Simply Made Recipes

In the kitchen with Aaron and Amber

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Salsa Chicken Tacos

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Salsa Chicken Tacos are an easy family friendly dinner option that can be made in the pressure cooker or crock-pot. Just three ingredients of salsa, taco seasoning and chicken breast is cooked and then nestled into a taco shell with lettuce, tomato, red onion and guacamole. 

Taco night is kind of a big deal in my household. We eat them in some form at least once a week and they never get old or boring. One the easiest ways I have found to make tacos is with this recipe. All you need is some chicken, a jar of salsa and a packet of taco seasoning. NO, it does not matter what salsa you use. Pick your families favorite of switch it up with a medium salsa, something spicy or a salsa verde. Top these tacos with whatever you choose… tomatoes, onion, guacamole, cheese, lettuce, sour cream, peppers, add some black beans… anything!

You may also enjoy these Ground Beef Tostadas!

Salsa Chicken Tacos

Salsa Chicken Tacos have a tender, shredded chicken inside a soft flour tortilla (hey, you can use hard shell tacos if you prefer) seasoned with a little taco seasoning and of course, salsa. The salsa adds all the flavor you need. This may be one of the easiest recipes ever while still having great flavor!

Pair tacos with my favorite Firehouse Guacamole recipe!


Crock-pot 

The crock-pot is my go-to kitchen appliance. You can toss in the chicken, salsa and taco seasoning in the slow cooker before work and come home to meal ready to eat. Just shred the chicken and assemble the tacos. Dinner is done! To quickly shred chicken, try using a hand mixer on the chicken for about 1 minute and you will be left with perfectly shredded chicken. 

Pressure Cooker

Last minute dinner? Cook the Salsa Chicken Tacos a pressure cooker. Place the chicken, salsa and taco seasoning in the pressure cooker, close the valve and cook on high for 15 minutes. Open the valve when the cook time is done and let it depressurize. Then, shred the chicken and serve some tacos. Read your manual before using a pressure cooker for safety. 

 

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Salsa Chicken Tacos

Salsa Chicken Tacos are an easy family friendly dinner option that can be made in the pressure cooker or crock-pot. Just three ingredients of salsa, taco seasoning and chicken breast is cooked and then nestled into a taco shell with lettuce, tomato, red onion and guacamole. 

Course dinner
Keyword chicken, crockpot, Pressure Cooker, slow cooker, Tacos
Prep Time 7 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Servings 10 tacos
Author Amber

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds chicken breast
  • 16 ounces salsa your choice
  • 1 ounce packet taco seasoning
  • 10 flour tortillas

Toppings

  • lettuce chopped
  • tomato diced
  • red onion diced
  • guacamole

Instructions

Crock-pot

  • Place chicken, jar of salsa and a packet of taco seasoning into crock-pot
  • Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours.
  • Shred chicken and then assemble tacos.

Pressure Cooker

  • Place chicken, jar of salsa and a packet of taco seasoning into pressure cooker.
  • Secure lid, close valve and cook for 15 minutes on high.
  • Safely open valve and depressurize.
  • Shred chicken and assemble tacos.

Shells and Cheese

Shells and Cheese is a cheesy dinner made only 3 main ingredients! Enjoy this pasta made with evaporated milk, shredded cheddar cheese and pasta shells that is even easier than box macaroni and cheese. 

Macaroni and cheese is LIFE. Seriously. It has been my favorite food since I can remember. My grandmother would actually make the boxed stuff for me when I visited and used TWO packets of cheese sauce instead of one because I am such a mac’n’cheese-aholic. No, that probably isn’t a real condition but it is the best way to explain my love for the dish. Macaroni and cheese doesn’t have to be fancy or complicated. Sometimes simplicity is best! 

Shells and Cheese

Shells and Cheese are creamy (so deliciously creamy) and perfectly cheesy. Roasted Lemon Garlic Parmesan Broccoli is a great side dish to pair. If you are feeding a crowd, grilled chicken is also a great option. 

Tips & Tricks

Pasta

You are not constricted to just use shells for pasta in this dish. You can make a more classic macaroni and cheese with elbow macaroni or try a penne or whatever pasta your family loves. This recipe will work with a pound of any dry pasta! So, yes you can totally just yank out whatever pasta is in the pantry today and cook this up. 

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Shells and Cheese

Shells and Cheese is a cheesy dinner made only 3 main ingredients! Enjoy this pasta made with evaporated milk, shredded cheddar cheese and pasta shells that is even easier than box macaroni and cheese. 
Course dinner
Keyword cheese, Pasta, side
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Author Amber

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces evaporated milk
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
  • 16 ounces pasta
  • 4 cups water
  • salt

Instructions

  • Bring water, evaporated milk and a pinch of salt to a boil in a large skillet or pan.
  • Add pasta and let simmer uncovered until el dente. This should take about 10 minutes but will vary depending on pasta used.
  • Remove from heat and stir in cheese. Do not drain the pasta.
  • Serve.

Notes

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Pesto Steak Kabobs

Pesto Steak Kabobs are made with pesto marinated chunks of steak, bell peppers, red onion and a tasty basil pesto drizzled over top. 

‘Tis the season to fire up that grill as much as possible! Hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken, veggies and of course steak kabobs are all on the menu this summer season. These Pesto Steak Kabobs are so easy to make, vibrant in color and full of freshness. 

 

Pesto Steak Kabobs

Pesto Steak Kabobs are a delicious mix of some great flavors! There are sweet bell peppers, mild red onion, tender rich steak chunks and the fresh pesto with the nutty pine nuts and peppery basil. This meal is a huge hit and a favorite on the grilling meal rotation during the summer. 

Basil Pesto

This recipe uses a classic basil pesto. Pesto is made with loads of freshly chopped basil, toasted pine nuts, minced garlic, shredded Parmesan cheese and olive oil. Just toss the ingredients into a food processor and done! The pesto is great for marinating and as to either dip the kabobs in or drizzle over the top for an extra kick of flavor. This pesto isn’t just for kabobs! Try it on a pizza, mixed with pasta, on bread or in a dip for snacking. 

Also try this recipe for Shrimp Pesto Linguine with a kale pesto. 

Tips & Tricks

Toast the pin nuts! Before tossing the pine nuts into a food processor, make sure to toast them real quick on the stove top. Put the pine nuts on a medium heat in a saucepan for about 3 minutes or until they turn golden brown. Make sure to stir often. This brings out the nutty flavor in the pine nuts to make a great pesto. 

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Pesto Steak Kabobs

Pesto Steak Kabobs are made with pesto marinated chunks of steak, bell peppers, red onion and a tasty basil pesto drizzled over top. 


Course dinner
Keyword Grilling, kabobs, pesto, steak
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Marinade 30 minutes
Servings 6 skewers
Author Amber

Equipment

  • Food Processor
  • Grill
  • Saucepan

Ingredients

Basil Pesto

  • 1/3 cup pine nuts
  • 2 cups basil leaves
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Pesto Steak Kabobs

  • 1-1 1/2 pounds steak thick sirloin cuts work well
  • basil pesto
  • 3 bell peppers assorted colors
  • 1 red onion

Instructions

Basil Pesto

  • Toast the pine nuts. Place them in a saucepan on a medium heat on stove top for 3 minutes or until golden brown. Turn often.
  • Place the pine nuts and all other ingredients but the olive oil into food processor and pulse a a few times. Salt and pepper to taste.
  • Slowly add in olive oil and blend until you have a nice consistency.
  • Store in the refrigerator.

Pesto Steak Kabobs

  • Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes.
  • Place steak and half the batch of pesto into a ziploc bag, seal and let marinate in refrigerator for 30 minutes.
  • Chop steaks into equal sized chunks.
  • Wash and chop bell peppers and red onion into equal sized chunks as the steak.
  • Assemble skewers with the steak marinated steak chunks, red onion and bell pepper.
  • Grill on a medium heat for 12-15 minutes turning often.
  • Drizzle the remainder of the pesto on top of skewers and serve.

Notes

I prefer to cook these kabobs in a lower heat than typical kabobs so the pesto on the steak keeps its delicious flavor. 

BLT Hot Dogs

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Tyson Foods, Inc. The opinions and text are all mine. #TurnUpSummer

BLT Hot Dogs are Ball Park® Hot Dogs wrapped in bacon grilled to perfection and placed in Ball Park® Hot Dog Buns with sliced roma tomatoes, shredded lettuce and a drizzle of mayonnaise over top.

We kick off every summer with a grill out with friends, neighbors and family to eat, play some corn hole while the kids run around and listen to some country music in the backyard. This year will be no different. Cold drinks, delicious grilled foods, simple side dishes and a shareable dessert is just what we need. BLT Hot Dogs make summer grilling simple, yet so flavorful.

The Essentials

A successful grill out requires just a few things, beginning with great food!

  • Ball Park® Beef Franks are made with 100% beef.
  • America’s favorite bun, Ball Park® Hot Dog Buns.
  • Lettuce, tomatoes and bacon to make BLT Hot Dogs.
  • Hillshire Farm® Smoked Sausage Links made with 100% premium beef.
  • Chinet® Classic White™ dinner plates plates offer premium strength to serve the heaviest meals in style for easy cleanup and more time with friends and family.
  • Cold beverages.
  • Silverware, cups and napkins.
  • Dessert. S’mores are one of the go-to desserts to enjoy around the fire pit.
  • Side dishes : potato salad, corn on the cob, baked beans, or diced watermelon to name a few.
  • Condiments : mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard.
  • Activities : Corn hole, darts and flag football are some we enjoy while cranking up some country music.

Sweepstakes

Turn it up! Tyson Foods, Inc. and Cole Swindell are partnering up for a sweepstakes. You have a chance to WIN a VIP concert experience with a GRAND PRIZE trip for you and three of your friends to the Sunset Repeat Tour featuring Cole Swindell. ​

How to Enter

    •  Purchase any 3 participating products from Walmart. Check out the full list of participating products on turnupsummer.com at the bottom of the page.
    • Save your Walmart receipt. Grocery pick-up receipts will work too!
    • Upload your receipt online.
    • Enter for a chance to win at www.turnupsummer.com

Click HERE for more information and details. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. The Walmart Summer Grilling Sweepstakes is open to legal residents of the 50 U.S. & D.C., at least the legal age of majority in the state/territory in which they reside at the time of entry. Sweepstakes begins 12:00 a.m. ET 5/14/19 and ends 11:59 p.m. ET on 7/22/19. For a list of participating products and Official Rules, visit www.turnupsummer.com where prohibited. Sponsor: Tyson Foods, Inc., 2200 W. Don Tyson Pkwy., Springdale, AR 72762. ​

 

Click the image above for easy shopping!

Turn Up Summer Walmart Parking Lot Event

Walmart is turning their parking lot into a summer party with free food, music and even a patriotic photo booth! A great way to end the first week of summer vacation with the kids. Check out your Walmart for upcoming parking lot events!

BLT Hot Dogs

BLT Hot Dogs have a nice crispy outside layer of bacon with juicy Ball Park® Hot Dogs in the center. It is then set in soft Ball Park® Hot Dog Buns with sweet slices of fresh tomato and shredded lettuce. Drizzle some mayonnaise over top to complete. Summer grill outs will be anything but boring with flavors like this!

Tips & Tricks

Cook low and slow. The trick to making these BLT Hot Dogs is to cook on a low to medium heat for a longer period of time than you would typically cook a hot dog. A high heat may just char the hot dog before the bacon has a chance to crisp as you may like.

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BLT Hot Dogs

BLT Hot Dogs are Ball Park® Hot Dogs wrapped in bacon grilled to perfection and placed in a Ball Park® Hot Dog Bun with sliced roma tomatoes, shredded lettuce and a drizzle of mayonnaise over top. 
Course dinner
Keyword Dinner, Grilling, Summer
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 8 Servings
Author Amber

Ingredients

  • 8 Ball Park® Hot Dogs
  • 8 Ball Park® Hot Dog Buns
  • 8 bacon slices
  • 1 cup lettuce lettuce
  • mayonnaise
  • 2 Roma tomatoes sliced

Instructions

  • Soak 16 toothpicks in water for 20 minutes.
  • Wash lettuce and tomatoes. Chop the lettuce and slice the tomatoes. 
  • Heat grill up to a medium-low heat.
  • Wrap each hot dog with a slice of bacon. Secure the bacon with one toothpick on each end.
  • Toss hot dogs on grill for 10 minutes, flip and cook another 10 minutes. 
  • Remove the toothpicks. 
  • Serve in a hot dog bun with shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes and a drizzle of mayonnaise


How do you plan on turning up this summer? Let me know in the comments below how this summer will be the best one yet.

 

 

 

 
 

Pressure Cooker Mississippi Pot Roast

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Pressure Cooker Mississippi Pot Roast is a family favorite dinner made with a roast, ranch seasoning, au jus gravy seasoning, butter and pepperoncinis that can easily be made in the pressure cooker or a crock-pot. 

The Mississippi Pot Roast is a recipe I came across many years ago on Pinterest. I don’t remember the original source I first saw the recipe from because it is ALL over the place! This recipe is not just a huge hit in my family but families everywhere. Typically, this roast is made in the crock-pot but today we are cutting back the cook time and cooking it in the pressure cooker. 

Pressure Cooker Mississippi Pot Roast

Pressure Cooker Mississippi Pot Roast is a bit salty with tender meat and a delicious gravy that is perfect over mashed potatoes. Pepperoncini’s add a little heat and more great flavor. 

Crock-Pot

Want to slow cook the roast? The crock-pot is probably my favorite way to make this meal. The pressure cooker is convenient and amazing in it’s own way but I am forever a crock-pot kind of girl. You want to start by seasoning the roast with salt and pepper, then searing each side on the stove top in some olive oil. Place the roast into a slow cooker and add a packet of Ranch, packet of au jus, 6-8 sliced pepperoncini’s, and a stick of butter. You will not need the beef broth this method. Cook on low for about 10 hours and then shred the meat. Serve over mashed potatoes. If you want it a little spicy, add in some of the pepperoncini juices straight from the jar while cooking. 

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Pressure Cooker Mississippi Pot Roast

Pressure Cooker Mississippi Pot Roast is a family favorite dinner made with a roast, ranch seasoning, au jus gravy seasoning, butter and pepperoncinis that can easily be made in the pressure cooker or a crock-pot. 

Course dinner
Keyword crockpot, Instant Pot, Pressure Cooker
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Servings 4 Servings
Author Amber

Equipment

  • Pressure Cooker

Ingredients

  • 2 pound chuck roast rump can be used
  • 1 ounce au jus gravy packet
  • 1 ounce Ranch seasoning packet
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 6-8 pepperoncini sliced
  • 1 cup beef broth low sodium
  • olive oil
  • salt
  • ground pepper
  • parsley optional garnish

Instructions

  • Salt and pepper all sides of roast.
  • Heat a drizzle of olive oil in the bottom of the pressure cooker on a medium-high heat. Place roast inside and sear each side for about 3 minutes.
  • Remove roast. Deglaze the bottom of the pressure by adding 1 cup beef broth and scrape the bottom with a wooden spoon. Place the roast back in.
  • Add packet of Ranch, packet of au jus and stick of butter.
  • Slice 6-8 pepperoncinis and place on top of roast.
  • Cook for 60 minutes.
  • Depressurize and release lid. Shred meat. If the meat does not shred easily, cook another 15 minutes.
  • Serve over mashed potatoes, in a sandwich, on the side of roasted vegetables or however you please.

Chicken Bacon Caesar Salad

This post is sponsored by Great Day Farms and Soapbox Influence. All opinions are mine alone.  #EggceptionallyGreat

Chicken Bacon Caesar Salad is a delicious dinner salad made with romaine lettuce, tomatoes, crispy bacon, chicken, Parmesan cheese, croutons and Great Day Farms Hard-Boiled Eggs with a creamy yogurt based dressing. 

One of my favorite items to make through the summer are salads. Salads are refreshing, quick and easy to make so they are perfect for those hot days. Little salads won’t keep my family full and happy so we like them loaded and pumped full of flavor. Bring on the layers of deliciousness! From crunchy bacon to buttery croutons and creamy dressing to perfectly cooked hard-boiled eggs. You are going to love this salad!

Great Day Farms Hard-Boiled Eggs

A great way to add more flavor and protein to any meal is with hard-boiled eggs. You can find Great Day Farms Hard-Boiled Eggs at Walmart conveniently located in the deli section next to the pre-made sandwiches and salads. Available in 2 and 6 pack pouches that are not just convenient but also tasty and a great value. 

Try this Spicy Ramen Noodle Soup for another great dinner recipe with hard-boiled eggs!

Chicken Bacon Caesar Salad

Chicken Bacon Caesar Salad is loaded with flavor! Beginning with the crispy bacon pieces and chicken cooked in some of the bacon grease. There are fresh tomatoes and crunchy croutons added over top a bed of Romaine lettuce. A nutty Parmesan cheese is sprinkled over top as well as in a creamy dressing of anchovies, Worcestershire and lemon juice blended with Greek yogurt and olive oil. The finishing touch are some Great Day Farms Hard-Boiled Eggs pre-cooked and ready to toss on the salad with their creamy centers. 

Yogurt Based Caesar Dressing

A classic Caesar dressing is made of anchovies, garlic, mustard and raw egg yolk. It is a simple dressing that is delicious and perfect but today I wanted to create an eggless Caesar dressing with the swap of Greek yogurt and it really works! The base is the same with anchovy and garlic. Salt, olive oil, Worcestershire, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese and plain Greek yogurt is then added. This dressing is super flavorful, thick and creamy. 

Tips & Tricks

Save Time

This meal can be on the table in less than 25 minutes. You just need to multi-task and get the bacon cooking ASAP. Followed by the chicken. While the bacon and chicken cooks, wash the produce, dice what needs to be diced and prepare the dressing. The Great Day Farms Hard-Boiled Eggs also help save time without the need to boil and peel any eggs. 

#ad @GreatDayFarms #EggceptionallyGreat, Chicken Bacon Caesar Salad, caesar dressing, yogurt based dressing, salad recipe, summer dinner recipe, how to make a caesar salad,
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Chicken Bacon Caesar Salad

Chicken Bacon Caesar Salad is a delicious dinner salad made with romaine lettuce, tomatoes, crispy bacon, chicken, Parmesan cheese, croutons and Great Day Farms Hard-Boiled Eggs with a creamy yogurt based dressing. 

Course dinner, lunch
Keyword bacon, caesar, chicken, dressing, Eggs, salad
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings 4 people
Author Amber

Equipment

  • Food Processor

Ingredients

Caesar Dressing

  • 4 garlic cloves peeled
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon worcestershire
  • 3 anchovy flat fillet
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt plain
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese shredded

Chicken Bacon Caesar Salad

  • 2 chicken breasts fillet for 4 pieces
  • 6 bacon slices crispy and chopped
  • 2 heads Romaine lettuce
  • 1 cup croutons
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese shaved or shredded
  • 1 cup petite medley or cherry tomatoes halved
  • ground pepper
  • 4 Great Day Farms Hard-Boiled Eggs halved

Instructions

Caesar Dressing

  • Place salt, anchovy fillets and garlic cloves into food processor and blend for 1 minute.
  • Add the remaining dressing ingredients and blend until smooth and creamy.

Chicken Bacon Caesar Salad

  • Place bacon into a hot pan set on a medium-high heat. Cook until crispy (about 5 minutes) flipping often. Remove, let cool and then chop.
  • Drain most of the bacon grease from the pan leaving just a little to cook the chicken in.
  • Fillet 2 chicken breasts. Salt and pepper each side. Place into pan cooking 12-14 minutes on a medium-high flipping once. Remove from pan, cool and then slice.
  • Rinse and dry the tomatoes and lettuce.
  • Chop the Romaine lettuce and place into large bowl.
  • Add the sliced chicken and chopped crispy bacon.
  • Cut the tomatoes and Great Day Farms Hard-Boiled Eggs into halves. Add to salad.
  • Add Parmesan cheese, croutons and some fresh ground pepper.
  • Toss with desired amount of Caesar Dressing and serve.

Notes

Internal temperature of chicken needs to reach 165 degrees to consume. 

Have you tried Great Day Farms Hard-Boiled Eggs? Let me know how you enjoy eating them in the comments below!

 

 

Italian Meatballs with Zoodles

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Italian Meatballs with Zoodles is a delicious gluten-free, low-carb dinner made with juicy cheese stuffed meatballs simmered in a simple marinara sauce served over zucchini noodles. 

My family has been cutting carbs lately. While we aren’t doing a strict keto diet, we are making carbohydrate replacements often for something healthier. Swapping pasta for zoodles has ended up being one of our favorites ways to do this.

You may also like these Taco Zucchini Boats as another great family dinner night idea for lower carbs and another way to use zucchini. 




 

Italian Meatballs with Zoodles

Italian Meatballs with Zoodles have a crunchy base of zucchini with plump, delicious sausage meatballs over top. The sauce is simple and adds just the right amount of flavor to complete the dish. 

Tips & Tricks

Zoodles

Zucchini noodles are commonly known as “zoodles”. Zoodles are a healthy alternative to pasta and a great to get more vegetables in your diet! The trick to making zoodles is a quick cook time. Just a few flips in a hot pan is all it takes to cook zoodles. Don’t add salt because the salt can pull moisture from the zucchini making the zoodles too wet. 

I use this Spiralizer. You can buy it from Amazon. It is affordable and easy to use. 

Keto

If you are on a keto diet, make sure to read labels for all the tomato products. Tomatoes have carbohydrates so to keep them low for the day, checking labels is important. Also, keep in mind the other carbohydrates you have consumed for the day to stay on track. 

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Italian Meatballs with Zoodles

Italian Meatballs with Zoodles is a delicious gluten-free, low carb dinner made with juicy cheese stuffed meatballs simmered in a simple marinara sauce served over zucchini noodles. 

Course dinner
Keyword Gluten Free, Keto, Meatballs, Zoodles, Zucchini
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Servings 5 people
Author Amber

Equipment

  • Spiralizer

Ingredients

Italian Meatballs with Zoodles

  • 5 zucchinis
  • olive oil
  • basil leaves chopped
  • Parmesan cheese shredded

Italian Meatballs

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 pound Italian sausage
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
  • 1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella shredded
  • 1/2 cup parmesan shredded
  • 1/2 yellow onion
  • 2 garlic cloves minced

Sauce

  • 1/2 yellow onion diced
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 6 ounces can tomato paste
  • 24 ounces can tomato sauce
  • 14 ounces can diced tomatoes

Instructions

Zoodles

  • Wash zucchinis.
  • Use your spiralizer according to its instructions to create zoodles from the zucchinis.
  • As the sauce finishes cooking in a separate pan, cook your zoodles. Place them into a hot pan for 3 minutes. Toss frequently. I like to do this in two batches to cook them evenly.

Italian Meatballs

  • Place all the meatball ingredients into a large bowl. Use wet hands to thoroughly mix the ingredients.
  • Form aprox 20 meatballs. I like to use a meatball press for even meatballs.
  • Drizzle some olive oil into a hot pan on the stove top. Add meatballs. Cook until browned and then flip to brown the other side. I like to do this in two batches and set the meatballs to the side for a moment.

Sauce

  • Add a tiny amount of olive and the diced onion to the hot pan. Cook for 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook until aromatic which is about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
  • Add the remainder of the sauce ingredients and stir.
  • Add the meatballs back into pan. Lower temperature, cover pan with a lid and let simmer for 20 minutes.
  • Stir in some chopped fresh basil. 1 -2 Tablespoons should be good.
  • Serve over zoodles with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.

Notes

Also check food labels to ensure foods fit into a specific diet like keto or gluten-free. Most cheeses and tomato based sauces are gluten free but there are exceptions. 

Air Fryer Hot Dogs

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Air Fryer Hot Dogs are a simple kid friendly meal that can be on the table in 5 minutes! All you need is a air fryer, beef franks and hot dog buns. 

My daughter has recently decided that she is going to be a picky eater and living off mac ‘n’ cheese and hot dogs is totally doable. SOMEONE please tell me this phase will end soon in our lives! Needless to say, we have been eating hot dogs lately- lot’s of hot dogs so expect to some hot dog recipes in the future. 

Air Fryer Hot Dogs

Air Fryer Hot Dogs are so quick and easy! The hot dogs turn out plump and juicy and even get some nice marking on the outside like they have been grilled. I don’t think I will ever boil a hot dog again- only the air fryer or grill in this house now!

Air Fryer

You will find that each air fryer is a little different. They work off a different wattage and have different temperatures they can reach. All air fryer recipes may need tweaked just a little in temperature and time because of this. Find what works with your air fryer!



 

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Air Fryer Hot Dogs

Air Fryer Hot Dogs are a simple kid friendly meal that can be on the table in 5 minutes! All you need is a air fryer, beef franks and hot dog buns. 

Course dinner
Keyword air fryer, hot dogs
Cook Time 5 minutes
Servings 4
Author Amber

Equipment

  • Air Fryer

Ingredients

  • 4 beef franks
  • 4 hot dog buns
  • condiments

Instructions

  • Place 4 beef franks into air fryer.
  • Cook 3-4 minutes on 390 degrees flipping half-way between cooking.
  • Remove franks and put hot dog buns into air fryer for 1 minute.
  • Build your hot dogs with whatever condiments you enjoy- ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, relish.

Salmon with Avocado Salsa

Salmon with Avocado Salsa is a seasoned salmon fillet baked to perfection with a spicy avocado salsa on top made of red onion, serrano, tomatoes and lime juice. 

Weeknight dinners can easily get monotonous. Especially if you are feeding children too. This Salmon with Avocado Salsa is far from boring but can still be on the table quickly and easy. 

Salmon with Avocado Salsa

Salmon with Avocado Salsa may just be one of my favorite salmon recipes! The salmon is super spicy with a smokey note while the avocado salsa cools but also adds another level of heat with the serrano pepper. You may also enjoy this recipe for Air Fryer Salmon with Brown Sugar Glaze with less spice but full flavor! 

Tips & Tricks

Salmon

Look for a fresh, wild caught salmon. Also, pay attention to the smell, texture and color to pick the freshest, best tasting fish. 

  • Smell. Salmon should smell fresh. If you smell something “fishy”, move on to another. 
  • Texture. The skin should be shiny and the meat should look plump and firm. There shouldn’t be any wrinkles or look dried out. 
  • Color. Depending on the type of salmon you are looking, color can vary from red to yellowish. Typically a vibrant colored fish is best because the color resembles the diet of the fish. 

Read about the types of salmon HERE with the Top 6 Types of Salmon by Spruce Eats. 

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Bring the Heat (or not)

This recipe has a little more heat than a typical family dinner so you may need to adjust accordingly. My family enjoys this recipe just as is but to calm down the heat, there are two things you can do. 

  1. Salmon Rub. Cut down on the Adobo seasoning blend and cumin by half. 
  2. Avocado Salsa. Remove the seeds before dicing the serrano pepper and cut back to only half a pepper. 
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Salmon with Avocado Salsa

Salmon with Avocado Salsa is a seasoned salmon fillet baked to perfection with a spicy avocado salsa on top made of red onion, serrano, tomatoes and lime juice. 
Course Main Course
Keyword salmon
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 14 minutes
Total Time 24 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Author Amber

Ingredients

Adobo Salmon

  • 1 pound wild caught salmon 4 salmon fillets
  • 1 1/4 teaspoon adobo blend seasoning
  • 1 Tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 Tablespoon cumin

Avocado Salsa

  • 2 avocados peeled and diced
  • 3 Roma tomatoes diced
  • 1/2 red onion diced
  • 1 serrano seeds removed and finely diced
  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 Tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 garlic clove minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 Tablespoon cilantro optional

Instructions

  • Heat oven to 400 degrees. 
  • Remove pin bones from salmon with tweezers and cut salmon into 4 portions. 
  • Place the salmon skin side down onto a baking sheet. 
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the adobo blend seasoning, brown sugar, cumin and a teaspoon of salt. Rub onto the salmon. 
  • Bake salmon for 14-16 minutes. 
  • As the salmon bakes, make the avocado salsa. 
  • Peel and dice avocados. Dice tomatoes and onion. Finely dice a serrano, monce a clove of garlic and chop some cilantro. Add all ingredients to a bowl with olive oil, lime juice, salt and pepper. 
  • Spoon avocado salsa over salmon and serve. 

 

Taco Zucchini Boats

Taco Zucchini Boats are made low carb with ground beef, seasonings and black beans nestled into a zucchini and topped with red onion, queso fresco cheese and cilantro. 

I am not sure I have ever met a taco I didn’t like! Since transitioning to a lower carb diet recently, I have been trying to find a good swap for our regular flour tortillas and this is a great option! Zucchini boats are easy to make, healthy and more than half the carbs you would find in a corn tortilla. 

Taco Zucchini Boats

Taco Zucchini Boats are loaded with meat! I used the same seasoning in the meat that you find in these Ground Beef Tostadas and it gives these zucchini boats just the right amount of spice and flavor. Feel free to use whatever toppings you like! Red onion, queso fresco cheese, sour cream and cilantro were used today. You can use shredded cheddar cheese, olives, avocado sauce, shredded lettuce, tomato, or anything else you please! 

Be aware of the carbs in black beans if you are on a keto diet. Kidney beans or black soy beans may be better options to stay lower carb. 

Zucchini Boats

Zucchini has been one of our biggest changes since going to a lower carb diet. Zucchini noodles have been making an appearance frequently and so have zucchini boats. You just wash the produce well and dry before cutting into. Cut lengthwise and also cut off the ends if needed. Scoop out the center pulp with a spoon and they are ready to be filled. 

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Taco Zucchini Boats

Taco Zucchini Boats are made low carb with ground beef, seasonings and black beans nestled into a zucchini and topped with red onion, queso fresco cheese and cilantro. 
Course dinner
Keyword Keto, Tacos, Zucchini
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Author Amber

Ingredients

Spicy Ground Beef

  • 1 pound ground beef lean
  • olive oil
  • 2 Tablespoons chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 Tablespoon water

Zucchini Boats

  • 3 zucchinis
  • 3/4 cup black beans
  • Spicy Ground Beef
  • non-stick spray

Toppings

  • 1 cup queso fresco cheese shredded
  • 1/4 cup red onion diced
  • sour cream
  • cilantro garnish

Instructions

  • Heat a nonstick skillet on the stove top on a medium-high heat. Drizzle the pan with olive and add the ground beef. Break up the ground beef into equal pieces until browned. 
  • Drain meat and return to pan with 1 Tablespoon water and all the Spicy Ground Beef seasonings. Stir until water is absorbed. 
  • Stir in the black beans. 
  • Wash, dry and cut zucchinis lengthwise. Scoop out the pulp center to create a boat. Place the boats in a baking dish with non-stick spray. 
  • Fill each zucchini boat with the spicy ground beef and black bean mixture. 
  • Heat oven to 350 degrees. Bake for 25 minutes or until the zucchini is tender. 
  • Remove from heat and add toppings: diced red onion, fresh cilantro, cheese and a drizzle of sour cream. 

Notes

Kidney beans have lower carbohydrates than black beans. Black soybeans are also a good swap for those on a low carb or keto diet. 

How do you keep taco night low carb? Let me know in the comments below.