Easy Recipes: Comfort Food Edition

The leaves are changing, it’s getting cooler out and life is busier than ever. What’s that mean? Bring on the comfort food – fall is here!

When schedules are hectic, all we want is protein-packed comfort food. But at the same time, spending hours in the kitchen is the last thing we want to do after a jam-packed day of work and running the kids around. The day itself was exhausting – the only extra thing on your plate should be delicious food.

With Morton’s of Omaha, you can enjoy the comfort food you crave without adding more work for yourself. Our products are pre-seasoned and super versatile. They come in gather-around portions so the odds of having leftovers are in your favor. And they’re perfect for these easy recipes that’ll help you get your comfort food fix with minimal effort.

Classic Corned Beef and Cabbage

Corned Beef and Cabbage is often associated with Saint Patrick’s Day, but we think it belongs in your regular dinner rotation during the fall and winter months. This dish is simply iconic – why not enjoy it year-round? It’s full of flavor and makes the perfect fall comfort food. And it conveniently cooks in your slow cooker all day while you’re gone, so all there’s left to do is come home to a warm plate of comfort food perfection.

What you’ll need:

• 1 Morton’s of Omaha Corned Beef Brisket
• 1-1.5 pounds potatoes, cut into quarters
• 5 carrots, peeled and cut into small pieces
• 1 large head of cabbage, cut into wedges

Instructions:

1. Remove corned beef from package and if needed, cut the corned beef to fit in a slow cooker. Place the corned beef in a slow cooker.
2. Add enough water to cover the meat. For a more robust flavor, add desired amount of enclosed spice packet to the water.
3. Add in the potatoes, cabbage and carrots.
4. Set slow cooker to high temperature.
5. Cook for at least 6-8 hours. Cook longer if meat is not fork tender.
6. Monitor internal temperature with a meat thermometer in the center of the thickest portion of the roast. Meat should be at least 160°F.
7. Remove the roast from the slow cooker and place in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes to brown.
8. Remove from oven and let stand for at least 5 minutes before slicing across the grain.

Lucky enough to have leftovers? Check out our recipe for the Ultimate Reuben Quesadilla.

Brisket Shepherd’s Pie

Are you a meat-and-potatoes type of person? If so, you’ll love this Brisket Shepherd’s Pie. This easy recipe layers flavorful brisket, delicious veggies and creamy mashed potatoes for a complete meal that takes very little effort. Nothing says “comfort food” quite like a hearty casserole!

What you’ll need:

• 1-2 pounds of shredded Morton’s of Omaha Salt & Pepper Beef Brisket, prepared as per package instructions
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 16 ounces store-bought mashed potatoes (or make your own)

Instructions:

1. Spray a 9” x 13” casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray and preheat oven to 400ºF.
2. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large pan over medium heat.
3. Add the onions and cook until tender and fragrant. Add in the frozen mixed vegetables and cook for 2 more minutes.
4. Add shredded brisket, beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the broth to a simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce to medium low. Cook uncovered for 5-10 minutes.
5. Place the meat and veggie mixture into prepared baking dish. Layer the mashed potatoes over top. Sprinkle the paprika over the mashed potatoes.
6. Bake for 30 minutes. To help the top of the mashed potatoes brown, you can broil for the last few minutes – but keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
7. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over top of the mashed potatoes right after removing from oven. Let sit for 5 minutes, then enjoy!

Tri-Tip Stroganoff

Since we’re on the topic of comfort food, we’d be remiss not to include a pasta recipe. This Tri-Tip Stroganoff is hearty, full of protein and sure to warm your soul. The savory beef tri-tip paired with a rich and creamy sauce will take you right back to grandma’s kitchen without spending a ton of time in your own!

What you’ll need:

• 1 Morton’s of Omaha Steakhouse Classic Tri-Tip, prepared as per package instructions and sliced into thin strips
• 12 ounces extra-wide egg noodles
• 16 ounces sliced mushrooms
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 3/4 cup sour cream
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add noodles and cook according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat in a skillet. Add onion and cook until tender and translucent, about 4 minutes. While onions cook, combine beef broth and flour to make a slurry (this will help thicken the sauce later on).
3. Add the second tablespoon of butter along with the sliced mushrooms. Cook until golden brown.
4. Thinly slice tri-tip and add along with the beef broth and flour mixture to the pan with the mushrooms and onions. Cook for 10 minutes.
5. Reduce heat to low, then add sour cream and salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve over noodles and enjoy!

Texas Recipe BBQ Brisket Grilled Cheese

It’s summer BBQ meets a fall favorite: the almighty Brisket Grilled Cheese. This easy recipe is sure to satisfy hungry kids and your appetite for a no-fuss dinner.

Layers of cheese with our Texas Recipe BBQ Brisket sandwiched together on golden-brown Texas toast makes for a combination that’s simply the best. You won’t believe how quickly this crispy, melty, meaty sandwich comes together. Serve it with some classic tomato soup for dipping if you want to add another dimension of flavor.

What you’ll need:

• 1 Morton’s of Omaha Texas Recipe BBQ Beef Brisket, sliced or shredded and prepared as per package instructions (you’ll only need about 1 pound for this recipe)
• 8 slices Texas toast
• 8 slices American cheese
• 4 tablespoons butter or mayo
• Nonstick cooking spray

Instructions:

1. Give your skillet a light coating of cooking spray and turn the heat to medium. Spread ½ tablespoon butter or mayo on one side of each slice of bread while the skillet heats.
2. Add one piece of bread to the skillet, buttered side down. Place one piece of cheese over the unbuttered side of the bread, then layer with shredded or sliced brisket and one more slice of cheese. Place the second slice of bread over the top, buttered side facing up.
3. Let your sandwich get golden brown on the bottom, then carefully flip it to brown the other side. Once the other side is browned and everything is nice and melty, remove from heat and serve.

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That’s a wrap on four easy recipes that’ll satisfy your fall comfort food cravings. Now who’s hungry? Hurry over to our store locator to find Morton’s of Omaha products near you. With our ready-to-cook, pre-seasoned meats, you’ll find comfort food can be quite simple to prepare even when you’re busy.