Symona's Refried Beans

 

1.5 lbs pinto beans sorted and rinsed (you may find rocks)

about 5 cups water

about 5 cups chicken stock

1 thick slice onion (1/2 white onion)

2-3 cloves garlic, minced

1 TBSP chili powder

1.5 tsp salt

1 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp paprika

black pepper to taste

Cook in crock pot on high 6-8 hours adding water if needed.  Mash with potato masher or puree with immersion blender for smooth, lump-free beans.  Remove onion before mashing for a more subtle onion flavor.  Add cheddar cheese on top, let melt before serving.  

Shonk's Green Bean Casserole

 

Makes one large 8 x 10 pan big enough for leftovers

Can half recipe if serving a smaller group

2 cans (10 1/2 oz) Campbell's Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup

1 C milk

2 tsp soy sauce

dash of black pepper

8 cups cooked cut green beans (I like French cut beans from the freezer section)

2 containers French's French Fried Onions

about 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional but makes it yum!)

Step 1:  Stir the soup, milk, soy sauce, black pepper, thawed green beans and cheese in an 8x10 casserole dish.  Cover with aluminum foil.  

Step 2: Bake at 350 degrees for 40ish minutes or until the bean mixture is hot and bubbling.  If halving the recipe, only 25ish minutes are needed for baking.  

Step 3: Uncover.  Add second container of French Fried Onions on top.  Bake for 5 minutes or until the onions are golden brown.  

Recipe source: Campbells.com

Delicious Chili

Nothing fancy about this chili.  It is just good.  That is all!

Ingredients:
1-2 c beans (any kind: pinto, black, kidney, etc)
1 pound ground beef
1 large onion
3 cloves minced garlic
1 green pepper, seeded and chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
24 oz chopped tomatoes
1 c tomato sauce
3 1/2 c beef stock


Spices
2 TBS chili powder (I leave this out so my kids will eat it)
1 TBS cumin
2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp oregano
dash hot pepper (I leave this out)

OR
3 TBS taco seasoning
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper


Directions:
1.  Prepare beans.
2.  Heat 2 TBS oil in a large saucepan.  Saute ground beef, onion and garlic.
3.  Add the green pepper and celery.  Continue to cook until veggies are barely crisp, about 5 minutes.
4.  Add tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef stock and spices.
5.  Add 1-2 c beans.  Bring it all to a boil, stirring occasionally.
6.  Reduce heat and simmer 1 1/2 to 2 hours.

*Note.  I like to cook all ingredients and then throw it in the crock pot.  Super easy.  You can make a big batch and freeze in zipper bags for a great winter-time meal.  Good served with cornbread and salad.

Recipe Source:  My SIL Annaliese W.
Picture Source: Cooking Classy

Sloppy Sams

AKA....Vegetarian Sloppy Joes


3 C water
1 C lentils
1 tsp salt

Cook lentils until tender (45 minutes).

3 TBS Olive Oil
1 C chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced

Saute above ingredients until crisp and tender.
Add sauted veggies to lentils. 

Add the remaining ingredients:
1/2 6 oz can of tomato paste
1/2 C ketchup
1 tsp mustard powder
1 TBS chili powder
3 TBS molasses
2 tsp vinegar
salt and pepper

Heat and serve over hamburger buns. 

 
Recipe Source: Allison R.

Photo Source:
http://www.edibleperspective.com/home/2011/12/22/lentil-sloppy-joes.html