Stick of Butter Rice

This recipe isn't exactly "healthy", but it's absolutely delicious! I found this on Pinterest, and made it as-written (with a full stick of butter); but I thought the whole stick seemed a little excessive, because there was butter left in the bottom of the bowl I was eating from. I tried this with "light" butter, and it didn't turn out as well. Finally, I settled on using about 2/3 of a stick of butter, which was perfect.

Stick of Butter Rice

1 (10 oz) can condensed French onion soup
1 (10 oz) can of beef broth
5 Tbsp. butter, sliced
1 cup uncooked white rice
8 oz. can of mushrooms, drained

Preheat oven to 425. Combine all ingredients (the butter can just remain in slices) in an 8x8 or 9x9 baking dish. Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes. Uncover, and bake for another 30 minutes. Makes 4 servings.

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Meatball Stroganoff

This is super fast and easy to make if you use frozen meatballs. I like to buy the Aldi Fit & Active turkey meatballs.

4 servings of Fit & Active turkey meatballs (24 meatballs total)
1 onion, chopped
1 can mushrooms, drained
1 clove garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups beef broth
1 Tbsp. cornstarch
1 cup fat-free sour cream
4 servings (8 oz.) Smart Taste pasta (egg noodles)

Cook pasta according to package directions. Put the meatballs in the microwave for a couple of minutes to thaw. Spray a large skillet with cooking spray, and cook the onion until soft. Add the garlic, mushrooms, and broth and bring to a boil. Add the meatballs, and simmer for a few minutes. Combine the cornstarch with a splash of cold water, and add it to the pot. Bring just to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Add the sour cream and warm through. Serve over pasta. Makes 4 servings.

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Salisbury Steak

This is a super easy, and fast version of salisbury steak.

Salisbury Steak

1 lb. lean ground turkey
1 can 98% fat free cream of mushroom soup
1 6 oz. jar of mushrooms
1 onion, chopped very fine
1 egg
1/3 cup bread crumbs

In a medium bowl, combine meat, egg, onion, bread crumbs and 1/4 CUP of the soup.  Form into 4 oval patties. Heat skillet over med-high, and cook the patties a few minutes on each side to brown. Drain any fat that may be in the skillet, and remove the patties to a plate. Put the rest of the cream of mushroom in the pan, along with the mushrooms (drained) and 1/4 cup of water (or 1/4 cup of the mushroom juice). Stir together, and then put the patties back into the pan. Cover and cook over medium heat until cooked through.
4 servings.

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Chicken (or Mushroom) Paprikash

My all-time FAVORITE comfort food is my mom's chicken paprikash.  She makes the chicken by dredging it in flour and frying it, then makes these awesome dumplings (similar to gnocci) and a paprika-sour cream gravy to go over everything. I always used to pick that for my birthday dinners!  Anyways, here is my "light" version of my favorite comfort meal.  It tastes better than it looks, I promise :)

For Mushroom Paprikash: As you may know, I'm not a big fan of chicken. So I've actually made this with whole button mushrooms before, instead of the chicken, and it was DELICIOUS. Cook it the same way, only substitute mushrooms for the chicken breasts. You can use plain water or vegetable broth for the chicken broth.

Chicken Paprikash

1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts (whole or cut in chunks)
2 medium onions, thinly sliced
4 tsp. olive oil
2 Tbsp. paprika (note: that is TABLESPOONS, not teaspoons... it seems like a lot, but trust me)
1/2 cup chicken broth
salt & pepper to taste
1 cup fat free sour cream
8 oz. (dry) egg noodles

Start a pot of water to boil for the noodles, and cook according to package directions.  Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat olive oil. Add onions, and cook until the onions are soft and starting to caramelize. Add the chicken and cook for a couple of minutes. Add the paprika, chicken broth, salt & pepper. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer until the chicken is cooked through, about 10 minutes. Turn the heat to low, and add the sour cream. Keep over low heat until the sour cream is heated through (don't boil it because it will curdle). Serve over hot cooked egg noodles (egg noodles included in nutritional info).
Serves 4.

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