Patio Baked Beans

I found this recipe in my good old Star Valley Cook Of The Week Cookbook. Aaron's grandmother's twin sister compiled this book years ago. It was the book my mom had and I used as a kid learning to bake cookies. I love to cook out of this book as much for the nostalgia as the yummy things I find there.



1 can tomato soup (concentrate)
1 can red kidney beans
1/4 c brown sugar
1 T prepared mustard
1 lb hamburger
1 medium sized chopped onion
4 or 5 strips cooked bacon*

Brown the hamburger and onion lightly. Season with salt and pepper and combine all other ingredients with hamburger. Put the bacon strips on the top. Bake uncovered 350 degrees for 30 to 45 minutes.

When I made this I did not read the directions very well so I left the bacon uncooked. It cooked while baking and added a lot of flavor to the beans - however it was not done enough for my liking. Next time I will cook the bacon lightly.

Pepperoni Pasta Casserole

1 (16 oz) curly noodles
1 can spaghetti sauce
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
1 pkg. pepperoni
Mozzarella cheese
Italian seasoning

Place cooked noodles in 9x13 pan. Mix spaghetti sauce and tomato sauce together and pour over noodles. Add pepperoni and italian seasoning on top. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake @ 350 for 20-25 minutes or until cheese is melted. If I am in a hurry I will add all ingredients to a large pan and simmer until heated through and then add cheese and let melt.

Kids Casserole - the original recipe

Hamburger, browned
Large can spahgettiOs
1 can chili con carne
1 can tomato soup
1 can corn, drained
1 T taco seasoning

Mix all together and add Ceddar cheese on top. Cook in microwave for 15 to 20 minutes. Top with crushed Doritos.

Kids Casserole

Hamburger, browned
1 can chili
1 can tomato soup
1 can corn, drained
1 T taco seasoning
spaghetti sauce (for this I like to use 1 can diced tomatoes, 1 can tomato sauce and 1 packet of Spaghetti sauce mix)
1 1/2 cup instant rice

Cook rice according to package directions. In seperate pan mix remaining ingredients. Heat through. Add cooked rice and serve.

I have to admit that this recipe sounds a little, well, gross. The first time I tried it was actually out of morbid curiousity because I didn't think that putting those ingredients together could actually be good. Well, I was pleasently surprised and it's now one of our favorite meals. I did make some adjustments to the original recipe so I've included that too - you can decide which you like better.