Easy Tator Tot Casserole

You will need:

• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1/2 yellow onion chopped
• garlic powder
• salt and pepper
• 1 can Campbell's Cream of Mushroom Soup (Store brand does change the taste of this recipe, so I recommend Campbell's)
• Ore-ida Tator Tots
• 1/2 of the soup can filled with water and 1/2 can of milk 
• 8 oz. shredded cheddar cheese
• 8 oz. shredded mozarella cheese.

Brown ground beef in a skillet with the chopped onion, sprinkle a generous amount of garlic powder, salt and pepper. After it is brown, drain and return to the pan.

Add the can of cream of mushroom soup to the meat, then add the milk and water. Bring to a boil.....remove from heat.....

Pour it in a greased oblong casserole dish.........top with the grated cheeses......

Then top with the tator tots, sprinkle the top with salt.....

Cook at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes until golden brown.

Let it stand for about 5-10 minutes before serving. Yummy....just look at that gooey cheese!

Serve it with a side salad, and your favorite bread .....I like Texas toast. Enjoy!

P.S. My boys like the tator tot casserole with ketchup, but I like it just like you see it pictured here! Hold the ketchup on mine, Please...
Enjoy~

Easy Yummy Salsa Recipe

This is such a delicious and easy recipe, and it tastes like fresh tomatoes are used, but they are canned...

You will need:

• 1 can Rotel tomatoes and diced green chiles (I used great value brand)
• 1 Large can of petite diced tomatoes (I believe this one I used was a 32 oz.) The amount will equal about 2 regular sized cans. I used great value Wal-mart brand.
• 1/2 chopped onion
• chopped garlic clove
• 1 -2 Tablespoons of fresh chopped cilantra
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup (depending on your taste) of white vinegar
• Sprinkle of Salt
• 1 tsp. sugar
• 1/4 tsp. black pepper
• 1 tsp. taco bell mild sauce
• Tortilla Chips for dipping

Note: If you like your salsa smooth (which I do) you'll need a hand held blender to blend the tomatoes. I have never tried this recipe without blending them, so I recommend doing so. I use a Durabrand hand held emmersion blender ($10.00 at Wal-mart) to blend salsa to desired consistency, I like it smooth.....not chunky. The hand held blender makes this a snap.....you blend it right in the saucepan.

In a medium sauce pan, bring the vinegar, onion, and garlic to a boil. Remove from heat and add canned tomatoes, rotel, and other ingredients. Now, blend with the hand held Emmersion Blender.... right in the pot. Once blended to desired consistency, return to heat and bring to a boil and then simmer for about 10 minutes on low heat. Let cool and serve with Tortilla Chips. Great for an appetizer or serve with a Mexican style dinner......like my taco recipe in the post below.

** Leftover salsa can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for about 2 weeks.

Enjoy~

Restaurant Style Tacos

You will need:

• 1 lb ground chuck
• 1/2 chopped onion
• small peeled potatoe quartered
• chopped garlic clove
• 2 Tablespoons chopped fresh cilantra
• 2 tsp. white vinegar
• 1 pkg. McCormick Taco Seasoning mix (see what package looks like below)
• enough water to cover the meat in a saucepan
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Put the ingredients in a medium saucepan and cover with water, bring to a boil.....then reduce heat and cover....cook for about 30 minutes or longer for more flavor.....

Other ingredients you will need:

• Taco shells
• Monterrey jack cheese grated
• Shredded lettuce
• Diced tomatoes
• Sour cream
• Homemade Salsa

This is what the meat ingredients will look like as it cooks....

(McCormick's Taco Seasoning Mix)

When the meat is done, spoon it into a bowl and salt and pepper it to taste, then stuff the tacos shells that have been heated according to package instructions.

Top with your favorite toppings..... I like to use Monterrey Jack Cheese, Shredded Lettuce, Diced Tomatoes, Sour Cream....and sometimes I add some of my homemade salsa too. Serve with Refried Beans topped with cheese, serve tortilla chips and salsa as an appetizer or to eat with the taco meal.

These tacos are so delicious.....the meat is very moist....I had always browned my meat in a skillet before, but I decided to try boiling it instead, and what a delicious difference it makes.
Enjoy~

Easy Honey-Glazed New Potatoes

For this recipe you will need:

• 2 1/2 pounds new potatoes, cut into quarters
• 1/2 cup butter or margarine
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 Tablespoons honey
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

In a large saucepan or Dutch oven cover potatoes with water and add some salt. Bring water to a boil and cook until potatoes are tender; about 12-15 minutes; drain.
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in water, honey, salt, and pepper. Stirring occasionally, cook potatoes single layer at the time for 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly brown. When the sauce becomes thick it will be done. Before serving.... salt it to taste, if desired.
This is a delicious side dish. 

Enjoy~