1.) Quick Chili
For a delicious chili recipe that doesn’t need to simmer for hours, brown 3 pounds of hamburger with 1-1/2 teaspoons chili powder, ½ chopped onion, and 1 medium chopped green pepper. If desired, you can also add a prepackaged chili seasoning mix. Cook until the hamburger is brown and the vegetables are clear or cooked. Drain. Combine the hamburger mixture in a large stockpot with 1 can tomato juice, 6 cans drained chili beans (you can also use red, pinto, or kidney beans), and 3 tablespoons honey (or brown sugar). Bring to a soft boil, then reduce to a simmer and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Serve with sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and Frito chips, if desired. This chili goes well with warm cornbread, grilled cheese sandwiches, or cinnamon rolls. This makes a big pot of chili that can feed 10-12. You can easily freeze the leftover portion for later meals. This is my mom’s recipe, and it’s a big hit because it’s flavorful without being too spicy. My family loves it alongside homemade corn bread.
2.) All-in-One Spaghetti
For a quick-to-make homemade spaghetti sauce, brown 1 pound ground beef, 1 large chopped onion, and 2 minced garlic cloves in a Dutch oven. Stir until the beef is browned. Drain well, and then return meat to the oven. Stir in 1 8 ounce can of tomato sauce, 1 6-ounce can of tomato paste, 1 cup water, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon sugar, 2-3 teaspoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and a dash of pepper; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer, stirring often, for 30 minutes. Add 1 package uncooked spaghetti and simmer for another 20 minutes or until the pasta is tender. Serve with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and parsley, if desired. This recipe serves 6, but requires only a bit of effort.
3.) Beefy Pasta Skillet
In a medium skillet, cook 1 pound hamburger with 1 medium chopped onion until browned. If there is excess fat, drain the meat before returning it to the skillet. Meanwhile, cook 1-1/2 cups corkscrew (or elbow) pasta according to package instructions. Add the pasta, 1 can condensed tomato soup, ¼ cup water, ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese, and 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce to the hamburger mixture; cook until the mixture is bubbling. This recipe serves 4 and is ready in half an hour. It’s a healthy and cheap alternative to Hamburger Helper.
4.) Sloppy Joe Sliders
If you’re throwing a party or family get-together and looking for a crowd pleaser, make sloppy joe sliders! These hearty sloppy joes are ready in minutes, and can easily be paired with baked beans, potato salad, deviled eggs, or salad for a satisfying meal. To prepare the sliders, heat 1-1/2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet. Add 2 cups chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes or until tender. Add 3 pounds of hamburger to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain well. Stir in 2 cups barbecue sauce or ketchup, 1 cup mustard, and ½ cup Worcestershire sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes or until the flavors are well combined. Serve on miniature rolls. For a fun twist, try sweet-and-sour sloppy joes. For more tasty recipes like this one, check out Real Simple.
Kendra Smith is a food blogger who enjoys trying and creating new recipes.
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