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5 Kid Friendly Dinners for Picky Eaters | The Spruce Eats #KidApproved

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Hamburger steaks, often associated with American comfort food, have roots in the 19th-century culinary traditions of German immigrants. They were a way to stretch meat and create a hearty meal, often served with gravy. Today, they are a staple in many households, often enjoyed with mashed potatoes or rice, and variations exist across the country, adapting to local tastes and ingredients.

Ingredients

  • ground beef
  • onion
  • garlic
  • bread crumbs
  • egg
  • milk
  • salt
  • black pepper
  • beef broth
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • soy sauce
  • flour
  • butter
  • parsley

Instructions

  1. 1Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, egg, milk, salt, and black pepper in a bowl.
  2. 2Mix until well combined and form into oval patties.
  3. 3Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
  4. 4Add patties to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until browned.
  5. 5Remove patties from the skillet and set aside.
  6. 6In the same skillet, melt butter and add flour, stirring to form a roux.
  7. 7Cook the roux for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
  8. 8Slowly whisk in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce.
  9. 9Bring the gravy to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
  10. 10Return the patties to the skillet, spooning gravy over them.
  11. 11Cover and simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes to heat through.
  12. 12Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Ingredient Alternatives

bread crumbs

Healthier: oats

Cheaper: crushed crackers

Oats provide fiber while crushed crackers are often less expensive.

beef broth

Healthier: vegetable broth

Cheaper: water with seasoning

Vegetable broth is lower in calories and can be made from scraps.

ground beef

Healthier: ground turkey

Cheaper: ground pork

Ground turkey is leaner while ground pork is often cheaper.

butter

Healthier: olive oil

Cheaper: margarine

Olive oil is healthier and margarine is typically less expensive.

Techniques

mixingbrowningsimmering

Equipment

skilletmixing bowlwhiskspatula
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowmilkeggswheat

Also Known As

Salisbury SteakGround Beef Patties

Ingredients

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 cups milk
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. 2Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  3. 3In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour, salt, pepper, and paprika, cooking for about 1 minute until bubbly.
  4. 4Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens and bubbles.
  5. 5Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese and half of the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
  6. 6Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, mixing well to coat all the pasta.
  7. 7Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish.
  8. 8Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
  9. 9Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
  10. 10Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Equipment

large saucepan9x13 inch casserole dishwhiskmeasuring cupsmeasuring spoons

Southern Fried Chicken has its roots in the Southern United States, where it became a staple of comfort food. The dish is often associated with family gatherings and celebrations, reflecting the region's culinary traditions. Today, it's enjoyed across the globe, with countless variations and adaptations, making it a beloved dish for many.

Ingredients

  • chicken pieces
  • buttermilk
  • all-purpose flour
  • cornstarch
  • paprika
  • garlic powder
  • onion powder
  • black pepper
  • salt
  • cayenne pepper
  • vegetable oil
  • baking powder
  • fresh herbs

Instructions

  1. 1Marinate chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 2 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
  2. 2Combine flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, cayenne pepper, and baking powder in a large bowl.
  3. 3Remove chicken from buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off.
  4. 4Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, ensuring even coating.
  5. 5Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
  6. 6Carefully add chicken pieces to the hot oil, avoiding overcrowding the pan.
  7. 7Fry chicken for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
  8. 8Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  9. 9Remove fried chicken and place on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
  10. 10Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Ingredient Alternatives

buttermilk

Healthier: low-fat yogurt

Cheaper: milk + vinegar

Low-fat yogurt maintains tanginess with fewer calories.

all-purpose flour

Healthier: whole wheat flour

Cheaper: self-rising flour

Whole wheat flour adds fiber and nutrients.

vegetable oil

Healthier: canola oil

Cheaper: peanut oil

Canola oil is healthier with a higher smoke point.

paprika

Healthier: smoked paprika

Cheaper: cayenne pepper

Smoked paprika adds flavor without extra cost.

Techniques

marinatingdredgingfrying

Equipment

large bowldeep skilletwire rackmeat thermometer
🌶️🌶️🌶️Hotglutendairy

Also Known As

Fried ChickenSouthern Style Chicken

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup milk
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
  • 1/4 cup chopped pickles (optional)

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. 2In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion and green bell pepper until the meat is cooked through. Drain excess fat.
  3. 3Stir in garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.
  4. 4In a mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, flour, and baking powder until smooth.
  5. 5Add the cooked beef mixture to the batter and mix well.
  6. 6Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, diced tomatoes, and pickles if using.
  7. 7Pour the mixture into a greased 9-inch pie dish.
  8. 8Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  9. 9Let cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Equipment

skilletmixing bowlwhisk9-inch pie dishtoothpick

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