Costco Connection - December 2010

Cowboy Meatloaf and
Potato Casserole

11⁄ 2 pounds lean ground beef
3⁄ 4 cup frozen chopped onions, thawed
1⁄ 3 cup seasoned bread crumbs
1 egg, slightly beaten
1⁄ 4 cup barbeque sauce
1 packet ( 1. 25 ounces) taco seasoning
1⁄ 2 teaspoon salt
1 bag ( 24 ounces) frozen cut russet potatoes
2⁄ 3 cup evaporated milk
1 tablespoon butter
1⁄ 2 cup real crumbled bacon
1⁄ 2 cup French-fried onions
Salt and ground black pepper
1 cup shredded Mexican 4-cheese blend

Preheat oven to 375 F.

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, onions, bread crumbs, egg, barbeque sauce, taco seasoning and 1⁄ 2 teaspoon salt. Mix thoroughly, then gently press into bottom of a 9-inch-square baking pan. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until cooked through. Carefully pour off drippings.

Meanwhile, microwave potatoes according to package directions. In a medium bowl, mash cooked potatoes with milk and butter. Stir in bacon and fried onions. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Spread over meatloaf to the edges of the pan; sprinkle with cheese. Return to oven for 15 minutes. Slice and serve. Makes 6 servings.

Sweet Potatoes with Pumpkin Pie Spice and Golden Raisins

Nonstick cooking spray
1 can ( 29 ounces) cut sweet potatoes, drained
1 cup golden raisins
1⁄ 2 cup packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons curry powder
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1⁄ 2 teaspoon salt
1⁄ 4 cup sliced almonds or pistachios
2 tablespoons butter

Preheat oven to 350 F. Lightly spray a 1-quart casserole dish with cooking spray; set aside.

In a large bowl, combine sweet potatoes and golden raisins; set aside.

In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, curry powder, pumpkin pie spice and salt. Stir into sweet potatoes until well mixed.

Transfer to prepared casserole dish. Top with sliced almonds or pistachios and dot with butter. Bake for 30 minutes. Makes 4 servings.

Sesame Green Beans

2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil

2 teaspoons canola oil

1 box ( 10 ounces) frozen green beans, thawed and drained

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted

In a large heavy skillet, heat sesame oil and canola oil over medium-high heat. Stir in the beans. Cook beans about 10 minutes or until the beans are slightly browned. Stir in soy sauce.