Main Dishes Archives | https://thisfarmwife.com/category/recipes/main-dishes/ Cooking, farm life, recipes Tue, 06 Jan 2026 13:16:25 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0.5 Classic Vegetable Beef Soup https://thisfarmwife.com/classic-vegetable-beef-soup/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=classic-vegetable-beef-soup Sat, 03 Jan 2026 00:33:41 +0000 https://thisfarmwife.com/?p=1733 This classic vegetable beef soup always hit the spot for me as a kid and still does today! Use this base to make it your own. This recipe is very forgiving – use what you’ve got! It’s an excellent opportunity to use leftover vegetables or throw together all of those small pieces of frozen veggies […]

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This classic vegetable beef soup always hit the spot for me as a kid and still does today! Use this base to make it your own. This recipe is very forgiving – use what you’ve got! It’s an excellent opportunity to use leftover vegetables or throw together all of those small pieces of frozen veggies you have left in the freezer. Any way you make it, it will be good with these few base ingredients I have listed. Just don’t skip the beef broth or seasoning. Ok, happy cookin’ y’all!

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Classic Vegetable Beef Soup

Author Meredith Bernard

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 package frozen vegetables for soup
  • 1 jar pasta sauce Can substitute 1 can stewed tomatoes + 1 8oz jar tomato sauce
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning I prefer Santa Maria seasoning
  • ½ cup elbow noodles *Optional

Instructions

  • Brown ground beef (drain if desired.)
  • Add all other ingredients, except for pasta.
  • Simmer on medium low heat until veggies cooked through. Stir occasionally.
  • Turn off heat, add noodles and serve once noodles cooked through. (5-10 minutes).

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The Best Marinated Venison Loin Recipe https://thisfarmwife.com/the-best-marinated-venison-loin-recipe/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-best-marinated-venison-loin-recipe Wed, 24 Dec 2025 23:00:12 +0000 https://thisfarmwife.com/?p=1725 Have a venison loin? Cook it this way and be so glad you did! Seriously, so good. If your loin is really big, you’ll want to double (or triple the recipe) and let it marinate at least 24 hours. Honestly, the longer the better. Happy cookin’!

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Have a venison loin? Cook it this way and be so glad you did! Seriously, so good. If your loin is really big, you’ll want to double (or triple the recipe) and let it marinate at least 24 hours. Honestly, the longer the better. Happy cookin’!

venison loin recipe
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Author Meredith Bernard

Ingredients

Marinade

  • 1 to 2 lbs venison backstrap
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 5 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper

Instructions

  • Prepare the marinade. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, fresh rosemary, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  • Marinate the venison. Place the venison backstrap in a resealable bag or a shallow dish and pour the marinade over it. Massage the marinade into the meat to ensure it’s evenly coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for 4 hrs or overnight.
  • Smoke or sear in skillet and then bake at 350 until 135 internal, check after 5-7 minutes. Medium rare.

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Hot Ham and Cheese Rolls Recipe https://thisfarmwife.com/hot-ham-and-cheese-rolls-recipe/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=hot-ham-and-cheese-rolls-recipe Wed, 24 Dec 2025 17:01:03 +0000 https://thisfarmwife.com/?p=1721 These rolls are going to be your new best friend! Perfect as a pair for soup or served alone as a quick, easy meal or perfect handheld appetizer. These can’t be beat with a stick, y’all! Let me know what you think. Happy cookin’! xx, mb

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These rolls are going to be your new best friend! Perfect as a pair for soup or served alone as a quick, easy meal or perfect handheld appetizer. These can’t be beat with a stick, y’all! Let me know what you think. Happy cookin’! xx, mb

ham cheese rolls recipe card
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Hot Ham and Cheese Rolls

Author Meredith Bernard

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 stick butter (ie. ½ cup)
  • 3 tbsp mustard
  • 3 tbsp poppy seeds
  • 1 small onion, chopped fine
  • 1 tsp worcestershire sauce
  • 1 pack small pepperidge farm or Hawaiian rolls
  • 8-10 slices deli ham
  • 8-10 slices cheese (swiss, provolone, mozzarella, etc.)

Instructions

  • Combine first five ingredients on stove. Once butter is melted, turn off heat.
  • Cut rolls in half, place on large sheet of foil and spread butter mixture evenly on both halves of rolls.
  • Layer meat and cheese on one side of rolls and top with other half.
  • Wrap rolls in foil and bake at 400 for 10-15 minutes, until heated through.
  • Carefully remove from oven, uncover and cut rolls completely for easy handling. (I like to use a large serrated bread knife for cutting them.)
  • Enjoy!

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Easy Homemade Sloppy Joes https://thisfarmwife.com/easy-homemade-sloppy-joes/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=easy-homemade-sloppy-joes Wed, 10 Dec 2025 16:38:38 +0000 https://thisfarmwife.com/?p=1691 Everyone needs a good sloppy joe recipe in their rotation and I’ve got one for you! Skip the store bought stuff, this is too easy and too good not to make homemade.Thanks for watching! Until next time, Happy Cooking…xx, mb

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Everyone needs a good sloppy joe recipe in their rotation and I’ve got one for you! Skip the store bought stuff, this is too easy and too good not to make homemade.Thanks for watching! Until next time, Happy Cooking…xx, mb

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Easy Homemade Sloppy Joes

This recipe is easily doubled.
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Keyword beef, easy, hamburger, one skillet, weeknight meal
Servings 4 people
Author Meredith Bernard

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 small onion, chopped
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • Salt to taste
  • 8 oz tomato sauce
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar

Instructions

  • Brown ground beef, drain and add seasonings.
  • Add tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar and simmer about 15 minutes on low. Stir to keep from sticking. Sauce will thicken.
  • Serve on buttered and toasted buns, top with cheese if you prefer.
  • Enjoy!

Video

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Classic Hamburger Steak and Gravy https://thisfarmwife.com/classic-hamburger-steak-and-gravy/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=classic-hamburger-steak-and-gravy Fri, 05 Dec 2025 21:59:26 +0000 https://thisfarmwife.com/?p=1685 This is another “fam favorite” around here…classic hamburger steak and gravy. Watch to end of video (or read instructions well!) to see how I made the gravy with NO lumps – because no thank you! Thanks for watching! Until next time, Happy Cooking…xx, mb

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This is another “fam favorite” around here…classic hamburger steak and gravy. Watch to end of video (or read instructions well!) to see how I made the gravy with NO lumps – because no thank you! Thanks for watching! Until next time, Happy Cooking…xx, mb

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Classic Hamburger Steak and Gravy

Author Meredith Bernard

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef, divided into ¼ lb patties
  • 1 small onion
  • 3 tbsp butter for sautéing onions and patties
  • 1/4 cup all purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • ⅓4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp pepper

Instructions

  • Melt butter in skillet, add sliced onion and saute until carmelized. Remove from heat and set aside.
  • While onions are cooking, add garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper to beef, mix well and then patty into 4 patties.
  • Melt 2 tbsp butter in skillet (can use same skillet you cooked onions in) and brown on both sides. Patties are cooked when internal temp reaches 165.
  • Remove patties to a plate and discard most of grease, saving a couple tablespoons of drippings for gravy.
  • In measuring cup or bowl, add flour and cold water, whisk until completely mixed with no lumps.
  • Turn skillet on low, add beef broth and then add flour/water mixture and whisk continuously until thickened. Turn off heat, add patties and onions and serve while hot. Use gravy for patties and as a topping for mashed potatoes, which pair very well with this dish. Add another vegetable and you've got a full course southern comfort meal!

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Easy 3-Ingredient Chicken Pastry https://thisfarmwife.com/easy-3-ingredient-chicken-pastry/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=easy-3-ingredient-chicken-pastry Wed, 03 Dec 2025 15:41:48 +0000 https://thisfarmwife.com/?p=1682 If there is one dish I would love to eat again at my Granny’s table for Sunday lunch it would be her chicken-n-pastry. I can see her rolling out the dough, cutting it in strips and putting it in the boiling broth. Truly a southern comfort food staple! Luckily for me (and you), there are […]

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If there is one dish I would love to eat again at my Granny’s table for Sunday lunch it would be her chicken-n-pastry. I can see her rolling out the dough, cutting it in strips and putting it in the boiling broth. Truly a southern comfort food staple! Luckily for me (and you), there are amazing frozen pastries available now that make this so easy to make and get on the table for a quick weeknight meal or Sunday dinner, without the hastle. Less time prepping and more time enjoying the meal together is my cup of tea. I love to pair it with cornbread and black eyed peas. Anyway you serve it, it will be a hit! 

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Easy 3-Ingredient Chicken Pastry

Servings 8
Author Meredith Bernard

Ingredients

  • 1 whole chicken
  • 1 box Anne's Dumplings Any equivalent frozen pastry will work.
  • 1 can cream of chicken soup

Instructions

  • Boil chicken in enough water to cover until cooked through, about 90 minutes. Remove from broth and let cool. Debone and shred chicken, set aside.
  • Skim fat off top of broth. Add water to broth to equal 4 quarts of liquid. Bring back to a boil.
  • Add strips of frozen pastry 4-6 at a time, letting broth come back to boil in-between. Continue to add until entire package is is in broth. Stir to keep from sticking.
  • Add shredded chicken and can of cream of chicken soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover, remove from heat and let sit 20-30 minutes to thicken. Will be more "soupy" the more liquid you have to begin with.
  • Serve with a vegetable and cornbread. (I prefer black eyed peas or green beans.) Excellent leftover, as well!

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Cheesy Boursin Chicken Pasta https://thisfarmwife.com/cheesy-boursin-chicken-pasta/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=cheesy-boursin-chicken-pasta Tue, 21 Oct 2025 15:07:37 +0000 https://thisfarmwife.com/?p=1633 Hey y’all! Welcome back to my vintage kitchen! Today we’re making a yummy pasta dish with my very favorite Boursin cheese. This comes together easily and would work great for a family weeknight meal or you could dress it up with bread and a nice salad for a dinner party. You can make it your […]

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Hey y’all! Welcome back to my vintage kitchen! Today we’re making a yummy pasta dish with my very favorite Boursin cheese. This comes together easily and would work great for a family weeknight meal or you could dress it up with bread and a nice salad for a dinner party. You can make it your own by using different types of pasta and you could also add spinach at the very end and let it wilt, as a great addition. Let me know if you try it and what you think. Happy eating!

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Cheesy Boursin Chicken Pasta

Author Meredith Bernard

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2-3 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 package Boursin cheese
  • 3/4 box pasta (your choice – penne, bowtie, macaroni are good choices)
  • 1 cup creamy mozzarella (can omit)
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil for pasta water and to cook chicken
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp pepper
  • 1/4 cup half and half (give or take)

Instructions

  • Pre-heat oven to 350.
  • Add boursin and tomatoes to oven proof casserole dish and cook 20-25 minutes, until cheese is soft and tomatoes will pop easily.
  • While boursin and tomatoes are heating, cut chicken in bite size pieces, season with salt and pepper and then saute in olive oil.
  • When chicken is half-way done, boil pasta according to package directions (around 10 minutes).
  • Once boursin is heated, spread it around dish and mash tomatoes to combine.
  • Add cooked chicken, pasta, a little half and half to get consistency where you'd like it and add the mozzarella if you're using.
  • Serve and enjoy!

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Easy Cheesy Alfredo Beef Tortellini https://thisfarmwife.com/easy-cheese-alfredo-beef-tortellini/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=easy-cheese-alfredo-beef-tortellini Sun, 21 Sep 2025 23:36:42 +0000 https://thisfarmwife.com/?p=1625 This is one of my favorite dishes – pure comfort food in a skillet! It comes together so fast and can be dressed up or down. Eat it by itself for a hearty, weeknight meal or pair it with a salad and garlic bread for a dinner party. Any way you dish it up, it’s […]

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This is one of my favorite dishes – pure comfort food in a skillet! It comes together so fast and can be dressed up or down. Eat it by itself for a hearty, weeknight meal or pair it with a salad and garlic bread for a dinner party. Any way you dish it up, it’s going to be good!

easy cheesy alfredo beef tortellini
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Easy Cheesy Alfredo Beef Tortellini

Author Meredith Bernard

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef browned and drained
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 jar Alfredo sauce (15 oz)
  • 1 can Diced tomatoes 14.5 oz – could also use Mariana or spaghetti sauce
  • ½ cup whipping cream could sub milk or half and half

Instructions

  • Combine beef, spices, sauce, tomatoes and whipping cream. Let simmer for 3 to 5 minutes to combine flavors.
  • Add 20 oz tortellini (any kind)
  • Cover and simmer until tortellini cooked through, about 5 minutes
  • Top with 1-2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese and let melt (either put cover back on or put under oven broiler. Watch to not burn.)
  • Pairs well with lettuce or spinach salad and garlic br

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The Best Cowboy Casserole https://thisfarmwife.com/the-best-cowboy-casserole/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-best-cowboy-casserole Thu, 18 Sep 2025 16:20:20 +0000 https://thisfarmwife.com/?p=1516 We’re back in the kitchen! Today we’re making a quick and easy (and very tasty) Cowboy Casserole. Evidently cowboys are partial to tater tots. Who knew? Such a good dish to add to your weeknight rotation. Enjoy! xx, m

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We’re back in the kitchen! Today we’re making a quick and easy (and very tasty) Cowboy Casserole. Evidently cowboys are partial to tater tots. Who knew? Such a good dish to add to your weeknight rotation. Enjoy! xx, m

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The Best Cowboy Casserole

Author Meredith Bernard

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef browned and drained
  • 1 small onion chopped, saute with beef
  • 1 can mexicorn drained
  • 1 can Cream of Mushroom soup
  • 1 can peas & carrots (Could also use VegAlls)
  • 3/4 bag tater tots
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar (Enough to top casserole)

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients except cheese.
  • Top with cheese.
  • Bake at 400 for 25-30 minutes, until tots are golden brown and casserole is bubbly. Enjoy!

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Aunt Nonie’s Shrimp Creole https://thisfarmwife.com/aunt-nonies-shrimp-creole/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=aunt-nonies-shrimp-creole Fri, 24 Jan 2025 20:09:14 +0000 https://thisfarmwife.com/?p=1416 This is the perfect seafood soul food! We enjoy it in the winter, but it would be a hit year round. You can use fresh or frozen (thawed) shrimp. Hope you enjoy!

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shrimp creole recipe

This is the perfect seafood soul food! We enjoy it in the winter, but it would be a hit year round. You can use fresh or frozen (thawed) shrimp. Hope you enjoy!

shrimp creole recipe card
shrimp creole recipe
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Aunt Nonie’s Shrimp Creole

Course Main Course
Author Meredith Bernard

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 1 cup chopped celery
  • 2 green peppers, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic (or tsp) minced
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp flour
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • Salt & Pepper To Taste
  • 1 large can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 small can tomato sauce
  • 1-2 lb shrimp (fresh or thawed, peeled, deveined, no tails)

Instructions

  • Saute onions, celery, peppers and garlic until tender
  • Mix in water, flour, chili powder, sugar and salt, simmer a few minutes
  • Add crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce, simmer 15 minutes
  • Add shrimp and cook until pink (just a few minutes). Serve over rice.

Video

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