Festive Cajun Pepper Steak

1 1/2 lbs. beef tips
1 t. Cajun seasoning
1 T. vegetable oil
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 (14.5 oz) can beef broth
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
1/8 t. black pepper
1/4 t. salt
2 t. Worcestershire
1 t. white wine vinegar
1/2 t. dried basil
2 t. cornstarch
2 t. cold water
1 (22 oz) pkg. frozen or refrigerated mashed
potatoes*

Sprinkle beef tips with Cajun seasoning. Cook beef in hot oil on large skillet over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes or until browned. Add bell pepper, onion, and garlic; saute for 3 minutes. Stir in broth, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire, white wine vinegar, basil, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil; reduce heat; cover; simmer for an hour or until meat is tender. Prepare mashed potatoes according to package directions. Stir together cornstarch and cold water until smooth; stir into meat mixture; bring to a boil. Serve immediately over the mashed potatoes.

* I made homemade mashed potatoes instead using the frozen kind.

Serves 4-6

From the kitchen of ... Mark & Shannon (via Southern Living)

Sloppy Joe Shepherd's Pie

1 1/2 lbs ground beef
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 1/4 c. ketchup
1/2 c. bottled BBQ sauce
1 T. Worcestershire
1 (22 oz) pkg. frozen/refrigerated mashed potatoes*
2 c. (8 oz) cheddar cheese, shredded & divided
1/3 c. sliced green onions
Salt & pepper to taste

Brown ground beef in large skillet. Stir in tomatoes, ketchup, BBQ sauce, and Worcestershire. Spoon into lightly greased 13 X 9" dish. Prepare mashed potatoes according to package directions. Stir in 1 cup of cheddar cheese, green onions, salt and pepper. Spread evenly over the meat mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Sprinkle another cup of cheddar cheese on top and bake an additional 5 minutes or until cheese is melted. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

* I made homemade mashed potatoes instead.

Serves 8-10

From the kitchen of ... Mark & Shannon

Green Bean Casserole

1 can cream of mushroom
1 t. soy sauce
4 c. green beans, cut & cooked
1/2 c. milk
1 can French's Fried Onions
Salt & pepper

In greased 1 1/2-quart casserole dish, mix soup, milk, soy sauce, salt, pepper, green beans, and 2/3 cup of fried onions. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes or until hot. Sprinkle the remaining fried onions over bean mixture. Bake for an additional 5 minutes or until onions are browned.

From the kitchen of ... Dianne

Cornbread Dressing

1 pkg. cornbread mix (needs to be 8 c.)
6 c. soft bread cubes
1 lb. Jimmy Dean pork sausage
2 c. celery, finely chopped
1/2 - 1 t. sage
1 c. onion, finely chopped
2 eggs, beaten
1 (10.75 oz) can condensed chicken broth

Bake cornbread according to package directions. Cool completely; crumble into large bowl. Add bread cubes; set aside. In large skillet over medium-high heat, cook sausage with sage until meat is no longer pink. Add celery and onion; continue cooking until vegetables are tender and sausage is lightly browned. Add sausage mixture, eggs, and chicken broth to combined breads; toss lightly. For more moist stuffing, add up to 1/4 cup of water. Lightly spoon stuffing into body of turkey. Immediately after stuffing, roast according to standard roasting directions. Mix ingredients in order and put in a 13 X 9" baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees for at least 30 minutes.

From the kitchen of ... Granny

Garlic-Roasted New Potatoes

1 T. olive oil
1/2 t. salt
1/4 t. dried Italian seasoning
1/4 t. paprika
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 t. black pepper
1 1/2 lbs. small red potatoes, quartered

Combine all ingredients on a baking sheet that has been lined with foil and cooking spray. Bake at 500 degrees for about 25 minutes. Stir every 10 minutes.

Serves 4-6

From the kitchen of ... Mark and Shannon

Baked Zucchini with Mushrooms

3 zucchini, chopped
1/2 c. mushrooms, chopped
1/4 c. onion, chopped
3 slices bacon, cooked & crumbled
1/2 c. butter, melted
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 1/2 c. saltine cracker crumbs
1/2 c. Swiss or Mozzarella cheese, shredded
Dash of garlic salt

Blend all ingredients together (except cheese). Spoon into greased 13 X 9" casserole dish and top with cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes.

Serves 8

From the kitchen of ... Mark and Shannon