Cuisine: Beef

Woolworth’s Frito Pie

A Cult Classic
I was watching The Best Thing I Ever Ate on the Food Network last night with my daughter, Zoe. One of the chef’s favorite things is Frito Pie. She was very intrigued. I remember eating it as a child. One of the best ways to eat it, however, is to pour the chili right into a mini bag of Fritos and top with cheese. This is a great thing to eat if you are out at a football game somewhere cold.

As to the origin, some say Frito Pie was invented at Woolworth’s in Sante Fe, New Mexico. Corporate lore at Frito-Lay, however, say that Daisy Dean Doolin, mother of the guy who first bought the rights to market Fritos in 1932, not only perfected her son’s product, but also made it into a dish as a way to help market the crispy fried corn chips.

By Leslie Blythe

Dump and Bake French Onion Meatballs and Rice

Taking the timeless appeal of classic French onion soup, this casserole is an incredibly easy, weeknight-friendly dish. All the delicious flavors you love are here: buttery caramelized onions, rich beef broth, and savory Gruyère cheese. It's the perfect way to enjoy this iconic 18th-century Parisian creation as a comforting and quick meal on even your busiest evenings.

By Leslie Blythe

Classic Patty Melt

The Classic Patty Melt…
When a grilled cheese meets a hamburger.
The Bread should be sliced rye (seeded or seedless, depending on preference) is traditional and provides a subtle tang that balances the richness of the other ingredients. Some might opt for sourdough or even Texas toast, but classic rye offers a unique and essential flavor profile.
The Beef patty should be made from freshly ground chuck, ideally an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio. This ensures juiciness and flavor. They should be seasoned simply with salt and pepper, cooked on a hot griddle or cast-iron skillet to develop a beautiful sear and crust, while remaining juicy on the inside.
The Onions should be deeply caramelized. This is where the magic truly happens.
The Cheese must be melty and flavorful. The classic choice for a patty melt is Swiss cheese. I prefer a sharp cheddar. And then there are those people that like American cheese… Well, they are not invited to this party!
The Classic Patty Melt is stacked with meat, onions and cheese and then cooked until golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is fully melted and oozy.

By Leslie Blythe

Burger Bowls with House Sauce and Ranch Fries

My husband usually orders a burger and takes off the top of the bun. He loves this Hamburger Chopped Salad that they serve at Little Pub in Greenwich, CT. So when I saw this recipe for Burger Bowls with House Sauce and Ranch Fries, I knew I had to make it. It’s the ultimate burger bowl with crispy, ranch-seasoned waffle fries piled high with a juicy burger chunks and all your favorite fixings, finished with a signature house sauce drizzle. Oh, I also have made Pittsburgh Salad, with involves sliced steak, hard boiled eggs and fries.

By Leslie Blythe

Ragu Bianco (White Bolognese Sauce)

Unlike the classic red Bolognese, Ragu Bianco, or white Bolognese sauce, is a rich and flavorful Italian creation distinguished by the absence of tomatoes. Originating most likely in northern Italy, its three-hour simmer on the stovetop allows the subtle and nuanced flavors of the meat and other ingredients to truly meld and shine.

By Leslie Blythe

Stuffed Cabbage

A healthier take on a classic! This stuffed cabbage recipe uses lean ground beef and less sugar, resulting in a dish that's both delicious and lighter. The sauce beautifully melds with the cabbage rolls during baking, creating a depth of flavor you'll love.

By Leslie Blythe

Sweet and Spicy Grilled Flank Steak

Melissa Clark's Sweet and Spicy Grilled Flank Steak delivers a flavor explosion with minimal effort. Grill, slice, and serve with crusty bread and a simple salad – dinner perfection, made easy. I marinate the flank steak overnight for maximum flavor. 

By Leslie Blythe

Shepherd’s Pie with Colcannon

I saw this recipe for Shepherd's Pie with Colcannon from Diane Morrisey. Adding Colcannon on top of shepherd's pie is rather brilliant in my opinion. Colcannon is a traditional Irish dish of creamy mashed potatoes mixed with cabbage, or kale and onions. This version adds leeks as well. It's just really good and takes shepherd's pie to a whole new level. And yes, I know it's usually lamb, but not on my watch! (I do not like lamb! Not sure how I survived living in the UK for years...)

By Leslie Blythe

Steak au Poivre Pasta

Craving something extraordinary? Steak au Poivre Pasta delivers. Tender steak, bold peppercorn, creamy cognac sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta – a luxurious indulgence in every bite.

By Leslie Blythe

French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

By Leslie Blythe