Cowboy Beef Dip

This recipe came from Taste of Home magazine. My sister made it at Christmas time and I couldn't get enough of it. It is yummy!!!

1 lb. ground beef
4 tbls chopped onion, divided
3 tbls chopped sweet red pepper, divided
2 tbls chopped green pepper, divided
1 can (10-3/4 ounces) condensed nacho cheese soup, undiluted
½ c salsa
4 tbls sliced ripe olives, divided
4 tbls sliced pimiento-stuffed olives, divided
2 tbls chopped green chilies
1 tsp. chopped seeded jalapeno pepper
¼ tsp dried oregano
¼ tsp pepper
¼ c shredded cheddar cheese
2 tbls sour cream
2-3 tsp minced fresh parsley
tortilla chips

In a large skillet, cook the beef, 3 tbls onion, 2 tbls red pepper, and 1 tbls green pepper over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in the soup, salsa, 3 tbls ripe olives, 3 tbls pimiento-stuffed olives, chilies, jalapeno, oregano and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, simmer, uncovered for 5 minutes.
Transfer to a serving dish. Top with the cheese, sour cream, and parsley; sprinkle with the remaining onion, peppers and olives. Serve with the tortilla chips.
Yield: 3 cups.

Nacho Bake

We had this tonight for dinner and it was pretty good. My boys LOVE Velveeta Shells and Cheese (and I do enjoy them myself, much better than the powered mac and cheese.) Eric found this recipe on the back of the box so we tried it and it went over well. It is not the healthiest but it sure is good and very easy and fast.

1 pkg. (12 oz) VELVEETA Shells & Cheese Dinner
1 lb. ground beef
1 pkg. (1 1/4 oz) taco seasoning
3/4 c. water
3/4 c. sour cream
3/4 c. shredded cheddar cheese, divided
3/4 c. salsa
1/2 c. coarsely crushed tortilla chips

1. Preheat oven to 400. Prepare shells & cheese following basic directions. While pasta is cooking, brown meat; drain. Add taco seasoning mix and water to the meat; simmer 5 mins.
2. Stir sour cream into prepared shells & cheese. Spoon half of the shells & cheese mixture into 8-inch square baking dish; top with layers of the meat mixture, half of the cheese and the remaining shells & cheese. Cover.
3. Bake 15 mins; top with salsa, remaining cheese, and the crushed tortilla chips. Bake uncovered, an additional 5 mins.
Enjoy!

Pumpkin Cookies

So my friend Jennifer makes the BEST pumpkin cookies. I'm so sad that I don't live closer so I could enjoy them! :) Before I left I made sure that I got the recipe. They are SO yummy!!!

2 c. sugar
1 c. oil
2 tsp vanilla
2 c. canned pumpkin
4 c. flour
1 1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
raisins, chocolate chips, nuts (Jennifer just adds chocolate chips and it is dynamite. I've never tasted it with anything else.)

Mix all ingredients together and bake at 350 for 15 mins.

Enjoy - and if you make them make sure you call me over and I will come and help you eat them. :)