Category: Leftovers/ Freezer Meals

Baked Skillet Pasta

Leftovers/ Freezer Meals, Pasta, Vegetarian

This dinner was a cinch to throw together. I defrosted some of my sausage and beef marinara that I made a couple of weeks ago. Here is my basic recipe, but this time I added sausage and ground beef that I made to use for baked ziti.

Homemade Marinara 10/12/13

Italian Sausage Baked Ziti

After I defrosted it, I added an extra can of tomato sauce and about a cup of red wine. Then I put the uncooked pasta-baby bow ties- directly in to the pot with the sauce. The pasta cooked in the sauce. I made sure to stir it every once in a while so it would not stick to the bottom of the pot. I cooked it until it still had a bite to it.

I had some leftover pasta that wouldn’t fit in the pan, so I froze it for another time. I always suggest making more of everything! It will be easy to pull it out one night for another quick dinner!
You could totally make this vegetarian, just leave out the meat!

Then I transferred the pasta in to a large skillet, topped it with shredded mozzarella, and popped it in a 350 oven about 25 minutes. I cut it like pieces of pizza. It was a big hit!

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Veggie Noodle Bowl

Asian, Girls' Night Out/In, Leftovers/ Freezer Meals, One pot meal, Pasta, Soups, Vegetarian

Hey guys! Tonight was another girls’ might for me and my girls. E wanted cheese ravioli, R and K wanted spaghettios, and I wanted to try to clean out the fridge a bit and have something with lots of veggies. I decided to make a noodle soup with some leftover veggies and a pork chop left over from last night. This was pretty simple to throw together in one pot.

I started by chopping up my veggies and cooking them in a bit of olive oil for a few minutes. I used 4 cloves of garlic minced, a few sliced of ginger minced, 10 mushrooms sliced, 1/2 onion chopped, peppers chopped, and broccoli florets. Then I added a quart of beef broth (you could use chicken, veggie, or even water if you want.) Then I added my pasta. I had 1/4 of a container of fettichini noodles left over, so I threw them in the pot. Then I added about 1/2 bottle of white wine-enough to cover the rest of the noodles- a few shakes of sesame oil , teriyaki sauce, and soy sauce. Then I let it come to a boil and cook until the pasta is done. Near the end, I added a few bunches of some spring mix lettuce. Once the pasta was finished and the lettuce was wilted, I added my leftover pork which I sliced up and dropped in the hot broth to warm it through. It was so good! You could use any veggies you have leftover in the fridge, any leftover meat, or even shrimp would be fantastic in this. This is a great meal that you can throw together quickly on a busy weeknight.

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Cheesy Potato Pancakes

Leftovers/ Freezer Meals, Side dishes...veggies, potatoes, grains

I made WAY to many mashed potatoes for Thanksgiving. Here is a great way to use them up in a different way for leftovers.

Yummy Cheesy Potato Pancakes

Heat your cast iron skillet with bacon fat. I tried vegetable oil, but bacon fat works better.

In a large bowl, mix the cold leftover mashed potatoes (4 cups) with eggs (2), 1 tablespoon of onion powder (you could add onions or green onions), garlic powder or shredded garlic, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir in your cheese. I used a Mexican blend- cheddar and Monterrey Jack. You can use what you have in the fridge.

Mix in flour; start with 4 Tablespoons, then add more, as needed for a firmer texture.

Form the mixture into about 8-10 patties. If it sticks to your hands, and you can’t roll it into a ball, then add a little more flour. Add 4 balls to skillet, and press down with spatula to flatten into patties. (If you try to flatten before you put in the skillet, you’ll have problems with the patties holding their shape.)

Heat the the patties in the bacon fat until crisp on each side, 4 to 6 minutes per side. Hint- PLEASE resist the temptation to turn until after 4 minutes, or the patties will fall apart. Brutus, my dog, got a couple of my test patties. Cook until crispy brown on both sides. Repeat procedure with remaining 4 potato balls. Serve hot.

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“Chilaquiles”

Breakfast and Brunch, Eggs, Leftovers/ Freezer Meals, Mexican, Pork, Soups

Chilaquiles is a traditional Mexican dish that typically contains green salsa (tomatillo), red salsa (tomato) or mole sauce that is poured over crisp tortilla triangles, called totopos. The mixture is simmered until the tortilla starts softening. Because this was mainly a dish to use leftover tortillas and salsa, sometimes leftover meat is added to the mix. Most recipes garnish it with sour cream or crema, shredded queso fresco, raw onion rings and avocado slices. Since chilaquiles is mostly considered a breakfast/brunch dish, it is usually topped with eggs.

I have read lots of different recipes on this and I believe that this is one of those things that some regions and families just make and hold true for themselves. Mexican dishes, regional and family variations are quite common.

My husband grew up eating this recipe that his mom made and called Chilaquiles. They are not from Mexico… I would consider this more of a pork soup, so technically, this is not a true chilaquiles… but don’t tell them that I said that =)

“Chilaquiles”

1 pork butt (this would work well for chicken) heavily seasoned with salt, pepper, onion and garlic powder. Add a couple of cups of beef or pork stock. Cook all day in a crock pot on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
Brown a diced onion and a few cloves of crushed and minced garlic in a large dutch oven.
Add your shredded pork/chicken.
Add one large can of diced tomatoes.
Add 4 small cans of diced green chilies
Add a few shakes of Worcestershire Sauce
Mix in more stock to your desired consistency.
Add in tortilla chips, leftover tortillas, or corn chips
Top with cheese, sour cream, avocado/guacamole, and possibly a nice runny egg for breakfast/brunch

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Leftover Steak and Veggies Cheesy Crustless Quiche

Beef, Eggs, Leftovers/ Freezer Meals

Hey blogger friends! If you have read my blog, you know I love my eggs! I also love to makeover my leftovers. So tonight, I made over last night’s dinner. https://funfoodiefamily.com/2013/11/21/rib-eye-with-white-wine-mushroom-gravy-smashed-potatoes-and-roasted-asparagus/

First, I added a chopped shallots to the pan. Holy tears!!! I always forget how strong these are! The best way to not tear up and have stinging eyes is to refrigerate your onions. I had just bought this one, so not cold enough. Here are some other ways to “try” to get around crying. http://www.wikihow.com/Chop-Onions-Without-Tears

The I chopped up my veggies and leftover steak. I added 4 eggs whisked, 3/4 cup of half and half, 4 dollops of goat cheese, and a nice coating of parm. cheese. I mixed up and add in pan. Then I added a bit more goat and parm cheese on top.

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Then I baked it at 350 for 30 minutes. Quiche and fritatas are always great for leftover meats and veggies! I served with Rosemary Sea Salt Loaf from Fresh Market. Heaven!

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