Burger and Fries Soup

I have a hard time swallowing the whole "rest and take it easy" prescription. It usually takes landing in the ER, like yesterday (mastitis), to get me to slow down. And, even that only seems to work for a couple of days. That being said, I had every intention of being the ultimate pregnancy-prepper this time around so that I COULD finally attempt to follow said advice BEFORE I landed in the doctor's office. The house would be cleaned spotless. Christmas would have been wrapped neatly under the tree. And, I would have a freezer full of meals ready for the Mr. to just reheat in the oven.

Bits and pieces of those goals materialized. Sadly, the freezer full of food did not. So, in the aftermath of adding a fifth child to our brood, I have been in search of some quick, easy recipes that don't sacrifice the yumminess factor. Here's a recipe that I threw together in no time flat that shot straight to the top of the charts on the list of the Mr.'s favorite meals.

Burger and Fries Soup

1 lb mild Italian ground sausage

1 medium sweet onion, diced

2 garlic cloves, minced

3 Tbs all-purpose flour

2 1/2 C whole milk

1 lb russet potatoes, peeled and diced

1 (10 oz) can original Ro*Tel, drained

1 1/2 C Water

1 Tbs beef bouillon granules

12 oz jalapeno Velveeta, cubed

6 pieces of bacon, cooked & crumbled

A couple of slices of artisan bread or French bread, cubed (for crouton topping)

Shredded medium cheddar for garnishing

Preheat oven to 350*. On a baking sheet, place the cubed bread (I prefer Whole Foods black pepper parmesan bread). Put in the oven for 5-10 minutes until toasted, and golden. Remove from oven; set aside.

In a large stock pot, over medium heat, brown sausage along with the onion 6-8 minutes. Add the garlic, and cook 1 minute longer. Add flour; stir until blended. Gradually add milk, stirring to combine. Add potatoes, Ro*Tel, water, and bouillon; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer, covered, for 15-20 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Then, add Velveeta, stirring until melted. 

Serve topped with bacon, cheese, and toasted croutons.

This recipe is so hearty, flavorful, and with just enough spice to clear out those stuffy noses riddled with winter colds. It is one of the best soups I've ever made, and oh-so-easy! 

Here are a couple of Pinterest finds that we've tried over the last couple of weeks that were also home-runs with even the pickiest of kiddos around here...

This Buffalo Chicken Chili is a Crock-Pot recipe. My family recipe chili is just too spicy for the kids. But, this new spin on chili has just enough spice to satisfy the adults while still making it palatable for the younger set. And, the blue cheese crumbles on top just seal the deal!

Cheryl's Fancy Pants Chicken might have a silly name, but this casserole of sorts has a very serious mouthwatering factor. I could eat this for days on end, and it will definitely make it into our regular rotation of favorite meals. Chicken. Mushrooms. Cheese. Prosciutto. Spinach. YUM. Plus, it's of the throw-it-in-a-baking-dish-and-it's-done simplistic meals variety.

So, if you find yourself in need of some quick meals... you really don't need to resort to racing to the closest McDonald's, or phoning in your 3rd pizza delivery order of the week. Simple, yet delicious meals are totally feasible, and right at your fingertips! Bon appetite!