Sarmale Casserole

1 lb ground beef/ground turkey
   (or mix of half Italian sausage & half turkey)
1 large onion, chopped
1 Tbsp minced garlic
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp paprika
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1/4 c water
1 head green cabbage, coarsely chopped into 1 inch pieces
2 Tbsp oil
2 c cooked rice
2 c mozzarella cheese

Cook meat and onion til meat is browned. Add in spices.  Add in tomatoes (with liquid), tomato sauce and water. Cook til slightly thickened, about 15-20 minutes.

While meat simmers, heat 2 Tbsp oil in a large frying pan. Add the chopped cabbage and cook until the cabbage wilted and about halfway cooked.

When meat mixture has thickened, stir in rice.

Grease 9x13 and layer half the cabbage, half the meat mixture, remaining cabbage and remaining meat mixture. Cover with foil.  Bake at 350 for 40 minutes.  Remove foil and sprinkle with cheese. Bake uncovered for 20 more minutes.

Poppy Seed Chicken

1 c uncooked white rice, prepared

 4 c chicken, cooked & cubed
    (1 rotisserie chicken)

6 Tbsp melted margarine
8 oz. sour cream
1 can cream of chicken soup

crackers, crushed

2 Tbsp melted margarine
2-3 tsp poppy seeds


Prepare rice (1 c dry rice with 3 cups water)
Lightly grease 9x13.  Place rice as a layer across bottom of pan. Layer chicken on top of rice.  Mix sour cream, soup and 6 Tbsp melted margarine and pour over chicken. Spread crushed crackers on top and drizzle with 2 Tbsp melted margarine. Sprinkle with poppy seeds.

Bake 350 for 20-30 minutes.

Pork and Soybean Stir fry

Stir-Fried Pork and Soybeans

http://userealbutter.com/2008/06/08/chinese-stir-fried-pork-soybeans-recipe/

1/2 lb. pork meat, cut into strips (I prefer dark meat) 
1 lb. shelled soybeans (edamame), thawed
3 stalks green onions, cut into 1-inch strips
3 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
3 tbsps soy sauce
2 tbsps sesame oil
1 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsps vegetable oil

Mix the pork meat with the cornstarch, soy sauce, and sesame oil until the pork is evenly coated. Heat vegetable oil over high heat in a large sauté pan (frying pan, wok, whatever). When oil is hot, add garlic and green onions and sauté until fragrant. Add the pork to the pan and stir-fry until pork is nearly cooked. Add the soybeans and sauté for another 2-3 minutes. Serve hot. 


Variations:
*I made without the onions, and for the garlic, I threw a little garlic powder in instead. 
*I added 1/4 cup water and used a tad less on the soy/sesame oil for less sodium. 

Chicken and Rice Soup

Hearty Chicken and Rice Soup

Add water, veggies, and broth; bring to a boil. Simmer for five or so minutes and then add chicken. Stir flour and milk to thicken soup. Add already cooked rice. 

Add black pepper, garlic, and chicken bouillon to desired taste. Allow to simmer about 15 minutes; then enjoy! 

2 ish cups water

1 cup broth

1/2 cup veggies

1-2 cups leftover chicken (already cooked)

1/3 cup of cooked rice 

1/8 cup flour

3 tbsp milk

*I didn’t measure the ingredients, so feel free to add or subtract amounts depending on how thick you’d like your soup. 
** This makes 2-3 servings, so adjust recipe accordingly.

Beef Enchiladas

Ingredients:

1 1/2 lbs. ground beef
1/4 c. water
1 package taco seasoning (or 1.25 oz. homemade mix)
1 cup plain yogurt
1 (10.75 oz) cream of chicken condensed soup
2 c. shredded mozzarella cheese
6 tortilla shells

optional:
1 diced jalapeño, to taste

Variations:
Switch the mozzarella for cheddar cheese. I also used only about 1 cup of cheese, and that was plenty.

Instructions:

- Cook the meat on medium heat until browned. Add water and taco seasoning. Simmer till all or most of water has evaporated.
- Mix yogurt, condensed soup, and cheese in a separate bowl.
- Divide meat evenly between tortillas. Add a couple spoonfuls of the cheese/soup mixture on top of the meat, then roll up the tortilla. Place in baking dish (7x11 or similar size).
- Spread the rest of the cheese/soup mixture on top of the tortillas in the pan.
- Bake at 350 for 20-30 minutes.


http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Ground-Beef-Enchiladas/Detail.aspx?evt19=1