Tuesday, March 13, 2018

Requested Recipes

Good morning.  I am going to TRY to give you the recipes for tuna casserole and Mexican Frito pie as requested.
Notice I said TRY!

I don't use recipes to cook.  I just kind of throw things together and hope for the best.  Over time I get consistent - LOL.  If I try something new and different and G really likes it - I may be in trouble.  I try to remember what I did and write it down quickly - because most stuff is just free hand.


TUNA CASSEROLE
(depending on how many you are feeding - my versions are for 2)
1/2 box elbow or shell pasta  (cooked al dente)
1 can cream of soup - we usually use cream of mushroom - but any will do
1 can tuna (drained)  *I use 2 cans as we like the tuna taste
1/2 soup can of water
* I always add about a cup of frozen peas (just something I have always done)
*Can add parmesan cheese or some shredded cheese of choice - optional.
* I often top with crushed dried French's onions

Cook the pasta, then mix in soup, water, tuna and seasonings.  Add peas or cheese if desired and/or top with crispy onions in a greased baking dish.   350* for about 30 minutes.

This pan of casserole I added a can of mixed beans to - not peas - just because.  This was before baking.

There is no specific way to make it.  Add whatever you like.  I have used cream of chicken soup, cream of broccoli, cream of celery - whatever I have had.  Experiment and have fun.


MEXICAN FRITO PIE
1 lb. of ground beef - browned
1 small onion - chopped (cooked with beef)
taco seasoning
1 can chili beans
salsa and/or enchilada sauce
shredded cheese - amount desired (we used about 2 cups)
Fritos

I browned my beef and onion - drained.  Add taco seasoning of choice (like you were making taco meat) - I then added about 1/2 pint of salsa (already open in frig) and about 1/2 cup of enchilada sauce (I had in freezer).  Drain and add beans.  Mix it all together.  Lightly greased 8 x 8 pan.  Lay a layer of Fritos on bottom of pan.  Top with bean and meat mix.  I then topped with about 2 cups of shredded cheese (we are cheese lovers), then add more Fritos to the top of casserole.
Bake 350* for approx. 20 - 25 minutes - until cheese is melted. 
Let it set for about 5 minutes before serving.


I follow recipes for baked goods (mostly follow), because baking breads, muffins, and some sweets is more of a science - with ingredients reacting with other ingredients. 
When it comes to everyday meals - it is sort of mix and match and see what works.  I get a notion in my head and run with it!

I love cookbooks - for ideas.  I may make a recipe as written the first time, then I start tweaking it!
I hope this helps.

Does anyone else cook this way?

16 comments:

  1. I definitely cook this way when I am using up things from the refrigerator in order to avoid waste. And I definitely cook this way when I make certain things for dinner like we had when I was growing up since my Mom didn't follow recipes. She just cooked like she had been taught growing up. The Frito Pie looks so good. I need to make it soon. :)

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    1. Good, I am glad I am not alone. My Mom cooked that way as well. Most of the time she didn't read a recipe for baking either.

      I just use what I have and try to get creative with it.

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  2. I actually like tuna casserole, but it is one thing Hub's really doesn't like ( I think he ate it too much as a boy and my Mom cannot stand the smell of Tuna. I think they both need to cook their own meals....:)

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    1. Sounds like you may be right! I had lots as a kid, but that didn't affect me negatively. I really like tuna too - all kinds of ways. I even like it right from the can!

      I know my sister in-law talks about how none of their kids eat kraut to this day (grown adults now), because they ate so much as kids - it was cheap and easy to make and can.
      Others won't touch salmon patties because they ate so many as kids.

      I guess everyone develops a taste for things. I am sure glad G isn't picky! We eat most things (MOST).

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  3. thankyou I'll try the frito pie soon! I'll remember to get the frito's this week. Husband said no way on the tuna casserole. I'll catch him gone and make it.

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    1. Enjoy Vickie. I just don't understand the big aversion to tuna casserole. So many people refuse to eat it. Odd.

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  4. Yum on the frito pie. I think my family would really like it. Thanks!
    I make tuna casserole with egg noodles, but we don't have it very often as my hubby isn't too fond of tuna.

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    1. Tuna casserole sounds yummy with egg noodles as well. Will try that sometime.
      ENJOY

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  5. Hi Cheryl, I wish I could cook without a recipe but I need exact directions! Thank you for sharing. Nancy

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    1. You are welcome. I guess that is just how I learned.

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  6. Thank you so much for posting these. I can't wait to try them!

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  7. Oh that taco pie looks so good and easy! Thank you!

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  8. Thank you for sharing! As far as pie is concerned, I prefer to follow the original recipe, but when I cook pasta I like to try and add or change ingredients. Enjoy your weekend.

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    1. Clara I am pretty much the same. Baking is more science - but meat, pasta, noodles, casseroles etc. I just go with flow!
      Have a great one!

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