Chicken Hashbrown Casserole

 Chicken Hashbrown Casserole

Ingredients:

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced

1 (30 oz) package frozen hashbrowns, thawed

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup sour cream

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1 (10.75 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup

1/2 cup diced onion

1/2 cup diced bell pepper (red or green)

1/4 cup butter, melted

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

2 tablespoons melted butter (optional, for topping)

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Prepare the Hashbrowns: If your hashbrowns are frozen, thaw them according to the package instructions. You can speed up the process by microwaving them for a few minutes. Once thawed, press them between paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed hashbrowns, shredded chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, diced onion, and diced bell pepper.

Prepare the Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix together the sour cream, mayonnaise, condensed cream of chicken soup, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.

Combine the Mixture: Pour the sauce mixture over the hashbrown and chicken mixture. Stir everything together until well combined.

Transfer to Casserole Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Transfer the hashbrown and chicken mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly.

Optional Topping: If you want a crispy topping, combine the crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs with the 2 tablespoons of melted butter in a small bowl. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole.

Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 45-55 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.

Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley, if desired.

Enjoy: Serve your Chicken Hashbrown Casserole hot and enjoy your delicious meal!

This casserole is a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or potluck. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite seasonings, vegetables, or toppings.

Patty Melts with Secret Sauce

 Patty Melts with Secret Sauce

Ingredients:

– 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)

– Salt and pepper to taste

– 8 slices of rye bread (or any bread of your choice)

– 8 slices of Swiss cheese

– 2 large onions, thinly sliced

– 4 tablespoons butter, divided

– Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato, pickles, mustard, ketchup

Instructions:

1. Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and shape them into patties. Season each patty generously with salt and pepper.

2. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Melt the one tablespoon of butter that you added to the skillet.

3. Place the patties in the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. The patties should be taken out of the griddle and placed aside.

4. In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and let it melt. When the onions are caramelized and golden brown, which should take 15 to 20 minutes, add the sliced onions to the skillet and cook, stirring from time to time. After taking them out of the skillet, set the onions aside.

5. Wipe the skillet clean with a paper towel and return it to the heat. Place 4 slices of bread on the skillet and top each slice with a slice of Swiss cheese.

6. Place a cooked patty on top of each cheese-covered bread slice. Divide the caramelized onions equally among the patties and spread them over the meat.

7. Top each patty with another slice of Swiss cheese, followed by the remaining slices of bread.

8. Cook the sandwiches for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.

9. Once cooked, remove the patty melts from the skillet and let them rest for a minute before serving.

10. Serve hot with your favorite toppings and enjoy!

These patty melts are perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner. Feel free to customize them with your favorite condiments and toppings for extra flavor.

Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole

 Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole

Servings: 6-8

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

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Ingredients:

1 ½ lbs ground beef

1 small onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup (use cream of chicken or celery if allergic)

1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained

1 cup sour cream

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

3 cups cooked pasta (elbow macaroni or egg noodles work well)

1 tsp salt

½ tsp black pepper

1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (optional)

½ cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers (optional topping)

1 tbsp butter (optional, for topping)

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Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with chopped onion over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Drain excess fat.

3. Stir in cream soup, tomatoes, sour cream, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5 minutes.

4. Stir in the cooked pasta and 1½ cups of cheese. Mix well.

5. Pour into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.

6. Top with remaining cheese. If desired, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over top.

7. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.

8. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.

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Pro Tips:

Swap pasta with cooked rice or hash browns for a twist.

Add green beans, peas, or corn for more texture and color.

Want it extra cheesy? Add a layer of mozzarella or pepper jack under the breadcrumb topping.

Would you like a version of this that’s low-carb, gluten-free, or made in a slow cooker?