Good Living Guide

Dinner

American Chop Suey

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American Chop Suey is a classic comfort food. Because it’s a budget-friendly and adaptable one-pot dish, it’s a popular option for an easy weeknight meal.

American Chop Suey

This dish goes by so many different names. You may know it by Goulash, Johnny Marzetti, Macaroni Red, Goulash, Johnny Marzetti, Macaroni Red, Slumgullion, Chili Mac, Hamburger Casserole Slumgullion, Chili Mac, Hamburger Casserole or Beefaroni. But whatever you call it, you won’t be disappointed by the abundance of flavors in this beloved American meal!

What’s In American Chop Suey?

The core ingredients consist of ground beef, sautéed onions, a hearty tomato sauce and tender elbow macaroni. However, there are many regional variations. In addition to our favorite blend of ingredients, many choose to add green pepper, mushrooms and even cheese. Since it’s a flexible and forgiving recipe, you have the liberty to add your personal favorites to the base ingredients.

American Chop Suey

Origin Of The Name?

First of all, this dish has nothing to do with Chinese food in any way. In Cantonese, the character for chop suey is tsaâp suì, meaning “mixed bits.” There is a belief that the take-out dish was invented by a Chinese chef in the United States. Because it’s made out of mixed bits, he named it tsaâp suì. The Cantonese pronunciation was later converted to chop suey by Americans. Eventually, the dish evolved into an Italian-American staple. However, there does not seem to be a consensus on the exact origin of the dish or its name.

American Chop Suey
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American Chop Suey

American Chop Suey is a classic comfort food. Because it's a budget-friendly and adaptable one-pot dish, it's a popular option for an easy weeknight meal.

Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Keyword american chop suey
Author Good Living Guide

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. According to the directions on the box, cook the elbow macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

  2. Brown the ground beef and onion on medium-high heat until no pink remains. Drain grease.

  3. Add the garlic and cook over medium heat for about 1 minute.

  4. Stir in the Italian seasoning, tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, water, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper until the mixture begins to boil. Then simmer for approximately 20 minutes.

  5. Stir in the elbow macaroni to the mixture and serve hot.

Recipe Notes

We prefer to serve with French bread and a side salad. 

American Chop Suey

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Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats

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Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats

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These savory Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats are healthy, easy to make and low carb (keto approved). This recipe is a perfect way to add vegetables to your diet WITHOUT sacrificing taste! They are loaded with flavor and make delicious main courses or appetizers.

Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats

What are Zucchini Boats?

Zucchini Boats are created by slicing a zucchini in half lengthwise and hollowing it out with a spoon. This essentially creates a “boat” for you to fill up the zucchini with your favorite ingredients.

I have found that zucchini is a perfect vessel for stuffing any kind of cheese, meats, or dips into. I regularly choose it over chips, breads, and crackers because it’s a much healthier alternative.

Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats

How do you make Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats?

Once you’ve made your “boat”, then combine chicken, cream cheese, ranch seasoning, ¼ cup buffalo wing sauce and ¼ cup cheese in a stand mixer.

Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Next, spoon the mixture into the zucchini boats, pressing down. Pile extra mixture on top until the boats are overflowing slightly. Add the remaining cheese and buffalo sauce over the top.

Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Now it’s time to bake for 15 to 20 minutes. You will know it is done when the cheese is melted and the zucchini tender.

Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats

How do you make the Blue Cheese Sauce?

In a food processor, blend the blue cheese crumbles and the heavy whipping cream until thick. For the next step, slowly add milk until a desired consistency is reached. Now you are ready to serve your Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats!

Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats
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Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats

These savory and tangy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats are healthy, easy to make and low carb (keto approved). This recipe is a perfect way to add vegetables to your diet WITHOUT sacrificing taste! They are loaded with flavor and make a delicious meal or appetizer.
Course Main Course
Author Good Living Guide

Ingredients

Blue Cheese Sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

  2. Slice zucchini in half lengthwise and scoop out the middle of the vegetable with a spoon leaving about 1/2 inch along the outside creating a “boat.” NOTE: If you prefer the zucchini to be soft when serving, bake the zucchini boat for 5 to 10 minutes prior to stuffing.

    Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats

  3. In a stand mixer, combine the chicken, cream cheese, ranch seasoning, ¼ cup buffalo wing sauce and ¼ cup cheese.

    Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats

  4. Spoon the mixture into the zucchini boats, pressing down. Pile extra mixture on top until the boats are overflowing slightly. Add the remaining cheese and buffalo sauce over the top.

    Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats

  5. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and zucchini is tender. 

    Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Blue Cheese Sauce

  1. In a food processor, blend the blue cheese crumbles and heavy whipping cream until thick. Slowly add the milk until the desired consistency is reached. Serve with zucchini boats.

    Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats

We hope you get the chance to try this easy and delicious recipe. It sure is a great way to use up all those garden zucchinis. If you are looking for a low carb, high protein dinner option, then this is certainly the right meal for you! In the meantime, please check out some of our other recipes.

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White Bean and Farro Salad

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This healthy White Bean and Farro Salad is packed with flavor and hearty enough for a main course. What makes it special is Farro, my new favorite grain! It’s a delicious and chewy whole grain with a mild nutty flavor. It has more protein and fiber than wheat and is especially rich in magnesium and B vitamins. I love it so much that I have been using it as a replacement over rice and pasta.

White Bean and Farro Salad

This quick and easy salad recipe has only six ingredients. The ease of preparation is sure to make your hectic day a little less stressful.

white bean and farro salad

You will want to follow the instructions that come with the specific Farro you purchase. Most directions will say to add Farro and water in a pot and bring to a boil. Then you will want to reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer anywhere from 25-40 minutes. The Farro should be tender and all of the liquid should be absorbed.

Although it’s not necessary, you can speed up the cooking time of Farro by soaking it beforehand. Simply add enough cold water to submerge the grain completely, put a lid on it, and then refrigerate for 8-24 hours.

White Bean and Farrow Salad

Four pantry ingredients is all it takes to make the easiest Red Wine Vinaigrette ever. This classic vinaigrette recipe is super versatile, only takes a few minutes to whisk together, and always tastes delicious! To save time, I prepare it while the Farro is cooking.

White Bean and Farro Salad

Now it’s time to add the Farro, white beans, kale, feta cheese, dried cranberries, and pepitas in a large mixing bowl.

White Bean and Farro Salad

Toss until mixed, pour the vinaigrette over the salad, toss again and then enjoy this fantastic White Bean and Farro Salad!

White Bean and Farro Salad

White Bean and Farrow Salad
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White Bean and Farro Salad with Red Wine Vinaigrette

This healthy White Bean and Farro Salad is packed with flavor and hearty enough for a main course. What makes it special is Farro, a delicious and chewy whole grain with a mild nutty flavor. 

Author Good Living Guide

Ingredients

Salad

  • 1 cup uncooked Farro
  • 1 can white beans drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup kale torn small by hand
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup pepitas
  • 4 ounces feta crumbled

Dressing

  • 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried parsley
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare 1 cup Farro as directed in the package.

    White Bean and Farrow Salad

  2. While Farro is cooking, prepare dressing. 

    White Bean and Farrow Salad

  3. Add all dressing ingredients to a small mixing bowl. Whisk until well combined and refrigerate.

    White Bean and Farrow Salad

  4. When Farro is done, rinse with cold water until cool.

    White Bean and Farrow Salad

  5. In a large mixing bowl, add Farro, beans, kale, feta*, cranberries, and pepitas. 

    White Bean and Farrow Salad

  6. Toss until mixed.

    White Bean and Farrow Salad

  7. Pour dressing over salad, toss again and serve.

    White Bean and Farrow Salad

Recipe Notes

*If making the night before, leave out feta until right before serving.

white bean and farro salad

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The Very Best Soup Recipes

The Very Best Soup Recipes

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Is there anything better than a piping hot bowl of soup? The aroma of homemade soup is certainly one of life’s greatest comforts. And according to scientific research, soup can help you lose weight because of its unique ability to curb hunger. Whether you’re in the mood for something decadent and creamy or healthy and full of nutrients, we have compiled a mouth-watering collection of The Very Best Soup Recipes.

The Very Best Soup Recipes

Creamy Italian Quinoa Soup from Platings and Pairings

Creamy Italian Quinoa Soup

Creamy Chicken Kale Soup from I Heart Umami

Creamy Chicken Kale Soup

Cabbage Roll Soup from Canadian Cooking Adventures

Cabbage Roll Soup

Greek Lemon Rice and Chicken Soup from Tastefulventure

Greek Lemon Rice and Chicken Soup

Roasted Poblano, Sweet Corn and Potato Stoup from Iowa Girl Eats

Roasted Poblano, Sweet Corn and Potato Stoup

French Onion Soup from Tastes Better From Scratch

French Onion Soup

Winter Detox Moroccan Sweet Potato Lentil Soup from Little Spice Jar

Winter Detox Moroccan Sweet Potato Lentil Soup

Creamy Roasted Cauliflower Soup from Cookie and Kate

Creamy Roasted Cauliflower Soup

Cajun Pumpkin Soup from Avant Garde Vegan

Cajun Pumpkin Soup

Loaded Broccoli Potato Soup from Lil’ Luna

Loaded Broccoli Potato Soup

Cream of Reuben Soup from An Affair From The Heart

Cream of Reuben Soup

Crockpot Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup from Chelsea’s Messy Apron

Crockpot Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup

Spicy White Cheddar Beer Cheese Soup from A Flavor Journal

Spicy White Cheddar Beer Cheese Soup

Steak and Ale Soup with Mushrooms from The Cozy Apron

Steak and Ale Soup with Mushrooms

Cold-Fighting Couscous Chicken Soup from Soup Addict

Cold-Fighting Couscous Chicken Soup

Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup from Small Town Woman

Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup

Creamy Asiago Chicken and Mushroom Tortellini Soup from Closet Cooking

White Wine Chicken Stew Recipe from The Cookie Rookie

White Wine Chicken Stew Recipe

Creamy Spinach Artichoke Soup from Modern Honey

Creamy Spinach Artichoke Soup

20-Minute Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Soup from Gimme Some Oven

20-Minute Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Soup

Copycat Panera Chicken & Wild Rice Soup from Wishes and Dishes

Copycat Panera Chicken & Wild Rice Soup

Chicken Pot Pie Soup from Kitchen Dreaming

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Cheeseburger Soup from Kitchen Fun with my 3 Sons

Cheeseburger Soup

One Pot Lasagna Soup from I Heart Naptime

One Pot Lasagna Soup

Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup from Cafe Delites

Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup

Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup from Cooking Classy

Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

Weight Loss Vegetable Soup from Spend with Pennies

Weight Loss Vegetable Soup

Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup from The Recipe Critic

Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Baked Potato Soup from Spend with Pennies

Baked Potato Soup

Easy Hamburger Soup from Spend with Pennies

Easy Hamburger Soup

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Thai Chicken Dinner

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Thai Chicken Dinner

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Instead of ordering takeout, I much prefer making this Thai Chicken Dinner at home. It’s a healthy meal with simple ingredients and the result is tender, moist and sticky chicken thighs packed with delicious flavor!

Thai Chicken Dinner

Thai Chicken Dinner
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Thai Chicken Dinner

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

  2. In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup, honey, soy sauce, and garlic until combined.

  3. Set the sauce mixture aside.

  4. Chop up the asparagus and place in a large bowl with the broccoli and carrots.

    Thai Chicken Dinner Vegetables

  5. Toss 1/4 cup sauce in with the veggies until coated.

  6. Spray baking dish with PAM spray and pour veggies in the dish.

  7. Place the chicken thighs on top of the veggies.

  8. Brush the remaining sauce on the chicken with a BBQ brush until all covered. Sprinkle a little bit of sesame seeds on top.

    Thai Chicken Dinner Thighs

  9. Place in the oven for 30-40 minutes.

  10. At 35 minutes check the chicken and if its not crunchy on top, pull off the chicken and place on a cookie sheet.

  11. Add more sauce to the chicken.

  12. Turn the oven to low broil, and then place the chicken back in the oven for 10-15 minutes.

  13. Once the chicken is to your desired crispiness, take out of the oven and let cool for 5 minutes.

  14. Serve and enjoy!

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Sheet Pan Jambalaya

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This Sheet Pan Jambalaya is chock-full of bold, zesty, Creole flavors that everyone will love. I made it for a family reunion recently, and everyone was going back for seconds and thirds.

Sheet Pan Cajun Jambalaya

Jambalaya is an exceptionally popular dish that has French and Spanish influence. It consists of meat, rice and vegetables and, let’s be real—it’s straight up comfort food!

Sheet Pan Cajun Jambalaya

I agree with Mark Twain when he said, “New Orleans food is as delicious as the less criminal forms of sin.”

Sheet Pan Cajun Jambalaya

Sheet Pan Jambalaya
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Sheet Pan Jambalaya

A heavenly jumble of smoky sausage, chicken, bell peppers and rice.
Author Good Living Guide

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. 

  2. Line a very large sheet pan with foil.

  3. Remove the stem and seeds and chop the bell peppers into small pieces. 

  4. Thinly slice the onion. 

  5. Slice the sausage into rounds.

  6. Slice your chicken in half to make thinner and then slice into small chunks. 

  7. Place the peppers, onion, chicken and sausage on a large sheet pan. 

  8. Toss with 2 tablespoons olive oil, and 1/2 teaspoon creole seasoning. 

  9. Toss and bake for 12 minutes.

  10. Take the sheet pan from the oven and add in the tomatoes. Cook for another 6-8 minutes. 

  11. Remove from the oven and add the rice.

  12. Toss and then place back in the oven for 2 more minutes.

  13. Remove from the oven.

  14. Sprinkle with fresh green onions.

We hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we did and that you get the chance to try it out soon!

sheet pan jambalaya

 

Instant Pot Carne Asada Street Tacos

Olive Garden Copycat Fonduta

 

 

Instant Pot Carne Asada Street Tacos

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These Carne Asada Street Tacos are incredibly delicious and so easy to make! The marinade is what gives them the authentic “street” taco flavor!

Instant Pot Carne Asada Street Tacos

Why wait for a food festival or street fair when you can make these wonderful Carne Asada Street Tacos in the comfort of your own home?

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Instant Pot Carne Asada Street Tacos


Ingredients

  • 2 lbs Beef Bottom Round Roast sliced into 1/4 pieces
  • 1/2 cup Onion finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup Pico de Gallo
  • 1/2 cup Lime Juice
  • 1/4 cup Lemon Juice
  • 1/4 cup Orange Juice
  • 1/4 cup Soy Sauce
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1 tsp Garlic chopped
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 tbsp Chile Powder
  • 1 tsp Cumin
  • 1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper
  • 1/4 cup Onion chopped (for the topping)
  • Cilantro
  • Corn Tortillas

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the lime juice, lemon juice, orange juice, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, chopped garlic, salt, chile powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper.

  2. Place steak into bowl and let it marinate for 3 hours.

  3. Once marinated, cut the steak into 1/4 in pieces.

  4. Turn on your Instant Pot to sauté.

  5. Add the oil and 1/2 cup of onions and sauté for 2 minutes, stirring a few times.

  6. Turn off Instant Pot.

  7. Add meat to Instant Pot and set to meat/stew.

  8. Adjust down to 6 minutes.

  9. Allow pressure to cook for 15 minutes.

  10. Once done, pull meat out and set in a bowl.

  11. Grab some cilantro leaves and chop.

  12. Add cilantro to the 1/4 cup of onions and mix.

  13. Take a tortilla and scoop some meat onto it as well as the onion, cilantro mix and pico de gallo. Enjoy!

Instant Pot Carne Asada Street Tacos

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Taco Pasta in the Instant Pot is one my family’s new favorite dinner meals. With simple ingredients and quick cook time you can get dinner on the table so fast.

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