Brennon’s Instant Pot Taco Soup

 Ingredients:

• 2 lbs. Lean Ground Beef    
• 1 medium yellow onion (diced)
• 1 - 15 oz can kernel corn (rinsed & drained) or 1 cup frozen
• 1 - 15 oz can pinto beans (rinsed & drained)
• 1 - 15 oz can black beans (rinsed & drained)
• 1 - 31 oz can H‑E‑B borracho beans (w/juice)
• 2 - 10 oz cans Rotel tomatoes (w/juice)  
• 1 - 7 oz can green chilis (w/juice)
• 1 pkg taco seasoning (about 1/4 cup) 
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1 pkg dry ranch dressing (optional, but highly recommended)
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 4 cups chicken or beef broth
• chopped cilantro (optional)

Garnishes (optional)

• sour cream
• grated cheese
• diced avocado 
• tortilla chips/strips
• diced red onion
• diced jalapeños 

Directions:

1. Turn the pressure cooker to the sauté setting. After the pot is heated, add the ground beef and cook for several minutes. 
2. Add diced onion, taco seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt & pepper. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until meat is done. 
3. Add the ranch packet (if using), 1 can of the Rotel tomatoes, the green chilies, the lime juice & the broth. Stir well. Cover the pot until the mixture comes to a simmer, then add all beans and stir well. 
4. Add the other can of Rotel tomatoes, but don’t stir. Place the lid on the pot and lock in place. Turn the steam release knob to the sealing position. 
5. Cancel the sauté mode and set the pot to cook at high pressure for 6 minutes. 
6. When the cooking cycle has finished, allow natural release for 15 minutes. Then turn the steam release knob to venting to release the rest of the pressure. 
7. After the pressure is fully released, remove the lid and stir the contents well. 
8. Add corn and cilantro, stir well, and allow to sit for several minutes until the corn gets hot. 
9. Serve with any/all garnishes if desired. 

Brennon’s Texas Chili

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef (any/all of ground/chili/stew)
• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 2 tsp paprika
• 3 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 2 tsp granulated garlic
• 1/2 cup chili powder
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tbs dried onion flakes
• 8 oz can tomato sauce
• 1 cup beer of choice
• 1 1/2 cup beef or chicken broth
• 1 tsp cayenne (optional)
• 1 jalapeno pepper, halved and deseeded (optional)

Directions:

1. Combine meat, onion, and half the spices in a heavy skillet or Dutch oven. Saute over medium high heat until meat is mostly browned and onion is tender - about 10 minutes.
2. Add tomato sauce, beer, broth, and second half of spices. Add 1/4 tablespoon of cayenne pepper. Bring chili to boil and reduce to simmer. Cover and cook for 30 minutes to 1 hour or until meat is tender and flavors have developed. If using cayenne, add in 1/4 teaspoon increments until desired heat level is reached.

Lone Star Barbecue Sauce

Ingredients:

• 16 oz can tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup beer
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbs brown sugar (or turbinado)
• 1/2 fresh onion - pureed, or 2 tbs onion powder
• 6 fresh garlic cloves, minced or 1 tbs garlic powder
• 2 tbs Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbs coarse black pepper
• 1 tbs paprika
• 1 tsp Tobasco sauce
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp dry mustard
• 1 tsp liquid smoke
• 1 tsp salt

Directions:

1. Combine ingredients in a saucepan.
2. Simmer about 25-30 minutes.
3. Puree in blender to bring out all the flavors.

Bacon Cheeseburger Dip

Ingredients:

• 1/2 pound ground beef
• 8 bacon strips (cut into chunks)
• 1/2 onion (diced)
• 1 clove garlic
• 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
• 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup mozzarella (shredded)
• 1/2 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
2. Cook ground beef then drain
3. Cook bacon until crispy (drain but keep 1 1/2 tablespoons grease in pan)
4. Saute onion and garlic in grease
5. In a large bowl, mix the cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, cheese, worcestershire and ketchup. Add beef, bacon, onions and garlic to mixture and stir until combined.
6. Pour into baking dish and back for 15 - 20 minutes

Outback Steakhouse Tiger Dill Sauce (CopyKat)

Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 3 teaspoons prepared horseradish
• 3/4 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon dill weed

Directions:

1. Blend all together and serve with any beef dish. This is better if left to set overnight. 

Yield: approx. 1 cup

Cajun Alfredo Pasta

Ingredients:

• 2 lb. boneless skinless chicken breast - OR - 2 lb. shrimp (tailless, peeled & deveined)
• Tony's creole seasoning (to taste)
• 1 stick butter
• 1 cup chopped green onions
• 1 1/2 tbsp. olive oil
• 2 tsp. garlic powder
• 1 cup diced tomatoes 
• 1 cup (or more) heavy cream
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 tub Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg yolk
• ?? linguine

Directions:

1. Get all ingredients ready, because the recipe goes together quickly once the shrimp/chicken is cooked.
2. Toss the shrimp/chicken in the creole seasoning and set aside.
3. Fill a pan with water adding salt to season the pasta. When water boils, add water and cook until al dente.
4. While pasta is cooking, heat a skillet with the olive oil and butter inside. Add the garlic powder when the butter has melted, cook for about 1 to 2 minutes.
5. Add 1/2 cup of the onions and cook for another minute then add the shrimp/chicken. Cook for about 3 to 5 minutes or until the shrimp turns pink.
6. When the shrimp has cooked add the cream and more creole seasoning. Bring this to a simmer then turn the heat down to medium low.
7. Add the cheese, egg yolk, and the tomatoes. Heat until the sauce thickens. The heat needs to be low to keep the egg from curdling.
8. When the sauce has thickened add the other 1/2 cup of onions and the drained pasta. Toss unil the pasta is coated. Garnish with extra diced tomatoes and cheese if desired.

Slow-Cooker Tuscan Beef Stew

Ingredients:

• 1 can (10 3/4 oz) Campbell's Tomato Soup
• 1 can Campbell's Condensed Beef Broth
• 1/2 cup red wine
• 2 lb. beef for stew
• 1 can diced Italian style tomatoes
• 3 large carrots, cut into 1" pieces
• 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
• 2 cans white kidney beans

Directions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a crock pot and cook until beef is tender.