Skiillet Baked Ziti

Wondering what to make for dinner tonight.  Why not try Skillet Baked Ziti. This is a very tasty dish that is easy to prepare and maybe a future family favorite.  I like this dish because it is all cooked in one pan and it comes together nicely. It also tastes great the next day - if you have any leftovers.


Skillet Baked Ziti
From Our Best Bites Adapted Slightly by From My Southwest Kitchen

Ingredients:
1 pound ground beef
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 tablespoon olive oil
6 medium cloves of garlic minced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Salt
3 cups water
12 Ounces (about 3 3/4 cups) ziti or penne pasta

1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup torn fresh bail leaves or 1 tablespoon dried basil added to the crushed tomatoes
Black pepper
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Diretions:
1. Adjust an oven rack to the middle position.  Preheat the oven to 475 degrees F.
2. Heat a 12-inch or larger oven-safe skillet on medium high heat and add the olive oil.  Brown the ground beef.   Drain the beef of excess fat.
3. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes to the ground beef.  Cook until fragrant.  Stir in the tomatoes and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
4. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer gently for about 10 minutes stirring occasionally.
5. Stir in the water and add the pasta.  Cover and increase the heat to medium-high.  Stir often and cook until the pasta is tender about 15-20 minutes.
6. Stir in the cream, Parmesan cheese, and the basil if using fresh. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the top.
7. Place the skillet in the oven and bake until the cheese has melted and is a nice golden brown about 10-15 minutes.
8. Remove from oven and serve.

Makes 4-6 servings

Instant Pot Swiss Steak

A traditional meal cooked in my favorite kitchen appliance -INSTANT POT.  I was never a big fan of Swiss Steak but I thought I would try any way.  I am glad I did.  I have a new favorite family meal.

This is an easy dish to prepare.  You start by seasoning the beef with some salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and oregano.  Brown the meat in the Instant Pot and then set aside.  Add some onions, carrots, celery, and garlic to the pot and sauce.  Pour in some tomatoes and mix with the other ingredients.  Place the beef on top of the mixture and sprinkle mushrooms on top.  Place the lid on the   pot and seal.   Cook for 30 minutes and release pressure.  If the sauce is too thin, boil for about 20 minutes and serve.

Serve with rice, potatoes, or noodles.   Enjoy.


Instant Pot Swiss Steak
From Savory Tooth Slightly Modified From My Southwest Kitchen

Ingredients:
2 pounds beef eye of round, bottom round, or top round
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup diced onions
1/2 cups diced carrots
1/2 cup diced celery
1 (14.5-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
8 ounces mushrooms
3 cloves garlic minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Dry Seasonings:
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano

Directions:
1. Trim the beef of any excess fat and cut into  slices about 1/2 inch thick.  Pat dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine all dry seasonings and stir to mix well.  Add sliced beef and all seasonings to a resealable bag.  Toss until the beef is well-coated.
2. Select the sauce mode on the Instant Pot.  Add olive oil and coat the bottom of the pot.  Add beef in a single layer and brown each side.  Transfer the beef to a plate.
3. Add onions, carrots, celery, and garlic to the pot.  Cook for a few minutes until slightly soft.  Turn off sauce mode.
4. Add the crushed tomatoes and Worcestershire sauce.  Stir together until well-mixed.  Place beef onto of the mixture.  Evenly distribute the mushrooms over the beef.
5. Secure and seal the lid.  Using the manual setting cook for 30 minutes on high pressure.  Follow by a 10 minute natural release followed by a manual release of pressure.
6. Remove the lid and transfer the beef to a plate and cover with foil.  Turn the Instant Pot to sauce mode and boil the sauce for about 20 minutes or until  desired thickness.
7. Place steak on a place and pour sauce over.

Serves 4