Taco Meatloaf

It's no secret around here that we love meat! All kinds from pork to chicken to beef. Tonight The Dish Washer requested a meatloaf, but I really didn't feel like making one that I have already made. 1. We didn't have all the ingredients for some of those. 2. I wanted to make something quick and easy! After doing some research, I found a similar recipe in my sister-in-law's church cookbook. I made my own changes and we now have another meatloaf winner! Of course, The Dish Washer then has to quote the movie Wedding Crashers.




It is funny when he says it. He asked tonight what I would do if our boy grows up to demand the meatloaf! :) This is going to seem like a lot for 2 people, but I love to freeze already made meatloaf for those days I am feeling lazy in the kitchen.

Taco Meatloaf

2 lbs. ground beef

1/2 c. bell pepper, chopped

1/2 c. onion, chopped

1 can whole kernel white corn, drained

1 packet taco seasoning

1-1/2 c. shredded cheddar cheese

2 eggs

1 c. salsa

french-fried onions

Preheat oven to 375. In a saucepan, saute onion and bell pepper in olive oil. When close to being done, add can of corn to get the flavor. In a large bowl, mix beef, veggie mixture, taco seasoning, cheese and eggs all together. Form into 2 loaves and place in greased pans. Top with half of the salsa on each loaf. Bake for 45 minutes. Remove from oven and drain off grease. Add french-fried onions. Bake for an additional 10 minutes. Allow to rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Catalina Cranberry Chops

Here's the unique recipe I promised. Caught my attention since cranberry sauce is front and center in most grocery stores right now! The original recipe calls for chicken, but I decided to try it first on pork chops.

Catalina Cranberry Chops

4 lbs. bone-in thin sliced pork chops

1 (16 oz.) can whole berry cranberry sauce

1 (8 oz.) bottle Catalina dressing

1 envelope onion soup mix

Preheat oven to 350. Place chops in 9x13 baking dish. (May need 2 if you have large pork chops that you are using!) Mix remaining ingredients and pour over pork chops. Bake 50 minutes or until chops are done.

Bacon Cheeseburger Soup

Last night we hosted our supper club and had so much fun! I have been making soups for the past month for The Dish Washer and I to narrow down our favorites to two that we would make. Of course he chose Pork Green Chili. After doing a little more research on how to season that one up better, I came across the Tim Love REAL DEAL recipe. It wasn't available when I originally went hunting for it, so I was thrilled to see it. I didn't have everything that he calls for so I mixed his version and the version I have already posted to season mine up a little better. It turned out a little "kickier" than I would have liked, but it made him happy so I guess it is a fair trade.

The second winner in the soup contest for us was this recipe from Paula's most recent magazine. It came just in the nick of time!! It is extremely easy to make. The Dish Washer reminds me of my grandmother, so we now have plenty of soup to put away in the freezer because he just can't stand the thought of not having enough food for everyone! I forgot about a picture, so I'll have to take that next time we eat it.

Bacon Cheeseburger Soup

10 slices bacon, but into 1/2 inch pieces
2 lbs. ground chuck
1 onion, chopped
2 tsp. minced garlic
1 (32 oz.) box low-sodium chicken broth
1 (14.5 oz.) can petite diced tomatoes
1 (10.75 oz.) can cheddar cheese soup
1/4 c. dill pickle relish
2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
Garnish: french-fried onions

In a large Dutch oven, cook bacon until crisp; remove from pan, and drain on paper towels. Add ground chuck, onion, and garlic; cook for 6 to 8 minutes, or until beef is browned and crumbly. Drain well. Add chicken broth, tomatoes, soup, relish, bacon and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes, or until soup is heated through. Garnish with french-fried onions.

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Stay tuned because I am planning to make some pork chops tonight using a very unique recipe that caught my eye. I'm hoping it will be so good!! I've also stocked up recently at a great Winn Dixie sale on my Chex cereal in preparation for the holidays and good ole White Trash.