Author: Chelsea

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ theme_builder_area=”post_content” _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef (you can substitute with ground turkey or sausage for variety)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

2. Cook the Pasta:

   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti and cook until it is just shy of al dente (about 7-8 minutes). Drain and set aside.

3. Make the Sauce:

   • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
   • Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onions are translucent.
   • Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes.

4. Mix the Cheese Filling:

   • In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, 1 cup of mozzarella, and half of the grated Parmesan. Mix well.

5. Assemble the Dish:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti with the tomato sauce. Then add the cheese mixture and stir until everything is well mixed.
   • Transfer the ziti mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.

6. Bake:

   • Cover with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

7. Serve:

   • Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ theme_builder_area=”post_content” _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]

Ingredients:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon Slap Ya Mama seasoning (or a similar Cajun seasoning)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 small can tomato sauce (about 8 ounces)
• 2 cups macaroni noodles
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar works well)
• 1 quart chicken broth

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:

   • Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and slightly browned, about 5 minutes.
   • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

2. Cook the Beef:

   • Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the skillet.
   • Break the beef apart with a spatula and cook until it’s browned and no longer pink, about 8-10 minutes.
   • Season the beef with salt, black pepper, Slap Ya Mama seasoning, and garlic powder. Mix well to combine all the flavors.

3. Add Liquids and Noodles:

   • Pour in the tomato sauce and chicken broth. Stir to combine.
   • Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the macaroni noodles. Stir well.
   • Reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the skillet. Let it cook for about 12-15 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

4. Add Cheese:

   • Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded cheese until melted and well incorporated.

5. Serve:

   • Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
   • Serve hot, garnished with extra cheese or fresh herbs if desired.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ theme_builder_area=”post_content” _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″ custom_margin=”12px|auto||auto||”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken thighs (boneless and skinless)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or canola)
• 1/3 cup honey
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger paste
• 1/4 cup soy sauce

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

   • Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel and cut them into bite-sized pieces.
   • Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
   • Place the cornstarch in a bowl and coat the chicken evenly with cornstarch. Shake off any excess.

2. Cook the Chicken:

   • Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Add the chicken pieces to the skillet in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan).
   • Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. Make the Sauce:

   • In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic and ginger paste. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
   • Add the honey and soy sauce. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
   • Let the sauce simmer for about 2-3 minutes, or until it begins to thicken slightly.

4. Combine Chicken and Sauce:

   • Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat with the honey garlic sauce.
   • Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring the chicken is well coated and the sauce is sticky and thickened.

5. Serve:

   • Serve the honey garlic chicken hot, garnished with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
   • This dish goes well with rice or noodles and a side of steamed vegetables.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]