Jamies "almost' Lasagna and Yummy Garlic Bread

My friend Jamie introduced me to these 2 wonderful recipes....I love easy italian meals that I can whip up fast! The kids love it! I also love, love, love, love, garlic bread and this recipe is a fun twist! Enjoy!

Almost Lasagna

8 oz. barilla mostacccioli noodles
Cook in salted water according to directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.

1tsp. salt
1 tsp. garlic
1 lb. ground beef
1 tsp. pepper
1 bottle of your favorite spaghetti sauce

Cook hamburger with listed seasonings. Drain grease and then add spaghetti sauce. Cook until it starts to boil and take off heat.

1 C. cottage cheese
1 C. sour cream
1 C. grated cheddar cheese

Mix together and add to noodles.

Layer in 9 x 13 starting with meat. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese on top. Bake covered 350 for 30 minutes.

Cheesy bread

french bread loaf sliced in half
1/2 C. mayo
4 TBSP. butter, softened
dash of garlic salt
1/2 tsp. minced garlic
1 C. grated cheddar cheese

Combine and spread over bread. Bake at 400 until bubbly and crispy.

Shepherd's Pie II

This is one of my all time favorite comfort foods. I loved it growing up, and now there are so many recipes out there for twists and turns to add even more deliciousness. I call this shepherd's pie "II" because it is a recipe that I found that is different from the one my mom makes, but a new favorite with the husband and kids.... I will post "Shepherd's Pie I" soon for comparison. (backwards, I know - but so goes my life!) 1 1/2 lbs. potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes.
1/2 c. milk
1 T butter (or more to taste)
salt and pepper
1 lb. lean ground beef
1 medium zucchini, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, chopped
1/2 c. smoky bbq sauce ( I like KC Masterpiece )
1 t. yellow mustard
1 t. brown sugar
1 1/2 c. corn, fresh or frozen, (thawed, if frozen).
chopped cilantro or scallions for garnish

Put potatoes in a pot of water and bring to a boil. Cook for about 15 minutes, or until done. Drain and mash with milk and butter until creamy. salt and pepper to taste. Set aside. Preheat oven to 400 degrees and grease a 9x13 casserole pan. In a large saucepan, cook meat with zucchini, onions, and garlic, until meat is just cooked. Drain if necessary. Stir in bbq sauce, mustard, and brown sugar. Transfer to prepared casserole dish. Scatter corn evenly on top. Spread potatoes carefully over top and sprinkle with cheese. Bake at 400 degrees, until filling is bubbly and cheese is just melted, about 20 minutes. (you don't want the cheese to get hard and crusty!).
Feel free to share your variation to the above, I would love to try it!

Lex's famous Barbeque

Now, this is my dad's one and only famous recipe - but it's a good one and he definitely can make it the best. I think most people call them "sloppy joe's", but we grew up calling them "barbeque's" so that's what I named it. They are best served with homemade french fries ( I will post the recipe), and homemade fry sauce.

1 lb. ground beef
Brown with 1/2 -1 onion, chopped - depending if you like lots of onions or not.
season with salt, pepper, garlic salt, and season salt.
Then add:
1 sm can tomato sauce
3/4-1 c. HEINZ ketchup (yes the brand does make a difference!! it is a sin in my family to taint the meat with lesser brands!!!) - we judge the amount by taste
2 T. vinegar
2-3 T. brown sugar (again start small and add later)
1 t. ground mustard
1-2 T. worcestershire sauce
Simmer all together and let all the flavors blend, taste and check for seasoning and flavor and add more of anything until it tastes just right....If the mixture is too runny add flour a tablespoon at a time until it thickens up. I like to top mine with a slice of cheese. My husband also adds pickles onto his.