Wayfinder's Galley

30 Minutes or Less

50/50 DIY Sloppy Joe

by

This venison and beef, DIY Sloppy Joe is a great introduction to wild game!

This venison and beef, DIY Sloppy Joe is a great introduction to wild game!

I hunt and, when successful, I add to the freezer inventory to enjoy at a later date.  When handled and cooked properly, wild game is very palatable. Yet, I hear it all the time,….. “too gamey” or “musky”.  For those who feel that way, my argument is that somewhere after the kill, you’re lacking in skill (or at least whoever prepared it is).  There are various ways to improve the over all quality and taste of game meat.  When introducing a weary eater to wild game, I typically use ground meat to prepare a dish that has an abundance of additional flavors.

Enchiladas, spaghetti, Bolognese, and meatloaf are a few examples of good “introductory” game preparations. And, of course, there’s this Sloppy Joe recipe!!  I’ve made all of the pre-mentioned meals with venison (only) and nobody said a word about the use of wild game; until I asked, that is.  Then it’s “I thought there was something different about it”. 🙄 It was enjoyed, none the less.  If I’m dealing with an overly certain critic or super skeptic, I mix this 50/50 blend (venison/beef). This is the secret!! Just ask my grandma.  She refuses to eat wild game and hasn’t touched the stuff 🤫😉.

The 50/50 Meat

Now, especially in recent years, I process my own harvest.  This allows me to vary my lean/fat ratio as I see fit.  For standard ground venison, I usually stay around 80/20 or 80/15 and utilize pork fat as the other ingredient.  However, for ground game that I intend to add to beef, I do not add pork fat.  In adding a lean game grind to an 80/20 ground beef, the leanness is increased by about ten percent.  The result? A 90/10 venison and beef mixture.   If this doesn’t get your weary wild game guest to cross over, there may be no hope for them. 

50/50 DIY Sloppy Joe

This venison and beef, DIY Sloppy Joe is a great introduction to wild game!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. ground beef
  • 1 lb. ground venison
  • 3 cloves of garlic
  • 1/2 onion
  • 1/2 green bell pepper
  • 1 1/3 cup of ketchup
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 1/8 tsp crushed red pepper
  • 1/4 tsp garlic salt

Instructions

  1. Blend all dry seasonings together in a bowl. Season the meat with approximately half and save the rest for a later step. Tip: sub the seasonings with 1 tbsp of Flavorgod Everything.
  2. Brown the ground meat over medium-high heat. If you have any questions about this step, this is a good read (click here).
  3. Finely chop the onion and bell pepper. When meat is approximately halfway browned, add the chopped onion and pepper.
  4. In a separate bowl, combine Worcestershire, ketchup, and brown sugar.
  5. When the meat is fully browned, add the sauce and remainder of seasoning. Stir well.
  6. Reduce heat and simmer for about 3-5 minutes, stirring regularly.
  7. Serve on a sesame bun.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 316Total Fat: 15gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 106mgSodium: 678mgCarbohydrates: 15gFiber: 1gSugar: 11gProtein: 31g
© Cody
Category: Main Dish

PB&J Burger

by

When PB&J meets bacon cheeseburger, you get an interesting flavor combination that keeps you chomping til it’s gone!

When PB&J meets bacon cheeseburger, you get an interesting flavor combination that keeps you chomping til it's gone!

A few months ago, I came across this overly delicious (dangerously delicious) peanut butter whiskey. It wasn’t sold locally yet, but it is now! Luckily, shortly after I tried it, we traveled a few hours away for a family event.  On our way home, I found it on the shelf and went all Garth Brooks, “BRING ME TWO……….”.  With each hand gripping a bottle of the peanut butter nectar, my wheels were spinning about the night’s plans.  I now had this delicious drink and hadn’t had supper.  So, I called the fam with the jams and we worked out a plan.  PB&J Burgers!!!! I had never made them and none of us had eaten them, but with this new drink and Marley’s Jams, it just made sense. 

We all gathered round the table and were each probably halfway through the burger before we made a decision.  We loved them! It’s kind of like that weird friend that you love because, despite their weirdness (uniqueness), they’re awesome in their world……..and yours! That is the best way I can describe it, strangely amazing.

The Burger

The are a couple key considerations in creating this concoction.  Those are seasoning and ratios.  My preference and advice is to keep the peanut butter and jam as underlying flavor notes. Otherwise, it dominates and makes you feel more like you’re eating a sandwich than a burger.  But again, you do you! Same goes with the patty size. There has been some debate about 1/4 lb vs 1/3 lb, but both are good.  This is simply a matter of preference.  

The seasoning, however, is key.  You can season your meat with your preference but keep in mind that this is what brings cohesion to the burger. I’ve tried a few different ways and the two best seem pretty funky.  They are, actually, but they work.  You’ve seen both brands here before and they are Manitou Trading Company’s Five Spice Powder and Flavor God’s Jamaican Jerk Seasoning. I’ve found that for dark jams, like grape or blackberry, the five spice powder works great.  For red jams, like strawberry or raspberry, the jerk seasoning is the way to go.  They just work! I’ve done blind challenges for people to choose their favorite to confirm, too. 

PB&J Burger

When PB&J meets bacon cheeseburger, you get an interesting flavor combination that keeps you chomping til it's gone!
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1/3 lb hamburger patty
  • 1 slice smoked cheddar
  • 1 tsp peanut butter
  • 1 tsp jam
  • 1 1/2 slice of bacon
  • 1 brioche bun

Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon to your preferred crispiness. I like to put some fresh cracked pepper on mine.
  2. Season the burger and sear each side in a cast iron for approximately 60-90 seconds. You want a crisp char on each side. Then place in the oven for about 8 minutes.
  3. About half way through, top the burger with cheese, allowing the cheese to melt.
  4. Place the bun face down on a buttered cast iron over medium heat to toast. Be careful not to burn.
  5. Spread the peanut butter on the bottom half of the bun and the jam on the top half.
  6. Place the burger on the bun, top with bacon, and complete. With this setup, the bite should go: nutty, beefy, smoky, savory/peppery, then sweet. With so much flavor, you'll be halfway through the burger before you have it all figured out!

Nutrition Information:


Amount Per Serving:
© Cody
Category: Beef
For other great burger ideas, see The Triple Stack Burger and The Funky Java Burger. 

At-Home Beef & Cheddar Sandwich

by

This delicious DIY version of one of Arby’s favorites will have you ditching the line and saving money.

This delicious DIY version of one of Arby’s favorites will have you ditching the line and saving money.

I’ve spent twenty minutes in the Arby’s drive thru line on more than one occasion.  Even better, I pulled up to the place that has the meats only to be told they’re out of roast beef!! That’s like….their thing!!! So, I left and learned to fend for myself. The result was saved time and money! You’d spend over thirty dollars on this amount of “real deal” Beef ‘n’ Cheddar sandwiches compared to what you can make at home for less than twenty dollars.

Ingredients Needed for Beef & Cheddar Sandwich

  • Onion Buns
  • Roast Beef
  • Easy Cheese Cheddar
  • Arby’s Sauce (optional)

How to Make the Beef & Cheddar Sandwich

Warm the roast beef. Wrap and seal the roast beef in foil and place in the oven to warm. 

Toast the buns. Melt butter in a cast iron skillet and toast the buns, face down. 

This delicious DIY version of one of Arby’s favorites (Beef & Cheddar Sandwich) will have you ditching the line and saving money.This delicious DIY version of one of Arby’s favorites (Beef & Cheddar Sandwich) will have you ditching the line and saving money.

Add the Beef & Cheddar.  Place the warm roast beef on the toasted bun and top with Easy Cheese Cheddar.

This delicious DIY version of one of Arby’s favorites (Beef & Cheddar Sandwich) will have you ditching the line and saving money.This delicious DIY version of one of Arby’s favorites (Beef & Cheddar Sandwich)will have you ditching the line and saving money.

Sauce and Top. Add Arby’s sauce (optional) and firmly press the top of the bun down onto the sandwich.  Enjoy!!

This delicious DIY version of one of Arby’s favorites (Beef & Cheddar Sandwich) will have you ditching the line and saving money.

 

Tips for the Best Beef & Cheddar Sandwich

Use quality roast beef. Don’t skimp on the quality of meat here.  I picked up Boar’s Head London Broil from a local catering company.  I always recommend supporting local business when you can, but this can often be found at larger stores (like Kroger), as well.

Toast the Buns. A good bun can make or break a sandwich. Now, you have to have Onion Buns for this recipe but toasting it definitely takes the flavor and texture up a notch by giving it a buttery crisp sear.  Even if you plan to heat them up later, this step matters.

By the way, I’ve made these in bulk for road trips before and will definitely do it for trips to come. 

At-Home Beef & Cheddar

This delicious DIY version of one of Arby’s favorites (Beef & Cheddar Sandwich) will have you ditching the line and saving money.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 17 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs. roast beef
  • 1 can of Easy Cheese Cheddar
  • 8 toasted onion buns (1 pack)
  • 1-2 tbsp butter (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350
  2. Melt butter in a cast iron skillet and toast the buns.
  3. Wrap/seal roast beef in aluminum foil and place in oven for ten minutes or until the meet is thoroughly warmed.
  4. Remove meat and place ¼ lbs. of roast beef on each bun, topping with Easy Cheese.
  5. Add the top of the onion bun, giving it a firm press and enjoy!

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 318Total Fat: 13gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 1234mgCarbohydrates: 27gFiber: 1gSugar: 6gProtein: 22g
© Cody
Category: 30 Minutes or Less

Shrimp & Grits

by

A Southern staple, this flavorful Shrimp and Grits can be enjoyed at any meal!

The thick, creamy, stone ground grits are spooned over a Cajun hot sauce and topped with shrimp, Andouille sausage, and bacon.

 

This is my spin on the classic favorite.  The thick, creamy, stone ground grits are spooned over a Cajun hot sauce and topped with shrimp, Andouille sausage, and bacon. Anywhere I’ve been that served grits, I tried them.  Some were good, some weren’t, and some were so inconsistent that the quality depended on the day.  I like my grits thick, sweet and buttery, yet salty and savory!! I don’t want them bland and runny to the point of watching little particles spin in the liquid every time the spoon hits.  Also, I don’t enjoy fishing for solo shrimp in a sea of grits.  There’s a reason those things are caught with nets! So, this version provides ample opportunity to ensure each bite is full flavor; rather it be from the meats, shrimp, cheesy grits, sweet bursts of tomato, or the crisp pop of green onions. 

Shrimp & Grits

Shrimp & Grits

A Southern staple, this flavorful Shrimp and Grits can be enjoyed at any meal!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs of Large or Jumbo Shrimp (peeled, tail off)
  • 4 slices of bacon
  • 2 Andouille Sausage links
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar (medium/mild)
  • 1/2 cup yellow stone ground grits
  • 1/2 cup white stone ground grits
  • 2 tbsp sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 green onion stalk, chopped
  • 1-2 tsp Zatarain's Cajun Hot Sauce
  • 2 tbsp butter (optional)
  • 1 tsp salt (optional)

Instructions

  1. Fry bacon in skillet over medium heat.
  2. Bring 1 quart of water and a teaspoon of salt (optional) to a boil in a separate pot. Slowly stir in grits, reduce heat to low, and let cook (covered) for approximately 12 minutes. Stir often.
  3. Remove cooked bacon from skillet and let cool. Add chopped Andouille sausage to the same skillet over medium heat. Prepare the sausage to your likeness and remove from skillet.
  4. Using the same skillet that you cooked the bacon and sausage in, saute the shrimp over medium high heat for about three minutes per side, or until done. For extra flavor, immediately add 1 tbsp butter once removed from heat, sprinkle some Cajun seasoning, and toss; allowing the butter to melt and coat the shrimp.
  5. Return to pot and remove grits from heat, add 3/4 cup of cheese and butter (optional), stir well, and cover.
  6. Chop bacon, sun-dried tomatoes, and mix with Andouille sausage.
  7. On the plates, drizzle hot sauce in the shape of a 'z'. Spoon the grits onto the center of the plate. The grits should spread, pushing the hot sauce along with it.
  8. Add the bacon, sausage and tomatoes.
  9. Top with shrimp. Garnish with green onions and remaining cheese.

A Southern staple, this flavorful Shrimp and Grits can be enjoyed at any meal!

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 5 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 467Total Fat: 19gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 425mgSodium: 2189mgCarbohydrates: 18gFiber: 1gSugar: 1gProtein: 53g
© Cody

African Inspired Air Fryer Ribs

by

These delicious African Inspired Air Fyer Ribs are a perfect quick fix that can be ready in just over 30 minutes. 

These delicious African Inspired Air Fyer Ribs are a perfect quick fix that can be ready in just over 30 minutes.     

There’s this place that kids (and some adults) dream about called Disney World.  From the multi-national culture and cuisine of the Epcot boardwalk to the castle at Magic Kingdom, there’s an overwhelming amount of things to see and do.  It almost seems impossible to cover it all in one trip, unless you’re in this family.

My wife’s fitness tracker logged over eighty miles on foot that week! To accomplish that, food is a must. Now, we came prepared.  I was toting a pack full of sunblock, snacks, ponchos, extra clothes, and anything else that helped improve the time and save some cash without being overbearing.  But it takes more than gummies and energy/protein snacks to endure this vacation and, to be honest, the majority of the park and resort food just wasn’t doing it for us.

The days of that trip are a blur.  We started early and ended late, every day.  We were somewhere in the middle of the week, when the theme park food started to take its toll.  I (internally) was somewhere between passing out on a bench and a complete mental breakdown to the point of it becoming hard to contain.  Finally, around early noon at Animal Kingdom I let everyone know that I just needed to sit and find some real food.

Harambe Market is where I sought refuge. We ordered three plates (and a beer because they have those there) to share and dug in. It could have been my mindset at the time, but that is the one meal that stood out while at Disney.  The ribs were nothing like the barbeque style ribs to which I was accustomed, and the slaw was an excellent complement.  In true Wayfinder’s fashion, I brought the concept back to the galley and got to work. Then, one day, I stumble across this seasoning that took me back to that day, closely emulating the flavors as I remembered them. To bring it even closer to that day, I wanted the recipe to quick and easy.  So, these Air Fryer Ribs were born.

These delicious African Inspired Air Fyer Ribs are a perfect quick fix that can be ready in just over 30 minutes. 

How to Make Air Fryer Ribs

This is an incredibly simple process!

  • Slice the ribs between each bone.

These delicious African Inspired Air Fyer Ribs are a perfect quick fix that can be ready in just over 30 minutes. 

  • Rub them down with the seasoning (such as Ras el Hanout)

These delicious African Inspired Air Fyer Ribs are a perfect quick fix that can be ready in just over 30 minutes. 

  • Place in air fryer. 

These delicious African Inspired Air Fyer Ribs are a perfect quick fix that can be ready in just over 30 minutes. 

  • Rotate at the halfway point. 
  • Enjoy!

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Ribs

This is pretty difficult to mess up due to the level of ease and minimal preparation involved, but there a couple things that can enhance the outcome of your Air Fryer Ribs. 

Rotate the ribs at the halfway point.  The easiest way to do this is to set the timer on your air fryer for half the time (let’s say 13 minutes).  Then, when the timer goes off, rotate the ribs and restart the air fryer for the same amount of time. 

Pre-rub your ribs.  Now this is meant to be quick and easy but, as with most things, a little preparation only makes it better.  Time permitting, pre-rub the ribs, wrap, and let rest. I find it easier to do the pre-rub before slicing between each bone.  You can do this the night prior down to thirty minutes prior, the choice is yours.  Then, add another coat of rub before placing them in the air fryer.  This gives you layers of flavor and improves the texture. 

Other Easy Rib Recipes:

Crock Pot Ribs

Instant Pot Ribs

African Inspired Air Fryer Ribs

These delicious African Inspired Air Fyer Ribs are a perfect quick fix that can be ready in just over 30 minutes. 

These delicious African Inspired Air Fyer Ribs are a perfect quick fix that can be ready in just over 30 minutes. 

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 26 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 35 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 rack baby back ribs
  • Ras el Hanout Seasoning

Instructions

  1. Rub the ribs down with a liberal coating of Ras el Hanout seasoning, or your preferred rub.
  2. Place the ribs in the air fryer at 360 for 13 minutes.
  3. After the timer goes off, rotate the ribs and cook for an additional 13 minutes at 360.
  4. Remove the ribs and let them cool. Enjoy!!
© Cody
*Disclaimer: I’m not saying these are better, or even as good as ribs from the smoker.  They are, however, surprisingly delicious and can be done in a fraction of the time.

Chori Pollo Tacos

by

This go-to Mexican dish is transformed into a crunchy, flavor packed Chori Pollo Taco.

This go-to Mexican dish is transformed into a crunchy, flavor packed Chori Pollo Taco.

 

On the about me page, I complain about repetitive monotonous food.  That repetition does NOT apply to tacos because they are not monotonous.  Tacos are a weekly occurrence in our house, sometimes even more than that.  There are so many different flavors to create with these things, it’s insane. 

What is Chori Pollo?

It’s safe to say that, if you walk into a Mexican restaurant that you’ve never been to and order Chori Pollo, it’s likely going to be good.  It’s almost too easy to mess up.  The dish typically consists of a delicious spicy sausage called chorizo, chicken, and queso. It is often served over potatoes and/or rice. So, why not make that a taco!? You just need to add the meats and cheese to a crispy corn tortilla!

Ingredients for Homemade Chori Pollo

  • ground Chorizo
  • Chicken breast or tenders, seasoned to taste
  • Queso
  • Rice or Fried Potatoes

How to make Homemade Chori Pollo

You can purchase chorizo at your local grocery store or make it yourself.  Simply brown the ground sausage in a skillet and set aside. For the chicken, you can use breast or tenders seasoned in your favorite taco seasoning.  For Chori Pollo, I prefer butterflying chicken breasts. However, for Chori Pollo Tacos, I’m cooking tenders whole in the skillet and giving them a chop once they’ve had a few minutes to rest.  Whichever you choose, make sure to cook it in the same skillet as the Chorizo.  This adds a ton of flavor to the chicken. Serve over fried potatoes, rice, or both and smother in queso. 

How to Make Chori Pollo Tacos

To make Chori Pollo Tacos, simply place the chorizo and chicken into taco shells instead of over rice or potatoes. Fry the corn tortillas fresh! It is a 30 second process that will take your taco to the next level.  Totally worth it! Then, drizzle with queso and add your favorite toppings.  Fresh sliced veggies with a twist of lime really liven these tacos. 

This go-to Mexican dish is transformed into a crunchy, flavor packed Chori Pollo Taco.

These crispy corn tortillas were ready in under five minutes and are an excellent choice for Chori Pollo Tacos.

What if everybody doesn’t like Chorizo?

No worries!! My daughter doesn’t like chorizo right now, even though she hasn’t tried it.  She hasn’t tried it because she already knows she doesn’t like it, but I’m working on that.  I’m sure all of you parents out there know what I’m talking about.  So, I take the chicken, cheese, and rice and serve her up some Arroz Con Pollo (chicken and rice).  Problem solved! And she’s yet to bring up/notice that I cook the chicken in chorizo grease 🤫.

What to do with leftover taco meat?

As embarrassed as I am to admit, sometimes I can’t eat all the tacos (sigh). But these leftovers don’t go to waste.  Put leftover chorizo, or any other taco meat in the fridge for the next morning’s (or whenever) breakfast.  Throw some egg and cheese in with the sausage and stuff a poblano or wrap up a burrito.  Hashbrowns, crispy jalapenos, and fire roasted tomatoes are also great additives, too. This go-to Mexican dish is transformed into a crunchy, flavor packed Chori Pollo Taco.

Taco Toppings

When it comes to toppings for tacos, you can do no wrong.  I’ve even had Asian inspired tacos topped with kimchi! For Chori pollo tacos, fresh ingredients make the best toppings.  Here are some great options to start with:

  • Shredded lettuce
  • Lime (squeeze juice over tacos)
  • Onions (freshly sliced)
  • Jalapenos (freshly sliced)
  • Shredded cheese
  • Taco sauce/hot sauce
  • Sour Cream
  • Avocado
  • Pico De Galo
  • Fresh Cilantro
  • GuacamoleThis go-to Mexican dish is transformed into a crunchy, flavor packed Chori Pollo Taco.

 

This go-to Mexican dish is transformed into a crunchy, flavor packed Chori Pollo Taco.

Other Taco Dinners:

Easy Taco Mac

Easy Keto Taco Cups

Chori Pollo Tacos

This go-to Mexican dish is transformed into a crunchy, flavor packed Chori Pollo Taco.

Ingredients

  • 1lb. chicken breasts or tenders, sliced.
  • 1lb. chorizo sausage
  • ½ onion, diced
  • 6 yellow corn tortillas
  • 6 oz queso blanco
  • ¼ cup of table crème
  • ½ tsp minced jalapeño
  • I tsp seasoned salt (optional)

Instructions

  1. Place chorizo and onion in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook thoroughly (about 8-10 minutes).
  2. Move cooked chorizo from skillet to an oven safe dish and place in the warmer.
  3. Return skillet to stovetop (reduce heat to medium) with some sausage grease remaining and add sliced chicken breasts. I usually go with a thin slice here for a more even/consistent bite. Season chicken with seasoned salt (optional) and cook thoroughly (another 8-10 minutes should do).
  4. In a microwave safe dish or double boiler, mix queso blanco, jalapeno, and table crème and melt. 
  5. In a separate skillet, fill the bottom with avocado oil (about ¼ inch), or your oil of preference, and heat over medium-high.
  6. Fry the corn tortillas for 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
  7. Place the chorizo, chicken, and cheese in the tortilla.  Top with grilled jalapenos (optional) and serve over Spanish rice. 

Notes

Feel free to use store bought queso.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 16 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 628Total Fat: 40gSaturated Fat: 16gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 21gCholesterol: 159mgSodium: 1207mgCarbohydrates: 14gFiber: 2gSugar: 1gProtein: 52g
© Cody

Three Cheese Tortellini Alfredo

by

Quick, easy, budget friendly, and filling, this 4-ingredient Three Cheese Tortellini Alfredo will likely have you returning for seconds…….or thirds. And kids love it!

Quick, easy, budget friendly, and filling, this meal will likely have your returning for seconds…….or thirds. And, kids love it!!

Three Cheese Tortellini

My family loves pizza and pasta!  Three Cheese Tortellini Alfredo is an easy one pan meal that helps break away from the typical pasta nights with fettuccine, spaghetti, linguine, etc. If your spread thin and short on time, using your favorite jar of sauce will have you a quick dinner in under 20 minutes.

What Sauce Goes with Three Cheese Tortellini?

There are two types of sauce that pair well with three cheese tortellini.  The first is a tomato based, red sauce.  For a delicious Three Cheese Tortellini using red sauce, click here.  The second type is alfredo sauce! That is what we’re using in this easy pasta recipe.   

Now, for a quick pasta dinner recipe, there’s nothing wrong with using store-bought sauce from a jar.  It’s hard to beat homemade sauce, though!

4-Ingredient Three Cheese Tortellini Alfredo

This simple one pan Three Cheese Tortellini Alfredo can be ready in under 20 minutes and you only need the following:

  • Three Cheese Tortellini
  • Alfredo sauce
  • Fresh chopped spinach
  • Garlic & Onion Macadamia Nuts

How to Make Homemade Alfredo Sauce

One of the best things about homemade sauce is that you can put your own spin on it and emphasize your personal taste preferences. Adding a little garlic, Italian seasoning, black pepper, or even red pepper for the spicy alfredo lovers, can make a huge difference.  So, while the recipe below doesn’t require homemade, I’ll give you a quick run down on how to whip up your own and only add a handful of minutes to your time in the kitchen.

Drop 1/3 cup of butter into a saucepan.  While the butter melts, add a teaspoon of minced garlic and black pepper to taste.  I highly recommend using medium grown black pepper, here.  Once the garlic and pepper become fragrant (roughly 15-30 seconds), add one cup of heavy cream and let simmer for 2-3 minutes.  Then, whisk in 1 cup of parmesan cheese until melted and well blended. 

Quick, easy, budget friendly, and filling, this Three Cheese Tortellini Alfredo will likely have you returning for seconds…….or thirds. And kids love it!

Tips for the Best Tortellini Alfredo

Add Chicken.  Turn this easy meal into Chicken Tortellini Alfredo by adding some chopped grilled chicken breasts or some pulled chicken from your Air Fryer Whole Chicken.  You can even use a rotisserie chicken from the store to keep it super simple.

Don’t Skip the Nuts. Personally, I appreciate the texture that the macadamia nuts bring to this dish.  Getting a little bit of flavorful crunch every now and then is a welcomed surprise. 

Top with Fresh Ingredients.  Sprinkle some fresh parmesan over the top of the pasta and garnish with some fresh chopped Italian herbs and Garlic & Herb Macadamia nuts.  I know, we already have cheese in the pasta covered with a creamy cheese sauce but the fresh parm over the top matters, trust me! The fresh herbs amp up the flavor and texture.   

Other Easy Pasta Recipes

Three Cheese Tortellini 

15+ One Pan Pasta Recipes

Three Cheese Tortellini Alfredo

Quick, easy, budget friendly, and filling, this Three Cheese Tortellini Alfredo will likely have you returning for seconds…….or thirds. And kids love it!

Ingredients

  • 1 Bag of Three Cheese Tortellini
  • ½ cup of alfredo sauce
  • ½ cup chopped fresh spinach
  • 1/8 cup chopped Garlic & Onion Macadamia Nuts

Instructions

  1. Bring 4-6 quarts of water to a boil and cook the pasta per the instructions on bag. I tend to push it a minute or two longer than recommended times to reach my liking.
  2. While pasta is cooking. Chop the spinach (I cut the stems off and discard). Mash the nuts with the side of your chef blade and give them a chop to fine tune.
  3. Drain pasta and return to pot.
  4. Add spinach and nuts.
  5. Pour Alfredo sauce over the pasta and stir gently.
  6. (Optional) Sprinkle fresh chopped Italian herbs and fresh parmesan over the top before serving.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 3 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 519Total Fat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 84mgSodium: 739mgCarbohydrates: 47gFiber: 3gSugar: 3gProtein: 17g
© Cody
Category: Main Dish