Where did the summer go? A new school year has begun and kids are getting into their routine, with school sports etc. Busy parents need dinner ideas that can be made quickly and will please the hungry! Have no fear, our friends at Marcia Selden Catering & Event Planning are here! They are an award-winning caterer from CT that serves the tri-state area.
The key to easy weeknight cooking is using recipes that can be made-ahead and then reheated in the evening, or…you can prep your ingredients on Sunday, so all you’ll have to do is take them out when you’re ready to cook! In the food biz, we call that ‘mise en place’.
Make-Ahead Turkey Cheeseburger Pie
This recipe can be made up to 12 hours in advance, you can top with the biscuits when ready to transfer to the oven.
Serves 4
Ingredients
4 T Olive Oil
1 medium Onion, chopped
Kosher Salt & Black Pepper
1 lb Ground Turkey
1 14.5 oz can diced Fire-Roasted Tomatoes with Green Chiles
1 can refrigerator biscuits
1 C grated cheese (cheddar or gruyere)
Directions
Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees. Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a medium ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and ½ teaspoon salt and cook, stirring frequently, until beginning to brown. Add the turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until cooked through, 6 to 8 minutes. Add the canned tomatoes (with their juices) and cook until slightly thickened, 2 to 3 minutes more.
Remove biscuits from the package. Place the dough onto the meat mixture in an even layer. Sprinkle with the grated cheese. Bake until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through, 18 to 22 minutes. Dig in and enjoy!
Photo credit: Robin Selden, Marcia Selden Catering + Event Planning.
Supergrain Mac + Cheesy
Ingredients
2 C quinoa pasta elbows
4 t Butter
½ C Whole Wheat Flour
3 ½ C Milk
¾ C Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Directions
Cook pasta till al dente. In a pan melt butter. Slowly wisk in flour til incorporated. Add milk, whisking constantly as not to get clumpy. Once incorporated add cheese and continue to stir til combined. Taste for salt & pepper. Season if needed. Fold in pasta to coat evenly. At this point we recommend adding in yummy bursts of flavor filled with vitamins and protein. Here are a few of our favorites:
Add-ins
Edamame
Small White Cannellini Beans
Roasted Florets of Broccoli
Sautéed Spinach
Sautéed Ground Beef or Chicken
Pour into an oven safe dish. Bake in pre-heated 375 degree oven for 25-30 minutes till bubby on top. Enjoy!
