The Casserole Queen

I was not an experienced cook when David and I met nearly nine years ago. I had just turned twenty-two and although did not have a plethora of dishes I made I felt I had a little more to offer in the culinary category than my fellow twenty something chicas.

We lived in Orlando at the time and I was slowly becoming homesick. So therefore I loved making comfort food that made me feel back at home and thus my future hubby dubbed me The Casserole Queen!

He may tease but there are a few staples to our cooler weather eating habits that have become a mainstay in our home. I'd like to share a few with you. I should point out that a few of these are new ones that I've attained over the past nine years.

Tater Tot Casserole (thanks to Crissy for this one!)
Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees

Ingredients
1 lb hamburger
1 small onion
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup milk
garlic powder
salt & pepper to taste
2-3 cups frozen tots (about 1/2 a regular pckg)
Velveeta slices or chunks

Directions
Brown hamburger and cook onion with it then drain. Add soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to skillet and stir till blended. Pour into a 13 X 9 casserole dish. Cover mixture with velveeta slices or chunks. Top with an even layer of tots. Place in oven for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and tots are browned.

Taco Pie
Preheat oven to 375 degrees

Ingredients
1 lb hamburger
1 cup diced green pepper
1/2 cup diced onion
taco seasoning packet
1 small can of tomato paste

1/3 cup water
10 small refrigerated biscuits
2 cups colby jack cheese
sour cream to taste for garnish

Directions
Brown hamburger, green peppers and onions together and drain. Place back into skillet. Add seasoning packet, tomato paste, and 2 tbsp water or whatever packets directions call for. Heat mixture on medium high heat until simmering and thickened.

Add biscuits to bottom of 9 inch pie plate sprayed w/ cooking spray. Press biscuits into bottom of plate until they form a continuous crust. Add half of the meat mixture and spread to cover crust. Spread half of cheese evenly, add remaining meat mixture and top with cheese.

Place in oven for about 20-25 minutes or until biscuits look browned.

Serve with a dollop of sour cream and a salad.

Well there's just a sampling of the Casserole Queen's recipe box. I hope you enjoy them as much as our family has and continues to!

Blessings,
Stef