Adventures of Mel

Category: Meat & Seafood

Don’t know ’bout you, but my house is full of meat lovers. So here you’ll find loads of delicious meat recipes, including poultry and chicken recipes, beef recipes, pork recipes, and seafood and fish recipes.

Reader favorites include this easy meatloaf recipe, Instant Pot taco chicken, and spinach and chicken stuffed peppers.

meat recipes, including poultry and chicken recipes, beef recipes, pork recipes, and seafood recipes
  • Easy Philly Cheesesteak Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls

    Easy Philly Cheesesteak Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls

    Make the best Philly cheesesteak sliders on Hawaiian rolls, packed with steak, onion, sliced peppers, and your choice of provolone or Cheez Whiz. It’s the perfect recipe for a party crowd!

    Whether you need a really delicious appetizer or an actual meal, these Philly cheese sliders are the bomb. They’re ooey gooey with melted cheese, the steak is packed with flavor from ingredients like smoked paprika (my new favorite seasoning), and the onions and green peppers have a slightly crispy texture.

    Philly cheesesteak sliders on Hawaiian rolls, sprinkled with Italian parsley, on gray plate with white and blue striped towel

    Not to mention the tops of the rolls are brushed with garlic butter and Italian parsley. Steak and cheese sliders on Hawaiian Rolls are good all by themselves; but when you add the garlic butter… I wish I could put into words how delicious these little sandwiches really are.

    If it’s a slightly healthier alternative you want, cheesesteak stuffed peppers made with ground beef are the recipe for you.

    Why You’ll Love Philly Steak Sliders

    • The meat mixture is the same as my regular homemade Philly cheesesteak, except I’ve added smoked paprika. It gives a little kick to the sliders, and I’ll never make cheesesteaks without it, ever again.
    • Just like my Crock Pot Philly cheesesteak, these cheese steak sliders are perfect for a Game Day crowd, holiday guests, or a party spread.
    • They’re really easy to make. Just cook the meat mixture, layer the sandwiches, and pop them in the oven.
    Philly cheesesteak sliders ingredients on white marble countertop

    Ingredients and Substitutions Notes:

    To make this easy Philly cheesesteak sliders recipe, you’ll need a few ingredients…

    • Sirloin Steak – When it comes to the best meat for a cheesesteak, most people will recommend ribeye steak; but ribeye steak is usually really expensive. Others recommend top round steak. My butcher has always recommended sirloin steak, sliced thinly, for a more affordable option. Sirloin has just enough fat to give the meat a lot of flavor and to make the meat quite tender when cooked. Two things to look for when buying Philly cheese steak meat… 1) You need to be able to slice it thinly, almost like shaved steak. And 2) It needs to be tender, not tough; fat is a good thing for both flavor and tenderness.
    • Garlic Cloves – Or you can do like me and just buy already minced garlic in the produce section at the grocery store.
    • Yellow Onion – I like to use an onion that isn’t sweet, partially because it’s a bit healthier, but also because we get enough sweetness from the bell peppers. Yellow onion helps give a little kick. As an alternative, for more caramelized onions on your sliders, you’d just use a sweet onion; then cook the onions over a lower heat.
    • Fresh Mushrooms – You can use canned mushrooms, if you prefer.
    • Green Bell Pepper – I’ve had a lot of comments from people who say it isn’t a real cheesesteak if it has bell pepper. Thing is, I never claimed this was an authentic cheesesteak. I just enjoy the flavor and deliciousness that bell peppers give to the steak mixture.
    • Smoked paprika – This is my “not so secret” ingredient. Man this spice gives a flavor kick like no other. It really does make a difference.
    • Worcestershire Sauce
    • Hawaiian Rolls – You can use King’s Hawaiian Rolls or generic, or better yet, homemade Hawaiian Rolls for slider rolls! You also have other options, like homemade dinner rolls, brioche slider buns, regular slider buns, potato slider buns, or gluten-free dinner rolls. I find Hawaiian sweet rolls to make the best mini sandwiches.
    • Mayo – When layering the sandwiches, be sure to use real mayo, not that other salad dressing. That other salad dressing has its place, but that place is not the cheesesteak slider.
    • Provolone cheese and/or Cheez Whiz – I leave the choice to you; if it were up to me, I’d do both. When it comes to the best cheese for cheesesteaks, opinion really varies, and it really is a debate if you research it. The traditional consensus says either Cheez Whiz or provolone. Some even say American cheese pairs well with the provolone. While I love provolone, Cheese Whiz won my taste buds over. However, it’s up for debate in our house too because a couple of my guys really love provolone.So I live on the wild side and use both. I add the provolone on the bottom layer of the rolls, and then add Cheez Whiz to the top of the meat mixture.
    • Salted Butter, Roasted Garlic Powder, and Fresh Italian Parsley – All of which will be brushed on the tops of the buns before baking.
    Philly steak sliders, sprinkled with Italian parsley and brushed with garlic butter, on metal baking sheet

    How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Sliders

    Your first steps are to prepare the garlic, onion, mushrooms, and bell pepper. Garlic and mushrooms need to be minced; onion and peppers need to be sliced.

    If you’re not sure how to cut a pepper into strips, I’ve got you covered.

    How to Thinly Slice the Meat and Start the Cooking Process

    1. Slice the steak as thin as possible, slicing it against the grain (to retain tenderness) into thin slices for cooking. Be sure to leave as much of the fat as possible on the meat. Fat gives meat flavor, especially during the cooking process.
    2. Heat bacon grease or olive oil in a large skillet, and sauté the garlic, onion, mushrooms, and bell pepper over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes, or ’til softened. Then set aside.
    3. Add the steak, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet. Cook over low to medium heat until the meat is almost done.
    4. At this point, add the veggies back in with the meat, stir, and simmer ’til fully cooked.
    How to slice steak thinly for cheesesteaks on wooden cutting board and how to cook Philly cheesesteak meat, onion, and peppers in a cast iron skillet

    How to Layer Cheesesteak Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls

    Now for the fun part… Layering your mini cheesesteak sandwiches and baking them.

    Before you get started, slice the Hawaiian Rolls in half, as a whole. You’ll have the top layer of the rolls, and then a bottom layer.

    1. Place the bottom layer of the rolls in a greased baking dish or baking sheet, and spread the bottoms of the rolls with mayo.
    2. Add a layer of provolone cheese.
    3. Now add a layer of meat and vegetables. Tongs work great for this. Go ahead and pile up the meat and veggies, no skimping allowed.
    4. Add a dollop of Cheez Whiz to every single slider.
    5. Now add the top layer of the rolls.
    6. Mix together the melted butter, roasted garlic powder, and minced parsley in a small bowl; then brush the top of the rolls with the garlic butter mixture, and sprinkle with extra Italian parsley if desired.
    layering and making Philly cheesesteak sliders with Hawaiian Rolls, provolone cheese, cheese steak meat and vegetables, Cheez Whiz, and garlic butter on baking sheet

    How to Bake Steak and Cheese Sliders

    1. Cover with aluminum foil to keep your rolls from browning too quickly, and bake at 350° F for about 10 to 15 minutes, or ’til the cheese is melted.
    2. Then uncover and bake an additional 5 to 10 minutes or so.

    And that’s it. Oh my gosh, they are so good! My mouth is watering just thinking about these wonderful beef Philly cheesesteak sliders.

    Cheese steak sliders with Cheez Whiz, sprinkled with Italian parsley on gray plate, on blue and white striped tea towel on white marble countertop

    Expert Tips and Recipe FAQ’s

    Can you make this recipe ahead of time?

    Yes and no. You can totally cook the meat and vegetables and have your meat mixture ready to go. Just store it in the fridge in an airtight container until you’re ready to use it. Then when you’re ready to make your sliders, all you need to do is assemble the sandwiches and bake them. Reason you want to wait to assemble your sandwiches, is you don’t really want them sitting, soaking up all that moisture into the rolls for that long. It will make them a soggy, yucky mess.

    How should you store leftovers?

    Leftover sandwiches should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Keep in mind, they may get a bit soggy sitting in the fridge, but they should still be edible for 2-3 days.

    Can I freeze steak and cheese sliders on Hawaiian Rolls?

    Again… You can totally cook the meat and vegetables, then freeze the meat mixture in an airtight container that’s also freezer-safe. You can also freeze the rolls, but separately. Then when you’re ready to make your sliders, all you need to do is get everything out ahead of time to thaw; then assemble the sandwiches and bake them. This will prevent soggy sliders.

    baked Philly steak and cheese sliders on Hawaiian rolls with green bell peppers and onions on metal baking sheet

    What’s a Good Side to Serve with Steak Sliders?

    There are quite a few delicious sides you can serve with sliders. We usually eat cheese steaks with fresh veggies, chips, and/or fruit.

    They pair really well with steak fries or chili cheese fries, French fries, onion rings, tater tots, pasta salad, broccoli cauliflower salad, this vegetable finger salad, and even corn on the cob.

    Philly cheese steaks on Hawaiian Rolls brushed with garlic butter and Italian parsley, topped with Cheez Whiz, on gray plate with blue and white striped towel

    More Party Favorites Everyone Will Love

    If you love these steak sliders, you’ll love these other party foods too…

    If you try this recipe, why not leave a star rating in the recipe card right below and/or a review in the comment section further down the page? I always appreciate your feedback. You can also follow me on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. And subscribe to my email list too!

    Philly Cheesesteak Sliders

    Best Philly cheesesteak sliders on Hawaiian rolls, packed with steak, onion, sliced peppers, and your choice of provolone or Cheez Whiz!

    • Cutting Board
    • Chef's Knife
    • Large Skillet
    • Baking Sheet
    • Tongs
    • Pastry Brush
    • 1 pound sirloin steak (thinly sliced)
    • 2 tablespoons bacon grease (or olive oil)
    • 1 clove garlic (minced)
    • 1/2 medium yellow onion (sliced)
    • 2 ounces fresh mushrooms (minced)
    • 1/2 large green bell pepper (sliced)
    • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
    • 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
    • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
    • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
    • 12 Hawaiian Rolls
    • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
    • 6 slices provolone cheese
    • 3/4 cup Cheez Whiz

    Garlic Butter:

    • 3 tablespoons salted butter (melted)
    • 1/4 teaspoon roasted garlic powder
    • 1 tablespoon Italian parsley (minced)
    1. Prepare the garlic, onion, mushrooms, and bell pepper. Garlic and mushrooms need to be minced; onion and peppers need to be sliced.

    2. Pre-heat the oven to 350° F.

    3. Slice the steak as thin as possible, slicing it against the grain (to retain tenderness) into thin strips for cooking. Be sure to leave as much of the fat as possible on the meat. Fat gives meat flavor, especially during the cooking process.

    4. Heat bacon grease or olive oil in a large skillet, and sauté the garlic, onion, mushrooms, and bell pepper over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes, or 'til softened. Then set aside.

    5. Add the steak, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet. Cook over low to medium heat until the meat is almost done.

    6. At this point, add the veggies back in with the meat, stir, and simmer ’til fully cooked.
    7. Slice the Hawaiian Rolls in half, as a whole. You’ll have the top layer of the rolls, and then a bottom layer.

    8. Place the bottom layer of the rolls in a greased baking dish or baking sheet.

    9. Spread the bottoms of the rolls with mayo.
    10. Add a layer of provolone cheese.

    11. Now add a layer of meat and vegetables. Tongs work great for this. Go ahead and pile up the meat and veggies, no skimping allowed.

    12. Add a dollop of Cheez Whiz to every single slider.

    13. Now add the top layer of rolls.

    14. In a separate small bowl or glass measuring cup, mix together the melted butter, roasted garlic powder, and minced parsley.

    15. Brush the tops of the rolls with the garlic butter mixture, and sprinkle with extra Italian parsley if desired.

    16. Cover with aluminum foil to keep your rolls from browning too quickly, and bake at 350° F for about 10 to 15 minutes, or 'til the cheese is melted.

    17. Then uncover and bake an additional 5 to 10 minutes or so.

    18. And that's it! Serve while warm and enjoy!

    Two things to look for when buying Philly cheese steak meat…

    • You need to be able to slice it thinly.
    • It needs to be tender, not tough, and fat is a good thing for both flavor and tenderness.

    *While I prefer fresh mushrooms, you can also use canned mushrooms.

    Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?

    Yes and no. You can totally cook the meat and vegetables and have your meat mixture ready to go. Just store it in the fridge in an airtight container until you’re ready to use it. Then when you’re ready to make your sliders, all you need to do is assemble the sandwiches and bake them. Reason you want to wait to assemble your sandwiches, is you don’t really want them sitting, soaking up all that moisture into the rolls for that long. It will make them a soggy, yucky mess.

    Appetizers
    American
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  • Crock Pot Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich

    Crock Pot Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich

    How to make the most delicious Crock Pot Philly cheesesteak sandwich. Easy slow cooker recipe with tips for the best meat, vegetables, bread, and cheese.

    Whether you’ve been to Philly or not, you likely know the city’s famous for its cheesesteak sandwiches. I’ve only been to Philly a couple of times, but I specifically remember my first cheesesteak.

    Crock Pot Philly cheesesteak on gray plate with Cheetohs and Cheez Whiz

    My guys being meat lovers, they love it when I make our favorite stovetop Philly cheesesteak sandwich or my Philly cheesesteak with roast beef. And now I love making it even more because I can make it easier with this CrockPot Philly cheesesteak.

    Similarly to my CrockPot hot dogs recipe, I can load everything into the slow cooker, turn it on for a few hours, and when it’s done, everyone makes their own sandwiches. It makes dinner easy and more enjoyable.

    I’m telling you, the flavors in this sandwich and the ease with which you can make it, besides chopping up a few vegetables… There’s nothing quite like slow cooker Philly cheesesteak sandwiches for dinner.

    My favorite part, of course, is the cheese. My guys would say the meat.

    If you’ve got a house full of carnivores like I do, this Crock Pot Philly cheesesteak sandwich is a great recipe for dinnertime. And if you need an appetizer, Philly cheesesteak sliders on Hawaiian rolls, brushed with garlic butter and seasoned with smoked paprika, are ‘da bomb.

    What Actually Is a Philly Cheese Steak?

    In case you’ve never been to Philly or just really have no clue what I’m even talking about…

    A Philly cheese steak sandwich is basically a sandwich made on a hoagie roll with smaller, thinner pieces of beefsteak and cheese. What cheese goes on a Philly cheese steak depends; it can be provolone, American, or Cheez Whiz.

    Crock Pot Philly cheesesteak sandwich filled with cheesesteak, provolone cheese, green bell peppers, and Cheez Whiz on gray plate with white Cheetohs

    Two of the most famous places people go to buy a Philly cheesesteak sandwich are in Philadelphia, and they sit directly across from each other, Pat’s King of Steaks and Geno’s Steaks.

    Originally a hot dog stall, Pat’s was founded in 1930 by two brothers, Pat and Harry Olivieri. They are the ones who actually invented the famous cheesesteak in 1933.

    Ingredient Notes

    • Sirloin steak, thinly sliced – I’ll show you how to slice the steak as you continue to read.
    • Garlic cloves – If you don’t have minced garlic or garlic cloves, you can substitute 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder for each clove.
    • Yellow onion
    • Fresh mushrooms – Or you can use canned, if you prefer.
    • Green bell peppers – You’ll need to slice them into strips. If you’re not sure how, learn how to cut a pepper.
    • Salt and pepper
    • Worcestershire sauce
    • Beef broth
    • Bacon grease (optional)
    • Hoagie rolls
    • Provolone cheese
    • Mayo
    • Cheez Whiz

    Remember, all of the ingredient amounts you’ll need are in the printable recipe card below.

    Kitchen Tools and Equipment You’ll Need

    Ninja Food Chopper Express or Cutting Board and Chef’s Knife

    Slow Cooker – I use a Crock Pot 6-qt. slow cooker or my Instant Pot with its slow cooker function. You can also use a Ninja Foodi.

    Whisk and Glass Measuring Cup

    Baking Sheet or Griddle

    Tongs – Tongs are handy for lifting the meat and vegetables out onto your hoagie rolls when serving.

    How to Make Philly Cheese Steak in a Crock Pot

    Your first steps are to thinly slice the steak and prepare the garlic, onion, mushrooms, and bell peppers. You’ll also need to spray the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray.

    bowls of green bell peppers, yellow onion, garlic, and minced mushrooms for CrockPot Philly Cheesesteak

    How to Slice Philly Cheese Steak Meat

    Slice against the grain when slicing the sirloin, in order to retain the tenderness of the meat.

    Try to slice the meat as thin as possible, slicing it into thin strips for cooking. You’ll need a good knife for this.

    how to slice Philly cheese steak meat on wooden cutting board with chef's knife

    Also, be sure to leave as much of the fat as possible on the meat. Fat gives meat flavor, especially during the cooking process.

    Filling up Your Slow Cooker

    1. Add the thinly sliced steak to the slow cooker.
    2. Next add in the minced garlic, sliced onion, minced mushrooms, and sliced bell peppers.
    3. Whisk together the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
    4. Pour the beef broth over the meat and vegetables, and give everything a good stir.
    how to make Philly cheese steak in a black Crock pot by layering steak, vegetables, whisking up broth, and pouring over the vegetables and meat

    Then just cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours.

    cooking meat for Philly cheesesteaks in black Crock Pot slow cooker on low heat

    Makig Your Sandwiches

    When your meat is fully cooked, you’re ready to make and layer your sandwiches.

    1. Dab a light layer of bacon grease on the inside of your hoagie bun (optional but adds great flavor), and add a slice of provolone cheese, tearing it in half and lining one side of the bun with it. Lightly toast the hoagie buns and cheese on either a griddle or in the oven on a cookie sheet.
    2. Spread mayo on each bun.
    3. Using tongs, add the meat mixture to each bun.
    4. Top with a spoonful or two of heated Cheez Whiz.
    making Philly cheesesteak sandwich with hoagie rolls, provolone cheese, mayo, sirloin steak and vegetables, and Cheez Whiz

    And that’s it. Your sandwiches are ready to serve.

    While hoagie rolls complete the ensemble, you can make this recipe more low carb and even gluten-free (provided all your other ingredients are gluten-free) by eating the meat without the bun.

    Maybe add your meat to a bed of lettuce or spinach, or pair it with these low carb dinner rolls or keto garlic cheese bread from my friend, Lynsey at Moscato Mom.

    Expert Tips and FAQ’s

    What’s the best meat for Philly cheese steak?

    Most people will recommend ribeye for cheesesteaks at home, but ribeye can be quite expensive. Others recommend top round steak. For this recipe, at the recommendation of our butcher, I used a sirloin steak, sliced thinly. It had just enough fat to give the meat a lot of flavor and to make the meat quite tender when cooked. The great thing about cooking meat in the slow cooker is that it will be very, very tender. So tender it’ll almost fall apart in your mouth. Two things to look for when buying Philly cheese steak meat… You need to be able to slice it thinly. And it needs to be tender, not tough; fat is a good thing for both flavor and tenderness.

    What’s the best cheese on a Crock Pot Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich?

    Opinion really varies on what cheese to use. It really is a debate if you research it. The traditional consensus says either Cheez Whiz or provolone. Some even say American cheese pairs well with the provolone. We tried it with both, and while I love the provolone, the Cheez Whiz won my taste buds over. However, it’s up for debate in our house too because a couple of my guys really love the provolone. So I live on the wild side and use both. I melt cheese, provolone cheese, onto the bun when I toast it, and then add Cheez Whiz to the finished sandwich. Delicious!

    sirloin steak cooked in black Crock Pot slow cooker with onions, green bell peppers, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth

    WHAT TO SERVE WITH PHILLY CHEESE STEAKS

    We usually eat Crock Pot cheese steaks with fresh veggies, chips, and/or fruit.

    They pair really well with potato wedges or steak fries, French fries, pasta salad, broccoli cauliflower salad, this vegetable finger salad, and even corn on the cob.

    More Delicious Philly Cheesesteak Recipes:

    close up CrockPot Philly cheesesteak sandwich on hoagie bun with sirloin steak, onion, green bell peppers, and provolone cheese topped with Cheez Whiz, on gray plate with white cheese puffs

    GET THE PRINTABLE RECIPE

    If you love this sandwich recipe as much as I do, please write a 5 star review, and help me share the recipe on Facebook and Pinterest!

    Crock Pot Philly cheesesteak sandwich recipe

    CRAVING MORE DELICIOUS RECIPES? Subscribe to my newsletter, and follow along on Pinterest, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram for all the latest updates!

    Crock Pot Philly Cheesesteak

    How to make the most delicious Crock Pot Philly cheesesteak sandwich. Easy slow cooker recipe with tips for the best meat, vegetables, bread, and cheese.

    • Chef's Knife
    • Whisk
    • Tongs
    • CrockPot
    • 2 pounds sirloin steak (thinly sliced)
    • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
    • 1 medium yellow onion (sliced)
    • 4 ounces fresh mushrooms (minced)
    • 2 large green bell peppers (sliced)
    • 1 1/2 cups beef broth
    • 1 1/2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
    • 2 tablespoons bacon grease (optional)
    • 6 hoagie rolls
    • 6 slices provolone cheese
    • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
    • 3/4 cup Cheez Whiz

    1. Spray the inside of the slow cooker with cooking spray.

    2. Add the thinly sliced steak to the slow cooker.

    3. Next add in the minced garlic, sliced onion, minced mushrooms, and sliced bell peppers.
    4. Whisk together the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
    5. Pour the beef broth over the meat and vegetables, and give everything a good stir.
    6. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours.

    Make Sandwiches:

    1. Optional step: Dab a light layer of bacon grease on the inside of each hoagie bun (adds great flavor).

    2. Then add a slice of provolone cheese to each bun, tearing it in half and lining one whole side of the bun with it.

    3. Lightly toast the hoagie buns and cheese on a griddle or in the oven on a cookie sheet.

    4. Spread mayo on each bun.

    5. Using tongs, add the meat mixture to each bun.

    6. Top with a spoonful or two of heated Cheez Whiz.
    7. And that’s it. Your sandwiches are ready to serve.

    *Most people will recommend ribeye for cheesesteaks at home, but ribeye can be quite expensive. Others recommend top round steak. For this recipe, at the recommendation of our butcher, I used a sirloin steak, sliced thinly. It had just enough fat to give the meat a lot of flavor and to make the meat quite tender when cooked.

    Two things to look for when buying Philly cheese steak meat…

    • You need to be able to slice it thinly.
    • It needs to be tender, not tough, and fat is a good thing for both flavor and tenderness.

    How to Slice Philly Cheesesteak Meat

    Slice against the grain when slicing the sirloin, in order to retain the tenderness of the meat. Also, be sure to leave as much of the fat as possible on the meat. Fat gives meat flavor, especially during the cooking process. Slice the meat as thin as possible, slicing it into thin strips for cooking. You’ll need a good knife for this.

    Burgers & Sandwiches, Main Course
    American
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  • 2-in-1 Instant Pot Meatloaf and Potatoes

    2-in-1 Instant Pot Meatloaf and Potatoes

    How to make Instant Pot meatloaf and potatoes at the same time. Easy, one pot, ground beef dinner recipe, served with the best mashed potatoes!

    I’ve mentioned before that my meatloaf recipe with oatmeal is one of my family’s favorite meals, especially our oldest son. It’s a hearty meal and one that usually leaves us with plenty of leftovers for the next day.

    slices of Instant Pot meatloaf on white plate with mashed potatoes in wooden bowl

    With that in mind and with inspiration from our recipe for whole chicken in the Instant Pot, I decided to tweak my recipe just a bit and make it a pressure cooker meatloaf, using my 8-quart Instant Pot.

    Not only that, but I thought it might make it even easier if I cooked the potatoes right in the same pot with the meatloaf. One pot meal for the win (well, besides veggies, of course).

    Oh my goodness, how flavorful and moist meatloaf is when you pressure cook it. And the potatoes were infused with so much flavor from the meat cooking right above them in the same pot.

    I love how simple this recipe really is. Instant Pot meatloaf and mashed potatoes has been added to our list of favorite dinner time recipes.

    My crew loves a more classic meatloaf recipe (the one with the sauce) too. Next I want to try my friend Kristy’s one-pot Ninja Foodi meatloaf and potatoes.

    [mv_video doNotAutoplayNorOptimizePlacement=”false” jsonLd=”true” key=”fokxxrykjyqtkzihmabj” thumbnail=”https://mediavine-res.cloudinary.com/v1578960032/bbhkya7ekr8eby6iwrpn.jpg” title=”2-in-1 Instant Pot Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes” volume=”100″]

    WHERE CAN I FIND THE ACTUAL RECIPE CARD?

    If you’d rather skip all of my cooking tips, important cooking info for this recipe, and similar recipe ideas – and get straight to the Instant Pot meatloaf recipe – just scroll down to the bottom, where you’ll find a printable recipe card.

    INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

    Remember, all of the ingredient amounts you’ll need are in the printable recipe card below.

    KITCHEN TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT YOU’LL NEED:

    Large mixing bowl – This makes it easy to just dump in all the ingredients and start mixing.

    Round 7-inch springform pan – Or a similar pan that will fit down into your Instant Pot.

    8-Quart Instant Pot and Trivet

    Meat thermometer

    slicing and serving Instant Pot meatloaf with oatmeal from springform pan with metal spatula flipper

    NOT SURE HOW TO USE YOUR INSTANT POT PRESSURE COOKER?

    Learn how to quickly use your Instant Pot with our Instant Pot Quick Start Guide, filled with practical tips, Instant Pot recipes, accessory ideas, and more!

    HOW TO MAKE INSTANT POT MEATLOAF AND POTATOES

    Start by prepping your ingredients, and also be sure to grease the inside of your springform pan (I use a 7-inch springform pan) with cooking spray.

    HOW TO MIX AND SHAPE MEATLOAF:

    1. Add the ground beef, eggs, minced onion, ketchup, BBQ sauce, and seasoned salt to a large mixing bowl. Mix well using a large fork.
    2. Add the oatmeal in and mix well. You can use the fork or just dig in with your hands, which is sometimes easier.
    3. Once everything’s been mixed together well, transfer the meat mixture to the greased springform pan, forming and shaping the meat into the round pan.
    4. Drizzle the top with ketchup.
    steps for how to make Instant Pot meatloaf, including mixing ingredients in mint green mixing bowl and shaping meatloaf in springform pan, then drizzling with ketchup

    COOKING MEATLOAF IN THE INSTANT POT:

    1. Add the potatoes and water to the bottom of the Instant Pot.
    2. Place the trivet in the Instant Pot next.
    3. Then place the meatloaf on top of the trivet.
    4. Secure the lid in place and close the valve on your Instant Pot. Select Manual or Pressure Cook, and set to cook for 30 minutes.
    cooking meatloaf and potatoes in Instant Pot using trivet and springform pan

    When your meatloaf is done (a meat thermometer is definitely something I recommend to make sure the meat has come to temp and is fully cooked), just allow the Instant Pot to do a natural release.

    cooked pressure cooker meatloaf in 8-quart Instant Pot

    Then once you’ve carefully removed the meatloaf and trivet from the Instant Pot, you can mash the potatoes right in the pot.

    cooked potatoes in 8-quart Instant Pot

    Just drain the water off the potatoes, and place the Instant Pot on “Keep Warm.” Add the butter, whipping cream, salt, and pepper to the potatoes, and mash with an immersion blender or hand mixer.

    Instant Pot mashed potatoes in 8-quart Instant Pot

    And that’s it! All you need is a good vegetable to serve with your main course.

    SHOULD I COVER MY MEATLOAF WHILE COOKING?

    While you can cover the meatloaf with aluminum foil, it’s really not necessary. In fact, that might take away from the flavors you’ll get by cooking everything in one pot.

    HANDY TIP FOR REMOVING THE MEATLOAF FROM THE INSTANT POT

    One question that comes up is whether or not you can use aluminum foil in the Instant Pot. While there’s no need to cover your meatloaf, you can use foil to create a sort of sling or lifter for your pan.

    Just tear off a large piece of foil that will fit all the way around your pan, along with maybe 6 to 8 extra inches. Then fold the foil into a long strip (maybe 3-4 inches wide), and place that strip under the pan, bringing the excess ends of the strip up over each side of the pan to act as lifting handles.

    This way it’s easy to remove the hot pan from the pressure cooker once your meatloaf is cooked and ready to serve.

    cooked pressure cooker meatloaf in springform pan

    WHAT IS THE BEST GROUND BEEF FOR MEATLOAF?

    We prefer to use 90/10 ground beef when we’re mixing up a meatloaf. In fact, we use 90/10 for pretty much everything.

    Our reasons are that it’s leaner, there’s less fat, and there will be less grease around your meatloaf.

    Don’t worry about flavor… You’ll still get really good flavor from a leaner ground beef. And you’ll also be eating a bit healthier, as well.

    Note: You can use ground turkey for this recipe in place of ground beef. However, it will change the look, texture, and flavor of your finished meatloaf.

    bite of meatloaf on fork on white plate with blue linen under plate

    CAN YOU SUBSTITUTE OLD-FASHIONED OATS FOR QUICK OATS?

    Yes, you can. I’ve used both old-fashioned oats and quick oats for this meatloaf.

    I’ve even used gluten-free quick oats more recently, so if you want a gluten-free meatloaf, this is the way to go (although you should also check ingredient labels on your other ingredients just to be safe).

    ketchup-topped meatloaf on white plate with fork and mashed potatoes in wooden bowl behind plate

    WHAT GOES GOOD WITH MEATLOAF AND MASHED POTATOES?

    You can serve meatloaf with sides like Instant Pot green beans, corn on the cob, honey glazed carrots, or a good broccoli cauliflower salad.

    MORE FAVORITE MEAT LOVERS’ RECIPES:

    GET THE PRINTABLE RECIPE

    If you love this meatloaf recipe as much as I do, please write a 5 star review, and help me share the recipe on Facebook and Pinterest!

    Instant Pot meatloaf recipe

    CRAVING MORE DELICIOUS RECIPES? Subscribe to my newsletter, and follow along on Pinterest, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram for all the latest updates!

    2-in-1 Instant Pot Meatloaf and Potatoes

    How to make Instant Pot meatloaf and potatoes at the same time. Easy, one pot, ground beef dinner recipe, served with the best mashed potatoes!

    • Fayy 7 Inch Springform Pan Compatible for Instant Pot Accessories and Pressure Cooker 6, 8 Quart
    • Instant Pot DUO80 8 Qt 7-in-1 Multi-Use Programmable Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker and Warmer
    • Stainless Steel Steaming Rack Stand Cooking Ware Steamer Rack Trivet for Instant Pot
    • 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
    • 2 large eggs
    • 1/2 large yellow onion (minced)
    • 1/3 cup ketchup
    • 1/3 cup bbq sauce
    • 1 1/2 cups oatmeal*
    • 1 1/2 teaspoons seasoned salt
    • 4 tablespoons ketchup (for top of meatloaf)
    • 4 to 6 medium potatoes
    • 1 cup water
    • 6 tablespoons salted butter
    • 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream**
    • 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
    • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper (to taste)
    1. Grease the inside of your springform pan (I use a 7-inch springform pan) with cooking spray.
    2. Add the ground beef, eggs, minced onion, ketchup, bbq sauce, and seasoned salt to a large mixing bowl. Mix well using a large fork.
    3. Add the oatmeal in and mix well. You can use the fork or just dig in with your hands, which is sometimes easier.
    4. Once everything’s been mixed together well, transfer the meat mixture to the greased springform pan, forming and shaping the meat into the round pan.
    5. Drizzle the top with ketchup.
    6. Add the potatoes and water to the bottom of the Instant Pot.
    7. Place the trivet in the Instant Pot next.
    8. Then place the meatloaf on top of the trivet.
    9. Secure the lid in place and close the valve on your Instant Pot. Select Manual or Pressure Cook, and set to cook for 30 minutes.
    10. When your meatloaf is done (a meat thermometer is definitely something I recommend to make sure the meat has come to temp and is fully cooked), just allow the Instant Pot to do a natural release.
    11. Then once you’ve carefully removed the meatloaf and trivet from the Instant Pot, you can mash the potatoes right in the pot. Just drain the water off the potatoes, and place the Instant Pot on “Keep Warm.”
    12. Add the butter, whipping cream, salt, and pepper to the potatoes, and mash with an immersion blender or hand mixer.
    13. And that’s it! All you need is a good vegetable to serve with your main course.

    *I’ve used both old-fashioned oats and quick oats for this meatloaf. I’ve even used gluten-free quick oats more recently, so if you want a gluten-free meatloaf, this is the way to go (although you should also check ingredient labels on your other ingredients, especially seasonings, just to be safe).

    **You can use whole milk if you don’t have heavy whipping cream.

    WHAT IS THE BEST GROUND BEEF FOR MEATLOAF?

    We prefer to use 90/10 ground beef when we’re mixing up a meatloaf. In fact, we use 90/10 for pretty much everything. Our reasons are that it’s leaner, there’s less fat, and there will be less grease around your meatloaf.

    Don’t worry about flavor… You’ll still get really good flavor from a leaner ground beef. And you’ll also be eating a bit healthier, as well.

    Note: You can use ground turkey for this recipe in place of ground beef. However, it will change the look, texture, and flavor of your finished meatloaf.

    SHOULD I COVER MY MEATLOAF WHILE COOKING?

    While you can cover the meatloaf with aluminum foil, it’s really not necessary. In fact, that might take away from the flavors you’ll get by cooking everything in one pot.

    HANDY TIP FOR REMOVING THE MEATLOAF FROM THE INSTANT POT

    One question that comes up is whether or not you can use aluminum foil in the Instant Pot. While there’s no need to cover your meatloaf, you can use foil to create a sort of sling or lifter for your pan.

    Just tear off a large piece of foil that will fit all the way around your pan, along with maybe 6 to 8 extra inches. Then fold the foil into a long strip (maybe 3-4 inches wide), and place that strip under the pan, bringing the excess strip up over each side of the pan to act as lifting handles.

    This way it’s easy to remove the hot pan from the pressure cooker once your meatloaf is cooked and ready to serve.

    Instant Pot Recipes
    American
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  • Quick and Easy Grilled Taco Tuna Melt

    Quick and Easy Grilled Taco Tuna Melt

    Easy taco tuna melt recipe, made with a secret ingredient, melted cheese, avocado, and English muffins. Make it on the grill or over the campfire. Thanks to Bays® English Muffins for sponsoring this post. Views expressed here are genuinely mine.

    While we’ll cook just about anything while we’re camping, simple and easy dinner ideas, like this tuna melt sandwich, go a long way. Easy is everything when you’ve been out exploring all day long.

    grilled taco tuna melt with avocado on English muffin with tomatoes, on wooden cutting board

    This tuna melt is one of my favorite camping recipes because not only is it Tex Mex, but it requires minimal prep work and minimal ingredients.

    In fact, while I like to use a medium bowl to mix up the ingredients, you can mix it right in the same skillet used to grill the sandwiches.

    We even use a secret ingredient that gives it a pop of flavor. Keep reading to find out what it is.

    We prefer to make it an English muffin tuna melt, as well, using Bays English Muffins. They give the sandwich a slightly crispy texture with an explosion of flavor from both the muffins and the tuna mixture.

    My mouth is watering right now just thinking about fish and chips, pairing it up with our favorite seasoned steak fries.

    grilled taco tuna melt sandwich, made with English muffins, on wooden cutting board

    WHERE CAN I FIND THE ACTUAL RECIPE CARD?

    If you’d rather skip all of my grilling tips, important info for this recipe, and similar recipe ideas – and get straight to the tuna melt recipe – just scroll down to the bottom, where you’ll find a printable recipe card.

    If you’re as into Tex-Mex recipes as I am, you’ll love these recipes too:

    WHAT IS A TUNA MELT?

    If you’ve never had a tuna melt, it’s pretty much exactly what it sounds like.

    It’s tuna on some sort of bread with cheese melted over it. Usually, the tuna is mixed with mayo or other ingredients to give it a really delicious flavor.

    In this case, we mix the tuna with certain ingredients to make it a Tex Mex tuna melt.

    WHAT’S THE BEST BREAD FOR TUNA MELT?

    As I mentioned above, we prefer to use Bays English Muffins. I love the thin, crispy outside and soft inside of these particular English muffins.

    easy tuna melt made with Bays English muffins on wooden cutting board

    While they’re perfect for breakfast, they make a wonderful alternative for lunch and dinner too, as well as snacks. My kids like to eat them with peanut butter.

    Also, they’re pre-sliced and easy to use when you’re cooking in the great outdoors.

    You can find Bays in the dairy case at your local grocery store. They are chilled for freshness, so we stow a pack or two in the cooler for camping.

    Bays English Muffins on the shelf at the grocery store

    HOW TO MAKE A TUNA MELT, TEX MEX STYLE

    Making this easy tuna melt, even over the campfire, is a breeze.

    First you need to wash and prep the peppers and green onions, the only chopping you’ll really need to do for this recipe (unless you want additional toppings).

    chopping green onions and red bell peppers on wooden cutting board for grilled tuna melt recipe

    Create the tuna mixture…

    1. Combine tuna fish, picante tomato juice (our secret ingredient), red peppers, and green onions.
    2. Place the mixture in a cast iron skillet, and heat it thoroughly on the grill or over the campfire. Cook it ’til it’s bubbly and sizzling.
    making tuna fish mixture for tuna melt over the campfire in cast iron skillet

    Now you’re ready to assemble your sandwiches…

    1. Start by splitting your pre-cut English muffins.
    2. Top the bottom half with a good sized helping of the tuna mixture.
    3. Sprinkle with shredded cheese. We love using Monterey Jack or extra sharp cheddar on our tuna melts.
    4. Grill both the tops and bottoms of the sandwiches on a griddle until the cheese is melted. Be careful not to let the muffins burn.
    how to make tuna melt with Tex Mex tuna mixture, shredded cheese, and English muffins

    CAMPFIRE COOKING TIPS

    Your fire should be down to coals, with a little bit of flame here and there.

    We use a tripod grill. You’ll want to watch it closely, though, as you may need to adjust the height of the grill over the fire, so the pan doesn’t get so hot that it burns the sandwiches.

    Once you have the height you think you need, place the griddle on the grill, and you can either use a heated lid (with a skillet or Dutch oven), or use aluminum foil as sort of a tent wrapped around the griddle to trap the heat.

    Trapping the heat will allow the tops of the tuna melts to cook, also allowing the cheese to melt.

    Want to see an example of our aluminum foil tent? Check out our campfire chicken nachos recipe.

    We’ve also put together a list of campfire cooking gear you may need for your next adventure. Be sure to check it out for all the essentials!

    WHEN IT’S TIME TO ADD YOUR FAVORITE TOPPINGS

    Once your tuna melt has cooked, you can load it up with your favorite taco toppings.

    We like to add diced tomatoes and avocados. Other alternatives might include tomato basil salsa, sour cream, lettuce, etc.

    English muffin tuna melt sandwich with avocado and tomatoes on wooden cutting board

    Be sure to Like/Follow Bays Facebook page for more delicious recipe ideas.

    HOW ‘BOUT DESSERT AFTER DINNER? MORE CAMPING RECIPES YOU MAY ENJOY…

    GET THE PRINTABLE RECIPE

    If you love this grilled tuna melt recipe as much as we do, please write a 5 star review, and help me share the recipe on Facebook and Pinterest!

    Quick and Easy Grilled Taco Tuna Melt Recipe

    CONNECT WITH ADVENTURES OF MEL!

    Be sure to follow me on social, so you never miss a post!

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    Quick and Easy Grilled Taco Tuna Melt

    Easy taco tuna melt recipe, made with a secret ingredient, melted cheese, avocado, and English muffins. Make it on the grill or over the campfire.

    • 4 small red bell peppers (chopped or minced)
    • 3 green onions (chopped)
    • 20 ounces solid white albacore tuna
    • 3/4 cup picante tomato cocktail
    • 8 English muffins
    • 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese* (shredded)
    • 3 Roma tomatoes
    • 2 avocados
    1. Wash and chop the peppers and green onions.
    2. Combine the tuna fish, peppers, green onions, and tomato juice.
    3. Place the tuna mixture in a cast iron skillet over the fire, stirring as needed, until the mixture starts to bubble and sizzle and is heated through.
    4. To assemble the tuna melt, split the English muffins in half.
    5. Top the bottom half with a good sized helping of the tuna mixture.
    6. Sprinkle with shredded cheese. We love using Monterey Jack or extra sharp cheddar on our tuna melts.
    7. Grill both the tops and bottoms of the sandwiches on a griddle until the cheese is melted. Be careful not to let the muffins burn.**
    8. Add your favorite taco toppings, like tomatoes and avocado, and serve while warm.

    *You can use Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese. We also love using extra sharp cheddar.

    **If cooking over a campfire, your fire should be down to coals, with a little bit of flame here and there. We use a tripod grill. You may need to adjust the height of the grill over the fire, so the pan doesn’t get so hot that it burns the sandwiches. Trapping the heat with either a lid or aluminum foil will allow the tops of the tuna melts to cook, also allowing the cheese to melt.

    Burgers & Sandwiches
    American
    English muffin tuna melt, grilled tuna melt recipe, tuna melt, tuna melt recipe, tuna melt sandwich
  • Quick and Easy Campfire Hawaiian Pizza

    Quick and Easy Campfire Hawaiian Pizza

    How to make campfire Hawaiian pizza. Just 5 ingredients and a cast iron skillet are all you need for this simple and easy ham and pineapple pizza recipe.

    hand holding slice of Hawaiian pizza cooked over a campfire

    If you’ve never had the smoky flavors of Hawaiian pizza cooked over a campfire, then have I ever got the most delicious pizza recipe for you.

    Now… I have a confession. I’m not a fan of pineapple on my pizza.

    However, my family loves it. And if I have to eat pineapple pizza, I’d much rather have it cooked over the campfire in a cast iron skillet.

    Plus, I do love ham on my pizza. And cheese… I love a really cheesy pizza, and that’s exactly what this is.

    Love a good campfire pizza? You’ll LOVE this hamburger pizza on a campfire.

    sliced ham and pineapple pizza on a wooden cutting board

    Important Note: This recipe makes enough for 2 10-inch pizzas.

    WHERE CAN I FIND THE ACTUAL RECIPE CARD?

    If you’d rather skip all of my tips for making cast iron pizza, important info for this recipe, and similar recipe ideas – and get straight to the pizza recipe – just scroll down to the bottom, where you’ll find a printable recipe card.

    BEFORE YOU GET STARTED COOKING…

    Your fire should be down to coals, with a little bit of flame here and there.

    We use a tripod grill. You’ll want to watch it closely, though, as you may need to adjust the height of the grill over the fire, so the pan or griddle you’re using doesn’t get so hot that it cooks everything too quickly.

    LET’S TALK DOUGH

    As this is meant to be a camping recipe, you can either take a pre-made pizza crust with you, or you can make our easy homemade pizza dough right in a Ziploc bag.

    Either way, don’t let the pizza dough trip you up and keep you from making pizza for dinner while you’re sitting around the campfire.

    WHAT IS ON A HAWAIIAN PIZZA?

    Hawaiian pizza toppings include the sauce, ham or Canadian bacon, pineapple, and mozzarella cheese.

    You can also add other favorite ingredients like bacon, mushrooms, peppers, etc. It’s your pizza, your choice of toppings.

    TIPS FOR HOW TO MAKE HAWAIIAN PIZZA

    Once your pizza crust is ready to go, you’ll just layer the pizza toppings right onto the partially cooked crust in a cast iron skillet.

    1. Begin with a layer of pizza sauce.
    2. Add a layer of sliced or shredded ham.
    3. Next add a layer of pineapple (you can use fresh pineapple or canned pineapple chunks; I used pineapple tidbits because they’re slightly smaller, the perfect size for pizza).
    4. Finally, finish it off with a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese.
    steps for making Hawaiian cast iron pizza in a cast iron skillet, including layering pizza sauce, ham, pineapple, and mozzarella cheese onto the pizza crust

    HOW TO COOK HAWAIIAN PIZZA ON A CAMPFIRE

    Now comes the part where you finish cooking your pizza. Don’t worry, cooking pizza on a campfire is really easy to do.

    All you need are a cast iron skillet (or two) and a cast iron lid to go with it.

    Once your pizza is in place on the grill, I’d recommend heating the lid over the coals and then placing it on top of the cast iron pan. This creates an oven like effect, which in turn, will bake your pizza.

    Again, be sure that your rack is not too close to the fire because if not careful, you can burn the bottom of your pizza crust.

    cooking ham and pineapple pizza on a campfire in a cast iron skillet with the lid

    Cook the pizza for about 8-10 minutes or so, until the crust begins to turn slightly golden on the edges and the cheese completely melts.

    Once the pizza is fully cooked, you can remove it from the fire, slice it up, and serve it.

    sliced campfire pizza with pineapple and ham on a wooden cutting board

    HOW ‘BOUT DESSERT AFTER DINNER? SWEET CAMPING RECIPES YOU MAY ENJOY…

    SHOP KITCHEN TOOLS AND CAMPING GEAR FOR THIS RECIPE:

    10.25-Inch Cast Iron Skillet x’s 2 – You can also find 14-inch cast iron pizza pans.

    Lid for Cast Iron Skillet and Lid Lifter

    Tripod Grill – While we rigged up our own tripod grill, you can also buy them. They come with slightly smaller grates, but still usable over the fire.

    Cutting Board and Outdoor Knife Set

    Pizza Cutter Wheel

    We’ve put together a list of camping cooking gear you may need for your next adventure. Be sure to check it out for all the essentials!

    GET THE PRINTABLE RECIPE

    If you love this Hawaiian pizza recipe as much as we do, please write a 5 star review, and help me share the recipe on Facebook and Pinterest!

    quick and easy campfire Hawaiian pizza recipe

    CONNECT WITH ADVENTURES OF MEL!

    Be sure to follow me on social, so you never miss a post!

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    Quick and Easy Campfire Hawaiian Pizza

    How to make campfire Hawaiian pizza. Just 5 ingredients and a cast iron skillet are all you need for this simple and easy ham and pineapple pizza recipe.

    • 2 10- inch pizza crusts (partially cooked)
    • 1/2 cup pizza sauce
    • 8 slices deli ham (sliced or shredded)
    • 1/2 cup pineapple tidbits
    • 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded)
    1. Prep the pizza crust by partially cooking it, per individual recipe instructions.
    2. Begin layering each pizza crust with a layer of pizza sauce.
    3. Add a layer of sliced or shredded ham.
    4. Next add a layer of pineapple.*
    5. Finally, finish it off with a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese.
    6. Once your pizza is in place on the tripod grill, I’d recommend heating the cast iron lid over the coals and then placing it on top of the cast iron pan. This creates an oven like effect, which in turn, will bake your pizza (see notes about rack placement over the fire**).
    7. Cook the pizza for about 8-10 minutes or so, until the crust begins to turn slightly golden on the edges and the cheese completely melts.
    8. When it’s fully cooked, remove the pizza from the fire, slice it up, and serve.

    *You can use fresh or canned pineapple chunks; I used pineapple tidbits because they’re slightly smaller, the perfect size for pizza.

    **Be sure that your tripod rack is not too close to the fire because if not careful, you can burn the bottom of your pizza crust when you go to cook the pizza. Your campfire should have a little flame but be mostly burning coals. 

    Camping Recipes
    American
    campfire pizza, cast iron pizza, ham and pineapple pizza, hawaiian pizza, hawaiian pizza recipe, how to make hawaiian pizza, pizza on a campfire
  • Ultimate Campfire Bacon Cheeseburger

    Ultimate Campfire Bacon Cheeseburger

    How to make the ultimate homemade bacon cheeseburger while you’re camping. Skillet or grilled, cooking tips and toppings ideas, all in one easy recipe.

    bacon cheeseburger with lettuce, onions, and tomatoes on wooden cutting board on picnic table

    I’m not gonna lie… I love a good cheeseburger, especially when it involves one of my favorite things ever, bacon.

    I mean, bacon, ground beef, and cheese… How can you go wrong? It’s such a delicious combination, especially when it has that smoky campfire flavor. Bonus points if you pair it with my favorite campfire chili cheese fries!

    Making a bacon burger over the fire is one of the simplest camping recipes you can make. It doesn’t involve a lot of prep or work, besides getting the fire going, which if you’re camping and allowed to have a fire, it’s a no brainer.

    Now if you’re not allowed to have a campfire, no problem. You can still make this recipe on a cook stove or even, if allowed, on a grill.

    Love a good grilling recipe? You’ll love our Chicago hot dog recipe and taco tuna melt.

    hands holding bacon burger over wooden cutting board on picnic table

    WHERE CAN I FIND THE ACTUAL RECIPE CARD?

    If you’d rather skip all of my campfire cooking/grilling tips, important info for this recipe, and similar recipe ideas – and get straight to the bacon cheeseburger recipe – just scroll down to the bottom, where you’ll find a printable recipe card.

    WHAT’S ON A BACON CHEESEBURGER?

    So before we get started cooking, let’s take a look at what we put on our bacon cheeseburger for toppings. That way you have everything you need before you ever start making.

    Below are a few ideas for toppings that we like to use, as well as a few extras you may want to add too.

    • Bacon – Because of course.
    • Cheese – We sometimes use American, and sometimes extra sharp cheddar or pepper Jack. I especially love a good extra sharp cheddar cheese.
    • Lettuce
    • Sliced tomatoes
    • Sliced onions – Red onion really gives a pop of flavor and spice.
    ultimate bacon cheeseburger on wood cutting board with toppings, including lettuce, red onion, and tomato slices

    BEFORE YOU GET STARTED COOKING…

    Your fire should be down to coals, with a little bit of flame here and there.

    We use a tripod grill. You’ll want to watch it closely, though, as you may need to adjust the height of the grill over the fire, so the pan or griddle you’re using doesn’t get so hot that it cooks everything too quickly.

    cooking burgers and bacon on griddle and tripod grill over campfire

    HOW TO MAKE A GOOD BACON CHEESEBURGER

    While there are a few steps to making a good bacon burger, they’re super easy steps, and your burgers will be ready to eat in no time.

    1. First add the ground beef and seasonings to a mixing bowl (or plastic baggie).
    2. Add the water, as well, (this makes for a more juicy burger) and mix everything together with your hands.
    3. Then shape the ground beef mixture into patties and place on a griddle or skillet, with the already heated bacon grease, over the campfire. Cook bacon and burgers until the meat is fully cooked.
    4. Then top with cheese and continue cooking each burger patty until the cheese is melted or begins to melt.
    steps for making bacon cheeseburger recipe, including mixing ground beef with seasonings and cooking burger patties with bacon on griddle over campfire

    Also, I highly recommend toasting the burger buns in a little bacon grease, until they turn a nice golden brown. Not too toasty but just enough to add a li’l flavor and crispness to the edges of the buns.

    Once the burgers, bacon, and buns are done, you can remove them from the heat and begin assembling your burgers.

    sliced tomatoes and red onions on cutting board for cheeseburger recipe

    Just add the burger patties to the toasty buns, along with your favorite condiments and toppings.

    I usually go for mayo, ketchup, and mustard, all three. Then add my burger patty, bacon, lettuce, onions, and tomatoes.

    open faced bacon burger with lettuce, red onion, and tomato slices on wood cutting board

    WHAT TO SERVE WITH THE ULTIMATE BACON CHEESEBURGER

    Your bacon burger definitely needs some sides to go with it. Ideas may include…

    loaded bacon cheeseburger with toasted buns on wood cutting board

    SHOP KITCHEN TOOLS AND CAMPING GEAR FOR THIS RECIPE:

    Small Mixing Bowl or Plastic Bag

    Large Cast Iron Skillet – You can also find a 14-inch cast iron pizza pan, which is similar to our large homemade griddle and would work well for cooking burgers and bacon.

    Grilling Flipper

    Tripod Grill – While we rigged up our own tripod grill, you can also buy them. They come with slightly smaller grates, but still usable over the fire.

    Portable Charcoal Grill

    Cutting Board and Outdoor Knife Set

    Welding Gloves – These work so much better for cooking over a campfire than regular grilling gloves/mitts.

    We’ve put together a list of camping cooking gear you may need for your next adventure. Be sure to check it out for all the essentials!

    GET THE PRINTABLE RECIPE

    If you love this recipe as much as we do, please write a 5 star review, and help me share the recipe on Facebook and Pinterest!

    ultimate bacon cheeseburger recipe

    CONNECT WITH ADVENTURES OF MEL!

    Be sure to follow me on social, so you never miss a post!

    Facebook | Pinterest | YouTube | Instagram | Twitter

    Sign up to receive my newsletter, filled with delicious recipes and outdoor travel adventures, in your inbox:

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    Ultimate Campfire Bacon Cheeseburger

    How to make the ultimate homemade bacon cheeseburger while you’re camping. Skillet or grilled, cooking tips and toppings ideas, all in one easy recipe.

    • 1 pound bacon
    • 2 pounds ground beef
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon onion powder
    • 2 tablespoons water
    • 1 tablespoon bacon grease
    • 6 slices American cheese*
    • 12 lettuce leaves
    • 1 medium red onion
    • 2 to matoes
    • 6 hamburger buns
    • 6 tablespoons ketchup
    • 6 tablespoons mayo
    • 6 teaspoons yellow mustard
    1. First add the ground beef and seasonings to a mixing bowl (or plastic baggie).
    2. Add the water**, as well, and mix everything together with your hands.
    3. Heat the bacon grease on a griddle or skillet over the campfire.***
    4. Then shape the ground beef mixture into patties and place on the griddle.
    5. Cook the bacon and burgers until all of the meat is fully cooked.
    6. Then top the burger patties with cheese and continue cooking until the cheese is melted.
    7. Toast the burger buns in the leftover bacon grease until they turn a nice golden brown.
    8. Add the burger patties to the toasted buns, along with your favorite condiments and toppings. I usually go for a little mayo or Miracle Whip, ketchup, and mustard. Then add my burger patty, bacon, lettuce, onions, and tomatoes.
    9. And that’s it, you’re ready to chow down on your burgers.

    *You can also use cheddar, Monterey Jack, pepper Jack, or whatever type of cheese you love.

    **Water helps to make the burgers more juicy.

    ***Before you start to cook your burgers, your fire should be down to coals, with a little bit of flame. We use a tripod grill. You’ll want to watch it closely, though, as you may need to adjust the height of the grill over the fire, so the pan or griddle you’re using doesn’t get so hot that it cooks everything too quickly.

    Camping Recipes
    American
    bacon burger, bacon cheeseburger, bacon cheeseburger recipe, ultimate bacon cheeseburger
  • Classic Grilled Chicago Hot Dog

    Classic Grilled Chicago Hot Dog

    How to cook a delicious Chicago hot dog, char dog style. Grilled beef hot dogs recipe with all the best toppings and poppy seed buns. Perfect for a crowd!

    Grilled Chicago hot dog with dill pickle, tomato slices, mustard, pickle relish, white onion, and celery salt on baking sheet

    If you’ve never had a Chicago style hot dog, trust me when I say, you need this recipe in your life. Chicago-style is pretty much my go-to hot dog recipe now. In fact, I even top off my Crock Pot hot dogs the same way!

    The Chicago dog is perfect for grilling season, especially if you’re entertaining a crowd. Set up a buffet with all your favorite toppings, and you’re set for a mouthwateringly good time. These loaded chili cheese fries make the best appetizer!

    We’d never actually eaten a char dog until I researched it and came up with this Chicago dog recipe. In fact, the toppings seemed a bit much at first.

    But once you take your first bite, you’ll understand. It all comes together in a burst of flavor that packs a punch for the taste buds.

    Need a side to go with your hot dogs? Grilled corn on the cob and Mexican corn pair really well with char dogs, as do crispy steak cut fries, CrockPot baked beans and garlic parm chicken skewers.

    And never underestimate the power of a good burger. This campfire bacon cheeseburger is one in a million and pairs really well with grilled hot dogs! If you really want to get fancy, you could make roast beef Philly cheesesteaks to go with them!

    layered Chicago dog in poppy seed buns on baking sheet

    WHERE CAN I FIND THE ACTUAL RECIPE CARD?

    If you’d rather skip all of my grilling tips, important info for this recipe, and similar recipe ideas – and get straight to the actual recipe – just scroll down to the bottom, where you’ll find a printable recipe card.

    WHAT IS A CHICAGO HOT DOG?

    I learned a lot about what’s on a Chicago hot dog while researching for this recipe…

    • Real Chicago hot dogs are boiled or steamed; but when they are occasionally grilled, they’re called a char dog. They also go by the name Chicago Red Hot.
    • Chicago dogs are made with beef hot dogs.
    • They come in a poppy seed bun… I’m going to teach you how to easily and simply make your own (don’t worry, no kneading or baking necessary).
    • It would be considered a travesty to add ketchup to a Chicago dog. In fact, most Chicago hot dog vendors don’t even carry ketchup.
    • This hot dog is filled to the gills with delicious, crunchy toppings.

    The only ingredient I maybe could’ve done without would’ve been the Dill pickle spears. Or maybe just trim my pickle spears to be a little less thick.

    However, I kinda fell in love with hot dogs made the Chicago way. And it was such a beautiful evening on the back deck, I couldn’t help but enjoy every second with my guys.

    boy eating a Chicago style hot dog

    TIPS FOR HOW TO EASILY MAKE POPPY SEED BUNS

    To make your own poppy seed buns, you just need a pack of brat buns or hoagie rolls.

    • Brush the tops and ends of the buns with butter.
    • Sprinkle on poppy seeds.
    • Place the buns on the grill or over the campfire until they start to get just slightly toasty. Then remove them from the heat and set aside.

    And that’s pretty much it. Easy peasy poppy seed buns that make yummy hot dog buns.

    TIPS FOR HOW TO MAKE A CHICAGO STYLE HOT DOG

    Assembling your hot dog is really simple and easy. Of course, you’ll want to grill the hot dogs first and make sure they’re cooked all the way through.

    hot dogs on the grill to make char dog recipe

    Also, before you get started, prep the onion and tomatoes so they’re ready to go. Chop the onion; wash and slice the tomatoes.

    NOW YOU CAN BUILD YOUR DOGS…

    1. Open up the buns. Place a dill pickle spear on one side and 2 to 3 tomato wedges on the other side. Then place the hot dog in the middle between the tomato slices and the pickle spear.
    2. Add a spoonful of pickle relish along the top of the hot dog on one side, and give a squirt of yellow mustard along the top of the hot dog on the other side.
    steps for making Chicago hot dog recipe, including layers of pickle spear, tomato wedges, yellow mustard, and pickle relish

    And for the finishing touch… Add pieces of pepperoncini (or sport peppers) and a small handful of chopped onion on top, and sprinkle with a dash of celery salt.

    Chicago dog with toppings on baking sheet

    And that, my friends, is all there is to creating a very yummy, delicious Chicago hot dog.

    My guys pretty much chowed down on all of this deliciousness and washed it all down with a nice big mason jar full of iced tea.

    Chicago style hot dog with toppings in hands

    MORE GRILLING RECIPES YOU MAY ENJOY:

    SHOP KITCHEN TOOLS FOR THIS RECIPE:

    Chef Knife and Cutting Board

    Pastry Brush

    Charcoal Grill or Gas Grill

    GET THE PRINTABLE CHICAGO HOT DOG RECIPE

    If you love this recipe as much as we do, please write a 5 star review, and help me share the recipe on Facebook and Pinterest!

    Classic grilled Chicago hot dog recipe

    CONNECT WITH ADVENTURES OF MEL!

    Be sure to follow me on social, so you never miss a post!

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    Classic Grilled Chicago Hot Dog

    How to cook a delicious Chicago hot dog, char dog style. Grilled beef hot dogs recipe with all the best toppings and poppy seed buns. Perfect for a crowd!

    • 8 hoagie rolls*
    • 4 tablespoons salted butter (melted)
    • 1/4 cup poppy seeds
    • 8 beef hot dogs
    • 8 dill pickle spears
    • 3 to matoes (sliced)
    • 8 tablespoons sweet and spicy pickle relish
    • 8 teaspoons yellow mustard
    • 1/2 cup pepperoncini
    • 1 large white onion (chopped or minced)
    • 1 teaspoon celery salt
    1. Chop the onion; wash and slice the tomatoes. Set aside.
    2. To make your own poppy seed buns, brush the tops and ends of the hoagie rolls with melted butter. Sprinkle poppy seeds on. Place on the grill or over the campfire until they start to get just slightly toasty, maybe 5 minutes. Then remove from the heat and set aside.
    3. Grill the hot dogs until they're cooked through.
    4. Open up the buns. Place 2 to 3 tomato half slices on one side and a dill pickle spear on the other side.
    5. Place the hot dog in the middle between the tomato slices and the pickle spear.
    6. Add a spoonful of pickle relish along the top of the hot dog on one side.
    7. Then squirt yellow mustard along the top of the hot dog on the other side.
    8. Add pieces of pepperoncini and a small handful of chopped onion on top.
    9. Sprinkle with a dash of celery salt.
    10. Serve and enjoy!

    *You can use hoagie rolls or brat buns.

    Meat & Seafood
    American
    char dog, Chicago dog, Chicago dog recipe, Chicago hot dog, Chicago hot dog recipe, Chicago Red Hot, Chicago style hot dog
  • Cheesy Delicious Taco Tater Tot Casserole

    Cheesy Delicious Taco Tater Tot Casserole

    Cook up a deliciously cheesy taco tater tot casserole with ground beef, cheese, and all your favorite taco toppings. Family favorite dinner recipe.

    taco tater tot casserole topped with tomatoes and green onions in a blue baking dish

    Did you know you can spice up tater tot casserole for Taco Tuesday? And wowsers, does it ever take this family favorite casserole to a whole new level!

    I’m talking full on Mexican tater tot casserole with all the fixin’s, including Monterey Jack, cheddar cheese, tomatoes, green onions, sour cream, and a Tex-Mex beef mixture that is so delicious.

    Now I never said this recipe was healthy. In fact, let’s just think of it as more of a comfort food treat.

    It’s tater tot hotdish on steroids. Tex-Mex steroids, that is.

    And I know y’all love tacos because some of my most popular posts and videos are taco related. Remember these?

    Tacos are life, am I right? I know, I’m so cheesy (no pun intended), but let’s just say I get very excited about tacos.

    Mexican tater tot casserole topped with sour cream and green onions on white plate

    WHERE CAN I FIND THE RECIPE CARD FOR TACO TATER TOT CASSEROLE?

    If you’d rather skip all of my cooking tips, important cooking info for this recipe, and similar recipe ideas – and get straight to the tater tot taco bake recipe – just scroll down to the bottom, where you’ll find a printable recipe card.

    LET’S TALK RECIPE LOGISTICS…

    This is the part where I try to answer any questions you may have as you follow along with the recipe. And if I don’t answer your question, just leave me a comment, and I’ll answer you there.

    WHAT KIND OF MEAT SHOULD I USE IN TACO TATER TOT HOTDISH?

    I prefer to use ground beef for this particular recipe. However, you can also use ground turkey or sausage.

    WHAT IF I DON’T LIKE CHILI BEANS?

    Listen, I get it. Beans all have different textures and flavors.

    I prefer chili beans (in their sauce) because that sauce really adds to the flavors of the entire tater tot hotdish.

    However, you can also use black beans. You might even give kidney beans a try.

    CAN I MAKE AHEAD TATER TOT CASSEROLE AND FREEZE IT?

    Yes, you can make it ahead and put it in the freezer for later. Just be sure to put it in the fridge in plenty of time to thaw before baking or add a little additional cook time, maybe 20 minutes or so.

    tater tot taco bake with scoop missing in blue baking dish

    You’ll also want to cover it well before freezing, so it doesn’t get freezer burn. If you have a covered casserole dish, that will work well.

    You can also make it the day before and put it in the fridge for baking the next day.

    TIPS FOR HOW TO MAKE TACO TATER TOT CASSEROLE

    Making taco tater tot hotdish is really simple and easy, even though it does require a bit of prep. There’s no taco seasoning mix or enchilada sauce in this recipe, since the meat mixture is made from scratch.

    cooking ground beef mixture for taco tater tot hotdish in cast iron skillet with wooden spatula
    • In a large skillet, sauté the garlic, onion, and bell pepper in bacon grease (or olive oil) for 3 to 5 minutes.
    • Add the lemon juice, chili powder, salt, pepper, and ground beef, cooking until the meat is almost browned.
    • Next stir in 2 to 3 chopped Roma tomatoes, browning the meat.

    HOW TO LAYER MEXICAN TATER TOT CASSEROLE

    • 1st Layer: Chili beans
    • 2nd Layer: Monterey Jack cheese
    • 3rd Layer: Ground beef mixture
    • 4th Layer: Nacho cheese soup
    • 5th Layer: Tater tots

    At this point, bake the casserole, per instructions in the recipe card below.

    • 6th Layer: Cheddar cheese
    6 steps to layer a taco tater tot casserole in baking dish

    And then you’ll bake it again for about 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.

    And that’s all there is to it. Sprinkle with your favorite taco toppings, like sour cream, tomatoes, and green onions, and it’s ready to serve.

    My family loves a good Mexican tater tot casserole, and so do I.

    Mexican tater tot casserole on white plate with fork, also topped with sour cream and green onions

    MORE TEX-MEX CASSEROLE RECIPES YOU MAY ENJOY:

    SHOP KITCHEN TOOLS FOR THIS RECIPE:

    Cast Iron Skillet – for browning the ground beef. You could also layer the casserole in a larger cast iron skillet.

    Hamburger Chopper – This handy dandy tool makes it easier to chop up the meat into a much looser mixture.

    Ninja Food Chopper Express or Cutting Board and Chef’s Knife

    Spatula – especially helpful for scooping out and spreading the soup.

    Casserole Dish

    TACO TATER TOT CASSEROLE RECIPE

    If you love this taco tater tot bake as much as I do, please write a 5 star review, and help me share the recipe on Facebook and Pinterest! If you make the recipe, be sure to share that you tried it on Pinterest. I love when readers share feedback!

    taco tater tot casserole recipe

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    Cheesy Delicious Taco Tater Tot Casserole

    Cook up a deliciously cheesy taco tater tot casserole with ground beef, cheese, and all your favorite taco toppings. Family favorite dinner recipe.

    • 1 tablespoon bacon grease (*)
    • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
    • 1/2 large yellow onion (chopped)
    • 1 large bell pepper (chopped)
    • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
    • 1 tablespoon chili powder
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
    • 1 pound ground beef
    • 3 Roma tomatoes (chopped)
    • 31 ounces chili beans
    • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese (shredded)
    • 21 ounces nacho cheese soup
    • 32 ounces tater tots
    • 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)

    Taco Toppings:

    • 3 Roma tomatoes
    • 3 green onions (chopped)
    • 1 cup sour cream
    1. Pre-heat the oven to 350°F.
    2. In a large skillet, sauté the garlic, onion, and bell pepper in bacon grease (or olive oil) for 3 to 5 minutes, or until they begin to soften.
    3. Add the lemon juice, chili powder, salt, pepper, and ground beef, cooking until the meat is almost browned.
    4. Next stir in 2 to 3 chopped Roma tomatoes, browning the meat.
    5. Begin assembling the casserole by layering the chili beans in the bottom of your greased baking dish.
    6. Next layer the Monterey Jack cheese.
    7. Add the ground beef mixture as a third layer.
    8. Spread the soup over the ground beef mixture.
    9. Finally, add the tater tots to the top of the casserole.
    10. Bake the casserole at 350°F for 45 minutes, or until the tots are golden brown and everything is cooked thru.
    11. Sprinkle on a final layer of cheddar cheese, and bake an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
    12. Serve with all your favorite taco toppings, including tomatoes, green onions, and sour cream.

    *You can use olive oil instead, if preferred.

    Dinner Ideas
    American
    Mexican tater tot casserole, taco tater tot casserole, taco tater tot hotdish, tater tot taco bake
  • Cheesy Spinach and Chicken Stuffed Bell Peppers

    Cheesy Spinach and Chicken Stuffed Bell Peppers

    Healthy, low carb chicken stuffed bell peppers with spinach and cheese, baked in the oven. Easy delicious recipe (with video), perfect for a weeknight meal!

    Chicken Stuffed Peppers are a flavorful and delicious dinner idea. I love stuffed peppers, especially for that pepper-y flavor (have since I was a kid).

    cooked chicken stuffed bell peppers on baking sheet with melted cheese and parsley

    Now most stuffed peppers are made with ground beef or ground turkey… But chicken adds a whole new twist. And there are so many things you can do with chicken to add variety and make it interesting.

    Picture fajita chicken, sesame chicken, and chicken salad… The sky’s the limit when it comes to stuffed peppers with chicken.

    More stuffed pepper recipes you may enjoy: sloppy joe stuffed peppers, beef taco stuffed peppers, and chicken and rice stuffed peppers.

    baking sheet with chicken stuffed peppers, melted cheese on top

    WHERE CAN I FIND THE RECIPE CARD FOR CHICKEN STUFFED BELL PEPPERS?

    If you’d rather skip all of my cooking tips, important cooking info for this recipe, and similar recipe ideas – and get straight to the delicious low carb stuffed peppers recipe – just scroll down to the bottom, where you’ll find a printable recipe card.

    HOW TO PREP PEPPERS FOR MAKING STUFFED PEPPERS

    While I usually cut my bell peppers in half, you can go with one of two options when prepping your bell peppers for a stuffed bell pepper recipe…

    • Remove the top of the pepper, along with all the pith and seeds that are down inside.
    • OR simply cut the peppers in half and remove all the pith and seeds inside. Just remember not to eat the stem if you leave the stem intact.

    If you need a refresher on how to cut a pepper, I’ve got you covered.

    DO I NEED TO PRE-COOK BELL PEPPERS BEFORE STUFFING THEM?

    You can, but you don’t have to. This is usually done to shorten the cooking time.

    The Cookful actually has a really helpful explanation for how to pre-cook peppers.

    HOW TO MAKE STUFFED PEPPERS

    These low carb chicken stuffed peppers are super easy to make. From prepping the peppers to stuffing them and cooking them, I’ll walk you through the entire process.

    PREP AND MAKE YOUR CHICKEN MIXTURE

    1. Prep the peppers… Slice them in half, right down the middle. You can leave the stems on or remove. Then remove the seeds, cores, and membranes from the peppers.
    2. Add the chicken, spinach, and spices to a mixing bowl.
    3. Don’t forget to add part of the shredded cheddar (about 1 1/2 cups).
    4. Then mix everything up together.
    how to make stuffed peppers with chicken, spinach, cheese, and seasonings, including the steps to making the chicken mixture in a white mixing bowl

    Once your chicken mixture is ready, just stuff the peppers full. The more, the better.

    stuffing bell peppers with chicken mixture on a baking sheet

    COOKING THESE HEALTHY CHICKEN STUFFED PEPPERS

    Then you’ll just bake the peppers either on a baking sheet or in a baking dish, per the instructions in the recipe card below.

    Once they’ve baked, sprinkle on the extra cheese, and bake an additional 10 minutes or so.

    baked low carb stuffed peppers with chicken on baking sheet, sprinkled with parsley over melted cheese

    And that’s it! They’re ready to serve, with their melty cheese and all those wonderful flavors.

    chicken stuffed bell pepper on white plate with fork

    WANT MORE DELICIOUS CHICKEN RECIPES?

    SHOP KITCHEN TOOLS FOR THIS RECIPE:

    Ninja Food Chopper Express or Cutting Board and Chef’s Knife

    Mixing Bowl – I love a bowl with a handle; this one’s pretty similar to mine.

    Cheese Grater – for shredding the cheese.

    Baking Sheet – You’ll place the peppers on a baking sheet to bake.

    PRINTABLE RECIPE CARD FOR CHEESY CHICKEN STUFFED PEPPERS

    If you love this chicken stuffed bell peppers recipe as much as I do, please write a 5 star review, and help me share the recipe on Facebook and Pinterest! If you make the recipe, be sure to share that you tried it on Pinterest. I love when readers share feedback!

    Spinach and Chicken Stuffed Peppers Recipe

    CONNECT WITH ADVENTURES OF MEL!

    Be sure to follow me on social, so you never miss a post!

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    Sign up to receive my newsletter, filled with delicious recipes and outdoor travel adventures, in your inbox:

    FREE EMAIL SUBSCRIPTION

    Want to see how to make this recipe? Watch our cooking show video in the recipe card below!

    Cheesy Spinach and Chicken Stuffed Bell Peppers

    Healthy, low carb chicken stuffed bell peppers with spinach and cheese, baked in the oven. Easy delicious recipe (with video), perfect for a weeknight meal!

    • 5 large bell peppers
    • 2 pounds chicken
    • 1 cup spinach leaves (washed and chopped)
    • 2 cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
    • 1 teaspoon ground sage
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
    • 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese (*shredded)
    1. Pre-heat the oven to 350°.
    2. Wash and prep your peppers. Slice them in half, right down the middle.** Then remove all the cores, seeds, and membranes from the peppers.
    3. Dice the chicken into chunks or thin slices.
    4. In a separate mixing bowl, mix the chicken with the seasonings, spinach, and 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar.
    5. Stuff the peppers with the chicken mixture.
    6. Place the stuffed peppers on a baking sheet, and bake at 350° for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the chicken is cooked thru. 
    7. Add the rest of the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese to the top of each pepper, and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
    8. Serve while warm and enjoy!

    *Or you can use Colby Jack cheese.

    **You can leave the stems on the peppers or remove them, totally your preference (just don’t ingest the stems, they’re only there for show).

    Dinner Ideas
    American
    chicken stuffed bell peppers, chicken stuffed peppers, low carb stuffed peppers, stuffed peppers with chicken
  • Instant Pot Sausage and Chicken Casserole

    Instant Pot Sausage and Chicken Casserole

    Easy recipe for sausage and chicken casserole in the Instant Pot. Low carb chicken casserole that makes a healthy dinner and a cheesy comfort food.

    sausage and chicken casserole with wooden spoon in black cast iron skillet

    This sausage and chicken casserole is a low carb dinner my family enjoys from time to time. It’s one of those meals we can pretty easily throw together, walk away from it, and let it cook.

    Even though it’s an Instant Pot casserole, it still requires just a little bit of prep work, like cooking the chicken and browning the sausage. I love that everything is mixed together, though, vegetables and all.

    That’s what makes this recipe so delicious. The meats, vegetables, cheeses, and seasonings just all mesh together to form this yummy low carb chicken casserole everyone in our family enjoys.

    Learn how to quickly use your Instant Pot with our Instant Pot Quick Start Guide, filled with practical tips, Instant Pot recipes, accessory ideas, and more!

    Love a good casserole? You may also enjoy this classic tater tot casserole recipe. And if it’s a one pot meal you’re after, Instant Pot sausage and rice is one you can throw together in minutes!

    low carb chicken casserole with cauliflower and sausage in black cast iron skillet with wooden spoon

    WHERE CAN I FIND THE SAUSAGE AND CHICKEN CASSEROLE RECIPE?

    If you’d rather skip all of my cooking tips, important cooking info for this recipe, and similar recipe ideas – and get straight to the delicious chicken casserole recipe – just scroll down to the bottom, where you’ll find a printable recipe card.

    CAN I USE CAULIFLOWER RICE FOR THIS RECIPE?

    You can definitely use already riced cauliflower to make a sausage cauliflower bake in the Instant Pot.

    However, I don’t recommend using frozen cauliflower rice, because that will add extra water, ultimately changing both the texture and consistency of the casserole.

    I do recommend using either fresh cauliflower or a fresh cauliflower rice over using frozen.

    TIPS FOR HOW TO MAKE THIS LOW CARB CHEESY CHICKEN CASSEROLE

    Gather your ingredients, per the printable recipe card below.

    PREP THE VEGETABLES FIRST…

    You’ll need to prep first by washing and chopping (or mincing) the celery, onion, and garlic. Also, wash and chop the cauliflower if you’re not using cauliflower rice.

    Then pre-heat the Instant Pot in sauté mode.

    ASSEMBLE INGREDIENTS IN THE INSTANT POT

    • Add the butter to your Instant Pot, and let it melt.
    • Sauté the celery, onion, and garlic for about 3 to 5 minutes.
    celery, onions, and garlic sautéing in the Instant Pot
    • Add the sausage in with your veggies and allow it to brown, crumbling it up with the veggies.
    browning sausage with vegetables in Instant Pot pressure cooker
    • Add the cream cheese and shredded chicken in with your vegetable mixture, and mix together well.
    mixing cream cheese and chicken into low carb cheesy chicken casserole in Instant Pot pressure cooker
    • Put the cauliflower, shredded cheeses, salt, pepper, and paprika on top of the vegetable mixture in the Instant Pot.
    adding shredded cheese, cauliflower, and spices to low carb chicken casserole in Instant Pot pressure cooker
    • Then add a cup of water, and place the lid on your Instant Pot.

    COOK YOUR INSTANT POT CASSEROLE

    Turn off the sauté function, press Manual, and set your timer for 8 minutes. Be sure to allow a natural pressure release.

    When it’s done, stir the casserole together… If there’s extra water, you may need to turn the sauté function back on and let it cook down just a little bit.

    You can top it off with chopped fresh basil or parsley if desired.

    low carb cheesy chicken casserole in cast iron skillet with wooden spoon

    LOOKING FOR MORE LOW CARB DINNER IDEAS?

    SHOP KITCHEN TOOLS FOR THIS RECIPE:

    Ninja Food Chopper Express or Cutting Board and Chef’s Knife

    Instant Pot – We’ve used both our 6-quart and our 8-quart Instant Pot.

    Wooden Spatula – We use a wooden spatula when we need to sauté something.

    Glass Measuring Cup – Oh how I love my measuring cup for measuring liquids… I use it every single time I cook or bake anything.

    PRINTABLE RECIPE CARD FOR INSTANT POT SAUSAGE AND CHICKEN CASSEROLE

    If you love this low carb chicken casserole recipe as much as I do, please write a 5 star review, and help me share the recipe on Facebook and Pinterest! If you make the recipe, be sure to share that you tried it on Pinterest. I love when readers share feedback!

    Instant Pot sausage and chicken casserole recipe

    CONNECT WITH ADVENTURES OF MEL!

    Be sure to follow me on social, so you never miss a post!

    Facebook | Pinterest | YouTube | Instagram | Twitter

    Sign up to receive my newsletter, filled with delicious recipes and outdoor travel adventures, in your inbox:

    FREE EMAIL SUBSCRIPTION

    Want to see how to make this recipe? Watch our cooking show video in the recipe card below!

    Instant Pot Sausage and Chicken Casserole

    Easy recipe for sausage and chicken casserole in the Instant Pot. Low carb chicken casserole that makes a healthy dinner and a cheesy comfort food.

    • 2 stalks celery
    • 1/2 large yellow onion
    • 2 cloves garlic
    • 1 head cauliflower (*)
    • 3 tablespoons salted butter
    • 1 pound breakfast sausage
    • 8 ounces cream cheese
    • 1 pound chicken (cooked and shredded)
    • 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
    • 1 cup Colby Jack cheese (shredded)
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
    • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
    • 1 cup water
    1. Wash and chop or mince the celery, onion, and garlic; also wash and chop the cauliflower.
    2. Pre-heat the Instant Pot in sauté mode.
    3. Add the butter to your Instant Pot, and let it melt.
    4. Sauté the celery, onion, and garlic for about 3 to 5 minutes.
    5. Add the sausage in with your veggies and allow it to brown, crumbling it up with the veggies.
    6. Add the cream cheese and shredded chicken in with your vegetable mixture, and mix together well.
    7. Put the cauliflower, shredded cheeses, salt, pepper, and paprika on top of the vegetable mixture in the Instant Pot.
    8. Add a cup of water.
    9. Put the lid on your Instant Pot.
    10. Turn off the sauté function, press Manual, and set your timer for 8 minutes; allow a natural pressure release.
    11. When it’s done, stir the casserole together… If there’s extra water, you may need to turn the sauté function back on and let it cook down just a little bit.
    12. You can top it off with chopped basil or parsley if desired. Serve and enjoy!

    *While you can use already riced cauliflower, I recommend using fresh for this recipe. Frozen riced cauliflower can have extra water, which changes the entire texture/consistency of this casserole.

    Instant Pot Recipes
    American
    Instant Pot casserole, low carb chicken casserole, sausage and chicken casserole
  • Cheesy Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Soup

    Cheesy Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Soup

    How to make a simple, homemade, creamy chicken enchilada soup in your Crock Pot. Quick and easy recipe without all the hassle of enchiladas!

    Slow cooker chicken enchilada soup is the soup version of one of my favorite Tex Mex meals, Creamy Chicken Enchiladas. Not only is it easier to make; I can throw it together in the slow cooker and let it simmer all afternoon.

    orange Fire-King soup bowl with chicken enchilada soup, tortilla triangle, sour cream, and green onions

    While I prefer to make this slow cooker soup with taco chicken I’ve already made, you can always use rotisserie chicken, leftover chicken, or even fajita style chicken. Just make sure the chicken is cooked before you throw the soup together.

    You can slice tortillas into smaller squares or triangles and add to the soup for the last 30 minutes or so of cook time. Because at least one person in my house is counting carbs, I prefer to keep the tortillas out, slice into larger triangles, and serve alongside the soup.

    You can even serve this easy chicken tortilla soup with crispy tortilla chips.

    If you’re really in the mood for Tex Mex, you’ll love these recipes for CrockPot chicken enchilada casserole, chicken loaded nachos, easy chicken fajitas, sour cream crab enchiladas, and turkey enchilada casserole.

    WHERE CAN I FIND THE RECIPE CARD FOR CHICKEN ENCHILADA SOUP?

    If you’d rather skip all of my cooking tips, important cooking info for this recipe, and similar recipe ideas – and get straight to the delicious chicken enchilada soup recipe – just scroll down to the bottom, where you’ll find a printable recipe card.

    What Kind of Chicken Should I Use in Chicken Enchilada Soup?

    This soup is the perfect dinner recipe to make after you’ve already had chicken another night of the week. Use up your leftover chicken to make soup, or even cook enough chicken to make two meals.

    orange bowl of easy chicken tortilla soup with shredded chicken

    You can also pick up a rotisserie chicken on your way home from work.

    Or you can make our favorite taco chicken to give the soup even more pizzazz and flavor.

    Can I Make Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Soup Ahead and Freeze It?

    Yes, you can. In fact, chicken enchilada soup should keep in the freezer for a good 2 to 3 months.

    Just make sure you store the soup in a freezer safe sealed container that won’t let it get freezer burn.

    Tips for How to Make Chicken Enchilada Soup

    Gather your ingredients, per the recipe card below.

    • Prep all your fresh ingredients first. Shred the cheese.
    shredded cheese on gray plate with cheese grater
    • Then wash and dice the tomatoes, wash and mince the bell pepper, and mince the onion and garlic.
    chopped bell peppers, garlic, minced onion, and diced tomatoes on cutting board, ingredients for easy chicken tortilla soup
    • Add the tomatoes, bell pepper, onion, garlic, and chicken to your slow cooker, stirring it all together.
    chopped and minced onion, garlic, tomatoes, and bell peppers in slow cooker crock for chicken enchilada soup recipe
    • Stir the heavy whipping cream into your soup mixture. We use heavy whipping cream because Dan avoids carbs, and whipping cream doesn’t have carbs.
    • Next, you’ll season your soup, which you can do now or you can wait a couple of hours and season it to taste.
    • You’ll need to cook the soup on high for about 4 hours, or on low for about 6 to 8 hours.
    chicken enchilada soup ready to cook in black slow cooker crock

    If you choose to add tortillas to your soup, just slice them up into smaller squares or triangles, and stir them into the soup for the last 30 minutes or so of cook time. Otherwise, you can slice tortillas into triangles and just serve alongside the soup.

    What Else to Serve with Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup

    Chicken enchilada soup pairs really well with tortilla strips, tortilla chips, and all your normal taco fixin’s like sour cream, guacamole or avocado, fresh cilantro, more shredded cheese, fresh diced tomatoes, green onions, etc.

    It also pairs deliciously well with buttermilk cornbread and cheesy chicken quesadillas.

    More chicken soups you may enjoy:

    Olive Garden Chicken & Gnocchi Soup

    Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili

    Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

    orange soup bowl with slow cooker chicken enchilada soup, a dollop of sour cream, and chopped green onions

    Kitchen Tools You’ll Need to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Soup

    Slow Cooker – My slow cooker’s been with me for a long time now. It’s made my family some really delicious meals, including this soup.

    Ninja Food Chopper Express or Cutting Board and Chef’s Knife

    Heat-Resistant Spatula – Works well for stirring, mixing, and scraping the side of your pan.

    Soup Bowls – Who doesn’t love a pretty bowl?

    Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe

    If you love this cheesy chicken enchilada soup recipe as much as I do, please write a 5 star review, and help me share the recipe on Facebook and Pinterest!

    Slow cooker chicken enchilada soup recipe with shredded cheddar cheese

    Connect with Adventures of Mel!

    Be sure to follow me on social, so you never miss a post!

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    Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Soup

    How to make a simple, homemade, creamy chicken enchilada soup in your Crock Pot. Quick and easy recipe without all the hassle of enchiladas!

    • 4 cups chicken broth
    • 1 1/2 cups extra sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
    • 3 Roma tomatoes (diced)
    • 1 large bell pepper (minced)
    • 1/2 large yellow onion (minced)
    • 1 teaspoon garlic (minced)
    • 1 cup chicken (*shredded)
    • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
    • 3 flour tortillas (**optional)
    1. Prep the vegetables by washing, chopping, and mincing.
    2. Add the chicken broth, cheese, tomatoes, bell pepper, onion, garlic, and chicken to the slow cooker, stirring it all together.
    3. Stir the heavy whipping cream into your soup mixture. 
    4. Next, add and stir in the salt and pepper.
    5. Place the lid on your slow cooker, and cook the soup on high for about 4 hours, or on low for about 6 to 8 hours.
    6. If you choose to add tortillas to your soup, slice them up into smaller squares or triangles and stir into the soup for the last 30 minutes or so of cook time. 
    7. Serve with all your favorite Tex Mex goodies, like sour cream, guacamole or avocado, more shredded cheese, fresh tomatoes, green onions, etc.

    *You can use leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, fajita chicken, or our favorite taco chicken to make this soup.

    **Otherwise, you can slice tortillas into triangles and just serve alongside the soup.

    Soups & Stews
    American
    cheesy chicken enchilada soup, chicken enchilada soup, chicken enchilada soup recipe, easy chicken tortilla soup, slow cooker chicken enchilada soup
  • Homemade Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich Recipe

    Homemade Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich Recipe

    How to make the best homemade Philly Cheesesteak, including tips for the best steak, cheese, and hoagie rolls to use. This is one easy skillet meal you can make for dinner, and the whole family will love it!

    Even though I traveled plenty as a kid (my dad was a truck driver), I didn’t taste my first cheesesteak until I was in college.

    homemade Philly cheesesteak with Cheez Whiz, sirloin steak, peppers, onions, and mushrooms on gray plate

    Then I married a Pennsylvanian who loves his Philly cheese steak. So, of course, I had to learn how to make a traditional Philly cheesesteak sandwich, mainly so we didn’t have to buy those awful store kits but also because I actually wanted to learn how to make this beloved sandwich.

    And I have to say, though not quite an authentic Philly cheese steak recipe, this delicious cheesesteak sandwich comes awfully close and is now one of my favorite dinner recipes.

    It even has mushrooms, and y’all know I’m not a fan of mushrooms. But I’ll eat them in a Philly cheese steak because it’s just that good.

    Follow me down through this page, and I’ll teach you the ins and outs of how to make the best Philly cheesesteak recipe ever, with Cheez Whiz or provolone, whichever is your preference. I’m drooling just thinking about it.

    Want More Philly Cheese Steak Recipes?

    We’re big fans of cheesesteaks, so we make a lot of cheesesteak recipes…

    traditional Philly cheesesteak sandwich with provolone cheese, served on gray plate with potato chips

    What Makes an Authentic Philly Cheesesteak?

    An authentic Philly cheese steak sandwich is basically a sandwich made on a hoagie roll with smaller, thinner pieces of beefsteak, onions, and cheese. What cheese goes on a Philly cheese steak depends; it can be provolone, American, or Cheez Whiz.

    Two of the most famous places to actually buy a Philly cheesesteak sandwich are in Philadelphia (go figure), and they sit directly across from each other, Pat’s King of Steaks and Geno’s Steaks.

    Originally a hot dog stall, Pat’s was founded in 1930 by two brothers, Pat and Harry Olivieri. They are the ones who actually invented the famous cheesesteak in 1933.

    An ordinary steak sandwich eventually became the cheesesteak and led to the brothers opening a restaurant in place of the hot dog stall.

    Philly cheesesteak sandwich with Cheez Whiz on gray plate with potato chips

    Ingredient Notes

    • Steak – Let’s talk about the best steak to use for Philly cheesesteak. Most people will recommend ribeye for a traditional Philly cheesesteak, but ribeye can be quite expensive. Others may also recommend top round steak. For this recipe, at the recommendation of our butcher, I used a sirloin steak, sliced thinly. Sirloin has just enough fat to give the meat a lot of flavor and to make the meat quite tender when cooked. Two things to look for when buying Philly cheese steak meat… You need to be able to slice it thinly. It also needs to be tender, not tough, and fat is a good thing for both flavor and tenderness.
    • Bacon grease, olive oil, or butter – You can use whichever you prefer, but I’ll tell ya, nothing beats the flavor of bacon grease.
    • Garlic Cloves – I like to buy already minced garlic in the jar to use when I don’t have fresh garlic on hand.
    • Yellow Onion – Sliced onions are an integral part of any cheesesteak sandwich.
    • Mushrooms – Fresh portobello mushrooms are delicious in cheesesteak.
    • Green Bell Pepper – While not included on an authentic Philly cheesesteak, I just love the flavor that pepper gives to steak.
    • Worcestershire Sauce
    • Cheese – So opinion varies on what kind of cheese to use for cheese steak. It really is a debate if you research it. The traditional consensus says the best cheese for cheesesteak is either Cheez Whiz or provolone. Some even say American cheese pairs well with the provolone. We tried it with both, and while I love the provolone, the Cheez Whiz won my taste buds over; nothing beats a Philly cheesesteak, Cheese Whiz style. However, it’s up for debate in our house too because a couple of my guys really love the provolone. Confession: I love both together.
    • Hoagie Rolls – I recommend a soft hoagie roll, at least 6 inches long. While the hoagie bun completes the ensemble, you can make this recipe more low carb by eating the meat without the bun. Maybe add it to a bed of lettuce or spinach, or pair it with these low carb dinner rolls or keto garlic cheese bread.

    Remember, all of the ingredient amounts you’ll need are in the printable recipe card below.

    close up look at a traditional Philly cheese steak on a gray plate with potato chips

    How to Make Philly Cheesesteak

    First things first, it’s important to prep the meat.

    How to Slice Philly Cheese Steak Meat

    Slice against the grain when slicing the sirloin, in order to retain the tenderness of the meat.

    hands slicing Philly cheese steak meat on cutting board with knife

    Also, be sure to leave the fat on the meat. Fat gives meat flavor, especially during the cooking process.

    Slice the meat as thin as possible, slicing it into thin strips for cooking. You’ll need a good knife.

    How to Cook Cheese Steak

    When you’ve thinly sliced your steak, it’s time to prep the veggies, which include garlic, onion, mushrooms, and a bell pepper. I recommend mincing the garlic and mushrooms, then slicing the onion and bell pepper. Not sure how to slice a pepper? Learn how to cut a bell pepper.

    1. Sauté the garlic, onion, mushrooms, and bell pepper in the bacon grease for about 10 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften. While I sauté the veggies in bacon grease, you can use olive oil or butter.
    cooking vegetables for cheese steak recipe in cast iron skillet with wooden spatula
    1. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set aside.
    2. Add the meat to the skillet, along with the salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook until the meat is almost done but not quite cooked through.
    cooking thinly sliced sirloin steak for Philly cheese steak meat in cast iron skillet
    1. When the meat is fully cooked, that’s when you can add the veggies back in with the meat, and let everything simmer until the meat is fully cooked.
    cooking Philly cheese steak meat with vegetables in cast iron skillet with wooden spatula

    TIP: It’s important when you cook the meat that you don’t cook it so long that you dry it out. You want it to be done, but you also want it to be nice and flavorful, as well as moist and tender.

    How to Assemble a Cheesesteak Sandwich

    While the meat is simmering is a good time to toast the buns in a dab of bacon grease or butter on a griddle or in the oven.

    1. Spread a tablespoon or so of mayonnaise in each bun.
    2. If you want provolone, put two slices of provolone on before you add the meat.
    3. Then add a generous helping of the meat and vegetable mixture.
    4. Finally, if you’d rather have Cheez Whiz, top it all off with Cheez Whiz.
    Philly cheese steak sandwich with Cheez Whiz on gray plate

    Note: If you really wanna go wild, you can have both provolone and Cheez Whiz. No judgment here.

    Expert Tips and Recipe FAQ’s

    How should I store Philly cheese?

    I would only make enough sandwiches to consume at the moment. If you have leftovers, store the meat (in the fridge) separately from the hoagie rolls; that way your rolls don’t get soggy in the fridge.

    How do I re-heat Philly cheesesteaks?

    When it comes time to re-heat your cheesesteak, heat it in the microwave at 30-second intervals; then toast your roll, if desired, and assemble your sandwich as usual.

    Cheesesteak sandwich on hoagie bun with provolone cheese, on gray plate with potato chips

    More Sandwich Recipes You May Enjoy

    Grilled cheese sloppy joes are what’s for dinner or lunch or whatever meal you like. If it’s a wrap you prefer, roast beef lettuce wraps (a Jimmy John’s Unwich copycat) are the bomb.

    My friend Kristy at Mommy Hates Cooking has a recipe for slow cooker cheesesteak sandwiches. Swap beef for chicken with these chicken Philly sandwiches from my friend Heather at Sugar Dish Me.

    If you try this recipe, why not leave a star rating in the recipe card right below and/or a review in the comment section further down the page? I always appreciate your feedback. You can also follow me on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. And subscribe to my email list too!

    Homemade Philly Cheesesteak

    How to make the best homemade Philly Cheesesteak, including the best steak, cheese, and hoagie rolls to use. Easy skillet meal for dinner!

    • Chef's Knife
    • Cutting Board
    • Large Skillet
    • Wooden Spatula
    • Tongs
    • 2 pounds sirloin steak (sliced thinly)
    • 2 tablespoons bacon grease*
    • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
    • 1 medium yellow onion (sliced)
    • 4 ounces fresh mushrooms (minced)
    • 1 large green bell pepper (sliced)
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
    • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
    • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
    • 12 slices provolone cheese
    • 3/4 cup Cheez Whiz
    • 6 hoagie rolls*
    1. Thinly slice the steak, slicing against the grain and leaving the fat on the meat for both flavor and tenderness.
    2. Wash and prep the veggies, mincing both the garlic and mushrooms, and slicing the onion and bell pepper.
    3. Sauté the garlic, onion, mushrooms, and bell pepper in the bacon grease for about 10 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften.

    4. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set aside.

    5. Add the meat to the skillet, along with the salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook until the meat is almost done but not quite cooked through.
    6. Add the vegetables back in with the meat, stir, and let simmer until the meat is fully cooked. Be careful that the meat doesn’t cook so long that you dry it out. You want it to be done, but you also want it to be nice and flavorful, as well as moist and tender.

    7. Meanwhile, while the meat is simmering, toast the buns in a dab of bacon grease or butter on a griddle or in the oven.

    8. When the meat and buns are ready, assemble each cheesesteak. Spread a tablespoon or so of mayonnaise in each bun.
    9. If you want provolone cheese, put two slices of provolone on before you add the meat. 
    10. Then add a generous helping of the meat and vegetable mixture.
    11. Finally, if you’d rather have Cheez Whiz, top it all off with Cheez Whiz.
    12. And that’s it, they’re ready to serve and enjoy.

    *You can use olive oil or butter in place of bacon grease.

    *We used smaller hoagie buns, probably 6-inch buns, we found at the store.

    What’s the best meat for Philly cheesesteak?

    Most people will recommend ribeye for a traditional Philly cheesesteak, but ribeye can be quite expensive. Others recommend top round steak. For this recipe, at the recommendation of our butcher, I used a sirloin steak, sliced thinly. It had just enough fat to give the meat a lot of flavor and to make the meat quite tender when cooked.

    Two things to look for when buying Philly cheese steak meat…

    • You need to be able to slice it thinly.
    • It needs to be tender, not tough, and fat is a good thing for both flavor and tenderness.

    How should I store Philly cheese?

    I would only make enough sandwiches to consume at the moment. If you have leftovers, store the meat (in the fridge) separately from the hoagie rolls; that way your rolls don’t get soggy in the fridge.

    Burgers & Sandwiches
    American
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  • Beef Taco Stuffed Peppers

    Beef Taco Stuffed Peppers

    Take Taco Tuesday to a whole ‘nother level with ground beef taco stuffed peppers. Easy, cheesy, healthy, Mexican style dinner recipe!

    My family loves ground beef tacos, and we love stuffed peppers. So it pretty much stands to reason we’d combine the two to make Mexican stuffed peppers that are out of this world delicious.

    ground beef taco stuffed peppers, with all the taco toppings, on a white plate

    Instead of a taco shell, you fill your pepper with meat, cook it, then top it off with all your favorite taco ingredients, like my favorite peach mango salsa. It’s my favorite stuffed peppers recipe to date.

    The best part is… The meat mixture is filled with all kinds of fresh flavors, with ingredients like onion, bell pepper, garlic, and fresh tomatoes.

    Mexican stuffed peppers, red pepper filled with ground beef taco meat and topped with taco toppings like lettuce, avocado, cheese, tomatoes, sour cream, and green onions, on a white plate

    Also, if you’re looking for another delicious stuffed pepper recipe, I’ve got you covered with sloppy joe stuffed peppers, Philly cheesesteak stuffed bell peppers, cheesy chicken stuffed bell peppers, and chicken and rice stuffed peppers.

    DO I NEED TO PRE-COOK THE BELL PEPPERS FOR THIS RECIPE?

    The short answer is, you can, but you don’t have to.

    Some people choose to blanch or boil their peppers, but I don’t. I prefer to keep things simple, and I love the flavors and slight crispness of the peppers when I just stick them in the oven for about 20 minutes before stuffing.

    If you do want to cook them beforehand, The Cookful has a great explanation for how to pre-cook peppers.

    ground beef taco meat in cast iron skillet and prepared bell peppers for taco stuffed pepper recipe

    HOW TO CUT BELL PEPPERS WHEN MAKING STUFFED BELL PEPPERS

    While I usually cut my bell peppers in half, you can go with one of two options when prepping your bell peppers for a stuffed bell pepper recipe…

    • Remove the top of the pepper, along with all the pith and seeds that are down inside.
    • OR cut the peppers in half and remove all the pith and seeds inside. Just remember not to eat the stem if you leave the stem intact.

    Not sure how to cut a pepper? I’ve got you covered with more details on how to cut bell peppers.

    DO I HAVE TO USE GROUND BEEF FOR TACO MEAT?

    No, you can use ground turkey or ground pork, whichever is your preference.

    However, we prefer ground beef, so this recipe for easy stuffed peppers is based around ground beef.

    ground beef taco stuffed peppers on baking sheet

    SHOULD I THAW THE MEAT BEFOREHAND?

    Again, you can, but you don’t have to.

    You can use frozen hamburger meat to make the taco meat for your stuffed peppers, but you may need to sauté your onion, peppers, and garlic in a different skillet so they can be added to the ground beef once it’s thawed.

    We actually do this quite often because we forget to get meat out ahead of time, so don’t worry if you’ve forgotten too.

    Since taco meat is loose meat and you’re not making actual hamburger patties, it’s a little bit easier to do; though I do recommend thawing if at all possible.

    Just put the meat into a skillet with maybe 1/2 cup water, turn the heat on medium, and place a lid on the skillet. This basically steams the meat.

    ground beef taco meat for easy stuffed peppers, Mexican style, in cast iron skillet with wooden spatula

    You can add the sautéed onion, pepper, and garlic once the meat has loosened up.

    When it’s browned, you’ll need to drain off any excess oil.

    TIPS FOR HOW TO MAKE STUFFED PEPPERS, MEXICAN STYLE

    I recommend using bacon grease for a li’l added flavor to your meat mixture. But if you don’t have bacon grease, no worries; you can also use butter or olive oil.

    • Mince up the garlic, onion, and pepper really well. I like mincing them up so they blend well with the meat and sauce.
    • Sautéeing the garlic, onion, and pepper will really soften them up before you add them to the meat mixture.
    adding sauce ingredients to taco meat for taco stuffed peppers
    • Make sure you drain off any excess oil when the meat is browned and ready for the sauce.
    • Once you’ve added the sauce ingredients, give it a good stir and let the mixture simmer for a good 2 to 3 minutes.
    • Once you’ve spooned the meat mixture into the prepared peppers, just bake them according to the recipe instructions in the recipe card below.
    • The meat should reach an internal temperature of at least 160°F with a meat thermometer.
    ground beef taco stuffed peppers, baked on baking sheet
    • You may need to cover the peppers with aluminum foil halfway through baking to prevent them from getting too brown on top.
    • Once your peppers have cooked through, add all the taco toppings you want, like lettuce, tomatoes, shredded cheese, avocado, sour cream, and green onions.
    yellow taco stuffed pepper on white plate with taco toppings

    MORE TACO RECIPES YOU MAY ENJOY

    Chicken tacos and fish tacos are two more favorites around our house on Taco Tuesdays. And I absolutely love this cheesy Mexican casserole with bacon, tacos in a bag, taco sloppy joes and Mexican tater tot casserole.

    Adriana’s Best Recipes has a delicious recipe for beer battered cauliflower tacos. And This Mama Loves has a very yummy recipe for maple glazed chicken and sweet potato tacos.

    KITCHEN TOOLS YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE GROUND BEEF TACO STUFFED PEPPERS:

    Skillet – We love using our cast iron skillets and griddle for pretty much everything both at home and while camping; they are very much a part of our camping cooking gear on every trip.

    Hamburger Chopper – This handy dandy tool makes it easier to chop up the meat into a much looser mixture.

    Wooden Spatula

    Ninja Food Chopper Express or Cutting Board and Chef’s Knife

    colorful Mexican stuffed peppers on baking sheet

    Meat Thermometer

    Baking Sheet

    Aluminum Foil

    3-in-1 Avocado Slicer

    BEEF TACO STUFFED PEPPERS RECIPE

    If you love this taco stuffed bell pepper recipe as much as I do, please write a 5 star review, and help me share the recipe on Facebook and Pinterest! If you make the recipe, be sure to share that you tried it on Pinterest. I love when readers share feedback!

    Beef Taco Stuffed Peppers Recipe

    CONNECT WITH ADVENTURES OF MEL!

    Be sure to follow me on social, so you never miss a post!

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    Beef Taco Stuffed Peppers

    Take Taco Tuesday to a whole ‘nother level with ground beef taco stuffed peppers. Easy, cheesy, healthy, Mexican style dinner recipe!

    • 2 tablespoons bacon grease (*)
    • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
    • 1 medium yellow onion (minced)
    • 1 large bell pepper (chopped)
    • 2 pounds ground beef
    • 2 teaspoons lemon juice
    • 2 tablespoons chili powder
    • 2 teaspoons salt
    • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
    • 2 medium tomatoes (chopped)
    • 5 large bell peppers

    Toppings:

    • 3 cups lettuce (shredded or chopped)
    • 2 medium tomatoes
    • 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
    • 2 whole avocados (peeled, pitted, and sliced)
    • 5 whole green onions (chopped)
    • 1 cup sour cream
    1. Pre-heat the oven to 350°F.
    2. Wash and prepare 5 large bell peppers by either removing the top of the pepper, along with all the pith and seeds that are down inside. Or cut the peppers in half and remove all the pith and seeds inside.
    3. Pre-cook the peppers, empty on a baking sheet in the oven, for about 20 minutes.
    4. Mince the garlic and onion really well, and chop the pepper.
    5. Sauté the garlic, onion, and pepper in a large skillet. 
    6. Then add the meat and mix together with the onion mixture, cooking the mixture just until the meat is browned.
    7. Be sure to drain off any excess oil when the meat has finished cooking.
    8. Add the sauce ingredients, including the lemon juice, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and 2 tomatoes. 
    9. Let the mixture simmer for about 2 to 3 minutes.
    10. Spoon the sloppy joe mixture into the washed and prepared peppers.
    11. Bake the stuffed peppers on a baking sheet at 350° for about 20 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of at least 160°F with a meat thermometer.**
    12. Meanwhile, prepare the toppings, including the lettuce, tomatoes, cheddar cheese, avocados, and green onions.
    13. Once the peppers and meat have cooked through, remove them from the oven, serve while warm, and top with your favorite taco toppings.

    *I recommend using bacon grease for the added flavor to the meat mixture. But if you don’t have bacon grease, no worries; you can also use butter or olive oil.

    **You may need to cover the peppers halfway through with aluminum foil to prevent them from getting too brown on top.

    Dinner Ideas
    Tex-Mex
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    ground beef taco stuffed peppers recipe
    beef taco stuffed peppers on white plate and baking sheet
  • Classic Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

    Classic Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

    Tater Tot Casserole – How to make a classic tater tot casserole with ground beef, vegetables, and mushroom soup. Easy delicious dinner recipe you can make ahead and freeze.

    Busy nights call for easy dinner ideas, like this deliciously easy tater tot casserole recipe. You can even make it ahead of time and put it in the freezer.

    tater tot casserole with veggies served on white plate with blue casserole dish

    I’ve found the easier the meal on those busy nights, the less tempted I am to go through the fast food lane or order takeout. And tater tot hotdish is so easy to make, requiring very little prep time.

    While this hamburger casserole isn’t the lowest carb recipe you can make, it’s still a kid-friendly, quick meal option that will save your sanity.

    Not to mention, it’s a tater tot casserole with veggies. So you’ve got everything in one simple casserole dish.

    If you love a good casserole, you’ll also love this delicious taco tater tot casserole and sloppy joe casserole with potatoes.

    scooping tater tot hotdish out of blue casserole dish

    WHERE CAN I FIND THE RECIPE FOR TATER TOT CASSEROLE?

    If you’d rather skip all of my cooking tips, important cooking info for this recipe, and similar recipe ideas – and get straight to the tater tot casserole recipe – just scroll down to the bottom, where you’ll find a printable recipe card.

    WHAT KIND OF VEGGIES SHOULD I USE IN TATER TOT HOTDISH?

    While I prefer to use canned veggies, you can use frozen or fresh, as well, depending on your preference.

    layering canned green beans and mixed vegetables to make tater tot casserole with veggies in blue and white casserole dish

    Although, do keep in mind that if you choose to use fresh root vegetables, like carrots, you may want to parboil them. Food Fanatic has a great guide for how to parboil.

    WHAT KIND OF MEAT SHOULD I USE?

    I prefer to use ground beef. But you can also use ground turkey or sausage.

    cooking ground beef for tater tot hamburger casserole in cast iron skillet

    WHAT IF I DON’T LIKE CREAM OF MUSHROOM SOUP?

    That’s ok. You can use any creamed soup you want; or even create your own creamy beef broth, using beef bullion and heavy whipping cream (or milk), to add to the casserole.

    layering cream of mushroom soup onto ground beef in tater tot casserole, in blue and white casserole dish

    We’ve also used cream of celery soup, which gives hamburger casserole a really delicious flavor.

    CAN I MAKE AHEAD TATER TOT CASSEROLE AND FREEZE IT?

    Yes, you can make it ahead and put it in the freezer for later. Just be sure to put it in the fridge in plenty of time to thaw before baking or add a little additional cook time, maybe 20 minutes or so.

    layering tater tots on tater tot hotdish for baking, in blue and white casserole dish

    You’ll also want to cover it well before freezing, so it doesn’t get freezer burn. If you have a covered casserole dish, that will work well.

    You can also make it the day before and put it in the fridge for baking the next day.

    TIPS FOR HOW TO MAKE TATER TOT CASSEROLE

    Making tater tot casserole is super easy with only a few prep steps.

    • Mince the onion and garlic, and then sauté for a few minutes, until they begin to soften.
    • Then add in the ground beef and cook until it’s nicely browned.
    layering browned ground beef in blue and white casserole dish for tater tot casserole recipe
    • Then just layer the ingredients in a greased casserole dish. Start with the green beans, then the mixed veggies, the ground beef, the soup, and finally the tater tots to top it all off.
    • And it’s ready to bake, according to the instructions in the recipe card below.
    topping tater tot casserole with tater tots in blue and white baking dish

    MORE CASSEROLE RECIPES YOU MAY ENJOY:

    If you’re looking for a lower carb option, this Instant Pot cauliflower, sausage, and chicken casserole is always a dinnertime hit in our house. We also enjoy this turkey enchilada skillet casserole.

    Mommy Hates Cooking has a delicious chili cheese tater tot casserole. A Farmgirl’s Dabbles shares how to make a delicious tater tot hotdish without canned soup.

    layers of tater tot casserole in blue and white casserole dish

    KITCHEN TOOLS YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE TATER TOT CASSEROLE

    Cast Iron Skillet – for browning the ground beef. You could also layer the casserole in a larger cast iron skillet.

    Hamburger Chopper – This handy dandy tool makes it easier to chop up the meat into a much looser mixture.

    Ninja Food Chopper Express or Cutting Board and Chef’s Knife

    easy tater tot casserole with veggies served on white plate with fork

    Can Strainer – so nifty for straining the liquid out of canned veggies.

    Spatula – especially helpful for scooping out and spreading the soup.

    Casserole Dish

    cooked tater tot hotdish in blue and white baking dish

    TATER TOT CASSEROLE RECIPE

    If you love this tater tot casserole as much as I do, please write a 5 star review, and help me share the recipe on Facebook and Pinterest! If you make the recipe, be sure to share that you tried it on Pinterest. I love when readers share feedback!

    tater tot casserole recipe

    CONNECT WITH ADVENTURES OF MEL!

    Be sure to follow me on social, so you never miss a post!

    Facebook | Pinterest | YouTube | Instagram | Twitter

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    Classic Tater Tot Casserole

    How to make a classic tater tot casserole with ground beef, vegetables, and mushroom soup. Easy delicious dinner recipe you can make ahead and freeze.

    • 1 tablespoon bacon grease (*)
    • 1/2 medium yellow onion (minced)
    • 1 clove garlic (minced)
    • 1 pound ground beef
    • 14.5 ounces green beans (**drained)
    • 15 ounces mixed vegetables (**drained)
    • 21 ounces cream of mushroom soup
    • 32 ounces tater tots
    1. Pre-heat the oven to 350°F.
    2. Sauté the minced onion and garlic in the bacon grease until they begin to soften.
    3. Then add the ground beef to the onion/garlic mixture, and cook until it’s browned.
    4. Layer the vegetables in the bottom of a greased casserole dish.
    5. Add a second layer with the browned ground beef over the vegetables.
    6. Spread the soup over the ground beef mixture.
    7. Finally, layer the tater tots on top.
    8. Bake uncovered at 350°F for 40 minutes, or until the tots are a golden brown color.
    9. Remove from the oven and serve while warm.

    *You can use bacon grease, butter, or olive oil to cook the onions and garlic.

    **While I prefer to use canned veggies, you can use frozen or fresh, as well, depending on your preference. Using fresh root vegetables, like carrots, may require parboiling.

    Dinner Ideas
    American
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    Update: This recipe was originally published in April 2013, but was re-published with bigger photos and more details in January 2019.

    easy tater tot casserole recipe
    tater tot hotdish recipe
  • Oven Roasted Pork Roast Recipe

    Oven Roasted Pork Roast Recipe

    Pork Roast Recipe – Deliciously easy pork roast recipe with vegetables and gravy, perfect for dinner tonight. How to cook a pork roast with simple seasoning in the oven.

    pork roast in oven with potatoes and carrots in a cast iron pan

    My house is full of meat eaters. They love their meat, so I try to occasionally add a roast to our weekly menu, or baked chicken drumsticks.

    A good pork roast recipe can stretch to more than just one meal, especially if you’re careful about portion sizes. That means leftover pork for the win when it comes to more dinnertime meals (or leftovers for lunch).

    Not only that, but a pork roast with vegetables can mean a one pot meal. I love cooking pork roast in the Crock Pot because it’s an easy meal I can set and forget.

    It’s also delicious with a good side of mashed potatoes or green beans or even a colorful salad. I’ll also share with you how to make a simple gravy to go with your roast.

    Did you know pork roast is a traditional Easter food for many families?

    pork roast with vegetables and gravy on white plate

    If you love this pork roast in oven, you may also enjoy our recipes for roasted pork tenderloin and maple pork chops with apples and onions.

    WHERE CAN I FIND THE RECIPE FOR PORK ROAST?

    If you’d rather skip all of my cooking tips, important cooking info for this recipe, and similar recipe ideas – and get straight to the pork roast recipe – just scroll down to the bottom, where you’ll find a printable recipe card.

    TIPS FOR HOW TO COOK A PORK ROAST

    This recipe is pretty simple. I use chicken broth, a yellow onion, and garlic for simple seasoning and flavoring.

    searing pork roast in blue Dutch oven on stovetop
    • Your first step is to sear the roast in a Dutch oven. You want to brown all sides of your roast, and this usually takes about 10 minutes or so to do.
    • Once it’s seared, you can add all of the prepared vegetables into the pan all around the meat. We like to add potatoes, carrots, onion, and garlic.
    • Then just bake the roast until it’s fully cooked.
    cooking pork roast with vegetables in blue Dutch oven

    I didn’t find it necessary with this roast because we cover it while cooking so it steams. But, depending on the size of your roast, you may want to parboil potatoes and veggies just a bit, so they get completely cooked in the amount of time they’ll cook with the meat.

    slicing pork roast on wooden cutting board

    You can also make a simple pork gravy with some of the leftover pork broth (instructions included in the recipe below).

    pork roast recipe with potatoes and carrots in cast iron skillet

    PORK ROAST COOKING TIME

    How long to cook pork roast really depends on a number of factors, including both your oven and the size of your roast.

    We cooked ours for close to an hour or more, or until it came to temp.

    sliced pork roast with vegetables on white plate

    SPEAKING OF PORK TEMPERATURE…

    You want to make sure that it reaches the recommended internal temperature for pork, which is 145 to 160°F. We prefer not to mess around with pork and always let it come to temp before eating.

    Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature of your roast before removing it from the oven.

    pork roast recipe, oven roasted with potatoes, carrots, and onions in cast iron pan, with parsley sprinkled on top

    MORE PORK RECIPES YOU’LL ENJOY:

    We love making these sweet chili baby back ribs in our Instant Pot. Pineapple honey glazed ham is one of our go to ham recipes for special occasions and holidays.

    Sidetracked Sarah has a delicious recipe for a slow cooker honey parmesan pork roast. And It Is a Keeper has a wonderful recipe for slow cooker garlic balsamic pork roast.

    pork gravy over sliced pork roast on white plate with vegetables

    KITCHEN TOOLS YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE OVEN ROASTED PORK ROAST

    Dutch Oven – You can sear and bake all in one pan, making cleanup easier too.

    Tongs or Turning Fork

    Meat Thermometer

    Cute Pot Holders – Ok, so they don’t have to be cute, but it certainly doesn’t hurt anything.

    Whisk

    Spatula

    PORK ROAST RECIPE

    If you love this pork roast as much as I do, please write a 5 star review, and help me share the recipe on Facebook and Pinterest! If you make the recipe, be sure to share that you tried it on Pinterest. I love when readers share feedback!

    Oven Roasted Pork Roast Recipe

    CONNECT WITH ADVENTURES OF MEL!

    Be sure to follow me on social, so you never miss a post!

    Facebook | Pinterest | YouTube | Instagram | Twitter

    Sign up to receive my newsletter, filled with delicious recipes and outdoor travel adventures, in your inbox:

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    Oven Roasted Pork Roast Recipe

    Deliciously easy pork roast recipe with vegetables and gravy, perfect for dinner tonight. How to cook a pork roast with simple seasoning in the oven.

    Pork Roast:

    • 1 tablespoon bacon grease
    • 4 1/12 pounds pork roast (*)
    • 2 cups chicken broth
    • 1 medium yellow onion (sliced)
    • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
    • 5 medium potatoes (chopped or chunked)
    • 5 medium carrots (peeled and chopped)

    Pork Gravy:

    • 1 cup pork broth
    • 1/2 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
    • 1 1/2 cups water
    • 1 tablespoon salt
    • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
    1. Pre-heat the oven to 350°F.
    2. Add bacon grease to the heated Dutch oven.
    3. Sear the roast in the Dutch oven, being sure to brown all sides. This may take about 10 minutes or so.
    4. Pour the chicken broth over the roast.
    5. Add the sliced onion, minced garlic, potatoes, and carrots all around the roast. 
    6. Cover and bake at 350°F for about an hour, or until it reaches an internal temperature between 145° to 160°F. 
    7. Once your roast and vegetables are fully cooked, you can make a simple gravy. You can make it right in the same pan after removing the contents, or in a different skillet.
    8. Whisk together the pork broth and flour over low to medium heat.
    9. Then add water, salt, and pepper to the broth mixture, and constantly stir until the gravy starts to thicken.
    10. Once the gravy has thickened enough to form a gravy, it’s ready to eat.
    11. Pair the gravy with the pork roast and vegetables.

    *This roast was a bone in pork roast.

    Pork Recipes
    American
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  • Simple and Delicious Roasted Pork Tenderloin

    Simple and Delicious Roasted Pork Tenderloin

    Pork Tenderloin – How to cook pork tenderloin, roasted to a juicy perfection in the oven. Easy recipe for a delicious dinner with simple seasonings and potatoes.

    sliced pork tenderloin with potatoes in cast iron skillet

    Growing up in a meat and potatoes household, I have a love relationship with meat and potatoes, even though we don’t always eat the second part of that equation. My guys love meat too, so we occasionally gravitate toward pork for dinner.

    Pork tenderloin is the best of both worlds because it’s super easy to make and doesn’t take quite as long to make as our more typical slow cooker pork roast. It’s also delicious with a good side of mashed potatoes, green beans, fried rice with pork or even a colorful salad. Sometimes I even top it off with a fresh batch of mango peach salsa or regular fruit salsa.

    Who doesn’t love an easy dinner the whole family will eat? And it’s healthy to boot. Kind of like these family favorite baked chicken drumsticks!

    Oven roasted pork tenderloin usually takes less than half an hour to bake. There’s hardly any prep time either.

    It’s the perfect solution if you’re wondering what to make for and everyday dinner or even a big family dinner on Easter.

    pork tenderloin with potatoes roasted in a cast iron skillet in the oven

    If you love this tenderloin recipe, you may also enjoy our oven roasted pork roast recipe and maple pork chops with apples and onions.

    WHERE CAN I FIND THE RECIPE FOR PORK TENDERLOIN?

    If you’d rather skip all of my cooking tips, important cooking info for this recipe, and similar recipe ideas – and get straight to the pork tenderloin recipe – just scroll down to the bottom, where you’ll find a printable recipe card.

    FIRST, LET’S TALK ABOUT THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PORK LOIN AND PORK TENDERLOIN

    Because yep, there is a difference. Don’t feel bad if you didn’t know, because I didn’t realize it either; I thought they were one and the same.

    I share this with you because I want to make sure you get the right cut of meat for this recipe.

    As it happens, pork loin is speaking about more of a pork roast, while pork tenderloin is more of a boneless filet. Pork tenderloin is that longer, thinner piece of pork that almost looks like a long roll.

    The Kitchn actually has a really helpful explanation for the difference between pork loin and pork tenderloin.

    TIPS FOR HOW TO COOK PORK TENDERLOIN

    This pork tenderloin recipe is really simple, and we actually only use a couple of seasonings that you likely already have in your kitchen.

    • Your first step is to dry the pork tenderloin with a paper towel. It’ll likely have a little bit of water in the package with it, so just pat it dry.
    patting pork tenderloin dry with a paper towel
    • Then rub it down with the olive oil.
    rubbing olive oil into pork tenderloin before cooking
    • Sprinkle the salt and pepper over the entire pork tenderloin, and rub it in well.
    rubbing salt and pepper into pork tenderloin before roasting
    • Sear the meat in a large skillet (preferably a skillet you can also bake it in), being sure to turn it so that both sides slightly brown.
    searing pork tenderloin in cast iron skillet on stovetop

    And now you’re ready to roast it.

    seared pork tenderloin with raw potatoes in cast iron skillet

    Note: You’ll want to parboil potatoes and veggies just a bit, so they get completely cooked in the short amount of time they’ll cook with the meat.

    PORK TENDERLOIN COOKING TIME

    How long to cook pork tenderloin really depends on a number of factors, including both your oven and the size of your tenderloin.

    We cooked ours for about 25 to 30 minutes.

    baked pork tenderloin and potatoes in cast iron skillet

    You want to make sure that it reaches the recommended internal temperature for pork, which is 145 to 160°F. We prefer not to mess around with pork and always let it come to temp before eating.

    pork tenderloin and potatoes, sliced and placed on white plate

    MORE PORK RECIPES YOU’LL ENJOY:

    We love making these sweet chili baby back ribs in our Instant Pot. Pineapple honey glazed ham is one of our go to ham recipes for special occasions and holidays.

    Make a slow cooker apple cider pork loin with this recipe from Mommy Hates Cooking. Mmmm, this recipe for a Maple and Brown Sugar Pork Tenderloin in the Slow Cooker, from Sidetracked Sarah, looks so delicious.

    roasted pork tenderloin with potatoes in cast iron skillet

    KITCHEN TOOLS YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE ROASTED PORK TENDERLOIN

    Large Cast Iron Skillet – You can sear and bake right in this one skillet, making cleanup easier too.

    Tongs

    Meat Thermometer

    Cute Pot Holders – Ok, so they don’t have to be cute, but it certainly doesn’t hurt anything.

    sliced pork tenderloin with tender roasted potatoes in cast iron skillet

    PORK TENDERLOIN RECIPE

    If you love this baked pork tenderloin as much as I do, please write a 5 star review, and help me share the recipe on Facebook and Pinterest! If you make the recipe, be sure to share that you tried it on Pinterest. I love when readers share feedback!

    Simple and Delicious Roasted Pork Tenderloin Recipe

    CONNECT WITH ADVENTURES OF MEL!

    Be sure to follow me on social, so you never miss a post!

    Facebook | Pinterest | YouTube | Instagram | Twitter

    Sign up to receive my newsletter, filled with delicious recipes and outdoor travel adventures, in your inbox:

    FREE EMAIL SUBSCRIPTION

    Simple and Delicious Roasted Pork Tenderloin

    How to cook pork tenderloin, roasted to a juicy perfection in the oven. Easy recipe for a delicious dinner with simple seasonings and potatoes.

    Pork Tenderloin:

    • 2 pounds pork tenderloin (*)
    • 4 tablespoons olive oil
    • 2 teaspoons smoked sea salt
    • 2 teaspoons ground black pepper

    Potatoes (Optional):

    • 5 whole potatoes (chopped)
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
    • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped or minced)
    1. Pre-heat the oven to 400°F.
    2. If you want to roast potatoes or veggies with your pork tenderloin, now is the time to prep them and get them ready.**
    3. Pat the pork tenderloin dry with a paper towel.
    4. Rub it down with olive oil.
    5. Sprinkle the smoked sea salt and black pepper over the tenderloin, rubbing the seasonings in.
    6. Sear the meat in a large skillet (preferably a skillet you can also bake it in), being sure to turn the tenderloin halfway thru searing, so that both sides slightly brown.
    7. Place the parboiled potatoes and veggies in the skillet with the tenderloin, sprinkling olive oil, salt, and black pepper over the veggies.
    8. Bake everything at 400°F for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until it reaches the recommended internal temperature of 145 to 160°F with a meat thermometer.***
    9. Optional step: In the last 5 to 10 minutes of baking, sprinkle parsley over the entire skillet.
    10. Once the pork tenderloin is fully cooked, remove it from the oven.
    11. Slice the tenderloin and serve with the potatoes and veggies.

    *This recipe is based on the size of about a 2 pound pork tenderloin.

    **Wash, chop, and parboil potatoes and veggies, so they’re ready to go. 

    ***How long to cook pork tenderloin really depends on a number of factors, including both your oven and the size of your tenderloin.

    Pork Recipes
    American
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  • Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes

    Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes

    Pizza Sloppy Joes – Easy recipe for pepperoni pizza sloppy joes! Delicious family dinner made with ground beef and all the cheesy, saucy goodness of homemade pizza.

    pepperoni pizza sloppy joes with toasted buns and potato chips on gray plate

    We’re full steam ahead with the next stop on our sloppy joe journey with these lovely li’l pizza joes. Made with ground beef, pepperoni, and mozzarella cheese, pizza sloppy joes are the best of both worlds.

    Unlike our original homemade sloppy joes or slow cooker sloppy joes, this sloppy joe recipe has absolutely no ketchup in it. Instead we went with a homemade pizza sauce, made with crushed tomatoes and all the seasonings.

    My boys have really been enjoying all of these delicious sloppy joe recipes. I’m pretty sure their favorite so far have been the taco sloppy joes, the Philly cheesesteak sloppy joes, and the grilled cheese sloppy joes.

    Personally, I really enjoyed the sloppy joe stuffed peppers.

    open faced pizza sloppy joes on toasted buns with potato chips, served on a gray plate

    Just like our other juicy burger recipes, you can serve pizza joes on toasted buns or for a lower carb option, on a bed of lettuce or spinach. Either way, they make a really tasty family meal.

    WHERE CAN I FIND THE RECIPE FOR PIZZA SLOPPY JOES?

    If you’d rather skip all of my cooking tips, important cooking info for this recipe, and similar recipe ideas – and get straight to the delicious recipe for pepperoni pizza sloppy joes – just scroll down to the bottom, where you’ll find a printable recipe card.

    WHAT IS A PIZZA SLOPPY JOE?

    If you’ve never had sloppy joes, they’re a loose meat sandwich made with loose ground beef that’s mixed with a tomato based sauce. The sauce usually has things like ketchup or tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, sometimes a little mustard, and other ingredients.

    Pizza sloppy joes are a loose meat sandwich, but instead of ketchup, they’re made with a homemade pizza sauce, pepperoni, and shredded mozzarella cheese.

    DO I HAVE TO USE GROUND BEEF? CAN I USE OTHER MEATS?

    Pizza joes would taste incredible with a little bit of Italian sausage or regular sausage mixed in with the ground beef. Or you can even use ground turkey instead of beef.

    ground beef mixture for pizza joes, with wooden spatula in iron skillet

    Think pizza when you’re making these… What are your favorite meats when you go to order or make pizza?

    DO I NEED TO THAW THE GROUND BEEF? WHAT IF IT’S FROZEN?

    You can use frozen hamburger meat to make homemade sloppy joes, but you may need to sauté your garlic in a different skillet so it can be added to the ground beef once the meat has thawed. We’re really bad about remembering to get meat out to thaw, so don’t fret if you’ve forgotten it too.

    Since it’s a loose meat sandwich and you’re not having to shape hamburger patties, it’s a little bit easier to do; though I do recommend thawing if at all possible.

    holding a pizza sloppy joe in hands

    Just put the meat into a skillet with maybe 1/2 cup water, turn the heat on medium, and place a lid on the skillet. This will steam the meat.

    You can add the sautéed garlic once the meat has loosened up. And when it’s fully cooked, just be sure to drain off any excess oil.

    TIPS FOR HOW TO MAKE SLOPPY JOES WITH A PIZZA TWIST

    This is a really easy sloppy joe recipe that’s perfect for both pizza lovers and sloppy joe lovers.

    I recommend using bacon grease for added flavor to your meat mixture (and for toasting the buns). But if you don’t have bacon grease, no worries; you can also use butter or olive oil.

    sauté garlic in bacon grease in iron skillet on stovetop for pepperoni pizza sloppy joes

    Be sure to mince up the garlic really well. I prefer to mince it up so that it blends well with the meat and the sauce.

    Sauté the garlic in bacon grease in a large skillet. Then add the meat and mix together with the garlic, cooking the mixture well.

    mixing ground beef and garlic together for pizza sloppy joe recipe in iron skillet with wooden spatula

    Be sure to drain off any excess oil when the meat has finished cooking.

    Add the sloppy joe sauce ingredients, including the crushed tomatoes, seasonings, and chopped pepperoni. Let the mixture simmer for a good 5-10 minutes.

    ingredients for pizza sloppy joe sauce in iron skillet with wooden spatula

    Place the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the cooked juicy burger mixture, and stir it in as it begins to melt.

    adding mozzarella cheese to pizza sloppy joes meat in iron skillet

    Meanwhile, you can toast hamburger buns in another skillet or on a griddle in a little bit of bacon grease. Or you may choose a lower carb option and prep a plate of lettuce or spinach to go with your pizza sloppy joe meat.

    Add the meat to the buns, lettuce, or spinach, and enjoy a flavorful dinner with your family. This is an especially kid-friendly meal that’s sure to be on your menu again and again!

    pepperoni pizza juicy burger, open faced, served on a gray plate with potato chips and a sprinkling of fresh basil

    WANT MORE SIMILAR DINNERTIME GOODNESS?

    My friend Kristy, from Mommy Hates Cooking, has a delicious recipe for Root Beer Sloppy Joes.

    And my friend Lisa from Crazy Adventures in Parenting, has a yummy recipe for Pizza Stuffed Burgers.

    KITCHEN TOOLS YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE THIS PIZZA SLOPPY JOE RECIPE

    Skillet – We love using our cast iron skillets and griddle for pretty much everything both at home and while camping; they are very much a part of our camping cooking gear on every trip.

    Hamburger Chopper – This handy dandy tool makes it easier to chop up the meat into a much looser mixture.

    Wooden Spatula

    Ninja Food Chopper Express or Cutting Board and Chef’s Knife

    Cheese Grater

    PEPPERONI PIZZA SLOPPY JOE RECIPE

    If you love this pepperoni pizza sloppy joe recipe as much as I do, please write a 5 star review, and help me share the recipe on Facebook and Pinterest! If you make the recipe, be sure to share that you tried it on Pinterest. I love when readers share feedback!

    Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes Recipe

    CONNECT WITH ADVENTURES OF MEL!

    Be sure to follow me on social, so you never miss a post!

    Facebook | Pinterest | YouTube | Instagram | Twitter

    Sign up to receive my newsletter, filled with delicious recipes and outdoor travel adventures, in your inbox:

    FREE EMAIL SUBSCRIPTION

    Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes

    Easy recipe for pepperoni pizza sloppy joes! Delicious family dinner made with ground beef and all the cheesy, saucy goodness of homemade pizza.

    • 1 tablespoon bacon grease (*)
    • 1 clove garlic (minced)
    • 1 pound ground beef
    • 1/2 cup crushed tomatoes
    • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
    • 1/2 cup pepperoni (chopped)
    • 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
    1. Heat the bacon grease in a large skillet until hot. 
    2. Then add in the garlic and sauté for 3-5 minutes
    3. Add the ground beef into the skillet, stirring the garlic into the meat. Cook on medium heat for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the meat is well cooked.
    4. Be sure to drain off any excess oil when the meat has finished cooking.
    5. Mix the crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and pepperoni into the meat, stirring until combined.
    6. Let the pizza sloppy joe mixture simmer for a good 5-10 minutes.
    7. Finally, top the meat with the shredded mozzarella right in the skillet and let it begin to melt.** Then stir the melted cheese into the meat mixture.
    8. Serve on toasted buns or on a bed of lettuce or spinach.

    *I recommend using bacon grease for the added flavor it will give to the meat mixture (and for toasting the buns). But if you don’t have bacon grease, no worries; you can also use butter or olive oil.

    **It will help the cheese to melt a little faster if you place a lid on the skillet.

    You can add a little bit of chopped basil for extra flavor, if desired.

    Burgers & Sandwiches
    American
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  • Leftover Turkey Stuffing Crescent Roll Appetizers

    Leftover Turkey Stuffing Crescent Roll Appetizers

    Leftover Turkey Crescent Rolls – Make an easy recipe for crescent roll appetizers, filled with leftover turkey, stuffing, and cheese! Simple and delicious finger foods for holiday parties!

    leftover turkey stuffing crescent rolls with green onions on a white plate, easy party appetizers

    Every Thanksgiving we buy a turkey to cook on Black Friday or over the weekend. Even though we usually enjoy dinner with family on Thanksgiving Day, we always plan to make our own too, along with turkey gravy and all the fixin’s.

    It’s sorta become a family tradition. Of course, we have a ton of leftovers afterward, so leftover turkey sandwiches on homemade dinner rolls, cheesy turkey noodle casserole,  and turkey enchilada casserole are a given for the next day or two.

    One year instead of ordinary sandwiches, we tried something new. We stuffed crescent rolls with leftover turkey, stuffing, and cheese, creating the most delicious crescent roll appetizers ever.

    leftover turkey stuffing crescent roll sliced in half with turkey, stuffing, and green onions

    Turns out, these little Thanksgiving appetizers are the perfect finger foods to serve at holiday parties or even just lunch with the kids.

    WHERE CAN I FIND THE RECIPE FOR LEFTOVER TURKEY CRESCENT ROLL APPETIZERS?

    If you’d rather skip all of my cooking tips, important cooking info for this recipe, and similar recipe ideas – and get straight to the scrumptious leftover turkey crescent rolls recipe – just scroll down to the bottom, where you’ll find a printable recipe card.

    DO I HAVE TO USE LEFTOVER TURKEY?

    Nope, the great thing about these stuffed crescent rolls is you can make them with roasted turkey, chicken, or even make leftover ham crescent rolls!

    You can also use sausage and make something similar to my favorite maple sausage stuffed pastry bites, only with crescent roll dough instead of puff pastry.

    baked leftover turkey crescent rolls with green onions on a cookie sheet

    They’re a fantastic way to use up leftover ham from Christmas and Easter.

    DOES IT MATTER WHICH CHEESE I USE?

    Ok, so cheese is really up to the individual because cheese is such a personal choice. At least, that’s how I look at it anyway.

    I’ve been a lover of cheese since I was a kid, sneaking pieces of American cheese out of the fridge when Mom wasn’t looking. In fact, I’d have much rather had a slice of cheese over a cookie any day… Unless they were chocolate chip cookies, of course.

    leftover turkey, stuffing, American cheese, and green onions being stuffed into a crescent roll for Thanksgiving appetizers

    But no, you can use just about any cheese you want with these. A few suggestions might be…

    • Good old American Cheese
    • Extra Sharp Cheddar
    • Smoked Cheddar – One of my favorites.
    • Speaking of smoked, smoked Gouda would be fabulous, as would smoked Swiss or smoked Gruyére.
    • Pepper Jack
    leftover turkey stuffing crescent roll appetizers with Pepper Jack cheese

    Really, your options are limitless. Pick a cheese, any cheese, and you’ll have the most delicious appetizers ever.

    TIPS FOR HOW TO MAKE LEFTOVER TURKEY STUFFING CRESCENT ROLL APPETIZERS

    The first step for making these easy party appetizers is to gather your ingredients. You’ll need canned crescent rolls (or you can make homemade crescent rolls), leftover turkey, stuffing, your choice of cheese, and green onions.

    easy crescent roll appetizers with leftover turkey, cheese, and turkey stuffing on white plate with green onions

    When I first made these, I used American cheese, but anymore I’d rather use cheddar or pepper jack.

    leftover turkey and stuffing with cheddar cheese on crescent roll dough

    Take each piece of crescent roll dough, and add a quarter slice of cheese, a bite of turkey stuffing, and a small pile of leftover turkey.

    leftover turkey stuffing crescent roll dough with shredded cheddar cheese

    Another additional ingredient idea is leftover cranberry sauce. You can add just a tiny dollop of cranberry sauce on top of the turkey for a li’l sweet and salty flavor.

    Roll each crescent up, per the instructions on the can. They’ll probably be a bit bulky and might not be quite as pretty as they  normally would, but that’s ok; they’ll still taste amazing.

    baked leftover turkey crescent rolls on OXO cookie sheet

    Finally, pop them in the oven and bake as usual, per the instructions on the can. When you take them out of the oven, they’re best eaten while warm.

    delicious party appetizers made with leftover turkey, stuffing, cheese, and crescent rolls, on a white plate

    Mmmm…. Happy Thanksgiving Leftovers Season!

    leftover turkey stuffing crescent roll appetizers on an ivory plate with cookie sheet behind

    MORE EASY PARTY APPETIZERS YOU’LL LOVE:

    3 Super Easy Appetizer Recipes Anyone Can Make

    Chicken Dip Pinwheels

    Snowman Pimento Cheese Ball

    sliced leftover turkey crescent rolls on white plate

    KITCHEN TOOLS YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE THIS CRESCENT ROLL RECIPE

    Cookie Sheet – This is by far my favorite cookie sheet; I use it for so many things.

    Cheese Slicer

    Rustic Appetizer Server

    Holiday Dessert/Appetizer Plates

    Disposable Holiday Plates

    LEFTOVER TURKEY STUFFING CRESCENT ROLL APPETIZERS RECIPE

    If you love this leftover turkey recipe as much as I do, please write a 5 star review, and help me share the recipe on Facebook and Pinterest!

    Leftover Turkey Stuffing Crescent Roll Appetizers Recipe

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    Leftover Turkey Stuffing Crescent Roll Appetizers

    Make an easy recipe for crescent roll appetizers, filled with leftover turkey, stuffing, and cheese! Simple and delicious finger foods for holiday parties!

    • 2 cans crescent rolls
    • 1 1/2 cups turkey (leftover and shredded)
    • 1 1/2 cups stuffing (leftover*)
    • 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese (**shredded)
    • 1/3 cup green onions (chopped)
    1. Pre-heat your oven to 375°.
    2. Separate each crescent roll.
    3. Add a bite of cheese, a bite of stuffing, a small pile of turkey, and a sprinkling of green onions in that order.***
    4. Roll each crescent up, per the instructions on the can, and place on an un-greased cookie sheet.
    5. Bake at 375° for 11 to 13 minutes or until the crescent rolls turn a golden brown.
    6. They’re best served while warm, right out of the oven. 

    *You can use leftover stuffing or even boxed stuffing for this recipe.

    **You can use any kind of cheese you want. I’ve used American, Cheddar, Pepper Jack, Smoked Cheddar, etc.

    ***If you like, you can add just a tiny dollop of cranberry sauce on top of the turkey for a li’l sweet and salty flavor.

    Appetizers
    American
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    crescent roll recipe with leftover turkey, stuffing, and cheese
    crescent rolls stuffed with leftover turkey, stuffing, cheese, and green onions
  • Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

    Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

    How to make the most delicious Philly cheesesteak sloppy joes with ground beef, mushrooms, and provolone. Easy dinner idea and recipe!

    Back in college, I was introduced to my first Philly cheesesteak on a trip to Philly. Before that, I’d really never heard of a cheesesteak and really had no idea what it was.

    open faced Philly cheesesteak sloppy joes on toasted hamburger buns with potato chips on gray plate

    And then I married a guy from Pennsylvania who absolutely loved a good Philly cheese steak sandwich. In fact, it became a regular part of our menu.

    Combine his favorite Philly cheese steak with my favorite sloppy joes, and you’ve got the makings of a really yummy dinner.

    The nice thing about Philly cheesesteak sloppy joes is that without the toasted buns, the meat mixture is fairly low carb. So pair with a bed of lettuce or spinach and you’ve got a much healthier option.

    And if you’re in a pinch and need a super quick dinner, you can totally make this juicy burger up ahead of time and just warm it up for dinner. Easy make ahead meal for the win!

    Another couple Philly cheesesteak favorites around here are this Crock Pot Philly cheesesteak sandwich, roast beef Philly cheesesteaks and Philly cheesesteak peppers. Yum!

    holding a Philly cheesesteak sloppy joe in hands

    I JUST WANT THE RECIPE! TAKE ME TO THE PHILLY CHEESESTEAK SLOPPY JOES RECIPE!

    If you’d rather skip all of my cooking tips, important cooking info for this recipe, and similar recipe ideas – and get straight to the delicious recipe for Philly cheesesteak sloppy joes – just scroll down to the bottom, where you’ll find a printable recipe card.

    WHAT IS A PHILLY CHEESESTEAK SLOPPY JOE?

    Don’t worry, before college I’d never heard of a Philly cheesesteak sandwich either.

    A Philly cheese steak sandwich is basically a sandwich made on a hoagie with smaller, thinner pieces of beefsteak and cheese. What cheese goes on a Philly cheese steak depends; it can be provolone, American, or Cheez Whiz.

    A Philly cheesesteak sloppy joe is made with ground beef instead of beefsteak. And like a cheesesteak, it has peppers, onions, mushrooms, and cheese.

    close up of Philly cheesesteak sloppy joes on gray plate with toasted hamburger bun and potato chips

    Instead of serving this loose meat sandwich on a hoagie, you serve it on a toasted hamburger bun, just like a sloppy joe.

    While I use ground beef, you can also make a good sloppy joe sandwich with ground pork or ground turkey.

    CAN I USE FROZEN GROUND BEEF? DO I NEED TO THAW IT?

    You can use frozen hamburger meat to make homemade sloppy joes, but you may need to sauté your onion, garlic, mushrooms, and bell pepper in a different skillet so they can be added to the ground beef once it’s thawed. We actually do this quite often because we forget to get the meat out, so don’t fret if you’ve forgotten it too.

    Since it’s a loose meat sandwich and you’re not making hamburger patties, it’s a little bit easier to do; though I do recommend thawing if at all possible.

    Just put the meat into a skillet with maybe 1/2 cup water, turn the heat on medium, and place a lid on the skillet. This basically steams the meat.

    You can add the sautéed onion, garlic, mushrooms, and pepper once the meat has loosened up.

    ground beef for Philly cheesesteak sloppy joes, cooked in cast iron skillet with green bell peppers and wooden spatula

    When it’s fully cooked, you can drain off any excess oil.

    TIPS FOR HOW TO MAKE PHILLY CHEESESTEAK SLOPPY JOES

    I recommend using bacon grease for added flavor to the meat mixture (and for toasting the buns). But if you don’t have bacon grease, no worries; you can also use butter or olive oil.

    Be sure to mince up the garlic, onion, mushrooms, and bell pepper really well. I like mincing them up so they blend well with the meat and the sauce.

    onion, bell pepper, garlic, and mushrooms for Philly cheesesteak sloppy joes cooking in cast iron skillet
    • You’ll start by sautéing the garlic, onion, mushrooms, and bell pepper in a large skillet.
    • Then add the ground beef and mix together with the vegetables, cooking the mixture well.
    ground beef and veggie mixture for Philly cheesesteak sloppy joes, cooking in cast iron skillet
    • Be sure to drain off any excess oil when the meat has finished cooking.
    • Whisk together the beef broth and flour in a separate measuring cup.
    beef broth in Pyrex measuring cup for Philly cheesesteak sloppy joes
    • Once you add the sloppy joe sauce ingredients, including the broth mixture, just let the meat simmer for a good 5-10 minutes.
    • Finally, top with the Provolone right in the skillet and let it melt. Then stir the melted cheese into the meat mixture.
    provolone cheese topping Philly cheesesteak sloppy joes meat in cast iron skillet

    Meanwhile, you can toast hamburger buns in another skillet or on a griddle in a little bit of bacon grease. Or you may choose a lower carb option and prep a plate of lettuce or spinach to go with your cheesesteak sloppy joe meat.

    Spoon the meat onto a toasted bun and serve it while it’s all toasty warm!

    closed face Philly cheese steak sloppy joes with potato chips on gray plate

    MORE SLOPPY JOE RECIPES YOU MAY ENJOY:

    Sloppy Joe Stuffed Peppers

    Taco Sloppy Joes

    Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes

    Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joes

    25+ Sloppy Joe Recipes for Dinner Tonight

    open faced Philly cheese steak sloppy joe on gray plate with potato chips

    KITCHEN TOOLS YOU MAY NEED TO MAKE PHILLY CHEESE STEAK SLOPPY JOES

    Skillet – We love using our cast iron skillets and griddle for pretty much everything both at home and while camping; they are very much a part of our camping cooking gear on every trip.

    Hamburger Chopper – This handy dandy tool makes it easier to chop up the meat into a much looser mixture.

    Wooden Spatula

    Ninja Food Chopper Express or Cutting Board and Chef’s Knife

    Pyrex Measuring Cup and Whisk

    PHILLY CHEESESTEAK SLOPPY JOE RECIPE

    If you love this Philly cheesesteak sloppy joe recipe as much as I do, please write a 5 star review, and help me share the recipe on Facebook and Pinterest! If you make the recipe, be sure to share that you tried it on Pinterest. I love when readers share feedback!

    Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe

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    Be sure to follow me on social, so you never miss a post!

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    Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

    How to make the most delicious Philly cheesesteak sloppy joes with ground beef, mushrooms, and provolone. Easy dinner idea and recipe!

    • 1 tablespoon bacon grease (*)
    • 1 clove garlic (minced)
    • 1/2 medium yellow onion (chopped)
    • 1/2 large green bell pepper (chopped)
    • 2 ounces fresh mushrooms (minced)
    • 1 pound ground beef
    • 1/2 cup beef broth
    • 1/2 tablespoon unbleached all-purpose flour
    • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
    • 2 teaspoons dry mustard
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
    • 8 ounces Provolone cheese
    1. Heat the bacon grease in a large skillet until hot. 
    2. Then add in the garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
    3. Add the onion, mushrooms, and bell pepper in with the garlic and sauté for another 3-5 minutes.
    4. Add the ground beef into the skillet, stirring the garlic, onion, mushrooms, and bell pepper into the meat. Cook on medium heat for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the meat is well cooked.
    5. Be sure to drain off any excess oil when the meat has finished cooking
    6. Whisk together the beef broth and flour in a separate measuring cup.
    7. Mix the beef broth mixture, Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, salt, and black pepper into the meat, stirring until combined.
    8. Let the cheesesteak sloppy joe mixture simmer for a good 5-10 minutes.
    9. Finally, top the meat with the Provolone right in the skillet and let it melt.** Then stir the melted cheese into the meat mixture.
    10. Serve on toasted buns or on a bed of lettuce or spinach.

    *I recommend using bacon grease for the added flavor it will give to the meat mixture (and for toasting the buns). But if you don’t have bacon grease, no worries; you can also use butter or olive oil.

    **It will help the cheese to melt a little faster if you place a lid on the skillet.

    Burgers & Sandwiches
    American
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  • Sloppy Joe Stuffed Peppers

    Sloppy Joe Stuffed Peppers

    Easy homemade sloppy joe stuffed peppers, made with ground beef and baked in the oven, are a healthy dinner recipe the whole family will love!

    If you love sloppy joes and you love stuffed peppers, you are going to love this recipe. Combine the two and you’ve got a grand slam dinner recipe that’s pretty easy to make.

    sloppy joe stuffed peppers on baking sheet and ivory plate

    The best part about this stuffed pepper recipe is you don’t need any buns or bread, so it’s going to be a healthier option. Low carb is a necessity on our weekly dinnertime menu.

    And who needs canned sloppy joe sauce when you can make your own? We like a good homemade sauce that’s not so thick and gooey. Sometimes I even make crock pot sloppy joes!

    I sometimes use a colorful variety for our stuffed bell peppers, but you can pretty much use any color you want. Whether you want stuffed green peppers, red, yellow, or orange, it doesn’t matter.

    colorful sloppy joe stuffed bell peppers on a baking sheet

    You may also enjoy these stuffed peppers recipes: Spinach and Chicken Stuffed Peppers, Chicken and Rice Stuffed Peppers, Philly cheese stuffed peppers, and beef taco stuffed peppers.

    DO I NEED TO PRE-COOK BELL PEPPERS BEFORE STUFFING THEM?

    You can, but you don’t have to. This is usually done to shorten the cooking time.

    The Cookful has a great explanation for how to pre-cook peppers.

    yellow sloppy joe stuffed bell pepper with stem intact

    HOW TO CUT THE PEPPERS WHEN MAKING STUFFED PEPPERS

    While I usually cut my bell peppers in half, you can go with one of two options when prepping your bell peppers for a stuffed bell pepper recipe…

    • Remove the top of the pepper, along with all the pith and seeds that are down inside.
    • OR cut the peppers in half and remove all the pith and seeds inside. Just remember not to eat the stem if you leave the stem intact.

    Not sure how to go about cutting up a pepper? Here’s a whole tutorial for how to cut a pepper 4 easy ways!

    DO I HAVE TO USE GROUND BEEF FOR SLOPPY JOE MEAT?

    No, you can use ground turkey or ground pork too, whichever is your personal preference.

    ingredients for sloppy joe stuffed peppers, including ground beef in cast iron skillet with wooden spatula and bell peppers on baking sheet

    We prefer ground beef, so this recipe is based around ground beef.

    DO I NEED TO THAW THE MEAT BEFOREHAND? CAN I USE FROZEN GROUND BEEF?

    You can use frozen hamburger meat to make the sloppy joe meat for your stuffed peppers, but you may need to sauté your onion and garlic in a different skillet so they can be added to the ground beef once it’s thawed.

    We actually do this quite often because we forget to get the meat out, so don’t fret if you’ve forgotten it too.

    Since sloppy joes are a loose meat sandwich and you’re not making hamburger patties but rather going with that juicy burger texture for stuffed bell peppers, it’s a little bit easier to do; though I do recommend thawing if at all possible.

    Just put the meat into a skillet with maybe 1/2 cup water, turn the heat on medium, and place a lid on the skillet. This basically steams the meat.

    cooking ground beef, onion, and garlic for sloppy joe stuffed peppers recipe in cast iron skillet on stovetop

    You can add the sautéed onion and garlic once the meat has loosened up.

    When it’s browned, you’ll need to drain off any excess oil.

    TIPS FOR HOW TO MAKE STUFFED PEPPERS WITH SLOPPY JOE MEAT

    I recommend using bacon grease for a li’l added flavor to the meat mixture. But if you don’t have bacon grease, no worries; you can also use butter or olive oil.

    Be sure to mince up the garlic and the onion really well. I like mincing them up so they blend well with the meat and sauce.

    spooning sloppy joe meat into stuffed peppers on baking sheet

    You’ll start by sautéing the garlic and onion in a large skillet. Then add the meat and mix together with the garlic and onion, cooking the mixture just until the meat is browned.

    Be sure to drain off any excess oil when the meat has finished cooking.

    Once you add the sauce ingredients, give it a really good stir and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.

    sloppy joe stuffed green peppers on baking sheet

    Remove the meat mixture from the stovetop, and mix the shredded cheddar into it. Then spoon the sloppy joe mixture into the washed and prepared peppers.

    Bake the stuffed peppers at 350° for 30 to 45 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of at least 160°F with a meat thermometer. You may need to cover the peppers halfway through with aluminum foil to prevent them from getting too brown on top.

    Garnish with fresh basil if you want and serve!

    sloppy joe stuffed peppers on baking sheet, garnished with fresh basil

    MORE SLOPPY JOE RECIPES YOU MAY ENJOY:

    red stuffed peppers with sloppy joe meat and fresh basil on baking sheet

    KITCHEN TOOLS YOU MAY NEED TO MAKE SLOPPY JOE STUFFED PEPPERS

    Skillet – We love using our cast iron skillets and griddle for pretty much everything both at home and while camping; they are very much a part of our camping cooking gear on every trip.

    Hamburger Chopper – This handy dandy tool makes it easier to chop up the meat into a much looser mixture.

    Wooden Spatula

    Ninja Food Chopper Express or Cutting Board and Chef’s Knife

    Meat Thermometer

    Baking Sheet

    Aluminum Foil

    SLOPPY JOE STUFFED PEPPERS RECIPE

    If you love this sloppy joe stuffed peppers recipe as much as I do, please write a 5 star review, and help me share the recipe on Facebook and Pinterest! If you make the recipe, be sure to share that you tried it on Pinterest. I love when readers share feedback!

    Sloppy Joe Stuffed Peppers Recipe

    CONNECT WITH ADVENTURES OF MEL!

    Be sure to follow me on social, so you never miss a post!

    Facebook | Pinterest | YouTube | Instagram | Twitter

    Sign up to receive my newsletter, filled with delicious recipes and outdoor travel adventures, in your inbox:

    FREE EMAIL SUBSCRIPTION

    Sloppy Joe Stuffed Peppers

    Easy homemade sloppy joe stuffed peppers, made with ground beef and baked in the oven, are a healthy dinner recipe the whole family will love!

    • 2 tablespoons bacon grease (*)
    • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
    • 1 medium yellow onion (minced)
    • 2 pounds ground beef
    • 1/2 cup ketchup
    • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
    • 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
    • 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
    • 4 whole bell peppers
    1. Pre-heat the oven to 350°.
    2. Mince the garlic and onion really well.
    3. Sauté the garlic and onion in a large skillet. 
    4. Then add the meat and mix together with the garlic and onion, cooking the mixture just until the meat is browned.
    5. Be sure to drain off any excess oil when the meat has finished cooking.
    6. Add the sauce ingredients, including the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and light brown sugar, to the ground beef. 
    7. Give the meat mixture a really good stir and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.
    8. Remove the meat mixture from the stovetop, and mix the shredded cheddar into it. 
    9. Wash and prepare the peppers by either removing the top of the pepper, along with all the pith and seeds that are down inside. Or cut the peppers in half and remove all the pith and seeds inside. 
    10. Spoon the sloppy joe mixture into the washed and prepared peppers. 
    11. Bake the stuffed peppers on a baking sheet at 350° for 30 to 45 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of at least 160°F with a meat thermometer.**
    12. Garnish with fresh basil if you want and serve!

    *I recommend using bacon grease for the added flavor to the meat mixture. But if you don’t have bacon grease, no worries; you can also use butter or olive oil.

    **You may need to cover the peppers halfway through with aluminum foil to prevent them from getting too brown on top.

    Dinner Ideas
    American
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    Sloppy Joe Stuffed Peppers Homemade Recipe
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