Beef Lombardi

Beef Lombardi
1 T olive oil
1 lb 93/7 ground beef
1 onion, diced
salt and pepper
3 T tomato paste
4 cloves garlic, minced
3- 10 oz cans Rotel, drained
1 1/4 c sour cream
1 T cornstarch
12 oz wide egg noodles
4 oz cream cheese, softened
4 green onions, minced
2 c Cheddar cheese

1. In a large pan, heat oil over medium-high heat; add beef, onion, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper. Cook until beef is browned.
2. Stir in tomato paste and garlic; cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in tomatoes and cook until mixture starts to thicken. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Preheat oven to 350* and grease a 9x13 pan. In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream and cornstarch.
4. Bring water and a tablespoon of salt to boil in a large pot and cook noodles until al dente; reserve 2 cups of noodle liquid and drain the rest.
5. In the empty pot, whisk cream cheese and reserved liquid; stir in noodles, sour cream mixture, green onions, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.
6. Spread noodle mixture evenly in 9x13 pan, spread meat mixture evenly over noodles, and sprinkle with cheese. Bake for about 30 minutes, until cheese is browned and edges are bubbly. Let cool for 15 minutes before serving.

Cheesy Bread

Cheesy Bread
1-2 cloves of garlic, minced
1/4 c butter, softened
1 c Mozzarella cheese
2 c Cheddar cheese
1/4 - 1/2 c sliced green onions, to taste
1/4 c mayonnaise
1 T sour cream
1 loaf French bread

1. In a small bowl, combine garlic and butter.
2. In a medium bowl, combine cheeses and green onions; add mayonnaise and sour cream. Stir in butter mixture.
3. Preheat broiler and line a baking sheet with foil; slice bread in half horizontally and lay crust side down on sheet.
4. Spread cheese mixture evenly over bread and broil for 3-5 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
5. Remove from broiler and let sit for a few minutes to cool before slicing and serving.

Cream Cheese Pinwheels

Cream Cheese Pinwheels
2 blocks cream cheese, softened
1 pkg Ranch dressing mix
1/2 t pepper
5 green onions, thinly sliced
5-8 burrito-sized flour tortillas
1 bell pepper, finely diced


1. In a medium bowl, mix cream cheese, the majority of the Ranch packet (to taste), black pepper, and green onions. Spread evenly on tortillas.
2. Sprinkle bell pepper on tortillas and roll up tightly. Refrigerate for at least an hour, then slice and serve.

Poor Man's Bruschetta

This is one of my favorite snacks.

Poor Man's Bruschetta
2 slices bread
1 roma tomato, sliced
olive oil
salt, pepper, garlic salt, Italian seasoning, or any combination of these

1. Toast bread, top with tomato slices, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with spices.