(Family Features) School is back in session and so are hectic weeknights with little time to cook dinner. Instead of reaching for ready-made meals or takeout, make a kid-friendly, south-of-the-border casserole. All of the ingredients – from the whole grain elbow macaroni to the ground beef – are cooked in one skillet, meaning minimal cleanup and maximum quality time spent reconnecting around the dinner table.

“This simple three-step recipe is perfect for busy weeknights because it’s quick, family-friendly and just as good re-heated for leftovers,” said McCormick Executive Chef Kevan Vetter. “You don’t need a second pot to cook the pasta; it’s cooked in the skillet along with the ground beef, fresh tomatoes and corn. Season with organic taco seasoning and sprinkle with cheddar cheese and you’re sure to have a meal the kids will beg to add to the dinner rotation.” 

For more one-dish meals for the back-to-school season, visit McCormick.com, and check out McCormick Spice on Facebook and Pinterest.

Tex-Mex Macaroni Casserole

Ingredients
Makes 8 (1-cup) servings

• 1          pound lean ground beef
• 1          medium onion, chopped
• 1          package McCormick Organics Taco Seasoning Mix
• 2          cups water
• 2          cups fresh chopped tomatoes
• 1          cup frozen whole kernel corn
• 2          cups uncooked whole grain elbow macaroni
• 1          cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Directions

1. Brown beef and onion in large skillet on medium-high heat. Drain fat.
2. Stir in seasoning mix, water, chopped tomatoes and corn. Bring to boil. Add pasta. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Sprinkle with cheese, cover. Let stand 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Source: McCormick

(Family Features) Summer means it’s time to heat up the grill. If you’re looking to add some sizzle to your summer grilling menu, shake things up all summer long with the convenience and versatility of fresh pork. From tender ribs to juicy pork loins, chops, roasts and more, the possibilities are endless.

With mouthwatering flavor and no artificial ingredients, Farmer John California Natural Fresh Pork offers a wide variety of convenient, versatile fresh pork cuts that can take your cookout to the next level. Try out these recipes for Triple Threat Burgers or Chipotle Glazed Spare Ribs, which are sure to be crowd-pleasers at your next barbecue.

Find more grilling tips and recipe inspiration at farmerjohn.com.

Triple Threat Burger

Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 8 1/2 hours
Servings: 6

Pulled Pork:

• 1             Farmer John Boneless Fresh Pork Shoulder Roast
• 1/4          cup barbecue seasoning blend
• 3/4          cup pale lager beer
• 1 1/2       teaspoons liquid hickory smoke

Triple Threat Sauce:

• 1             jar (12 ounces) seedless raspberry jam
• 1             cup barbecue sauce
• 3/4          cup pale lager beer
• 1             teaspoon dry mustard
• 1/4          teaspoon chipotle powder

Burgers:

• 1             pound Farmer John Ground Pork
• 1             pound 80 percent lean ground beef
• 1/4          cup pale lager beer
• 2             tablespoons barbecue seasoning blend
• 6             slices cheddar cheese
• 6             sandwich buns, toasted
• 6             slices Farmer John Bacon, cooked crisp
• 6             dill pickle planks

1. To make pulled pork: Rub pork roast with seasoning and place in 4-5-quart slow cooker. Pour beer and liquid smoke around sides. Cover and cook 8-10 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high. 
2. Remove roast from slow cooker with tongs and place in large container. Using tongs or two forks, shred pork and set aside 2 cups. Cover and refrigerate.
3. To make sauce: In medium saucepan, combine raspberry jam, barbecue sauce, beer, mustard and chipotle powder; bring to boil over medium-high heat; boil 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes. Stir 1/2 cup sauce into reserved pulled pork.
4. To make burgers: Heat charcoal or gas grill to medium. Combine ground pork, ground beef, beer and seasoning; form into six (1-inch thick) burger patties. Grill 5 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 160° F. Top each burger with slice of cheese; let melt.
5. Place burgers on bottom buns; spoon about 1/3 cup pulled pork with barbecue sauce onto each burger. Top each with one slice bacon and one pickle plank then close with top bun.

Chipotle Glazed Spare Ribs

Prep time: 25 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour, 40 minutes
Servings: 6

• 2          racks Farmer John Pork Spareribs, membranes removed 
• 4          tablespoons salt
• 4          tablespoons pepper
• 6          cloves chopped garlic
• 1          cup honey
• brown sugar
• 1/2       can (7 ounces) chipotle chilies in adobo sauce
• 1/2       cup barbecue sauce
• 2          limes, zest and juice only, plus additional lime juice
• 1/2       cup cilantro, chopped

1. Heat oven to 325° F. Season ribs with salt and pepper. Place on rimmed baking sheet and cover tightly with foil. Bake 1 1/2 hours until ribs reach internal temperature of 195° F. Let cool.
2. While ribs bake, blend garlic, honey, brown sugar, chipotle chilies, barbecue sauce and lime zest and juice. Blend until smooth. Set aside.
3. Heat charcoal or gas grill to medium-high. Place ribs on grill and baste with sauce mixture, turning frequently until well-coated with sauce and charred, about 10 minutes. Transfer to cutting board and let rest. Serve with remaining sauce mixture, additional lime juice and chopped cilantro.

Source: Farmer John

(Family Features) If you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, game night or TV show marathon with friends this summer, it’s helpful to have a plan in mind before diving in.

Consider these tips and recipes featuring Mrs. T’s Pierogies that can help make planning a breeze and allow you to kick back and enjoy the fun alongside your guests.

• Master the Music. Set the mood as soon as your guests walk in with an upbeat playlist.
• Add a Creative Twist to Your Menu. When you’re craving something real and satisfying – but want to keep things simple – reach for an option like Mrs. T’s Pierogies. Available in 16 varieties, including mini-size, these pasta shells, filled with creamy whipped potatoes, are loaded with flavor and perfect served alone or as part of creative recipes like a Farmers Market Mini Pierogy Salad. You can also grill them up like in this Mini Pierogy Slider Kebab recipe.
• Create Self-Serve Stations. Arrange a buffet-style table to allow your guests to help themselves to food. It’s a simple way to ensure you get to enjoy yourself. Just remember to provide the necessary fixings at each station.
• Bust Out Some Games. Whether it’s a game night or just a get-together with friends, keep games like cornhole or bocce ball on-hand to keep your soiree lively.

For more recipes perfect for entertaining, visit MrsTsPierogies.com.

Mini Pierogy Slider Kebabs

Prep time: 15 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4-6

• 1          box Mrs. T’s Mini Classic Cheddar Pierogies
• 2          tablespoons olive oil
• kosher salt
• freshly ground black pepper
• 1          pound ground beef
• 1 1/2    teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1          tablespoon minced red onion
• 4          deli slices Colby Jack cheese, quartered
• 4-6       skewers
• 14        pieces curly leaf lettuce
• 7          cherry tomatoes, halved
• 14        cornichon pickles

1. Heat grill or indoor grill pan to medium heat. Toss pierogies with oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Remove.
2. In medium bowl, combine ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, onion, salt and pepper. Form into 14 equal sized patties.
3. Add patties to grill and cook 3-4 minutes per side. Add one slice of cheese to each during last minute of cooking to melt. Remove and cool slightly to handle.
4. To assemble: skewer one pierogy, flat-side down, then one piece of lettuce, tomato, pickle, burger and another pierogy, flat-side down, to sandwich it all together. Repeat with remaining ingredients.

Farmers Market Mini Pierogy Salad

Prep time: 12 minutes
Total time: 18 minutes
Servings: 4

• 1          box Mrs. T’s Mini Classic Cheddar Pierogies
• 1/2       cup white balsamic or cider vinegar
• 1          small garlic clove, crushed
• 1/4       teaspoon salt
• 1/4       teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/3       cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1          large tomato, coarsely chopped
• 1          medium cucumber, seeded, if necessary, and coarsely chopped
• 1/4       cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 4          ounces feta cheese, crumbled

1. Saute pierogies according to box directions; place in large bowl.
2. In small bowl, combine vinegar, garlic, salt and oregano; whisk in olive oil until well-blended.
3. Add tomato, cucumber, red onion, feta and vinaigrette to bowl with pierogies; toss to mix well.

Source: Mrs. T’s Pierogies

(Family Features) The big game is almost here: two teams, a room full of fans and a spread of fan-favorite foods to keep everybody going. Whether everyone's at your place or you're heading somewhere else to watch the game, you want to make sure the place is stocked with flavorful snacks that will wow the crowd.

This year, step up your game with clutch recipes loaded with bold flavor and plenty of heat.

One of the most popular party favorites is buffalo chicken dip. It is a must-have because it's creamy, cheesy and loaded with great-tasting buffalo flavor. Serve it up with fresh-cut celery or bell peppers, baby carrots, crackers and pita bread, and you'll add some kick to your sporty celebration. Plus, this recipe provides a way to include those traditional football flavors without the mess of hot wings.

A kick can make or break a game, and the right sauce can make or break your recipe. Not only is Frank's RedHot a game-day staple, it was the key ingredient in the first-ever buffalo wings back in 1964. It's an essential ingredient for any big game food lineup, so make sure you've got plenty on-hand.

Once you've got the dip prepared for kickoff, it's time to turn to something a little more unexpected. Round out your game-day lineup with an amazing flavor combination they won't see coming - something sweet, tangy and savory that brings just the right amount of heat: Sweet Chili Meatballs.

Bite-sized meatballs made with ginger, fresh cilantro, green onions and sweet chili sauce are baked before getting doused in even more sweet chili sauce, making them an irresistibly tasty addition to any game day spread. If the game heads into overtime, no need to worry because these meatballs will stay warm in the slow cooker all game long.

If you're looking for more big game tips and recipes to dazzle the crowd, check out franksredhot.com/recipes.

Buffalo Chicken Dip

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 1 package cream cheese (8 ounces), softened
• 1/2 cup Frank's RedHot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce or Buffalo Wings Sauce
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing
• 1/2 cup crumbled bleu cheese or other shredded cheese
• green onions, chopped (optional)

1. Heat oven to 350 F.
2. In shallow, 1-quart baking dish, combine all ingredients.
3. Bake 20 minutes, or until mixture is heated through. Stir.
4. Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired. Serve with tortilla chips, crackers and/or vegetables.

Sweet Chili Meatballs

• 1 pound lean ground turkey or ground beef
• 1/3 cup Japanese panko crumbs or bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup cilantro, finely chopped
• 3 green onions, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely minced
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 12 ounces Frank's RedHot Sweet Chili Sauce, divided

1. Heat oven to 350 F.
2. Mix ground meat, panko crumbs, cilantro, green onion, ginger, egg, salt and 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce. Form into one-inch meatballs.
3. Place meatballs on lightly greased baking sheets.
4. Bake 20 minutes, turning once halfway through. Put meatballs in slow cooker on warm.
5. With slow cooker on low to keep meatballs warm, pour remaining sweet chili sauce over meatballs. Gently stir to coat.

Source: Frank’s RedHot

This hearty casserole is full of meat, onion and cheeses, sitting on top of a crescent roll dough crust.  Add even more flavor and top your casserole with olives, green onions, lettuce, tomatoes and jalapenos with a side of sour cream, chips and salsa.

Burrito Bake

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 can (16oz) refried beans
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1 envelope taco seasoning
• 1 tube (8oz) refrigerated crescent rolls
• 1 bag (8oz) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 bag (8oz) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
• Optional toppings: chopped green pepper, shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes and sliced ripe olives

1. Preheat oven to 350°. In a large skillet, cook and crumble beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Add beans, onion and taco seasoning.
2. Unroll crescent roll dough. Press onto bottom and up the sides of a greased 13x9-in. baking dish; seal seams and perforations.
3. Spread beef mixture over crust; sprinkle with cheeses. Bake, uncovered, until golden brown, about 30 minutes. If desired, sprinkle with toppings.

Watch video to see how easy this recipe is!

Recipe adapted from Taste of Home.

Grilled Peppery Top Round Steak With Parmesan Asparagus
Bruschetta Burgers
Classic Beef Kabobs

(Family Features) - The satisfying sound of sizzling beef ... the one-of-a-kind aroma of steak on the grill ... is your mouth watering yet? Get ready to give in to temptation, because outdoor grilling season is here and you have more tantalizing beef choices than ever.

USDA guidelines identify 29 cuts of beef as lean, including many favorites, such as top sirloin, tenderloin and top round steaks, and 95% lean ground beef. That means there are more lean and nutrient-rich ways to satisfy the craving that only beef can answer. More ways to enjoy a meal that gives you the protein you need to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle.

So fire up the grill and let the flames of passion burn - because beef is the hottest thing going.

For more information about beef, visit www.BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com.

Beef on the Grill

• Grill beef over medium heat. Too high heat can cause the exterior to char before the interior reaches the desired doneness. Charring or overcooking beef is not recommended.
• Always cook burgers to 160°F, turning occasionally with a spatula - no pressing, please! Insert an instant-read thermometer directly from the side into the center of the burger to accurately determine the temperature. The color of cooked ground beef is not a reliable indicator of doneness.
• Turn steaks occasionally with tongs. Forks pierce the meat, and flavorful juices are lost. Use an instant-read thermometer inserted horizontally from the side into the center of steaks to determine doneness. The thermometer will register 145°F for medium rare, 160°F for medium steak doneness.

Grilled Peppery Top Round Steak With Parmesan Asparagus

Description

The satisfying sound of sizzling beef ... the one-of-a-kind aroma of steak on the grill ... is your mouth watering yet?

Ingredients

• 1 beef top round steak, cut 3/4 inch thick (about 1 pound)
• 1 pound asparagus, trimmed
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 3 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese
• Salt

Marinade

• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
• 2 large cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons steak seasoning blend
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper

Preparation

1. Combine marinade ingredients in medium bowl. Place beef steak and marinade in food-safe plastic bag; turn steak to coat. Close bag securely and marinate in refrigerator 6 hours or as long as overnight, turning occasionally.
2. Remove steak from marinade; discard marinade. Toss asparagus with oil. Place steak in center of grid over medium, ash-covered coals; arrange asparagus around steak. Grill steak, uncovered, 8 to 9 minutes for medium rare (145°F) doneness, turning occasionally. (Do not overcook.) Grill asparagus 6 to 10 minutes or until crisp-tender, turning occasionally. (Over medium heat on preheated gas grill, covered, steak 10 to 11 minutes; asparagus 8 to 12 minutes.)
3. Immediately sprinkle cheese over asparagus. Carve steak into thin slices. Season with salt, as desired. Serve with asparagus.

Preparation and Cooking Time

30 to 40 minutes

Marinate Time

6 hours or overnight

Calories: 238g | Total Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 64mg | Protein: 31g
Carbohydrates: 5g | Sodium: 272mg

Serves

4 servings

Notes, Tips & Suggestions:

This recipe is an excellent source of protein, niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, iron, selenium and zinc; and a good source of fiber.

Bruschetta Burgers

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons minced green onions
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• Salt and pepper
• 4 slices rustic crusty bread, cut 1/2 inch thick
• Olive oil

Bruschetta Topping:

• 3/4 cup chopped red tomatoes
• 1/2 cup chopped yellow tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon thinly sliced fresh basil
• 1/4 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Pepper

Preparation

1. Combine Bruschetta Topping ingredients in medium bowl; set aside.
2. Combine ground beef, cheese, green onions and garlic in medium bowl, mixing lightly but thoroughly. Lightly shape into four 1/2-inch thick patties.
3. Place patties on grid over medium, ash-covered coals. Grill, uncovered, 11 to 13 minutes (over medium heat on preheated gas grill, covered, 7 to 8 minutes), turning occasionally, until instant-read thermometer inserted horizontally into center registers 160°F.
4. Meanwhile brush both sides of bread slices with oil. About 3 minutes before burgers are done, place bread on grid. Grill until lightly toasted, turning once. Season burgers with salt and pepper, as desired. Place 1 burger on each bread slice; top each with 1/4 cup Bruschetta Topping. Serve open-faced.

Preparation and Cooking Time

30 to 35 minutes

Calories: 285g | Total Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 69mg | Protein: 29g
Carbohydrates: 23g | Sodium: 653mg

Serves

4 servings

Notes, Tips & Suggestions:

Cook's Tip: If using 95% lean ground beef, combine ground beef with 1/4 cup soft bread crumbs, 1 egg white and ingredients as directed above.

This recipe is an excellent source of protein, niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, iron, selenium and zinc; and a good source of iron.

Classic Beef Kabobs

Ingredients

• 1 pound well-trimmed boneless beef top sirloin or beef tenderloin steaks, cut 1 inch thick
• 8 ounces medium mushrooms
• 2 medium red, yellow or green bell peppers, cut into 1-inch pieces
• Salt

Seasoning

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano or 1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves, crushed
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Cucumber-Yogurt Sauce

• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 1/3 cup finely chopped seeded cucumber
• 2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon salt

Preparation

1. Cut beef steak into 1-1/4-inch pieces. Combine seasoning ingredients in large bowl. Add beef, mushrooms and bell pepper pieces; toss to coat.
2. Alternately thread beef and vegetable pieces evenly onto eight 12-inch metal skewers, leaving small spaces between pieces.
3. Place kabobs on grid over medium, ash-covered coals. Grill kabobs, covered, 7 to 9 minutes (over medium heat on preheated gas grill, covered, 9 to 11 minutes) for medium rare (145°F) to medium (160°F) doneness, turning once. Season kabobs with salt, as desired.
4. Meanwhile combine sauce ingredients in small bowl. Serve with kabobs.

Preparation and Cooking Time

30 to 35 minutes

Calories: 280g | Total Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 55mg | Protein: 31g
Carbohydrates: 9g | Sodium: 200mg

Serves

Makes 4 servings

Notes, Tips & Suggestions:

Cook's Tip: Eight 12-inch bamboo skewers may be substituted for metal skewers. Soak bamboo skewers in water 10 minutes before using; drain.

SOURCE: The Beef Checkoff