Easy After Christmas Recipes

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

26 Dec 2008 06:24 AM

Christmas is over, but your houseguests haven't left yet. When leftovers just won't do, consider feeding the troops these super simple dishes.

The recipes are ideal for large groups and hold up well in situations where not everyone can make it to the table at the same time. But, the best part is that you won't have to spend hours in the kitchen making this feast while the rest of the family is gathered around the TV.

HEARTY BEEF DIP

Ingredients:

2 pounds lean ground beef

1 cup chopped onion

2 cloves garlic (crushed and minced)

1 can (4 ounces) mild Chile peppers (chopped)

1/2 teaspoons salt

2 cans (8 oz. each) tomato sauce

1/2 cup ketchup

1 teaspoon Oregano

16 oz. cream cheese, softened and cut in cubes

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 1/2 tsp chili powder, mild to medium heat

Directions:

Brown the ground beef and the onion in a skillet. Drain off fat and pour the browned meat mixture into a crock-pot.

Next, add the garlic, mild Chile peppers, salt, tomato sauce, ketchup, oregano, sugar, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese and chili powder.

Cook mixture in crock-pot on LOW for about 2 hours, until cream cheese has melted. Stir, taste, and adjust seasoning if desired.

Serve with your favorite tortilla chips.

RAVIOLI LASAGNA

Ingredients:

1 1/2 pound ground beef

1 small diced onion

2 teaspoons garlic salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

2 cups water

1 large jar marinara sauce

2 (18 to 20 ounce) packages cheese ravioli

1 (10 ounce) box frozen chopped spinach, thawed and excess water squeezed dry

4 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

In a large skillet, brown beef with onion until it is no longer pink. Add seasonings. Add water and sauce. Bring to a boil, then turn down heat and let simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.

Spray a 9 by 13-inch baking pan.

Spoon a thin layer of sauce over the bottom of the dish. Cover with a half of ravioli. Top with half the spinach, two cups of Mozzarella, and half of sauce. Repeat with another layer of ravioli and the remaining spinach. Pour rest of sauce on top. Top with Parmesan and remaining Mozzarella.

Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.

Uncover and bake until bubbly another 10 minutes.

Serve with salad and French bread.

Related Articles:

Hearty Vegetarian Lasagna

Whole Wheat Turkey Lasagna

Ways to Liven Up Leftovers

Quick and Easy Holiday Appetizers

Quick and Easy Party Dishes

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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