatility as a base for soups, gravies, and sauces; broth is a pantry staple for many homes. Broth can also be used as a substitution for water in recipes such as rice, pasta, and risotto as a cost-efficient way to increase flavor in the dish. Additionally, making your own broth is an excellent way to control the amount of sodium that is often found in store-bought options.

Homemade broth is simple and only requires the following ingredients:

  • One whole chicken, skin and fat removed
  • 1- 2 Cups of Vegetable Scraps, Chopped
  • Choice of herbs and seasonings
  • Water

Directions:

  1. Select a slow cooker large enough to fit the chicken
  2. Place chicken in slow cooker
  3. Add vegetables
  4. Add 1 -2 Tablespoons of your choice of herbs and seasonings
  5. Add water until the slow cookers is two-thirds full
  6. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 6 hours. The chicken is done when the internal temperature of the chicken is 165° F as measured with a food thermometer.
  7. Separate the chicken from the broth by lifting the chicken and bones onto a large plate or bowl. Let chicken cool enough to touch in the refrigerator. Shred the meat with a fork and store in airtight containers. This chicken can be used in salads, sandwiches, or other recipes.
  8. Strain the broth by pouring into a colander over a large bowl. Dispose of the vegetables.
  9. Divide the broth into 1 cup containers, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight.
  10. The next day, scoop off and dispose of fat that has settled on top of broth.
  11. Label the containers of broth with the date. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 4 months.

Looking for ways to reduce food waste at home? Save leftover scraps from vegetables to flavor your homemade broth or stock. Roughly chop leftover or lackluster vegetables into small chunks and store in the freezer in an airtight container. Continue to add scraps to the bag until it is full or you are ready to make your homemade stock or broth!

References:

https://cfaes.osu.edu/news/articles/chow-line-the-difference-between-broth-and-stock

https://spendsmart.extension.iastate.edu/recipe/chicken-broth/

 

 

Chicken Tacos with Roasted Street Corn

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Tender slow-cooked chicken plus flavorful roasted corn topped with cheese! This easy taco recipe is perfect for busy weeknights!


Chicken Tacos with Roasted Street Corn
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Servings
6 servings (2 tacos)
Servings
6 servings (2 tacos)
Chicken Tacos with Roasted Street Corn
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Servings
6 servings (2 tacos)
Servings
6 servings (2 tacos)
Ingredients
Chicken Tacos
Roasted Street Corn
Servings: servings (2 tacos)
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Instructions
  1. Wash your hands and clean your preparation area. Rinse any fresh vegetables under cool running water before chopping. Wash the tops of cans before opening.
  2. Place the chicken breast, diced tomatoes, taco seasoning, onion, and water into the slow cooker. Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours. Ensure chicken reaches the proper internal temperature of 165* degrees.
  3. In a medium-size skillet heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the corn and jalapeno peppers to the skillet. Let cook without moving for a couple of minutes to slightly scorch the corn. Add the chili powder and cook until the corn is cooked through and to your desired level of scorched. Remove from heat and add the lime juice and cilantro.
  4. Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred for assembly.
  5. To assemble the tacos gather your tortillas and add the chicken, roasted corn, and top with the cotija cheese.
Recipe Notes

Three Cheese Lasagna

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Needing a healthy recipe for your busy family?  Our Slow Cooker Three Cheese Lasagna is a delicious set it and forget it dish option that’s perfect for large families. Works just as well for meal prepping too!


Three Cheese Lasagna
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Servings
12 2/3 cup servings
Servings
12 2/3 cup servings
Three Cheese Lasagna
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Servings
12 2/3 cup servings
Servings
12 2/3 cup servings
Ingredients
Servings: 2/3 cup servings
Units:
Instructions
  1. Wash your hands and clean your preparation area. Wash the lid and rim area of the cans before opening.
  2. In a large pan, add ground beef and cook until brown.
  3. Once the beef is lightly browned, add the chopped onion and garlic to the pan. Cook until the onion turns translucent.
  4. Next, add diced and crushed tomatoes, salt, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and water and stir together. Reduce heat after 5-10 minutes.
  5. Add cottage cheese, 1 ½ cups of mozzarella cheese, and parmesan cheese to a bowl and mix until combined.
  6. Spray slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray and add the sauce mixture to the bottom of the slow cooker covering the entire bottom.
  7. Next, layer with noodles (noodles can be broken up to better fit the slow cooker) and top with a portion of the cheese mixture.
  8. Continue adding layers of sauce, pasta, and cheese mixture until finished. Finish with sauce on top and sprinkle remaining mozzarella cheese to top it off.
  9. Cook lasagna on low for 4-4.5 hours. Serve and enjoy!
Recipe Notes