Tag: Beef

Dinners

Recipe—Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Diva di Cucina

I have always been a lover of Chinese food. I mean come on, who isn’t? I remember as a kid that whenever we went out to eat Chinese food or ordered it to go that we got sweet and sour pork. I just love the tangy sweet sauce and the pineapple. Oh, that sweet yummy caramelized pineapple! When I saw this recipe on one of my favorite blogs, Recipes Happen, I knew I had to give it a try.  I LOVE Chinese food and I LOVE meatballs! This recipe turned out awesome and was enjoyed by the whole family. My husband even went back for thirds! (I don’t know where that guy stores all the food he can consume.) I highly recommend serving this over white rice. It really soaks up the flavors of the sauce. We will certainly be making this again and again because it was super easy and absolutely delicious! Thanks Bonnie for posting this wonderful recipe, my family and I loved it!

Note: Bonnie’s recipe calls for breadcrumbs but I adapted it slightly and used panko since I had it on hand and I thought it went well with the Asian inspired dish. I bet this would also be great made with ground turkey or chicken to help cut a few calories. 

INGREDIENTS
1 egg
1 tbsp dried onion flakes
1 tbsp milk
1/4 tsp ginger
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 c panko
ground pepper
1 lb ground beef
20 oz can pineapple chunks
1/4 c apple cider vinegar
1/4 c brown sugar
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 c sliced carrots
1 green bell pepper, chopped
4 tsp cornstarch
2 tbsp water

STEPS

  • Preheat oven to 350º.
  • In a large mixing bowl combine the egg, dried onion, milk, ginger, salt, panko, pepper, and ground beef. (I recommend using your hands to thoroughly combine everything.)
  • Shape the beef mixture into 1” balls and place in a large baking dish making sure there is space between them.
  • Bake the meatballs for 30 minutes or until cooked through.
  • While the meatballs are cooking drain the pineapple juice into a measuring cup and set the pineapple aside.
  • If needed, add water to the juice so you have 1-cup worth of liquid.
  • Pour the juice mixture into a large skillet or wok and add in the vinegar, brown sugar, and soy sauce.
  • Over medium-high heat bring the liquid to a simmer and add in the carrots.
  • Simmer until the carrots are just barely fork tender and then add in the bell peppers and pineapple chunks.
  • Cook for approximately 4–5 minutes.
  • In a small bowl mix together the cornstarch and water until smooth.
  • Pour the cornstarch mixture into your skillet and stir constantly until incorporated.
  • Remove the meatballs from the oven and transfer them to the skillet making sure to leave the meat drippings in the baking dish.
  • Toss the meatballs to coat and simmer in the sauce for 2 minutes.
  • Serve over cooked rice and enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Recipes Happen.

Dinners, Sauces

Recipe—Peppercorn Crusted Steak with Bourbon Cream Sauce

Diva di Cucina

Usually when we have steak in our house my hubby does his magic on the grille. The other weekend he was taking his first of many architectural exams. I wanted to surprise him with a nice steak fit for a king to reward him for all his hard work, without having him fire up the barbie. These really turned out to be some great skillet cooked steaks. The sauce was rich and creamy and really dresses up what is already a fabulous cut of meat. This recipe is perfect for a romantic dinner in or a special indulgence.

STEAK INGREDIENTS
2 New York steaks, rib eyes, or filets
1/2 tbsp kosher salt
1 tbsp fresh ground pepper
2 tbsp olive oil

SAUCE INGREDIENTS
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic, minced
1 tbsp yellow onion, minced
1 tsp peppercorns
2 tbsp bourbon
1/2 c beef broth
1/2 c heavy whipping cream

STEAK STEPS

  • Season both sides of the steaks with salt and pepper making sure to rub it in.
  • Heat a medium sized skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add olive oil to the pan and heat.
  • Carefully add the steaks to the pan and cook for 4–5 minutes.
  • Reduce the heat to medium and flip the steaks.
  • Cook the steaks for another 4–5 minutes.
  • Transfer the steaks to a large plate and cover with foil.

SAUCE STEPS

  • Add oil to the skillet the steaks were cooked in.
  • Add garlic, onions, and peppercorns to the skillet and cook over medium heat until onions are translucent.
  • Carefully add the bourbon to the pan to deglaze. It may ignite so stand back and poor in slowly.
  • Use a whisk to stir and break up all the bits in the bottom of the pan.
  • Add the beef broth and the heavy cream to the pan and bring to a gentle boil.
  • Turn heat to low and simmer.
  • Cook sauce for 3–5 minutes until it begins to thicken, stirring occasionally.
  • Plate the steaks and pour the sauce over the top of them.
Dinners, Sandwiches

Recipe—Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes

Diva di Cucina

One of my favorite sandwiches has got to be the Philly cheese steak. While this recipe isn’t for a traditional version of the classic sandwich it is a quick and easy recipe the whole family will love! The provolone cheese sauce totally makes this recipe so don’t skip it. All of the flavors are really mild so it is great for the kiddos. I think next time I may try adding in some sautéed mushrooms just to get one more veggie in there. This is the perfect meal for a night of watching football so I think this will be making my Super Bowl party menu this season. Don’t forget the fries or a big green salad to go with.

INGREDIENTS
1 lb ground beef
1 small yellow onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
2 tbsp steak sauce (I like A1)
1 c beef stock
salt and pepper
4 hoagie rolls
1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp flour
1 c milk
1 c provolone cheese, shredded

STEPS

  • Preheat oven to 350º.
  • In a large skillet brown the ground beef and drain off any excess grease.
  • Add the bell peppers and onions and cook until tender, about 3–5 minutes.
  • Add in the steak sauce, broth, salt, and pepper.
  • Bring to a simmer and cook for about 2 minutes. Reduce heat to low.
  • Cut the rolls in half and place in the oven to toast.
  • In a large saucepan melt the butter over medium-high heat.
  • Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute.
  • Whisk in milk and bring to a boil. Allow to simmer stirring frequently until it begins to thicken, about 2–3 minutes.
  • Stir in cheese until sauce is smooth and creamy. Remove from heat.
  • Place a scoop of the meat mixture into the toasted rolls and top with the cheese sauce.
Dinners

Recipe—Mandarin Beef Stir-Fry

Diva di Cucina

It’s always great when you can find a healthy low fat dinner that has incredible flavor. This stir-fry is one of those dinners. Stir-fries are typically Asian dishes jam packed with veggies and sometimes meat. They are great because they cook fast, are usually really good for you, and can be a one dish main course saving on dirty dishes! When you cook stir-fries quickly over high heat the juice is seared inside the vegetables and meat retaining texture and flavor. The ginger in this recipe goes so nicely with the sweetness of the mandarins and the beef is tender and flavorful. Whip up this quick and delicious stir-fry for dinner tonight!

Note: The meat requires quite a bit of time to marinade so don’t forget to do the first few steps well ahead of time. If you like heat, add a dash of crushed red peppers. The spicy with the sweet from the oranges is a lovely combination. 

INGREDIENTS
1–1 1/2 lbs rump steak, thinly sliced
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp dry sherry
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp fresh grated ginger
salt and pepper
2 tbsp peanut oil, divided
1 large yellow onion, chopped
5 mandarin oranges/clementine’s
1/2 c beef stock
4 baby bok choy, sliced
1 c snow peas

STEPS

  • In a large bowl, stir together soy sauce, sherry, garlic, ginger, salt and pepper.
  • Add meat, cover, and allow to marinade for several hours.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon of the peanut oil in a large non-stick wok and fry onions until softened and golden.
  • Remove onions from heat and set aside.
  • Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the wok, turn heat to high, and add beef.
  • Cook the beef over the high heat moving constantly until all sides are brown. The high heat will sear all the juices inside.
  • Lower the heat and return the onion to the pan.
  • Squeeze the juice from 2 mandarins into the pan.
  • Cook down for a few minutes until liquid is reduced.
  • Add the beef broth slowly while stirring.
  • Continue to cook until the liquid is reduced to almost nothing, about a tablespoon. Note that this will take awhile
  • Add the bok choy and segments from the 3 remaining mandarins.
  • Turn the heat down and toss gently until the vegetables are cooked to desired doneness.
  • Add the snow peas to the wok for the last minute.
  • Remove from heat and serve. 
Dinners

Recipe—Crock-Pot Shredded Beef Tacos

Diva di Cucina

How about some delicious tacos to go with the Mexican red rice recipe I recently posted? These are the easiest most flavorful shredded beef tacos ever! And best of all you cook them in the crock-pot. I love my crock-pot! What’s not to love about coming home from work to a house that smells like an authentic taqueria where dinner is practically done when you walk through the door? This recipe gives you the most tender, moist, flavor packed meat. The meat literally falls apart when it’s done cooking. These tacos are definitely at the top of my list of favorite meals. I love loading them up with all my favorite toppings. Serving these with a lime wedge to squeeze over your tacos is a must! The bite of tangy lime just makes all the flavors come together. Serve these tacos with my Mexican red rice and a side of beans and you will feel like you are dining in Mexico. Don’t forget the pitcher of margaritas! 😉

Note: No need to limit yourself to just using this shredded beef for tacos, it is incredibly versatile and can be used for enchiladas, tacos, burritos, you name it!

INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 tbsp chili powder
1/2 tbsp cumin
1/2 tbsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
2–3 lb tri tip or chuck roast
14 oz can beef broth
2 limes (1 for juicing and 1 sliced to be served with finished tacos)
tortillas

SOME FABULOUS GARNISHES

shredded cheese
chopped green lettuce
diced tomatoes
diced red onion
guacamole or sliced avocado
sour cream
pico de gallo
chopped cilantro

STEPS

  • In a small bowl combine chili powder, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  • Spray your crock-pot with cooking spray to make cleanup a breeze!
  • Add your roast to the crock-pot and rub the seasoning into the meat. It’s okay if any extra seasoning is loose in the crock-pot.
  • Pour broth around roast and squeeze the juice of one lime over the roast.
  • Cover and cook on low heat for 8–10 hours.
  • Remove the roast from the crock-pot and place on a cutting board.
  • Using a large fork shred the beef and return it to the crock-pot.
  • Cover and continue to cook on low heat for 30 minutes. This allows your beef to soak up all those yummy juices.
  • Using tongs remove the shredded beef and place directly on tortillas or into a serving dish.
  • Serve with lime wedges and some of your favorite garnishes.
Dinners, Sandwiches

Recipe—Crock-Pot French Dip Sandwiches

Diva di Cucina

When I was a very young girl I wasn’t a picky eater, but I certainly had my favorites. Whenever we went to a deli I ALWAYS ordered a ham sandwich with mayo on white bread. Yeah I was pretty adventurous. One day my dad took me to an Italian deli and I was devastated when they told me they didn’t have ham or white bread. I know what you are thinking, a deli with no ham or white bread?!? I looked at my dad with big eyes and I was at a complete loss as to what I should order. My dad made a decision and ordered me a French dip. I ate the whole thing in record speed and it was delicious! From that day on I had a new favorite sandwich.

If you have never had a French dip then you are missing out! A French dip is a hot sandwich made up of tender thinly sliced roasted beef on a roll and served with a cup of flavorful juice called au jus. You dip each bite of the sandwich in the au jus and take a bite of the juicy flavor packed beefy sandwich. Oh my goodness, my mouth is watering as I write this! This recipe takes my favorite popular sandwich and makes it cheap, easy, and convenient by cooking it in the crock-pot. The meat is incredibly flavorful and tender. It was a huge hit with my family. My hubby actually went back for seconds and then tried to snag our toddlers leftovers too. And I will say, my son was not having it. I only wish I made more because I would have loved to have some leftovers the next day.

INGREDIENTS
2 1/2–3 lb chuck roast
garlic powder
Kosher salt and pepper
3 c beef broth
1 (10.5 oz) can condensed French onion soup
3/4 c red wine
French rolls
sliced provolone cheese (optional)

STEPS

  • Trim any excess fat from the meat.
  • Season the roast with garlic powder, kosher salt, and pepper.
  • Spray crock-pot with non-stick cooking spray. (This makes clean up a breeze!)
  • In the crock-pot stir together broth, French onion soup, and red wine.
  • Add the seasoned roast to crock-pot.
  • Cook on low heat for 7–8 hours.
  • Remove roast from crock-pot and place on a cutting board.
  • Allow roast to sit for 10 minutes.
  • Using a ladle transfer half of the liquid (au jus) to a small saucepan.
  • Slice the roast (mine was falling apart tender so I ended up shredding it with a large fork) and return meat to crock-pot.
  • Continue to cook on low heat for an additional 30 minutes while the meat soaks up some of the flavor packed juices.
  • Heat the au jus you removed from the crock-pot in the saucepan over low heat.
  • Lightly toast your rolls in the oven while meat is soaking and au jus is heating.
  • Using tongs squeeze excess juice from the meat and place on toasted rolls.
  • Top with cheese if desired.
  • Serve sandwich with a side of the au jus in a small bowl or ramekin for dipping.
  • Enjoy while hot and juicy!