Homemade Cheeseburger Pasta (Gluten Free)

Homemade Cheeseburger Pasta
(serves 2)

1/4 lbs Corn Pasta, Penne
1/2 lbs Ground beef (or turkey, or Shredded zucchini for veggie)
1 Tablespoon olive oil, light in flavor
1 Tablespoon gluten free flour ( I used masa)
Almond milk
2 Tablespoons Parmesan
3/4 cup shredded cheddar

This recipe has cheddar and Parmesan cheese in it so it is not dairy free, however the white sauce is made with almond milk to reduce the amount of dairy.

To start, preheat the oven to 400 degrees and put some water on to boil for your pasta. Then put your ground meat in a pan on medium low and stir as needed until browned.

Next start your white sauce by putting your oil and flour in a small saucepan. Turn on heat to medium and stir continuously while very slowly adding some almond milk. Start by adding 1/4 cup almond milk and stirring until smooth, then add 1 tablespoon at a time there after until smooth but not watery. Keep in mind the sauce will thicken as it heats so a little thin is OK at first. Once hot add the Parmesan and  1/2 the cheddar and stir until smooth, add some more almond milk to thin out if it becomes too thick after adding cheese.

If your water is boiling add your pasta and boil according to package directions.
Next get an 8 x 8" pan and put your fully cooked meat in it.

When your pasta is done add to pan with meat and stir in cheese sauce

Then top with remaining cheddar cheese

And bake until cheese is melted, top with grated Parmesan and serve. 

Cold weather, Hot chili

Homemade Chili

 An in-house favorite!

On a cold day this is a recipe that is quick and easy. There are ingredients that you can add prepared or take the time to go scratch all the way. Having done both, this recipe turns out delicious either way. I will also be pointing out good substitutions to make this recipe vegan. 

Start out with some chopped onions in a preheated pan with a little olive oil. Add some ground turkey, or shredded zucchini for a vegan recipe. I have also split it half turkey/half zucchini and it comes out great with a little extra veggie.

Mince up 3 cloves of garlic and add to mixture in pan. Chop up peppers and set aside, or add just jalapenos to cook out some of the heat for a cooler version. I have also used fresh habaneros from my garden to spice it up. Add chili, cayenne, and some salt/pepper to taste. Then keep mixing until spice is throughout and turkey is fully cooked.

For the refried beans you can add a can, or you can buy some pinto beans (or make some pinto beans) and mash them yourself. I have found the pre-canned to have too much salt for me and have begun mashing myself. To do this I take the pintos canned, rinse them, and put them in a blender with the spaghetti sauce. You may have to add a little water for the right consistency.

Before adding my homemade refried bean mixture, I add the kidney beans to the turkey and brown them a little. This is where you add the jalapenos if you didn't add them earlier to cook out some of the heat. Then add the pinto bean mixture and finally the chopped bell peppers. cover, and let simmer on low for 5 to 10 minutes to let the flavors blend.

The Recipe for Homemade Chili

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium red onion, chopped
1 lb ground turkey
3 cloves garlic, minced

1 green bell pepper, chopped

1 red bell pepper, chopped

1 to 3 jalapenos, minced

2 teaspoons chili powder

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 can refried beans
1 can red kidney beans, rinsed
1/2 cup spaghetti sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar