Cheese Curd In Paradise

Comfort Food

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes (+ Leftover Shredded Turkey and Gravy)

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This post is sponsored by McCormick® but the content and opinions expressed here are my own. #McCormickMakesItHome #McCormickAtMeijer

The holidays are fast approaching and are a time for family, friends, and food. For over 100 years McCormick® has worked hard to bring the best flavors to the holiday table. Delicious meals prepared at home help create lifetime memories. Stop in at your local Mejier store to get the best selection on McCormick® Extracts, Herbs & Spices, or Gravy products for the holiday season.

mashed potatoes in a bowl

My family loves mashed potatoes and we always have a giant bowl on our dining room table. The traditional recipe of potatoes, butter, salt, pepper, and whole milk is given a fun twist with roasted garlic. Roasting garlic at home with a little salt and McCormick® Black Pepper is a simple and yummy way to elevate your holiday recipes.

I don’t think that my family would allow me to come to the table with out a bowl of warm, creamy, buttery mashed potatoes. For me, that is a staple and a must-have. Besides being excellent for soaking of juices, flavors, and gravies, mashed potatoes are great because almost everyone likes them, and I know my kiddos always request a big scoop on their plates.

McCormick® Extract, Herbs & Spices, or Gravy products has a wide variety of products to help with holiday preparations. A few of my favorites are McCormick® Garlic Powder, McCormick® Poultry Seasoning, McCormick® Ground Cinnamon, McCormick® All Natural Pure Vanilla Extract, and McCormick® Pure Ground Black Pepper. All of these products and more can be purchased at your local Meijer store.

seasoning placed together

I love all of the different options McCormick® offers at Meijer! Looking at different seasoning options is a fantastic way to change-up classic holiday recipes for something new, or as a way to enhance something you already love. For example, I love to use a little of McCormick® Poultry Seasoning in my Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes because the blend of herbs compliments my savory potatoes, and makes them even better!

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black pepper held in hand

What do you need to make Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes?

  • Russet potatoes
  • Whole milk
  • Butter
  • Salt
  • McCormick® Pure Ground Black Pepper
  • McCormick® Poultry Seasoning
  • Roasted Garlic
  • Mixing bowls
  • Hand mixer

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of potato?

Sure! Red skinned and Yukon will also work well in this recipe. However, other types may produce a different texture.

My potatoes are kind of gummy- what can I do?

Make sure when whipping the potatoes to add the milk slowly. If the potatoes are still a little heavy, slowly add a little more milk.

Can I use a different type of milk like 2%?

Yes, I like whole because it is creamier, but 2% will work just fine.

What is the best way to warm the potatoes?

I like to warm them in the microwave or oven with a few pats of butter on top.

Is the garlic super strong?

It all depends on how much you use. I call for 4 for this recipe, but you can add more or less depending on your preferences.

mashed potatoes in a bowl

Let’s Talk Roasted Garlic!

Roasting garlic is one of the easiest enhancers around. I cut the tops off my garlic, place in foil, season with salt and pepper, and drizzle with olive oil. I use the foil to wrap around the garlic and I bake it at 375°F for about 40 minutes.

Here is the fun part.

Once the garlic is ready all you have to do is squeeze the bulb and out come all the yummy, soft, roasted garlic cloves!

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THE LEFTOVERS

We all know one of the great things about holiday meals is the leftovers, and McCormick® can help with that! I typically have a bit of leftover turkey and potatoes after the holiday, but many times we have eaten all the gravy. McCormick® offers lots of delicious gravy mixes, and my favorite is the McCormick® Turkey Gravy. I make the gravy with a little water and chicken stock and toss it with leftover warmed chopped or shredded turkey.

turkey and gravy ingredients

The turkey and the gravy are the perfect post-holiday meal. After a day of shopping (or returning), celebrating or entertaining this quick dish is an easy way to use holiday leftovers.

McCormick® Turkey Gravy is smooth, savory, and delicious to serve with leftover holiday turkey. McCormick® Turkey Gravy is available at Meijer along with other McCormick® Extract, Herbs & Spices.

When I was a kid I remember being at my Grandma’s house for the holidays and after our holiday meal we always had “Hot-Shots” the following day. The “Hot-Shot” is shredded or chopped turkey over a piece of buttered bread with mashed potatoes, and finished with gravy. Whenever I think about leftovers that is the meat that immediately comes to mind.

turkey and gravy in a bowl

Check out my video to make my version of a “Hot-Shot” using my Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes!

I like to finish my turkey and gravy over mashed potatoes with a little extra McCormick® Turkey Gravy poured over the top. It is just too hard to pass-up this recipe!

Make sure to check out Meijer to stock-up on McCormick® Extract, Herbs & Spices this holiday season!

turkey and gravy over potatoes
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mashed potatoes in a bowl

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes (+ Leftover Shredded Turkey and Gravy)

Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Keyword Potatoes, Side Dish
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings 6 people

Ingredients

For Potatoes

  • 3 Lbs russet potatoes peeled and quartered
  • 6 tbsp salted butter
  • 2/3 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 tsp McCormick® Poultry Seasoning
  • 1 tsp McCormick® Ground Black Pepper
  • 1 tsp salt
  • Roasted Garlic (see instructions)

Roasted Garlic

  • 4 garlic bulbs
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp McCormick® Ground Black Pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Turkey and Gravy

  • 4-5 cups shredded or chopped cooked turkey
  • (2) .87 oz packet ‎McCormick® Turkey Gravy

Instructions

Roasted Garlic

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Cut off top of garlic heads. Drizzle olive oil into a small baking dish. Place garlic in baking dish. Drizzle garlic with oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cover baking dish with foil and roast until tender, 40 minutes.. Cool slightly and squeeze out garlic cloves.

Mashed Potatoes

  1. Boil potatoes until tender. Drain and place in a large mixing bowl. Add butter and mix with an electric mixer while slowly adding the milk. Stir in three garlic cloves from 3 garlic bulbs.

  2. Season with salt and pepper and cloves from remaining garlic bulb.

Turkey with Gravy

  1. Heat water and stock in a sauce pan over medium heat. Whisk in 2 packets of gravy mix. Pour 2/3 of the gravy into the turkey.

To Assemble

  1. Place warmed mashed potatoes on a plate. Top with turkey and gravy. Add additional gravy.

turkey and gravy with roasted garlic mashed potaotes

Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs

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This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and The Coca-Cola Company. All opinions are mine alone. #CocaColaHolidayMagic #CollectiveBias

The holidays are a time for enjoying laughs, food, and quality time with friends and family. These Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs are the perfect simple recipe for a festive holiday party. Homemade meatballs, cranberry sauce, chili sauce, and cranberry juice make a meatball your guests will rave about!

table set up

One of the best parts of the holidays is the tasty food and drinks! Coca-Cola® shares the magic this season by capturing the micro-moments of the holidays. I am a mom of two little boys, and I know that having a few moments to myself can be hard, especially during the holiday, but those are the moments I give myself a chance to indulge. The first sip of a fresh Coca-Cola® is my favorite. Crisp, fizzy, refreshing, and the little boost that keeps me smiling as I prepare to host my friends and family. Sometimes, it is a small get together, a holiday movie night, a cookie exchange, or a few snacks before a day in the snow. Coca-Cola® is holiday to me, and always part of my holiday prep- and to serve when entertaining!

Right now, Coca-Cola® has bottles featuring their holiday polar bears. When I was a kid, who am I kidding- I still do, I counted down the days for the holiday polar bear commercial to air because it officially felt like it was time to celebrate. At Walmart, you can pick up 2 liter and a 6-pack of Coca-Cola® bottles with the holiday polar bears! They are easy to find and in the aisle with soda and beverages.

coca cola on selves at a store

Click on the image below to grab a 2 liter bottle or 6-pack of Coca-Cola® for your holiday gathering! Check out the cute holiday packaging featuring the Coca-Cola® polar bears!

One of my favorite holiday and entertaining recipes is Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs. The meatballs are made from scratch and then placed in the slow cooker with a delicious sweet and tangy sauce! I love this recipe because the meatballs can easily be made in advance (or even frozen) before you need them which creates easy entertaining prep!

The sauce is cranberry sauce, chili sauce, and a little cranberry juice to make a rich, tangy, and sweet sauce for the meatballs. I keep my heat low, and then switch to warm when I am ready to serve to make sure they are at the perfect temperature for my guests.

meatballs in the slow cooker

What do you need to make Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs?

  • Ground Beef
  • Cranberry Sauce – I do not use whole berry for this recipe
  • Chili Sauce
  • Tart Cranberry Juice
  • Slow Cooker
  • Cookie Sheet

How do you make Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs?

  • Make a slurry for the meatballs. A slurry is a term I use to describe the binder for the meatballs: bread, milk, water, and eggs. The bread is soaked in the milk and water. The bread is then blended with the eggs to create a smooth binder. I prefer blending this portion of the recipe because it helps prevent over mixing the meatballs.
  • Mix the beef and slurry together.
  • Scoop the meatballs on to a lined baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes at 350°F. A cookie scoop works well for this!
  • Remove meatballs from the oven and allow them to slightly cool. Place in a slow cooker with cranberry sauce, chili sauce, and juice. Cook on low for 4 hours, and serve.
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Why soak the bread? I love this method because it really helps soak in all the moisture from the liquid. When blended and mixed I find that it gives a very even texture to the meatballs. It also helps prevent over-mixing the ingredients.

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What is the best way to get perfectly round and even meatballs? I like to use a cookie scoop to get a uniform size. Typically, I prefer a 1 1/2 tablespoon size because it is still bite sized, but does not overcook as easily to make sure the meatballs and nice and juicy.

When all the ingredients are ready I place them in my slow cooker so it can do the work while I prep for my guests and grab a bottle of Coca-Cola®.

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Getting my table set and everything in place is important to me because it maximizes my time, and makes my preparations easier. A ready slow cooker, serving bowls and spoons, toothpicks, festive plates and napkins, and a refreshing drink are some of my staples!

table set up

The sauce becomes warm and smooth, and the meatballs are ready to serve! I love to grab a few festive holiday plates and napkins, as well as toothpicks when I serve these meatballs to my friends and family.

Don’t forget an ice bucket to keep you bottles of Coca-Cola® nice and cold!

meatballs in the slowcooker

These meatballs really are the perfect bites for company! Hearty, warm, and packed with flavor.

serving the meatballs
meatballs in a bowl

Shop at Walmart this holiday season for all your entertaining needs. Don’t forget to grab 2 liter bottle or 6-pack of Coca-Cola® featuring the holiday polar bears!

Also, from a busy mom, do not forget to enjoy the little moments. As parents we hear this all the time, but if the small joy of that first refreshing sip of Coca-Cola® brings a grin to your face make sure you take that micro-moment- I know that I will be. A few of my other favorites are a the first smell of apple pie or cookies from my oven, circling toys with my boys for their wish-lists, watching my favorite holiday movies with snacks, and watching the snow fall while my youngest naps and then other finally takes a bit of time with his toys.

serving meatballs

What are some of you favorite holiday micro-moments?

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meatballs in a bowl

Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs

Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword Appetizer, Beef
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours 30 minutes
Servings 30 meatballs

Ingredients

  • 2 lb ground beef
  • 2 slices white bread
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2/3 cup whole milk
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 white onion, chopped
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 3/4 cup tart cranberry juice
  • 12 oz bottle chili sauce
  • 14 oz can jellied cranberries
US Customary – Metric

Instructions

  1. Pre-heat oven to 350°F. Line a sided baking sheet with a mat or foil. Set aside.

  2. Place bread, water, and milk in a bowl and allow bread to soak for 5 minutes.

  3. Place bread and any remaining liquid into the food processor. Add eggs and onions. Add salt and pepper. Pulse until smooth.

  4. Add the bread mixture to the ground beef. Mix by hand until it is well incorporated.

  5. Using a 1 1/2 tablespoon cookie scoop form the meatballs, roll in your hands, and place the meatballs on the cookie sheet. Repeat until you have used all of the meatball mixture. Note: if you do not have a cookie scoop use a regular measuring spoon to get the correct amount and then you can eyeball it from that point.

  6. Bake for 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow the meatballs to rest for about 2-3 minutes.

  7. Place meatballs in the slow cooker. Add the juice, chili sauce and cranberries. Set slow cooker to low and cook for 4 hours. Stir and serve.

meatballs on a toothpick


Cranberry Pecan Mini Cheese Balls

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Cranberry Pecan Mini Cheese Balls are the perfect bite sized holiday appetizer. Rolled into a popable bite is cream cheese, goat cheese, and dried cranberries. Rolled in crushed pecans and a convenient pretzel holder make this a favorite finger food bite!

Cranberry Pecan Mini Cheeseballs on a plate

Cranberry week is still going strong and I am sharing one of my easiest and favorite holiday bites! Cranberry Pecan Mini Cheese Balls are so simple to make, and always a crowd pleaser at a get together. I like to pop them right into my mouth, but you can also eat them with a few extra pretzels for dipping. These mini cheese balls are filled with cream cheese, goat cheese, and dried cranberries. I use my food processor to get a nice smooth evenly mixed cheese ball. I use pecans for the coating and I pulse them a few times in my food processor to get them nice and fine and perfect for an outer layer of the mini cheese ball. I top my cheese balls with a pretzel stick because it makes them perfect for grabbing.

It’s Cranberry Week! See all the other delicious cranberry recipes being shared today (and follow #cranberryweek to see even more):

5-Ingredient Corn Casserole

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5-Ingredient Corn Casserole takes the worry out of finding the perfect holiday side dish. Quick, easy, and packed with rich flavor make this corn casserole a fast family favorite.

corn casserole scooped from a dish

Today I am sharing one of my favorite quick and easy sides- 5-Ingredient Corn Casserole. This is a go-to side dish for me when I am trying to put together a menu, and just need “one more thing” to make it perfect. This dish is prepped in minutes, and is versatile enough to serve with pretty much any of your holiday favorites.

This casserole is filled with whole kernel corn, creamed corn, corn muffin mix, sour cream, and melted butter. The result is a rich, buttery, savory, sweet, delicious side with a firm pudding like texture and studded with whole corn kernels. I serve this casserole warm, but it delicious at room temperature as well.

corn casserole ingredients
Make sure to check out all the awesome Holiday Side Dishes:  
corn casserole in a dish

What do you need to make 5-Ingredient Corn Casserole?

corn casserole scooped from a dish

Looking for more delicious holiday sides?!

corn casserole scooped from a dish
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corn casserole scooped from a dish

5-Ingredient Corn Casserole

Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Keyword Side Dish
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Servings 6 people

Ingredients

  • 8 oz Jiffy Corn Muffin mix
  • 15 oz whole kernel corn drained
  • 15 oz canned creamed corn not drained
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup melted butter
US Customary – Metric

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

  2. In a medium bowl bowl, mix all of the ingredients together. Pour batter into a greased 8"x8" baking pan.

  3. Cook uncovered for 45-50 minutes or until lightly browned.
corn casserole scooped from a dish

Yellow Squash and Zucchini Casserole

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Layers of yellow squash and zucchini baked in a creamy cheesy sauce, and topped with a crispy buttery crumble. This is a perfect side dish to add to your holiday table.

squash scooped from casserole dish

Welcome to Holiday Side Dish Week! This week I am teaming with other bloggers and friends to give you different recipes to help inspire your holiday side dish game.

I know that sometimes I get stuck in a rut trying to come up with side dishes, and this is the perfect solution to the perplexed feeling that you have when you are assigned a “veggie side” for a holiday party.

This is one of my favorite recipes for baked squash and zucchini because it goes with almost anything, and is so delicious. The veggies are baked in a creamy cheesy sauce and seasoned perfectly. I top this with a crunchy buttery baked cracker topping, and it makes a vegetable side that is simply out of this world yummy.

We have a few traditions in out house when it comes to holiday sides: homemade green bean casserole, stuffing, sweet potatoes with marshmallows, and mashed potatoes. However, my family always likes to include a new to us veggies side to give the meal a little more variety, and this is on our menu this year!

Comment below with some of your favorite holiday sides! Traditions differ so much by region (and even household!), and it is fun to see what is the norm in other people’s homes. We are pretty American traditional now, but growing up we had traditional Swedish meals for holidays. It is funny to me because as kids we always complained, and now as adults we are starting to bring the traditions back again. However, one tradition I am not bringing back is the lutefisk…..no thank you. If you have not heard of lutefisk before search it and prepare to internally scream. The meatballs on the other hand are always welcome, and I always think my Great Grandma’s recipe is the best!

squash in casserole dish

Check out all the fabulous holiday side dishes:

casserole on a plate

What do you need to make Yellow Squash Zucchini Casserole?

casserole on a fork

Frequently Asked Questions:

I only have zucchini- can I omit one of the veggies?

Yes, just double the amount or you will have too much of the creamy sauce when it bakes.

I do not have saltine crackers- what can I use?

Unseasoned breadcrumbs will work or you can use Ritz or similar cracker in place.

I do not like cream of celery soup. Can I sub cream of mushroom or cream of chicken?

Yes, either one of those substitutes will be delicious.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, I suggest monterrey jack or an Italian blend.

Why do I need to let the casserole rest after it comes out of the oven?

The casserole will set as it cools. If you serve it right away it will seem watery, but it is not. It needs a little time to set, and 10-15 minutes will be a perfect amount of time.

casserole on a plate

Looking for a few more favorite holiday sides?!

casserole on a spoon
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Yellow Squash and Zucchini Casserole

Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Keyword Side Dish, Squash, Thanksgiving
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Servings 6 people

Ingredients

  • 2 medium yellow squash
  • 2 medium zucchini
  • 10.5 oz can cream of celery soup
  • 2/3 cup sour cream
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 3/4 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2/3 cup whole milk
  • 15 saltine crackers
  • 3 tbsp melted butter

Instructions

  1. Pre-heat oven to 350°F. Grease an 8×8 baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

  2. Slice the squash and zucchini into 1/4-inch rounds. Set aside.

  3. In a medium mixing bowl, mix together soup, sour cream, egg, seasoning, 1 cup cheese, and milk.

  4. Place half the zucchini and squash in the baking dish. Pour half the sauce over the squash and zucchini. Place the remaining squash and zucchini on top. Top with remaining sauce. Top with 3/4 cup cheese.

  5. Place saltine crackers in a sealable bag place and crush. Add melted butter and toss to coat.

  6. Evenly pour the cracker crumbs over the casserole.

  7. Place in oven uncovered and bake for 40 minutes. Remove from oven and allow it to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.

squash scooped from casserole dish

Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes

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The holidays are busy and my Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes can help prepare for a holiday party, or just get a little bit ahead for weeknight meal prep!

mashed potatoes in a dish

I typically cook the holiday meal for my family at least once in the next few months. Depending on how many are coming for dinner there can be a lot of prep work involved. I love to prepare big family meals, but make-ahead recipes, like mashed potatoes, are one of my keys to success when preparing a large meal.

The idea of prepping mashed potatoes in advance might give some a pause to wonder if the potatoes will remain nice and fluffy- I can assure you that these potatoes are still just as delicious, and have the bonus of time-saving!

mashed potatoes in a dish

Check out some of these make-ahead favorites!

Make Ahead Recipes for Thanksgiving


We share Recipes From Our Dinner Table! Join our group and share your recipes, too! While you’re at it, join our Pinterest board, too!

mashed potatoes in a dish

What do I need to make Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes?

mashed potatoes in a dish

Looking for more delicious potato recipes?!

mashed potatoes in a dish
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mashed potatoes in a dish

Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes

Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Keyword Potatoes, Side Dish, Thanksgiving
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Servings 6 people

Ingredients

  • 3 Lbs russet potatoes peeled and quartered
  • 5 tbsp stick salted butter
  • 3 tbsp cream cheese
  • 2/3 cup whole milk
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
US Customary – Metric

Instructions

  1. Boil potatoes till tender. Drain and place in a large mixing bowl. Add butter and cream cheese and mix with an electric mixer while slowly adding the milk.

  2. Season with salt and pepper and top with remaining chives.

  3. To store, cover the potatoes tightly with foil and store in fridge till about ready to serve. Allow potatoes to come to sit at room temperature for 35 minutes. Place a few additional pats of butter on top. Pre-heat the oven to 350°F. Place potatoes in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until nice and warm. Serve immediately.

mashed potatoes in bowl

Slow Cooker Taco Chili

by 8 Comments


Slow Cooker Taco Chili is a delicious way to put a twist on family favorite. Filled with hearty meat, beans, taco seasonings, and veggies and topped with yummy taco toppings this will be everyone’s new favorite chili.

chili in a bowl

It feels like fall is officially here and that means my slow cooker starts to get a workout. One of m favorite fall meals is classic chili. I swear by my tried and true Meaty Chili. It never fails me. I always have a few bags of it in my freezer so I can eat it when the mood hits.

However, sometimes I like to change things a bit and try new flavors. One of my favorites is my Slow Cooker Taco Chili. This recipe could not get easier, and the flavors are incredible every time I make it. This chili always gets rave reviews because it is a little different than the norm, and it joins forces with the family favorite- tacos.

This recipe is slow cooked and packed with lots of goodies! It is tomato based and filled with chili beans, kidney beans, green chilies, taco seasoning, onion, jalapenos, green pepper, and beer. It is so delicious after getting hours of slow cooking time to get the flavors to blend perfectly.

chili in a bowl

Welcome to our #ChiliCookOff! 

We have delicious recipes from across the country to get your chili making to the next level of delicious!

chili in a slowcooker
chili in a slowcooker

What do I need to make Slow Cooker Taco Chili?:

  • Ground Beef
  • Crushed Tomatoes
  • Diced Tomatoes
  • Green Chilies
  • Chili Beans
  • Kidney Beans
  • Taco Seasoning
  • Chili Powder
  • Garlic Powder
  • Cumin
  • Salt and Pepper
  • Chopped Onion
  • Jalapeno
  • Green Pepper
  • Light Beer
  • Onion, Cilantro, Sour Cream, Tomatoes, Cheese, and Olives for optional topping
  • Slow Cooker
  • Soup Ladle
  • Frying Pan
chili in a bowl

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use ground turkey in place of beef?

Sure thing! Sub on a 1:1 ratio

I am not a fan of spice- can I leave out the jalapeno?

Absolutely! You could add another bell pepper in place if you like, or omit it.

I don’t like kidney beans can I double the chili beans?

Yes, or you could add Great Northern or Navy Beans in place.

Any other topping you can suggest?

Sure, I also love diced avocado and corn chips!

chili in a bowl

Cooking for more chili recipes?!

One-Pot Chili Mac

Grilled Chili Cheeseburgers

Baked Chili Cheese Dip

The Best Meaty Chili

Weeknight White Chicken Chili

chili in a bowl
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chili in a bowl

Slow Cooker Taco Chili

Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Keyword slow cooker
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Servings 8 people

Ingredients

  • 2 lb lean ground beef
  • 28 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 14.5 oz petite diced tomatoes
  • 16 oz chili beans
  • 16 oz kidney beans, rinsed
  • 4 oz diced green chilies
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 white onion, finely chopped
  • 1 jalapeno, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 2/3 cup light beer
  • Toppings: corn chips, chopped cilantro, sliced olives, diced onion, chopped tomatoes, sour cream, and shredded cheese.
US Customary – Metric

Instructions

  1. In a frying pan, cook the ground beef till not longer pink. Drain the oil and place beef into the slow cooker.

  2. Add all remaining ingredients and stir.

  3. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours.

  4. Serve with toppings: Toppings: corn chips, chopped cilantro, sliced olives, diced onion, chopped tomatoes, sour cream, and shredded cheese.

chili in a bowl

One-Pot Chili Mac

by 10 Comments


All the favors of a chili cooked slow and low, but adapted to be weeknight friendly! Pasta, lean ground beef, tomatoes beans, seasoning. cheese, and sour cream make a meal perfect for a chilly night, or a game day gathering!

chili mac in a bowl

We love chili in our house, and during the winter and fall some variation in on our menu at least a few times per month. My kiddos love pasta with their chili, and I knew I needed to create a- pasta rich- weeknight friendly recipe for one of our favorite meals.

My chili mac is so delicious, and it is even better than you though because it uses only ONE pot. There is nothing that makes my busy weeknights better than less dishes piled in my sink! This is also true for me when it come to entertaining during a Packer game- this meal is great for a minimal fuss meal plan.

My Chili Mac is packed with lean ground beef, tomatoes, tomato sauce, pasta, chili beans, kidney beans, cheese, and sour cream. It is so yummy and one of my all-time favorite comfort foods.

chili mac in a bowl

Looking for more recipes for game day or to warm you as things get colder?!

Game Day Chili Recipes


We share Recipes From Our Dinner Table! Join our group and share your recipes, too! While you’re at it, join our Pinterest board, too!

chili mac in a bowl

What do you need to make One-Pot Chili Mac?

  • Ground beef or turkey
  • Pasta
  • Chili Beans
  • Kidney Beans
  • Beef Broth
  • Chili Powder and Garlic Powder
  • Diced Tomatoes
  • Tomato Sauce
  • Cheese
  • Sour Cream
  • Heavy Bottom Pot

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of pasta can I use?

I like to use a large elbow noodle for this dish. I regular size will work as well. I avoid smaller pasta types because they will breakdown in cooking.

Can I use just chili beans or leave the beans out?

I love beans in chili, but if you are not a fan you can leave them our or substitute them as needed.

I do not like spicy- it there a lot of heat in this dish?

No, this is very mild. If you happen to be on the opposite side and like spice you can add a little diced jalapeno.

chili mac in a bowl

Looking for even more delicious chili recipes!?

The Best Meaty Chili

Weeknight White Chicken Chili

Beef, Chorizo, and Bean Taco Chili

chili mac in a bowl
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One-Pot Chili Mac

Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Keyword Beef, Pasta
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 People

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 lb ground beef or ground turkey
  • 8 oz tomato sauce
  • 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
  • 16 oz can mild or medium chili beans
  • 16 oz can light kidney beans, drained
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup water
  • 3 Tbl chili powder
  • 1 Tbl garlic powder
  • 8 oz shaped uncooked pasta
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • sour cream and cheese, for topping
US Customary – Metric

Instructions

  1. In a medium to large pot, brown the ground beef. Drain excess grease and add remaining ingredients besides the pasta.  Lightly simmer for 5 minutes. 

  2. Stir in the pasta, cover and cook till pasta is tender stirring a few times to avoid sticking while the pasta cooks. Season with salt and pepper, if desired. 
  3. Serve immediately. Top portions with sour cream and grated cheese. 
chili mac in a bowl

This post was originally created in 2015, and updated in 2019 for reader enhancement and recipe updating.

Cheese Curd In Paradise uses affiliate links. These links are at no additional cost to the reader and/or user. However, Cheese Curd In Paradise will make commission is you click the link AND make a purchase.


Pumpkin Pie Milkshake #PumpkinWeek

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I received product samples from sponsor companies to aid in the creation of the #PumpkinWeek recipes. All opinions are mine alone.

Pumpkin pie is doesn’t always need to be in a crust! My Pumpkin Pie Milkshake combines creamy vanilla ice cream, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and milk to make the ultimate pumpkin treat! Top with whipped cream, ground cinnamon, and sprinkles!

shakes on the table

Milkshakes are a favorite around our house, and what could be more delicious than to skip the traditional chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry and try a seasonal pumpkin pie milkshake.

This milkshake is amazing you guys! No fake flavors- just vanilla ice cream, pumpkin puree, spices, and milk. It is so simple and the flavors are amazing. If you are a pumpkin pie love you will be in pumpkin pie heaven. This shake, of course, is topped with a generous layer of whipped cream because what is pumpkin pie without whipped cream! I like like to sprinkle a bit of cinnamon on top and add a few seasonal sprinkles.

Those beautiful sprinkles I am using and that lovely paper straw are from of Sweets and Treats. I have had the pleasure of working with this company for awhile on different events, and they make a fantastic quality product. I love their sprinkle mixes, and their simpler offerings (like my orange jimmies). They also make the cutest straws, and I thought this green stripe was the perfect accent for pumpkin week.

The beautiful glassware pictured is compliments of our sponsor Dixie Crystals. Dixie Crystals allowed us to choose a few things for this event, and when I found these pretty glass sundae glasses- perfect! I knew that it had to be mine. I love the design, and I will show you more fun goodies I found for #PumpkinWeek as the week goes on!

shakes on the table
Enjoy these #PumpkinWeek recipes from our bloggers:

Pumpkin Drinks:
Boozy Pumpkin Party Punch from The Crumby Kitchen
Healthy Pumpkin Smoothie from Red Cottage Chronicles
Pumpkin Fizzy from Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
Pumpkin Pie Milkshake from Cheese Curd In Paradise
Pumpkin Pie Milkshake from Seduction In The Kitchen

Pumpkin Breakfasts & Baked Goods:
Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls from Jen Around the World
Pumpkin Donut Cake from Kelly Lynns Sweets and Treats
Pumpkin Pecan Monkey Bread from Love & Confections
Pumpkin Shakshuka from Food Above Gold
Savory Pumpkin Recipes:
Pumpkin Gnocchi from Palatable Pastime
Vegan Savory Stuffed Mini Pumpkins from The Baking Fairy

Pumpkin Desserts:
Pumpkin Cake Rolls with Maple Buttercream Filling from Sweet Beginnings
Pumpkin Pie Macaron from A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
Pumpkin Spice Sheet Cake from Daily Dish Recipes
overhead shake shot

What do you need to make my Pumpkin Milk Shakes?

shakes on the table

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pumpkin pie filling?

I do not suggest it because the milkshake will be very sweet. Use an unsweetened pumpkin puree.

My shake is too thick- what can I do?

I suggest adding milk to the shake.

My shake is too thin- what should I do?

I would add a little additional ice cream to help thicken the milkshake

overhead shake shot

Looking for more delicious pumpkin treats?

The Best Easy Pumpkin Bread

Pumpkin Chocolate Layer Cake

Instant Pot Pumpkin Cinnamon Applesauce

Pumpkin Banana Muffins

Pumpkin French Toast

shake in hand shot
Print
shake in hand shot

Pumpkin Pie Milkshake

Course Drinks
Cuisine American
Keyword Drinks, Pumpkin
Prep Time 10 minutes
Servings 2 milkshakes

Ingredients

  • 3 cup vanilla ice cream
  • 1 1/2 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 1/4 cup milk
  • 2/3 cup pumpkin puree
  • Whipped cream, cinnamon, and sprinkles for topping
US Customary – Metric

Instructions

  1. Place ice cream, spice, pumpkin, and milk into a blender. Blend till smooth.

  2. Pour into glasses. Top with whipped cream, cinnamon, and sprinkles.

Fall is in the air, and we are celebrating our love of pumpkin with #PumpkinWeek hosted by Terri from Love and Confections and Christie from A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures. All week-long 34 bloggers will be sharing 140+ fantastic recipes for all your Autumn celebrations, including breakfasts, baked goods, savory pumpkin recipes, desserts, and drinks. Thank you sponsors for providing the prize packages. Don’t forget to enter the giveaway below!   Pumpkinweek 2019 logo

a Rafflecopter giveaway  

PRIZE #1 DIXIE CRYSTALS

Dixie Crystals is giving one winner a Marble Rolling Pin and Board Set.

Since 1917, Dixie Crystals® has been the South’s choice for high-quality sugar and sweeteners. For generations, Dixie Crystals has been at the heart of family traditions and celebrations. Our pure cane, non-GMO sugar products guarantee that treasured family recipes will turn out right every time. Bake with love and Dixie Crystals.

Dixie Crystals PumpkinWeek Prize  

PRIZE#2 SWEETS & TREATS

Sweets & Treats is giving one winner the Year of Sprinkles that contains holiday mixes, classic sprinkles, and some of their most popular sprinkles.
Sweets & Treats, a party and baking supplies manufacturer and wholesaler, started out of a baking industry need for truly grease-proof cupcake liners. From there, the company expanded into a handful of specialized categories including the latest, Sweet Sprinkles, their one of a kind sprinkles and sprinkle mix line. With hundreds of truly unique products, they are a one stop shop for your next party!
Sweets & Treats prize package

PRIZE#3 TORANI

Torani is giving one winner a year supply of Torani: 12-750ml glass bottles, flavors will be winner’s choice, plus pumps for each bottle.

We believe in flavor for all and opportunity for all. In the beginning, Rinaldo and Ezilda Torre visited family in Lucca, Italy. They returned home to San Francisco with handwritten recipes, which they used to create authentic flavored syrups. Needless to say, the syrups we’re a hit. A lot has happened since then, but our belief has remained the same: Flavor for All, Opportunity for All. It means that not only are the products we make inclusive and approachable, but so is our success. We believe everything starts with people, and the only way to truly succeed is to succeed together. Today, you can use more than 100 of our naturally flavored syrups, sauces and beverage bases in coffees, sodas, teas, smoothies, cocktails and more.

Torani Prize
 

PRIZE#4 CABOT CREAMERY CO-OPERATIVE

Cabot is giving one winner a gift box of assorted Cabot cheeses.

The farm families that own Cabot Creamery Co-operative love what they do. And they’ve been doing it for a long time—every single day since 1919. Almost 100 years later, we’re proud of our thriving farms, strong communities, and happy, healthy cows that produce the rich, buttery milk that we use to make Cabot’s award-winning cheese and dairy products. We like to think those awards mean we’re doing something right. Of course, you’re a big part of this too. If you love eating our cheese as much as we love making it, then we’ll get to keep doing what we do for generations to come.

Cabot Cheese prize package
 
Thank you to #PumpkinWeek Sponsors: Dixie Crystals, Sweets & Treats, Torani, and Cabot Creamery Co-operative for providing the prizes free of charge. These companies also provided the bloggers with samples and product to use for #PumpkinWeek recipes. All opinions are my own. The #PumpkinWeek giveaway is open to U.S. residents, age 18 & up. All entries for the winner will be checked and verified. By entering you give the right to use your name and likeness. The number of entries received determines the odds of winning. Four (4) winners will be selected. The prize packages will be sent directly from the giveaway sponsors. Winners have 48 hours to respond once chosen, or they forfeit the prize and alternate winner(s) will be chosen. The #PumpkinWeek Bloggers are not responsible for the fulfillment or delivery of the prize packages. Bloggers hosting this giveaway and their immediate family members in their household cannot enter or win the giveaway. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter or any other social channel mentioned in the #PumpkinWeek posts or entry.

Cheese Curd In Paradise uses affiliate links. These links are at no additional cost to the reader and/or user. However, Cheese Curd In Paradise will make commission is you click the link AND make a purchase.


The Best Easy Pumpkin Bread

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This is the best easy pumpkin bread. No frills, swirls, and fancy flavors- just one of the best traditions of fall in a slice.

pumpkin bread on a plate

Oh yes….. pumpkin season is here! Our house loves pumpkin treats, and this is my tried and true pumpkin quick bread. I got this recipe years ago and have modified it over time. It never fails me. Quick, Easy. Moist. Light. Full-flavored. Amazing.

Aside from all of the amazing things listed above, this bread is a crowd favorite. I love to make this for friends, or to slice for the kids for snack after-school or a quick breakfast.

I know, I know….”everyone likes pumpkin in the fall”. Well duh. That is because it is delicious. This that are delicious generally get some extra love.

This recipe uses canned pumpkin puree, but I have made it with homemade pumpkin puree, and it is delicious. This is my favorite pumpkin puree recipe, and the one thing I can say is the color is so vibrant and the pumpkin flavor even more pronounced. I love to use fresh puree when I can, but canned is equally delicious in this recipe.

We are deep into fall activities and work. I substitute teach in our school district, and the kiddos are doing a few different activities. Kellen and Rowan are both swimmers and loving their lessons. Kellen is hoping to try out for the swim team next year. One of my favorite things is watching that boy swim. Kellen has also started flag football with his friend this fall. Rowan is continuing gymnastics as well. Watching Rowan do gymnastics is adorable because he likes to pretend he is a monkey by putting his feet on bar and swinging. While I really enjoy all of the activities it is a lot of work-plus I fear more and more as these boys get older.

pumpkin bread in a pan

Follow me on Twitter for more delicious happenings!

Are you following me yet? What are you waiting for?

sliced pumpkin bread

What do you need to make The Best Easy Pumpkin Bread?

  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder and baking soda
  • Salt and cinnamon
  • Vegetable oil
  • Unsweetened applesauce
  • Vanilla
  • Eggs
  • Pumpkin
  • Sugar
  • Bread loaf pan
  • Parchment paper
sliced pumpkin bread

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a cinnamon applesauce?

Sure- the extra cinnamon will be delicious in the bread!

Can I use melted butter in place of the oil?

Yes, make sure that butter is slightly cooled before you add it to the other ingredients.

My bread is sinking in the middle- what is going wrong?

The bread is likely under-baked or to much liquid. Baking powder is a leveling agent, and sometimes if it is very old it can impact the bread stability.

Can I freeze this bread?

Yes, I like to wrap it in plastic wrap and store in a sealable bag.

Can this bread be made into muffins?

Yes, this bread recipe can make about a dozen muffins.

pumpkin bread on a plate

Looking for more delicious pumpkin recipes?!

Pumpkin Banana Muffins

Pumpkin Chocolate Layer Cake

Instant Pot Pumpkin Cinnamon Applesauce

pumpkin bread in a pan and plate
Print
sliced pumpkin bread

The Best Easy Pumpkin Bread

Course Bakery
Cuisine American
Keyword Baking, Pumpkin
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Servings 1 loaf

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla
  • 2 large eggs beaten
  • 1 cup canned pumpkin
  • 1 cup sugar
US Customary – Metric

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 9″x5″ loaf pan with non-stick spray or line the loaf pan with parchment paper.

  2. Sift together flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder and cinnamon and set aside.  

  3. In a large bowl mix together till smooth: oil, applesauce, vanilla, eggs, pumpkin, and sugar.

  4. Slowly mix in flour mixture till just combined.  Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 1 hour.

sliced pumpkin bread

This post was originally created in 2013, and updated in 2019 for reader enhancement and recipe updating.

Cheese Curd In Paradise uses affiliate links. These links are at no additional cost to the reader and/or user. However, Cheese Curd In Paradise will make commission is you click the link AND make a purchase.