A great comfort recipe the whole family will love that is so incredibly easy!

KFC has had these “Famous Bowls” on their menu for awhile now and it has been my go-to menu choice since their release. Actually, I think these bowls may be the only reason I have eaten at a KFC the past few years. Not because I don’t like KFC but my family just doesn’t eat out very often. We much prefer to make food at home so of course, I had to create my version of these crave-worthy bowls. 

My fellow potato lovers may also enjoy this Shepherds Pie with Beer Gravy!

Copycat KFC Bowl

Copycat KFC Bowl has a base of buttery mashed potatoes, a layer of delicious turkey gravy followed by some sweet corn topped with crunchy popcorn chicken and shredded cheddar cheese. Comfort in a bowl! Let’s break down each ingredient. 

Potatoes

Homemade potatoes are amazing and yes, you can make your own for this recipe. However, I typically just buy refrigerated potatoes from Aldi and heat them up in the microwave to keep life simple on busy school nights. 

You may love these Homemade Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes. 

Gravy

I used a turkey gravy packet for today but use what you love. If you like it homemade, go for it. If you like brown gravy, gravy from leftovers, mushroom gravy…  you can swap the gravy for whatever you please.  Sometimes, I like to use a country gravy. 

Corn

Look for a can of whole kernel sweet corn. Frozen can be used if you prefer or even grilled corn on the cob would be tasty. I like using the can in this particular recipe because, again, it is all about the simplicity and getting a comfort meal on the table quickly during busy times. 

Cheese

I always have a bag of cheddar shredded cheese in the refrigerator (one of my kids will put cheese on anything and everything) so that is what I used today. You can however use whatever you like in shredded form. A mild cheddar, extra sharp, monterey jack… taco blend. 

Popcorn Chicken

Popcorn chicken works perfectly in these KFC Bowls. I buy the Aldi Kirkwood brand but any brand will do. You just want to look for a simple breaded chicken in bite-sized pieces. 

Copycat KFC Bowl

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5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 2 reviews

• Author: Amber
• Total Time: 17 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Copycat KFC Bowl can easily be made at home with mashed potatoes, gravy, popcorn chicken, corn and some shredded cheese.

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Ingredients

• 1 pound popcorn chicken, frozen (I like Aldi’s)
• 1 pound mashed potatoes ( Bob Evans is good. Found in the refrigerator section.)
• 15 ounce can whole sweet corn
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• .87 ounce envelope turkey gravy mix
• 1 cup water
• ground pepper
• salt

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Instructions

1. Cook chicken according to package instructions. Ali’s Kirkwood Popcorn Chicken: 450 degrees for 12 minutes in the oven.
2. Cook potatoes according to package instructions. Bob Evans : heat in microwave for 3 minutes, stir and cook another 2 minutes.
3. Heat corn in microwave in a microwavable safe container for 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. May instead heat on stovetop if you prefer.
4. Make the gravy on the stovetop according to envelope instructions. Aldi : Whisk one cup water with gravy mix on a medium heat bringing to a boil. Remove from heat.
5. Assemble bowls. Place 1/4 of the mashed potatoes into a bowl. Pour some gravy over top. Add corn, shredded cheese and popcorn chicken. Serve.

Notes

• I will make 2 pounds of mashed potatoes instead of one when my family (the teenager) is really hungry!
• More of an inspired by KFC than actual copycat recipe for a meal that is crazy simple.

• Prep Time: 5
• Cook Time: 12
• Category: Dinner

Have you had the KFC version of these KFC Bowls? Let me know how these compare in the comments below. 

The post Copycat KFC Bowl appeared first on Simply Made Recipes.

One of my favorite meals to make with ingredients found at Aldi!

My favorite time to eat breakfast food is at dinner! Finishing off a rough day a warm biscuits and country gravy is just good for the soul. You know that quote, “dessert doesn’t go to the stomach, it goes to the heart”. That’s how I feel about a meal involving biscuits and gravy. It just feeds the soul. 

You may also enjoy this Aldi recipe for 6 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas for another simple dinner idea!

Chicken and Gravy Biscuit Sandwich

Chicken and Gravy Biscuit Sandwich has a buttery, fluffy biscuit topped with a crunchy, perfectly seasoned breaded chicken breast and creamy, peppery country gravy and a fried egg. Yummmmm, breakfast food heaven for me you guys. Now, let’s break down each layer. 

Chicken

You can find Kirkwood Chicken Breast Fillets (known as “red bag chicken”)  in the frozen food section at Aldi. I am not really a frozen food type of gal but I pick up a bag or two at every shopping trip to Aldi. The chicken is good quality, the breading is always even so you don’t get those odd bites of mushy breading that I have experienced with other brands. Plus the seasoning is just right so there are endless meal possibilities. Chicken Parmesan is another favorite meal to create with this chicken to throw out another idea for you. 

“Do I have to use the chicken from Aldi’? 

No, but I really recommend to do so if you have an Aldi nearby. If not, then pick a breaded chicken from you local grocer or make your own. 

Gravy

Country gravy isn’t always available at Aldi… it is a “occasional” item. Country gravy packets are however, really easy to find at most other grocers all the time. It is also really easy to make a country gravy homemade with a few ingredients.  All you need is flour, butter, whole milk, salt and pepper! 

Homemade Country Gravy instructions: 

1. Melt 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter in a saucepan on medium heat. 
2. Add 2 Tablespoons all purpose flour and whisk well. 
3. Slowly add in 1 cup of whole milk whisking well for about 2 minutes. 
4. Add a pinch of salt and fresh ground pepper. 
5. Simmer for a few minutes until the gravy thickens up and then serve. 

Egg

I like fried eggs on this type of dish to get a little bit of runny yolk when you bite in. You do have the option of cooking the egg however you like. Just keep the egg about the same size and shape as the biscuit to create those nice layers on the sandwich. 

Biscuit

It is important to grab the jumbo sized biscuits. There is an off-brand biscuit the Aldi carries. I have tried it multiple times and it is good. You can also go with Pillsbury Grands which Aldi also carries… it just costs a little more being name-brand. 

Go BIG! Also try a layer of crispy bacon and a slice of cheese because life is too short not to indulge yourself from time to time. 

Chicken and Gravy Biscuit Sandwich

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5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 3 reviews

• Author: Amber
• Total Time: 1 hour 3 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

Chicken and Gravy Biscuit Sandwich is made with jumbo biscuits, country gravy, breaded chicken fillets and a fried egg.

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Ingredients

• 8 jumbo biscuits, I used Pillsbury Grands today
• 2.75 ounce packet country gravy
• 8 pieces of Kirkwood Breaded Chicken Breast Fillets, frozen
• 8 eggs, large
• salt
• ground pepper
• non-stick spray

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Instructions

1. Bake the chicken at 400 degrees for 40 minutes, flipping halfway. If using a different brand, follow instructions on bag.
2. Once the chicken is finished cooking, set it the side and make the rest of your layers.
3. Biscuits will go in at 350 degrees for 13 minutes. If using another brand, follow instructions on can.
4. Cook country gravy according to packet instructions.
5. Fry the eggs.  Place a non-stick pan on a medium heat. Spray with non-stick spray and add the egg. Cook until the white is set which takes a couple minutes. Serve. If you like the yolk also set a bit, then flip and cook a couple more minutes before serving.
6. Assemble the sandwich: cut biscuit in half, place chicken on bottom half, then a large spoonful or two of gravy, followed by the egg and then the top half of biscuit.

Notes

• Instructions within post on how to make homemade country gravy.
• Frozen bags of chicken have between 6-8 chicken breast fillets so I recommend buying 2 bags if making all 8 sandwiches. Personally, I make 6 sandwiches for my family and have a couple plain biscuits leftover.
• A toothpick down the center of the sandwich can help hold the layer in place while eating.

• Prep Time: 10
• Cook Time: 53
• Category: Breakfast

Are you an Aldi shopper? Have you tried the “red bag” chicken before and what did you make with it?? Let me know in the comments below. 

The post Chicken and Gravy Biscuit Sandwich appeared first on Simply Made Recipes.

Shepherd’s Pie with Beer Gravy is a deliciously comforting, traditional shepherd’s pie made with ground lamb, carrots, peas, celery and onion, topped with a cheesy mashed potato baked to perfection with one little twist – the sauce is a hearty beer gravy made with Yuengling Lager.

My family, like many others, has a handful of traditional dishes that we have been making through the generations. Shepherd’s Pie is one of those dishes that my mother would make on a chilly, winter weekend. The dish just has a way of warming you up from the inside out and gives that “at home” feeling no matter where you may be. Shepherd’s Pie is comforting, hearty and so flavorful! Today, I am sharing my traditional Shepherd’s Pie recipe and adding more depth of flavor with a beer gravy made from a Yuengling Lager.

Yuengling 

A great Shepherd’s Pie starts with tasty sauce. You don’t want it too soupy or too thick, and stay away from bland! I chose to use Yuengling Lager for my beer gravy base because it adds a special flavor that makes the dish unique and far from bland. I also chose the Yuengling Lager because it happens to be one of my go-to beers with its medium bodied flavor, subtle sweetness and well balanced taste.

Collectible Cans

America’s Oldest Brewery is celebrating their 190th anniversary and releasing a collectible beer can in celebration. The cans showcase the iconic eagle imagery that has been on the Yuengling label since 1829, when the brewery was known as the Eagle Brewery. These 5 commemorative cans pay tribute to the brand’s enduring history, and the entrepreneurial spirit and relentless determination through the past 6 generations of the Yuengling family.

Shepherd’s Pie with Beer Gravy

There is nothing better than sitting around the table on a Sunday afternoon and sharing an amazing comfort dish like this Shepherd’s Pie with Beer Gravy. We are a meat and potatoes type of family, so obviously, Shepherd’s Pie is always a huge hit and on top of the most requested list. You will definitely want to stick around for this recipe below.

Tips & Tricks

The Gravy

The gravy should be thick with a bold flavor. Yuengling Lager really helps accomplish that boldness and makes this Shepherd’s Pie stand out among the others.

The Potatoes

Leftover potatoes work well in this Shepherd’s Pie, or even the microwavable kind from the refrigerator section at your grocery can help save some time. To really get the full taste and comfort, go with the homemade mashed potatoes with a little bit of cheese in the mix; it is just unbeatable! To create a nice topping, I recommend putting the mashed potatoes into a pastry bag with a large tip so you have control over how the potatoes are spread over the meat layer.

The Meat

Traditionally, a Shepherd’s Pie is made with ground lamb. Ground lamb is rich and earthy and pairs so nice with the beer gravy. You can absolutely swap the ground lamb for a ground beef (Cottage Pie) or even a mix. One pound of ground lamb with one pound ground beef will work really nicely in this recipe.

Shepherd’s Pie with Beer Gravy

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5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Amber
• Yield: 6 people 1x

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Description

Shepherd’s Pie with Beer Gravy is a deliciously comforting, traditional shepherd’s pie made with ground lamb, carrots, peas, celery and onion topped with a cheesy mashed potato baked to perfection with one little twist- the sauce is a hearty beer gravy made with Yuengling Lager.

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Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground lamb
• salt
• pepper
• 2 carrrots (diced)
• 2 celery (diced)
• 1 onion (diced)
• olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves (minced)
• 2 sprigs thyme
• 2 sprigs rosemary
• 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 cup peas
• 3 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire
• 6 ounces tomato paste
• 1 cup Yuengling Traditional Lager

Mashed Potatoes

• 2 pounds Russet potatoes (peeled and quartered )
• 2/3 cup milk
• 2/3 cup Parmesan cheese (shredded)
• 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter

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Instructions

Mashed Potatoes

1. Peel and quarter potatoes 2 pounds of potatoes, place in a pot of water. Bring water to a boil and cook until potatoes are tender. 
2. Drain potatoes and put back into pot with 2/3 cups milk, 2/3 cups Parmesan cheese and 4 Tablespoons butter. Mash potatoes and place in a pastry bag with a large tip. Save for later.  

Shepherd’s Pie with Beer Gravy

1. In a large skillet, brown 2 pounds of ground lamb. Season with salt and pepper and drain excess fat. Set the meat to the side. 
2. Wash celery and carrots. Peel carrots. Dice the carrots, celery and onion. In the same pan, drizzle a little olive oil.  Saute those diced onion, carrot and celery. Cook for 2 more minutes. 
3. Chop the rosemary and thyme leaves. Add to mixture. Season with more salt and pepper. 
4. Mince the garlic cloves. Add 1 Tablespoon butter and the garlic cloves to the pan. Cook for 1 minute careful not to burn the garlic. Add in the peas and toss together. 
5. Sprinkle with flour and add the drained meat back in. 
6. Add broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire, and Yuengling Lager. Cook and reduce until you have a nice thick gravy. 
7. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. 
8. Place the meat mixture into the bottom of a large casserole dish. Add the potatoes on top and bake for 20 minutes or until the top of the potatoes start browning slightly. 
9. Remove from oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. 

What are some of your favorite traditional meals that have been passed down through the generations? Let me know in the comments below!

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