Spaghetti and Cheesy Meatballs

These meatballs have a yummy surprise in the center!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb spaghetti (use whole wheat to make the meal more nutritious)
• 2 eggs
• 1/3 cup dry bread crumbs (or 3/4 cup soft bread crumbs)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano, crushed
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1-1.5 lbs ground beef (use 80/20 ground chuck or sirloin)
• 2-3 oz smoked Gouda cheese
• Pasta sauce
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Nonstick cooking spray

 Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 F. Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Cook the spaghetti according to package directions and keep warm.
3. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, mix together the eggs, onion, bread crumbs, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the ground beef to the bowl and mix with one hand (use only one hand to avoid overworking the meat).
4. Coarsely grate the smoked Gouda cheese.
5. Take a few tablespoons of the ground beef mixture into your palm, spread it flat, and sprinkle with some of the cheese. Shape into a meatball and place on the baking sheet.
6. Bake the meatballs at 350 F for 25-30 minutes or until the meat is no longer pink and the cheese is melted.
7. Heat a desired amount of pasta sauce in a small saucepan. Add ~ 1 ladle of the sauce to the cooked pasta (additional sauce can be added when serving). When serving, also add pasta sauce on top of the meatballs. If desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. ENJOY!!

Philly Cheese Steak Sandwiches

A beloved classic has never been so easy to prepare!

Ingredients:

• Hoagie rolls
• 2-2.5 lbs steak (you can use ribeye or top sirloin)
• 2 medium onions
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1/2 lb mushrooms, sliced (baby bella or white button)
• Provolone cheese
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Salt, pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Thinly slice the onions, pepper, and mushrooms and saute in a large skillet in hot oil (on medium heat) about 10 minutes.
2. Slice the steak into thin, short strips (you can put the steak into the freezer for several minutes to make slicing easier) and add to the skillet.
3. Add a small pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
4. Cook and stir occasionally until the steak is cooked through, the onions are caramelized (golden-brown), and the peppers and mushrooms are tender.
5. Thinly slice the cheese and add to the skillet (enough to cover the surface). Cook until the cheese is melted.
6. Place the cheesy mixture into a sliced-open hoagie roll and ENJOY!! (This recipe makes enough for 4-6 hoagie rolls).

Chicken Parmesan

Ingredients:

• 1.3 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2-3 eggs
• Salt, pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Cut chicken into small pieces.
2. Prepare 3 bowls with: 1- flour with salt and pepper; 2 - eggs, lightly beaten; 3 - bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese.
3. Dip every small piece of chicken into each bowl (first into bowl #1, then 2,  then 3).
4. Fry the chicken 15-20 minutes (until golden-brown) in a skillet with vegetable oil and a small piece of butter to make them crispy, turning once half way though cooking.