Grass-fed Beef = Tasty Burgers, Steaks & More!
Grass-fed beef is awesome and delicious! Why?
Grass-fed cattle are fed on grass and only grass for their whole lives, which ensures the beef is a lean, healthy protein that’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids (aka the “good” fats) and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). Plus the cattle are never given any growth hormones or antibiotics, never fed grain, are treated humanely, and have access to open pastures their entire lives. Grass-fed beef is a delicious and beneficial meat I’ll be eating more of!
Teton Waters Ranch is one company that sells grass-fed beef. Their 4,000-acre ranch is located in the idyllic Teton Valley which is in close proximity to Yellowstone National Park and Jackson Hole. The cattle live on this high-plains ranch where they’re freely allowed to eat nutritious grasses, drink and behave naturally.
We’ve made burgers twice now with this tasty beef, and yes those are homemade oven-baked fries. Simply season the beef with sea salt and cracked pepper, then form patties, and grill ‘em up*. I like mine with muenster cheese on top over a bed of organic spinach. Y-U-M! The burgers are juicy and have a richer flavor than traditional grain-fed burgers. Oh and we mad a tasty steak too with cheesy scalloped potatoes. Treat yourself to some superb grass-fed beef from Teton Waters Ranch today!
*Note: Because grass-fed beef is leaner, the cooking time is quicker than its grain-fed counterparts so don’t overcook it.
What are your favorite recipes using grass-fed beef? Let me know in the comments below!
Happy eating!
Gluten-free Southwestern Chicken Bake (Recipe)
This dish is one of my boyfriend’s favorites, so I made it for him last night! This time I added a layer of crushed tortilla chips and cheese on top, which added an tasty layer of crunchiness.
*Adapted from SouthernFood.About.com
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 1/2 cups chopped/ diced cooked chicken
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained, rinsed
- 1 can (11 to 15 ounces) Mexican-style corn, drained
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, slightly drained
- 1 teaspoon dried cilantro leaves or 1 tablespoon fresh chopped cilantro
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried leaf oregano
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon ground red or chipotle pepper, to taste
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose gluten-free flour (I use Bob’s Red Mill) OR all-purpose unbleached flour
- 1 cup milk (I use organic 2%)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 to 1 cup crushed tortilla chips (I use the organic ones from Costco)
- 1/2 to 1 cup Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees, and ensure rack is in middle of oven.
2. Spray a 2-quart glass casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, thoroughly mix rice, chicken, beans, corn, tomatoes, cilantro, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, chili powder, and hot pepper.
4. In a small pan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Stir in flour until mixed and bubbly. Gradually stir in milk, chicken broth, salt and pepper. Cook, stirring constantly, until thickened and bubbly.
5. Stir the flour butter mixture into the chicken rice mixture. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, and other seasoning as desired (I add more of everything except salt!).
6. Pour mixture into casserole dish, sprinkle top with layer of crushed tortilla chips, then top chips with cheese.
7. Put in oven, and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until bubbly.
7. Serve with tortilla chips, sour cream, fresh tomatoes, and/or chopped green onions if you’d like.
Enjoy!
Pineapple Blueberry Smoothie (gluten-free recipe)
I whipped up a gluten-free pineapple blueberry smoothie after my pre-work run this morning. I definitely used too much vanilla protein powder making a bit sweeter than I like. The pineapples are sweet enough as it is, I definitely should have known better! Next time I’ll add a little peanut butter (my fav)!
So, here’s what you need to make this (note: all measurements are approximate):
- 1/2 cup organic frozen blueberries
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup coarsely chopped pineapple (I buy the big package from Costco)
- 1/4 scoop (or more depending on your love of sweet) vanilla protein powder
- 3/4 to 1 cup coconut milk (I love So Delicious Dairy Free Vanilla!)
1. Simply put all ingredients in your blender, and mix until thoroughly combined.
2. Serve in a glass and enjoy immediately!
Happy eating!
Simple Gluten-free Organic Kale Salad (recipe)
I recently discovered Harvest Sensations Organic Kale Salad at my local grocery store. It’s made of organic kale, organic shredded carrots, and organic shredded red cabbage. It comes in a bag that lasts me an entire week of salads and wrap fixings, and costs $4.99.
Why kale? In an attempt to eat healthier, I decided a few months ago to start with organic salads and was eating primarily organic dark leafy green mixes. Then a few weeks ago, I noticed the bag of organic kale salad and decided it was time to step-up to something even healthier!
Plus most nutritionists consider kale to be the most nutritious vegetable, rich in vitamin C, lutein, vitamin K, beta-carotene, and even calcium. Also, kale has sulforaphane, which is a chemical containing anti-cancer properties. Sold!
To make the above simple organic gluten-free kale salad, you’ll need:
- 1 to 2 cups Harvest Sensations Organic Kale Salad
- 1 to 3 tablespoons shredded cheese
- 1 to 3 tablespoons Annie’s Organic Cowgirl Ranch dressing (gluten-free, vegetarian)
- 5-7 organic tortilla chips (crushed, optional)
Simply mix all ingredients together and enjoy! I add in a few crushed tortilla chips for crunchiness (I like the organic ones from Costco).
Happy eating!
Gluten-free Turkey Cheese Ranch Wrap (recipe)
I love my boyfriend for so many reasons i.e. he makes me a gluten-free sandwich or wrap daily. Since I recently discovered Rudi’s gluten-free tortillas at Costco, I’ve been eating wraps almost daily during the work week which is a refreshing change from the usual sandwich.
Today’s wrap included the following gluten-free ingredients:
- 2 slices Columbus gluten-free turkey (also purchased at Costco)
- 1 slice Cheddar cheese
- 1-2 tablespoons Annie’s Organic gluten-free, vegetarian Cowgirl Ranch dressing
- handful Organic kale salad (made mostly of organic kale, and a tiny amount of shredded carrots and red cabbage - my newest obsession!)
If you haven’t tried the Rudi’s gluten-free tortillas, go get yourself a package because they rock! Happy eating!
