Simple Tortelini- Make and Go!

I'm a huge fan of crockpot meals because they are super easy and they can cook while you're gone and be ready when you walk in the door.  They also tend to have great flavor which means the family really enjoys eating! If I can throw something in a crockpot as opposed to making it on the stove, I will. Simple, easy, and delicious, that's exactly what this recipe is.  I've said before that I'm trying at least one new recipe a week and I won't post one that I don't try. Everything I put on this blog has been made by me, tested by my family, and found to be a success! So are you ready to try some super easy tortellini?
You'll Need:
1 pound of hamburger (I use 80/20)
1 package of mild Italian sausage (about 4-5 sausages) out of casings
2 small or 1 large package of cheese tortellini (these are usually in the deli refrigerator section, they are already made)
1 small can of tomato paste
1 can of diced Italian tomatoes
1 small can of mushrooms (stems and all), drained
1 jar of marinara (I use Prego)
1 tsp. onion powder
2 cups shredded cheese mix
Salt and pepper to taste
Step 1: First you need to brown your hamburger and sausage in a skillet (remove sausage from casings) and chop up as you go.  Add in salt and pepper and onion powder.  Drain.
Step 2: Now, add your meat to the crockpot and add in the tomato paste, Italian tomatoes, mushrooms, and marinara. Cook on low for 2-3 hours.
Step 3: About 20-30 minutes before you're ready to serve, mix in the tortellini and cheese.  Cook until the tortellini is done (soft but not falling apart). 
I'm telling you, this taste just like something you would eat at Olive Garden.  If you love Italian cooking and pasta, you'll love this meal.  This would be perfect with salad and bread and butter.  And you could adapt it to feed a large group. 
I hope you enjoy me recipes, I really enjoy cooking and love to share my ideas with ya'll.  Cooking doesn't have to be boring...make it simple but amazing.  I promise to add desert recipes too!

Pepper Steak That Everyone Loves

If you're anything like me, you have a child or other picky eaters.  I am always trying to find meals that will satisfy everyone and that is healthy.  I would much rather cook a meal at home than go out to eat but I get bored of the same old dinners.  So I am on a mission to try at least one new recipe a week.  Today the pick was pepper steak which, to me, is another intimating recipe.  I'm not sure why but it just sounds complex; however, I have found a non-complicated version that will blow your mind.  It is amazing and super easy!
You'll Need:
A package of round steak that you cut into bite size pieces and cut off the excess fat
1/3 cup flour
1 Tbsp. pepper
1 Tbsp. minced garlic
3 Tbsp. soy sauce (you may need more but start with this)
2 Large green peppers, sliced
1 Large red pepper, sliced
1/4 tsp. salt
Sprinkle of onion powder (you can use actual onion if you wish)

Step One:
Put the flour and pepper onto a plate.  Once the steak is cut into bite sized pieces roll them in the flour mixed with pepper and place them in a skillet that has oil in it.  Brown the steak.
Step Two:
While the steak is browning, add the other ingredients.  You can watch and see if the mixture becomes dry, add more soy sauce and approx. 1/2 cup of water.  You want a rue mixture, that's what makes it so yummy!
Step Three:
Simmer the mixture until the meat is completely done, approx. 20 min.  Serve with cooked rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes! I promise there will be very little left over because the flavor is amazing!
This recipe could easily be adapted to the crock pot, just complete the following steps first and throw it all in the crockpot and cook for 1-2 hours on high. 
There ya have it! A delicious, healthy meal, that everyone will love. 
Cooking Tip: Brown your meat before you add in other ingredients, bake it, or throw it in the crockpot.  This locks in the flavor and keeps it from getting chewy.