Kitchen Tips Archives - Family Dinners

How To Make Perfect Cast Iron Skillet Burgers

Andrea + Stef — Fri, 10 Mar 2023 19:14:35 +0000

If you have been craving a juicy and flavorful hamburger, then these easy, homemade cast iron skillet burgers are perfect for you! Even though you might think a grill or an open flame is the perfect way to cook a burger, this cast iron skillet recipe actually produces the best burgers you have ever tasted. They are perfectly seasoned, tender, juicy and done in only 15 minutes. With our scrumptious special sauce made from scratch and all your favorite burger toppings these cast iron skillet cheeseburgers are simply out of this world good!

Why You’ll Love This

Notable: Amazingly juicy and tender burgers made from scratch that cook up in a hot skillet in only 15 minutes. These tasty burgers are the absolute best!
Main Ingredients: cooking oil, ground beef, spices, hamburger buns, slices of cheese, tomatoes, lettuce, onion, pickles, special sauce (mayonnaise, mustard, dill pickles, pickle juice, sugar, white wine vinegar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder)or other condiments of choice
Cooking Method: stovetop
Cooking Time: 5 minutes prep time, 10 minutes cooking time
Pairs well with: French fries, potato wedges, crunchy salad, pasta salad, potato salad
Special Equipment Needed: large bowl, cast-iron skillet, cooking spatula, meat thermometer, small mixing bowl, cooking spoon or whisk

Ingredients

You may have all of these simple ingredients for this cast iron burgers in your refrigerator or pantry and not need to make a trip to the grocery store! If this is your first time making this homemade burgers recipe you might want to read the possible variations before deciding on your ingredients.

Cast Iron Skillet Burgers Ingredients

1 tablespoon neutral cooking oil
1 lb ground beef (85%lean/15%fat)

Hamburger Seasoning Ingredients

1 teaspoon sea salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon paprika

Special Sauce Ingredients

¾ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
2 tablespoon dill pickles (finely chopped)
2 teaspoon pickle juice
2 teaspoon sugar
½ teaspoon white wine vinegar
½ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder

Optional Toppings

4 brioche burger buns (toasted)
4 cheese slices
tomato slices
lettuce
onion slices
pickle slices
special sauce or other condiments of choice

Variations and Substitutions

Oil: You can use vegetable oil, avocado oil or grapeseed oil to fry up your delicious burgers. As a matter of fact you can even use olive oil for searing in a pinch.

Meat: We recommend using ground chuck for this easy recipe. Additionally, you can substitute other ground meat, such as ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef.

Cheese: Feel free to use any cheese you like, such as cheddar cheese or American Cheese, for example. Moreover, Swiss cheese or Pepper Jack cheese would be other great options.

Hamburger Buns: Substitute brioche buns with sesame seed, potato, pretzel, or ciabatta buns, for example. Additionally you can skip the buns altogether, and sandwich your burgers and toppings between lettuce leaves for a more keto friendly meal.

How To Make Gluten Free

Use a gluten free burger bun for this good burger in order to make this meal gluten free. The hamburger patties are already naturally gluten free.

WHAT TO MAKE NEXT: If you love these perfect burgers, try them with a side of Cheesy Hasselback Potatoes. You’ll love them because they are full of thin, tender potato slices roasted to a golden crisp and stuffed with melty cheddar cheese.

Recommended Tools

Links to our favorite tools are affiliate links. If you purchase something through the link we may get a tiny portion of the sale.

Cast Iron Pan — When cooking a burger patty on the stovetop, using a cast-iron skillet is the best way to get a juicy and perfect burger. However, you can also use any other frying pan or even a non-stick pan in a pinch.

Optional Alternative Ways To Cook A Burger:

Air Fryer – This recipe requires an air fryer. We have both this Cosori air fryer, which is wonderful, and this Cuisinart Air Fryer, which we also love. The Cuisinart also has convection oven and toaster oven capacity. You can buy an air fryer with a basket with high sides that food goes into or a tray type of machine. The trays are shallow but are usually longer and can accomodate more food in a single layer.

Grill — An indoor or outdoor grill is needed for this recipe. We love our indoor Zojirushi grill for cooking inside.

Instructions

This section shows how to cook cast iron burgers on the stovetop, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique. For printable detailed instructions and nutritional information see the recipe card below.

Step 1: Firstly, combine 1 pound of ground hamburger and hamburger seasoning in a large bowl. Then, gently mix together with your hands.

Step 2: Afterwards, divide the meat mixture into 4 equal parts. You can use a kitchen scale to divide the beef mixture perfectly equal.

Step 3: Then roll each piece into a ball and flatten with your hands into a patty. As patties will shrink in size when they cook, make them a bit bigger than the buns. Afterwards, heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. When the skillet is hot, add a little oil to the pan. Then use a spatula to spread the oil evenly around the surface area of the pan.

Step 4: Add each hamburger patty to the preheated skillet. In case your pan is not large enough cook them in batches. Cook over medium heat for 4 minutes on the first side, until the underside of the hamburger is beginning to become a nice golden brown.

Step 5: Afterwards, flip the hamburger patties and place a slice of cheese in the center of each patty. Cheese will melt as the burger cooks. Cook for about 3-4 minutes more on the second side, until the patty has a nice sear on the bottom.

Step 6: When the cheese is melted and the hamburger patty is cooked to desired doneness, remove from the hot pan.

Step 7: For the special sauce, combine mayonnaise, yellow mustard, chopped pickles, pickle juice, white wine vinegar, paprika, garlic powder and onion powder in a small bowl. Then stir until well combined. Afterwards add the desired amount of sauce to the bottom bun.

Step 8: Then place the perfect cooked hamburgers on the toasted buns.

Step 9: Add sliced tomatoes, sliced onions, sliced pickles, lettuce and all your other favorite toppings. Try some bacon or sautéd mushrooms as well.

Step 10: Finally serve these amazing burgers with your favorite side dish and enjoy!

WHAT TO MAKE NEXT: If you love this easy to make burger recipe then you’ll love our Easy Baked Cheesy Meatball Sub Sandwich. This meatball sub recipe combines crispy French bread with juicy meatballs and melty mozzarella and parmesan cheese.

Make Ahead

You can prepare the burger patties up to 12 hours ahead of time. You can stack them with parchment paper pieces between each patty for easier storage. Make sure to store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook. Additionally you can freeze them until ready to use.

Other Cooking Methods For Burgers

Besides cooking burgers on a traditional grill, the air fryer is another great way to make delicious burgers. Air Fried Burgers come out tender and juicy with just the right amount of crispy bits on the outside.

Stef says….

For a fun twist on a traditional burger, try my delicious Big Mac Salad. It has all of the flavors of a Big Mac but uses simple ingredients that are healthy and even suitable for a low carb diet.

Recipe Tips

Follow these tips to make the best cast iron skillet burgers.

Tip: Use ground chuck with either 80/20 or 85/15 mixing ratio for your hamburger patties.
Tip: Do not overcook your meat. Otherwise it will turn out very dry.
Tip: Only assemble the burgers when you are ready to eat them, therefore avoiding soggy hamburger buns.

Serving Suggestions

We love to eat cast iron skillet burgers all by themselves. But sometimes you need to serve it as a meal. Try one of these delicious recipes:

Potatoes: Serve juicy burgers with crispy Fries, Potato Wedges, Tater Tots, Hassleback Potatoes, Baked Sweet Potatoes or classic Baked Potatoes.

Salad: Pair homemade cheeseburgers with a fresh salad. A green salad like our Easy Italian Salad or Tortellini Pasta Salad. Or even a Greek Salad with olives, cucumbers and feta or an Artichoke Rice Salad.

Other Sides: Yummy burgers would also taste great with Air Fryer Pasta Chips, or Air Fryer Zucchini Fries.

More Hot Sandwich Recipes

Warm sandwiches make great lunches, dinners or party snacks. If you like burgers, you will also love our other scrumptious slider and sandwich recipes:

Andrea says….

I love adding some crispy bacon to this delicious burger recipe. My favorite way to cook bacon is this easy recipe for Oven Baked Bacon. It comes out perfectly cooked every time without any of the greasy splatter.

How To Store

Refrigerate: Store leftover burger patties in an airtight container, ziploc bag or tightly wrapped in aluminum foil or plastic wrap in the fridge for 1-2 days. We do, however, not recommend storing assembled burger leftovers, because the toppings will loose their texture and the burger buns will get soggy.

Freeze: We recommend freezing uncooked burger patties in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. For easy removal, place a small sheet of parchment paper between each patty before freezing.

Defrosting: Thaw frozen burger patties in the refrigerator for a couple of hours or overnight. Alternatively you can cook them from frozen as well.

How To Reheat

Reheat cooked burger patties in the microwave or in the air fryer.

Common Questions

What is the best meat to use for hamburger patties?

For the best, beefy, and juicy burgers we recommend using ground chuck. Ground chuck usually provides the perfect lean meat/fat ratio at about 80-85 % lean meat and 15-20 % fat. The higher fat content is necessary to keep your burger flavorful and juicy. Even though, lean ground beef might sound like a better and healthier choice on paper, it unfortunately makes dry burgers that are no fun to eat.

Is it better to use fresh or frozen hamburger patties?

There is actually not a big difference in quality or taste between frozen and fresh hamburger patties. While fresh hamburger patties do provide a slightly richer taste, they have a very short shelf life. Fresh patties are the better choice if you want to follow a specific hamburger patty recipe and if you are planning on cooking them within a day or two. Frozen hamburger patties, on the other hand, are a lot more convenient and still provide great taste. You can safely store them in the freezer for up to 6 months without losing any flavor. Moreover, frozen patties cook up quick and easy without defrosting, which makes them a great choice for a last minute meal.

What internal temperature should my burger have when it’s done?

The internal temperature of a great burger depends on the degree of doneness you prefer. According to the FDA a well done burger should be between 160 and 165 degrees. In case you prefer your burger medium-well it should have an internal temperature of 150-155 ºF. Medium-rare burgers should be between 130 and 135 degrees.

What are tasty hamburger toppings?

Cast iron skillet cheeseburgers are a great meal, because they are super easy to personalize. Popular burger toppings include cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomato, pickles, caramelized onions, hamburger sauce, ketchup, mustard or mayonnaise.

How To Make Perfect Cast Iron Skillet Burgers

There is no need to heat up a grill for these juicy and delicious cast iron skillet burgers. They cook to perfection on the stovetop in only 15 minutes and can be garnished with all your favorite burger toppings! They are so much better than take-out!

Course Main Dish

Cuisine American

Keyword cast iron burger, cast iron skillet cheeseburger, homemade burger, how to cook a cheeseburger indoors, juicy burger

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 10

Total Time 15

Servings burgers

Calories 814kcal

Author Andrea + Stef

Equipment

mixing bowls
cast iron skillet
kitchen spatula
cooking spoon or whisk

Ingredients

Burger Patty Ingredients:

1 tablespoon neutral cooking oil vegetable, avocado or grapeseed oil
1 lb ground beef 85% lean/15% fat

Hamburger Seasoning Ingredients:

1 teaspoon sea salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon paprika

Special Sauce Ingredients:

¾ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
2 tablespoon dill pickles finely chopped
2 teaspoon pickle juice
2 teaspoon sugar
½ teaspoon white wine vinegar
½ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder

Toppings:

4 brioche burger buns toasted
4 cheese slices optional
4 tomato slices optional
lettuce optional
sliced onion optional
sliced pickles optional
special sauce or desired condiments

Instructions

Special Sauce Instructions:

In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, yellow mustard, chopped pickles, pickle juice, white wine vinegar, paprika, garlic powder and onion powder. Stir until well combined. Set aside until ready to use.

Burger Instructions:

In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground hamburger and hamburger seasoning. Gently mix together with your hands.
Divide the meat mixture into 4 equal parts. Then roll each piece into a ball and flatten with your hands into a patty. Patties will shrink in size when they cook, so make sure you make them a bit bigger than the burger buns.
Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat. When the skillet is hot, add 1 tablespoon of oil to the pan. Use a spatula to spread the oil evenly around the pan.
Add each hamburger patty to the pan. If your pan is not large enough you might have to cook them in batches.
Cook for 4 minutes on the first side, until the underside of the hamburger is beginning to become a nice golden brown.
Flip the hamburger patties and place a piece of cheese on top. Cheese will melt as the patty cooks.
Cook for about 4 more minutes, until the patty is golden brown on the bottom.
When cheese is melted and hamburger patty is cooked to desired doneness, remove from the skillet.
Place the hamburger patty on a toasted bun.
Add special sauce, sliced tomatoes, sliced onions, sliced pickles, lettuce and any other favorite toppings. Enjoy!

Nutrition

The post How To Make Perfect Cast Iron Skillet Burgers appeared first on Family Dinners.

How To Make Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice

Andrea + Stef — Mon, 02 Jan 2023 23:35:06 +0000

Have you ever wondered how to make homemade pumpkin pie spice? Then is the recipe for you. No more need for store-bought pumpkin pie spice, with this easy recipe that comes together in less than 5 minutes. This delicious pumpkin spice substitute is the perfect blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves and allspice. It can be added to all your favorite pumpkin dessert recipes, quick breads, breakfasts, ice creams as well as a cup of coffee. It even makes the best pumpkin spice latte. You will want to make this scrumptious homemade spice blend again and again all pumpkin season long.

What is Pumpkin Pie Spice?

Traditionally, pumpkin spice is a blend of warm fall spices such as cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves and allspice. Even though it is called pumpkin PIE spice, you can use it in many other dishes besides pumpkin pie filling, and even drinks. Pumpkin spice tastes great in cookies, quick breads, pancakes, cheesecake and pumpkin muffins. Moreover, you can use this delicious spice to flavor your morning coffee, pumpkin spice lattes as well as pumpkin granola.

Why You’ll Love This

Notable: delicious spice blend that takes all your favorite fall and pumpkin desserts to the next level
Main Ingredients: cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, ground cloves, ground allspice
Cooking Method: no bake
Cooking Time: 5 minutes prep time
Pairs well with: traditional pumpkin pie, pumpkin cookies, pumpkin cake or any other pumpkin spice treats
Diets: keto friendly, gluten free, dairy free, vegetarian, vegan
Special Equipment Needed: mixing bowl, small whisk

Ingredients

You may have all of these ingredients for this pumpkin pie spice recipe in your refrigerator or pantry and not need to make a trip to the grocery store! If this is your first time making this pumpkin pie substitute you might want to read the possible variations before deciding on your ingredients.

Pumpkin Pie Spice Ingredients

1 ½ tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
¾ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon ground cloves
½ tsp ground allspice

Variations and Substitutions

Black Pepper: In case you want to intensify the flavor of your own pumpkin pie spice add a pinch of ground black pepper to this easy recipe. (about ⅛ tsp) It will not make your favorite pumpkin spice recipes spicy but enhance and bring out their delicious flavor even more.

WHAT TO MAKE NEXT: If you love this fragrant pumpkin pie spice recipe, try our amazing Pumpkin Pie Bars. With a cinnamon cream cheese frosting and a pumpkin and yellow cake mix recipe it’s easy to make and not your average pumpkin cake recipe.

Recommended Tools

Links to our favorite tools are affiliate links. If you purchase something through the link we may get a tiny portion of the sale.

Mixing Bowl — For best results use a clean and dry glass or porcelain bowl to mix your own homemade pumpkin spice.

Instructions

This section shows how to make substitute pumpkin pie spice, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique. For full step-by-step instructions, photos and nutritional information see the recipe in the recipe card below.

MIX SPICES: Firstly, add all the spices to a dry glass mixing bowl and then whisk until blended. Afterwards use directly in a recipe or store in an airtight container or spice jar until ready to use.

WHAT TO MAKE NEXT: If you love everything pumpkin then you’ll love our delicious Pumpkin Bread. This wonderfully light and moist pumpkin bread is the perfect fall dessert and comes together in only 15 minutes.

Stef says….

There is nothing better on a cold morning than the warm and spicy flavor of my delicious Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls. The soft sweet pumpkin dough, covered in cream cheese frosting is just to die for.

Recipe Tips

Follow these tips to make this delicious homemade pumpkin pie spice recipe.

Tip: Make sure your spices are fresh. Older spices often lose their flavor. In case your spices are discolored or have lost their aroma, toss them and buy new ones.
Tip: Measure amounts carefully to create the perfect combination of flavors.
Tip: Store homemade pumpkin spice in a dry, airtight container, so it stays fresh for a long time.

What To Make With Pumpkin Pie Spice

There are countless ways of using this scrumptious substitute for pumpkin pie spice.

We love using it for our favorite pumpkin breads: Pumpkin Bread, Gluten Free Pumpkin Bread or Pumpkin Bread With Chocolate Chips.

It also tastes great in breakfast treats such as Pumpkin Spice Pancakes, Pumpkin Pancakes with Pancake Mix, Oven Baked Pumpkin Spice Donuts, Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins, oatmeal or pumpkin granola.

The delicious flavor of this homemade pumpkin spice of course also works great with pumpkin desserts like Pumpkin Pie Bars, Pumpkin Pie Cupcakes, Pumpkin Muffins With Cream Cheese, Pumpkin Ice Cream, Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes or Pumpkin Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce.

Andrea says….

Pumpkin pie spice tastes good with everything! We love to put some in pancakes, fall drinks or muffins.

More Homemade Spice Blend Recipes

It is surprisingly easy to make the most delicious homemade spice blends with pantry staples that you probably already have at home. They are so much better than store-bought versions. Here are some of our favorite seasoning blends:

How To Store

Room Temperature: In case you are not using your pumpkin spice substitute right away, store your own spice blend in an airtight container, ziploc bag, spice jar or other tightly sealed container until ready to use. We recommend keeping your own blend of pumpkin spice in a dry place such as a spice rack or a dark place such as a spice cabinet. If the spices you used for this recipe were fresh, the pumpkin pie spice blend will last for up to 2 years.

Common Questions

How do I turn this pumpkin pie spice substitute into a gift?

Homemade pumpkin pie spice makes a great gift for family, friends or co-workers during pumpkin spice season. Simply make a big batch of substitute pumpkin pie seasoning and fill it in cute little spice jars or other tightly sealed containers. Add a homemade or handwritten label and decorate with a ribbon and cinnamon stick if you like.

Are there other ways to use pumpkin spice besides baked goods and pumpkin desserts?

Besides all things pumpkin, you can use this blend of ground spices to flavor apple cider, mulled wine, greek yoghurt, oatmeal, ice cream, frostings, streusel topping, bread pudding as well as your morning coffee or even a cold brew.

What is the difference between pumpkin pie spice and apple pie spice?

The main difference between pumpkin spice and apple spice is the addition of cloves and cardamom. While pumpkin seasoning includes ground cloves, apple pie spice has cardamom added instead. However, they are very similar otherwise, and can be substituted for each other in a pinch.

How do I store spices to keep them fresh longer?

We recommend storing common spices as well as diy blends in an airtight container in a dry, dark spot like a spice cabinet. It is important to protect spices from direct sunlight, to prevent discoloration.

How To Make Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice

Amazingly flavorful spice blend that comes together in less than 5 minutes and tastes great with all your favorite pumpkin recipes.

Course recipe staple

Cuisine American

Diet Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian

Keyword homemade pumpkin pie spice, how to make pumpkin spice, pumpkin pie spice recipe, pumpkin pie spice substitute, substitute pumpkin pie spice

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Servings teaspoons

Calories 7kcal

Author Andrea + Stef

Equipment

mixing bowl
whisk

Ingredients

1½ tablespoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
¾ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon ground cloves
½ teaspoon ground allspice

Instructions

Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl.
Whisk together until evenly combined. Then use immediately or store in an airtight container.

Nutrition

The post How To Make Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice appeared first on Family Dinners.

Italian Seasoning Substitute

Andrea + Stef — Tue, 27 Dec 2022 19:15:21 +0000

Do you also love Italian food in every shape and form? Then this best homemade Italian seasoning substitute is perfect for you. This amazing combination of dried herbs and spices makes all your Italian recipes taste out of this world good. It comes together in just 5 minutes and only uses household staples. Equal parts of marjoram, rosemary, basil and thyme, as well as parsley, garlic powder and sage, determine the flavor of our delicious Italian seasoning. Add it to pizza, pasta, salad dressings or garlic bread, and your dishes will be bursting with irresistible Italian flavor.

What is Italian Seasoning?

Italian seasoning is a blend of dried herbs and spices that can be used in many of your favorite Italian inspried recipes. Even though its name suggests an Italian origin, Italian seasoning is not really common in Italy. It is in fact more of an Italian American staple. Traditionally its key ingredients are aromatic herbs such as marjoram, basil, rosemary, thyme, sage, parsley or oregano, for example. Additionally flavorful spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper or cayenne pepper are also added to give it its distinct flavor. It is the best alternative to fresh herbs.

Why You’ll Love This

Notable: flavorful blend of Italian herbs and spices that adds immense flavor to pizza, pasta sauces, salad dressings and more
Main Ingredients: majoram, rosemary, basil, thyme, parsley, garlic powder, sage
Cooking Method: no bake
Cooking Time: 5 minutes prep time
Pairs well with: pizza, calzones, Italian meatballs, pasta dishes, salads
Diets: keto friendly, gluten free, dairy free, vegetarian, vegan
Special Equipment Needed: mixing bowl, small whisk

Ingredients

You may have all of these ingredients for this substitute Italian seasoning recipe in your refrigerator or pantry and not need to make a trip to the grocery store! If this is your first time making this homemade Italian seasoning you might want to read the possible variations before deciding on your ingredients.

Italian Seasoning Ingredients

2¼ teaspoon dried marjoram
2¼ teaspoon dried rosemary
2¼ teaspoon dried basil
2¼ teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried sage

Variations and Substitutions

Oregano: Another herb that blends well with Italian dishes is oregano. Add 1 teaspoon of oregano to this good Italian seasoning substitute if you prefer.

Dried Lemon Peel: For a slight hint of bright citrus flavor, add ¼ teaspoon of dried lemon peel to your homemade seasoning.

Spicy kick: If you like a bit of spicy kick with your Italian cuisine, then add some black pepper, white pepper, cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to taste. Be careful, however, or your Italian spice will end up having a peppery taste.

WHAT TO MAKE NEXT: If you loved this flavor packed Italian spice blend recipe, use it for our Air Fryer Pizza Bites. These fluffy and delicious pepperoni pizza bites are super easy to make and will sure impress every pizza lover in your life.

Recommended Tools

Links to our favorite tools are affiliate links. If you purchase something through the link we may get a tiny portion of the sale.

Mixing Bowl — For best results use a clean and dry glass or porcelain bowl to mix your own homemade Italian blend of herbs.

Instructions

This section shows how to make Italian seasoning substitute, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique. For full step-by-step instructions, photos and nutritional information see the recipe in the recipe card below.

MIX SPICES: Combine ingredients in a small bowl. Stir together to combine. Pour into a small container with an airtight lid. Close the lid and label.

WHAT TO MAKE NEXT: If you love Italian inspired juicy and tender chicken then you’ll love our Air Fryer Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs. This easy chicken dish is rubbed with olive oil, Italian seasoning and spices, then cooked to perfection in the air fryer.

Stef says….

I love using this amazing substitute for Italian seasoning in my easy Chicken Parmesan Pasta Bake. It has the same traditional flavors, except it’s so much easier to make, and it’s ready in 35 minutes!

Recipe Tips

Follow these tips to make the best replacement for Italian seasoning.

Tip: Make sure your dried herbs are fresh. Older spices often lose their flavor. In case your herbs are discolored or have lost their aroma, toss them and buy new ones.
Tip: Measure amounts carefully to create the perfect combination of flavors.
Tip: Store homemade Italian seasoning substitute in a dry, airtight container, so it stays fresh for a long time.

What to Make with Italian Seasoning

There are countless ways of using this good Italian seasoning substitute.

We love using this excellent and easy substitute for Italian seasoning in salad dressings, like for our Easy Italian Salad or Tortellini Pasta Salad.

This great homemade Italian seasoning additionally tastes great in all our pizza and calzone recipes. Have you tried our White Pizza with Garlic Pizza Sauce, Hot Pizza Dip, Easy Three Meat Calzones, Chicken Pesto Calzones, Meatball Calzones or Pizza Dough Garlic Knots?

Italian Seasoning also adds immense flavor to sandwiches. We love using in for our Air Fryer Three Cheese Bombs, Meatball Sub Sandwich or Meatball Stuffed Biscuits.

Main dishes such as Air Fryer Salmon, Creamy Chicken Bake, Air Fryer Meatballs, or Caprese Chicken Thighs all taste better with a teaspoon of this Italian seasoning.

Andrea says….

Mix 2 tablespoons of Italian seasoning with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar as a marinade for chicken.

More Homemade Spice Blend Recipes

How To Store

Room Temperature: In case you are not using your substitute for Italian seasoning right away, store your mix of herbs in an airtight container, ziploc bag, spice jar or other tightly sealed container until ready to use. We recommend keeping your Italian seasoning mix in a dry place such as a spice rack or a dark place such as a spice cabinet. If the spices you used for this recipe were fresh, this blend of Italian herbs will last for a long time. Even up to 2 years.

Common Questions

How do I store spices to keep them fresh longer?

We recommend storing common spices as well as diy blends in an airtight container in a dry and dark spot like a spice cabinet. It is important to protect spices from direct sunlight, to prevent discoloration.

How do I turn this homemade seasoning into a gift?

A jar of amazing Italian seasoning blend makes a great gift for family, friends or co-workers all year around. Simply make a big batch of substitute Italian seasoning and fill it in cute little spice jars, small mason jars or other tightly sealed containers. Add a homemade or handwritten label and decorate with a ribbon and some dry bow tie pasta if you like.

What can I use this great substitute for Italian seasoning for?

Most of us don’t always have fresh herbs, such as fresh basil or fresh oregano, at hand. Therefore, one of the best substitutes is having a jar of Italian seasoning on the spice rack. It is one of the best ways to add Italian flavors to your dishes. It can be used as a pizza seasoning, for pasta dishes, salad dressings, garlic bread, or meat dishes.

Does Italian seasoning have any health benefits?

This unique blend of dry herbs does have many nutrients, such as vitamins, antioxidants, fiber and minerals. Moreover, there are no excessive amounts of sea salt or any other additives in this homemade blend. In addition, it is also gluten free.

Italian Seasoning Substitute

Amazing herb blend that combines all your favorite Italian flavors. It tastes great with pizza, pasta and many other Italian dishes.

Course recipe staple

Cuisine American, Italian

Diet Gluten Free, Low Lactose, Vegan, Vegetarian

Keyword homemade Italian spice blend, replacement for Italian seasoning, substitute for Italian seasoning, substitute Italian seasoning

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Calories 23kcal

Author Andrea + Stef

Equipment

small mixing bowl
small whisk

Ingredients

2¼ teaspoon dried marjoram
2¼ tsp dried rosemary
2¼ teaspoon dried basil
2¼ teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried sage

Instructions

Combine ingredients in a small bowl.
Stir together to combine. Pour into a small container with an airtight lid. Close the lid and label.

Nutrition

The post Italian Seasoning Substitute appeared first on Family Dinners.

Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix (Mild or Spicy)

Andrea + Stef — Mon, 19 Dec 2022 13:24:29 +0000

If you are looking for a great way to make your next taco Tuesday extra special, try our easy recipe for homemade taco seasoning mix. This homemade taco spice is the perfect blend of chili powder, spices and dried herbs. It is ready in only 5 minutes and incredibly versatile. Moreover, our taco seasoning recipe does not contain any sugar or flour and is therefore keto friendly and gluten free. All you need is a pound of ground beef (or other meat of choice) and you are ready to make the best taco meat you have ever tasted.

What is Taco Seasoning?

This Mexican inspired spice blend consists of chili powder, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, dried oregano, salt and black pepper. For a spicy seasoning, cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes or spicy chili powder are added. Even though it is called taco seasoning, this flavorful spice blend can be used in many dishes. Season fajitas, chili, burritos as well as Mexican inspired casseroles and bakes with traditional taco spice.

Why You’ll Love This

Notable: this is the absolute best taco seasoning that will take your favorite taco recipe to the next level, it’s ready in only 5 minutes and you can make it as mild or spicy as you like
Main Ingredients: chili powder, ground cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper (optional)
Cooking Method: no bake
Cooking Time: 5 minutes prep time
Pairs well with: taco meat, Mexican casseroles, fajitas, chilis
Diets: keto friendly, gluten free, dairy free, vegetarian, vegan
Special Equipment Needed: small bowl, small whisk

Ingredients

You may have all of these ingredients for this authentic taco seasoning recipe in your refrigerator or pantry and not need to make a trip to the grocery store! If this is your first time making this homemade taco seasoning mix you might want to read the possible variations before deciding on your ingredients.

Mild Taco Seasoning Ingredients

2 teaspoon red chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ tsp salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Variations and Substitutions

Make it Spicy : Add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or chipotle powder to this homemade taco seasoning for a spicy kick. Moreover, you can also add some red pepper flakes to taste.

Paprika: In case you like a bit of a smokey flavor, use smoked paprika instead of regular.

WHAT TO MAKE NEXT: If you love this amazing taco seasoning mix recipe, try our Air Fryer Taco Stuffed Pasta Shells. Carnitas and cheese stuffed into tender pasta shells and cooked in an air fryer to crispy, flavor-bursting perfection.

Recommended Tools

Links to our favorite tools are affiliate links. If you purchase something through the link we may get a tiny portion of the sale.

Mixing Bowl — For best results use a clean and dry glass or porcelain bowl to mix your own homemade taco seasoning mix.

Instructions

This section shows how to make this mild or spicy homemade taco seasoning mix, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique. For full step-by-step instructions, photos and nutritional information see the recipe in the recipe card below.

WHAT TO MAKE NEXT: If you love Mexican inspired dishes then you’ll love our Easy Ground Beef Taco Casserole. It is everything you love about tacos in a quick and easy Mexican lasagna with ground beef.

Stef says….

Instead of a store-bought taco seasoning packet I use about 2 tablespoons of this taco mix recipe for my Taco Salad Shells. They are just to die for!

Recipe Tips

Follow these tips to make the best substitute for taco seasoning.

Tip: Make sure your spices are fresh. Older spices often lose their flavor. In case your spices are discolored or have lost their aroma, toss them and buy new ones.
Tip: Measure amounts carefully to create the perfect combination of flavors.
Tip: Store homemade taco spice in a dry, airtight container, so it stays fresh for a long time.

What To Make With Taco Seasoning

We love using our own taco seasoning mix for making Ground Beef Taco Filling, Easy Ground Beef Taco Casserole, Frito Pie with Ground Beef, Air Fryer Taco Stuffed Pasta Shells or Stef’s Crockpot Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup.

In case you are looking for the best side dishes to serve with these scrumptious dinners, try one of these delicious recipes:

Sides: We love serving Mexican dishes with homemade Air Fryer Taco Shells, Instant Pot Black Beans, or Instant Pot Refried Beans. Our delicious Cilantro Lime Rice or Mexican Rice can also be served alongside Mexican dinners.

Dips and Sauces: Pair your favorite Mexican recipes with our homemade Guacamole, Mild Pico de Gallo, Salsa with Canned Tomatoes, Mango Habanero Salsa, Queso Blanco ,or Cilantro Lime Sour Cream.

More Homemade Spice Blend Recipes

How To Store

Room Temperature: In case you are not using your substitute for taco seasoning right away, store your own spice blend in an airtight container, ziploc bag, small mason jar, spice jar or other tightly sealed container until ready to use. We recommend keeping your own taco mix in a dry place such as a spice rack or a dark place such as a spice cabinet or spice drawer. If the spices you used for this recipe were fresh, the diy taco seasoning mix will last for up to 6 months.

Andrea says….

I always make my own taco seasoning. Having this on hand makes taco night even quicker! We use our Taco Filling recipe with this taco seasoning every week!

Common Questions

How many tablespoons of seasoning are in store-bought packets of taco spice?

Generally, there is 1 ounce or about 2 tablespoons of store-bought taco seasoning blend in those little packets. Our recipe yields about 2 ½ tablespoons of homemade seasoning and can therefore be substituted for 1 packet.

Is taco seasoning healthy?

While there are no considerable health benefits from eating taco spice, making your own taco seasoning undoubtedly has its advantages. Firstly, there is way less added sodium in this homemade mild taco seasoning, and secondly there are no added preservatives. Our homemade taco seasoning mix is also gluten free, dairy free, vegan and keto friendly.

Can you use taco seasoning for fajitas?

This Mexican inspired blend of spices does not only taste great with taco meat. You can in fact use it for all your favorite Mexican recipes, such as fajitas, chili, or burritos, for example.

How do I use this Mexican blend of spices to make taco meat?

It doesn’t matter what type of meat you like to use for your taco night. Simply brown a pound of meat (ground beef, chicken, turkey…), then add ¼ cup of water and one batch of your own seasoning. Cook until the meat is coated and cooked through.

How do I store spices to keep them fresh longer?

Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix (Mild or Spicy)

Amazingly delicious taco spice that can be made mild or spicy and will add immense flavor to your taco meat.

Course recipe staple

Cuisine American, Mexican

Diet Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian

Keyword homemade taco seasoning, replacement for taco seasoning packet, substitute for taco seasoning, taco seasoning substitute

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Servings tablespoons

Calories 16kcal

Author Andrea + Stef

Equipment

small bowl
small whisk

Ingredients

2 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon salt
¼ tsp black pepper

Optional:

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or chipotle powder

Instructions

Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl.
Whisk together until evenly combined. Then use immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.

Notes

This recipe makes about 2½ tablespoons of homemade taco seasoning mix, which equals approximately one packet.

To Use: Cook meat (ground beef, chicken, steak) in a skillet. Add ¼ cup of water and 1 serving of taco seasoning. Stir to combine over medium heat for a few minutes until the meat is coated.

Nutrition

The post Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix (Mild or Spicy) appeared first on Family Dinners.

Homemade Onion Soup Mix Recipe (Copycat Lipton Onion Soup Mix)

Andrea + Stef — Sat, 17 Dec 2022 16:33:28 +0000

This homemade onion soup mix recipe comes together in just 5 minutes and only uses a few simple ingredients. It is flavorful and versatile, and can be used to make soup, dip, meatloaf or as the secret ingredient in many other family favorite dinners. This homemade pantry staple tastes so much better than store-bought packets of lipton soup mix, and the best thing, it doesn’t contain any unwanted additives. Therefore, no matter if you are using this spice blend as instant soup mix or dip mix, it will turn every dish into a delicious crowd-pleaser.

What is Onion Soup Mix?

This beefy onion mix for soup and dips consist of only a few household staples, such as onion flakes, beef bouillon granules, onion powder, paprika, garlic powder, pepper and celery seed. It can be used to make delicious onion soup or mixed with a container of sour cream for amazing French onion dip.

Why You’ll Love This

Notable: flavorful and versatile beefy onion soup mix that makes delicious soup, dip and more
Main Ingredients: onion flakes, powdered beef bouillon granules, onion powder, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, celery seed
Cooking Method: no bake
Cooking Time: 5 minutes prep time
Pairs well with: crusty white bread, cheesy bread, salad
Diets: keto friendly, gluten free (if used beef bouillon is gluten free)
Special Equipment Needed: small bowl, small whisk

Ingredients

You may have all of these ingredients for this homemade onion soup mix recipe in your refrigerator or pantry and not need to make a trip to the grocery store! If this is your first time making this onion soup mix replacement recipe you might want to read the possible variations before deciding on your ingredients.

Onion Soup Mix Ingredients

¼ cup onion flakes
2 tablespoon powdered beef bouillon granules
¼ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon celery seed

Variations and Substitutions

Onion Flakes: Their size may vary depending on the brand you are using, but all of them work great. Alternatively, they are sometimes called dehydrated onion.

Beef Bouillon: The color of your bouillon granules will determine the color of your soup. If your bouillon is lighter or yellower your soup will be lighter as well. It will still taste delicious! You can also substitute chicken bouillon granules in a pinch.

Herbs: In case you like to add some herbs to your soup mix, we recommend dried parsley. Moreover, you can add some dried chives, which will enhance the onion flavor.

Thicken: In case you like your soup slightly thickened, add 1 teaspoon of corn starch to your mix.

WHAT TO MAKE NEXT: If you loved this homemade onion soup mix recipe, try using it for our amazing Sour Cream And Onion Dip. You’ll love it because it only uses 2 ingredients and tastes great with vegetables and chips.

Recommended Tools

Links to our favorite tools are affiliate links. If you purchase something through the link we may get a tiny portion of the sale.

Mixing Bowl — For best results use a clean and dry glass or porcelain bowl to mix your own homemade onion soup seasoning mix.

Instructions

This section shows how to make this homemade onion soup mix recipe, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique. For full step-by-step instructions, photos and nutritional information see the recipe in the recipe card below.

MIX SPICE: Firstly, add all the spices to a dry glass mixing bowl and then whisk until blended. Afterwards use directly in a recipe or store in an airtight container or spice jar until ready to use.

WHAT TO MAKE NEXT: If you love rich French onion flavor then you’ll love Stef’s French Onion Chicken Skillet. It is a delicious one-pan meal consisting of juicy chicken breasts nestled in rich and thick onion gravy, topped with melted cheese!

Stef says….

Another amazing soup that tastes so much better homemade is Tomato Soup. It is so easy to make with bold flavors that stand up to any grilled cheese.

Recipe Tips

Follow these tips to make the best substitute for onion soup mix.

Tip: Make sure your spices are fresh. Older spices often lose their flavor. In case your spices are discolored or have lost their aroma, toss them and buy new ones.
Tip: Measure amounts carefully to create the perfect combination of flavors.
Tip: Store replacement for onion soup mix in a dry, airtight container, so it stays fresh for a long time.

What To Serve With French Onion Soup

Bread: Serve this scrumptious soup with crusty bread or soft dinner rolls. Our Garlic Bread is made with fresh parmesan cheese and store-bought french bread. If you have extra time make Pizza Dough Garlic Knots.

Traditionally onion soup is served with cheesy bread. Have you tired our Air Fryer 3 Cheese Bombs or Cheesy Cauliflower Breadsticks?

Salad: Pair homemade onion soup with a fresh salad. A green salad like our amazing Italian Salad or Strawberry Avocado Salad. Or even a Caprese Salad with tomatoes, mozzarella and basil.

More Homemade Spice Blend Recipes

How To Store

Room Temperature: In case you are not using your substitute for onion soup mix right away, store your own spice blend in an air-tight container, ziploc bag, small mason jar, glass jar or other tightly sealed container until ready to use. We recommend keeping your own onion soup mix in a dry place such as a spice rack or a dark place such as a spice cabinet or spice drawer. If the spices you used for this recipe were fresh, the beefy onion dry soup mix will last for up to 6 months.

Andrea says….

There is nothing better than a steaming bowl of this yummy French onion soup with a side of Cheesy Garlic Rolls with Bacon.

Common Questions

How do I store spices to keep them fresh longer?

Is homemade dry onion soup mix gluten free?

It can be! As a matter of fact, that depends on the beef bouillon granules you are using. If the powdered beef broth you are using is gluten free, then the finished dry soup mix will be gluten free as well.

Why is homemade substitute French onion soup mix better than a store-bought packet of onion soup mix?

Mixing your own onion soup mix substitute gives you the opportunity to know exactly what is in your spice blend. With this diy version you can control the salt content, make sure there are no unwanted additives or gluten. A store-bought packet of lipton onion soup mix on the other hand contains a number of unwanted addititves, such as caramel color, yeast extract, soy sauce, high oleic sunflower oil, corn syrup, disodium guanylate or disodium inosinate, for example.

How do I make French onion soup with this substitute for onion soup mix?

Simply add a batch of this easy recipe to a medium saucepan, then add 4 cups of water, bring to a boil and let simmer for about 10 minutes.

Can I use this lipton soup mix substitute for other recipes besides classic French onion soup?

Of course. You can make all your favorite recipes that call for an envelope of dry onion soup mix with this homemade seasoning blend. Simply replace a packet of soup mix with one batch of homemade beefy onion soup mix to make meatloaf, rice pilaf and other great recipes.

Homemade Onion Soup Mix Recipe

Amazing onion soup mix without too much salt, additives or gluten. Great to make soup and dip.

Course Appetizer, recipe staple, soup

Cuisine American, keto

Diet Gluten Free

Keyword beefy onion soup mix recipe, copycat lipton onion soup mix recipe, homemade onion soup mix, how to make lipton onion soup mix, substitute for onion soup mix

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Calories 80kcal

Author Andrea + Stef

Equipment

small mixing bowl
whisk

Ingredients

¼ cup onion flakes
2 tablespoon powdered beef bouillon granules
¼ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ tsp black pepper
½ teaspoon celery seed

Instructions

In a small bowl, combine ingredients.
Whisk to mix thoroughly. Store in an airtight container in a cool dry place for up to 6 months.

Nutrition

The post Homemade Onion Soup Mix Recipe (Copycat Lipton Onion Soup Mix) appeared first on Family Dinners.

Au Jus Seasoning Mix Recipe

Andrea + Stef — Fri, 16 Dec 2022 17:41:12 +0000

Making delicious and flavorful gravy is incredibly easy with our quick and easy au jus seasoning mix recipe. It only takes 5 minutes and a handful of ingredients to mix up this versatile seasoning blend. It is so much better than a store-bought au jus packet. Once mixed it lasts for up to 6 months on the spice rack. No matter if you are cooking a chuck roast, whole chicken or prime rib, the perfect gravy is only 15 minutes away. Combine this delightful French dip recipe with your favorite roast beef sandwich for the best French dip sandwich you have ever had.

What is Au Jus Seasoning?

“Au Jus” is a French term meaning “with juice”. It refers to the flavorful drippings of a pot roast, that can be turned into a thin gravy by boiling them down or thickening them with a cornstarch slurry. With au jus seasoning mix you can make flavorful gravy even without roasting any meat. Serve au jus gravy with roasts, turkey, chicken or French dip sandwiches.

Why You’ll Love This

Notable: amazing spice blend that can be used to whip up a quick scrumptious gravy for roasts, chicken, turkey or French dip sandwiches
Main Ingredients: powdered beef granules, cornstarch, onion powder, dried parsley, ground black or white pepper, garlic powder
Cooking Method: stovetop, no bake
Cooking Time: 5 minutes prep time, 15 minutes cook time
Pairs well with: French dip sandwiches, pot roast, pork roast, roast chicken, prime rib
Diets: gluten free, dairy free
Special Equipment Needed: small bowl, small whisk, small saucepan

Ingredients

You may have all of these ingredients for this au jus seasoning mix recipe in your refrigerator or pantry and not need to make a trip to the grocery store! If this is your first time making this easy au jus recipe you might want to read the possible variations before deciding on your ingredients.

Au Jus Seasoning Mix Ingredients

2 tablespoon powdered beef bouillon granules
2 tablespoon cornstarch
2 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried parsley
⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper or white pepper
⅛ teaspoon garlic powder

Variations and Substitutions

Beef Bouillon Granules: The color of your bouillon granules will determine the color of your gravy, if you don’t use beef pan drippings. If your bouillon is lighter or yellower your gravy will be yellower. It will still taste delicious! You can also substitute chicken bouillon granules in a pinch.

Add More Flavor: Additionally you can try adding some white wine, red wine, dark beer or Worcestershire sauce, for example, to season your prepared au jus sauce.

Bay Leaf: Add a bay leaf when you are boiling your gravy to thicken. This will add some extra savory and aromatic flavor.

WHAT TO MAKE NEXT: If you love this au jus seasoning mix recipe, try our easy oven-baked French Dip Sandwiches. You’ll love them because they are warm, comforting and absolutely delicious. And best of all, they are ready in only 20 minutes.

Recommended Tools

Links to our favorite tools are affiliate links. If you purchase something through the link we may get a tiny portion of the sale.

Mixing Bowl — For best results use a clean and dry glass or porcelain bowl to mix your own homemade au jus seasoning mix.

Instructions

This section shows how to make au jus mix, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique. For full step-by-step instructions, photos and nutritional information see the recipe in the recipe card below.

ADD WATER AND SPICES: In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, heat 2 cups of water or beef drippings leftover from cooking a roast. Then, add 5 teaspoons of the homemade au jus mix to the liquid and whisk until combined.

BOIL AND FINISH: Afterwards, bring to a boil then simmer for 15 minutes on low heat until it begins to thicken. Remove from heat and serve in a cup with a french dip sandwich.

WHAT TO MAKE NEXT: If you love dipping sandwiches in sauce then you’ll love our Easy Baked Cheesy Meatball Sub Sandwich. This meatball stuffed sandwich bake is cheesy and full of flavor and tastes divine dipped into marinara sauce.

Recipe Tips

Follow these tips to make the best powdered au jus seasoning mix.

Tip: Make sure your spices are fresh. Older spices often lose their flavor. In case your spices are discolored or have lost their aroma, toss them and buy new ones.
Tip: Measure amounts carefully to create the perfect combination of flavors.
Tip: Store replacement for au jus in a dry, airtight container, so it stays fresh for a long time.

What To Serve With Au Jus Gravy

We love to eat au jus gravy with our perfect French Dip Sandwich. But you can also serve this flavorful beef gravy with other roasted meats. Try one of these delicious recipes:

Meat Dish: Serve with Dutch Oven Pot Roast, Convection Oven Roast Chicken, Instant Pot Pork Roast, Slow Cooker Turkey or Stef’s Classic Pot Roast.

Sides: Au jus gravy tastes amazing over Creamy Mashed Potatoes, Noodles, Instant Pot Brown Rice or Instant Pot Jasmine Rice.

Stef says….

Leftovers from my Copycat Chipotle Steak recipe are perfect for beef sandwiches with french dip sauce.

More Homemade Spice Blend Recipes

How To Store

Room Temperature: In case you are not using your substitute for au jus seasoning right away, store your own spice blend in an air-tight container, ziploc bag, small mason jar, spice jar or other tightly sealed container until ready to use. We recommend keeping your homemade au jus mix in a dry place such as a spice rack or a dark place such as a spice cabinet or spice drawer. If the spices you used for this recipe were fresh, the beef au jus seasoning mix will last for up to 6 months.

Refrigerate: Store prepared au jus gravy leftovers in an airtight container or ziploc bag in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Freeze: Firstly make sure your au jus gravy has cooled completely. Then transfer it to a freezer safe container or freezer bag and store in the freezer for up to 6 months. For easy portion control, we recommend freezing the au jus sauce first in an ice cube tray. As soon as the gravy cubes are solid, move them to a freezer safe bag for longer storage in the freezer.

Defrosting: A great way to thaw au jus sauce is in the refrigerator overnight.

How To Reheat

Reheat defrosted au jus gravy in a saucepan on the stove or in a covered microwave save dish in the microwave.

Common Questions

How do I store spices to keep them fresh longer?

Is this French dip au jus recipe gluten free?

Yes! Our classic au jus recipe only uses cornstarch to thicken and does not contain any all-purpose flour. It is therefore, in its original form, gluten free.

What is a French dip sandwich?

For a French dip sandwich you need a bread roll, such as a French roll, crusty French Bread, hoagie roll or any toasted bun. You could even use crescent rolls. Slice them in half and then layer tender beef slices from a beef roast, leftover roast beef or leftover prime rib onto the roll. Afterwards top with sliced cheese, such as Swiss cheese or provolone cheese, for example. Close the sandwiches, toast them in the oven and then dip them in au jus dipping sauce. For detailed instructions and tips take a look at our French Dip Sandwich Recipe.

What are beef/meat drippings?

While roast beef (roast chicken, or other meat) cooks juices or fat drippings gather at the bottom of the roasting pan. These juices that gather during the cooking process can be referred to as beef drippings, meat drippings, fat drippings, cooking liquid or pan juices.

Au Jus Seasoning Mix Recipe

Amazingly flavorful spice blend that makes the best French dip sauce and gravy in only minutes.

Course condiment, recipe staple

Cuisine American

Diet Gluten Free

Keyword au jus packet substitute, au jus recipe for French dip, au jus substitute, au just packet replacement, powdered au jus seasoning mix

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 15

Total Time 20

Servings servings

Calories 33kcal

Author Andrea + Stef

Equipment

small bowl
whisk
small saucepan

Ingredients

2 tablespoon powdered beef bouillon granules
2 tablespoon cornstarch
2 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried parsley
⅛ teaspoon ground black or white pepper
⅛ teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

In a small bowl, combine ingredients.
Whisk to mix thoroughly. Store in an airtight container in a cool dry place for up to 6 months.
In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, heat 2 cups of water or beef drippings leftover from cooking a roast. Add 5 teaspoons of the homemade au jus mix to the liquid and whisk until combined.
Bring to a boil then lower temperature to simmer for 15 minutes until it begins to thicken.
Remove from heat and serve in a cup with a french dip sandwich.

Notes

Note: The color of your bouillon granules will determine the color of your gravy, if you don’t use beef drippings. If your bouillon is lighter or yellower your gravy will be yellower. It will still taste delicious!

Nutrition

The post Au Jus Seasoning Mix Recipe appeared first on Family Dinners.

Homemade Ranch Seasoning

Andrea + Stef — Thu, 15 Dec 2022 14:33:27 +0000

If you love everything ranch flavored, try our quick and easy homemade ranch seasoning. It is a delicious combination of buttermilk powder, dried herbs and spices. It can be used to make ranch dip for chips and veggies, salad dressing, or to season meat, vegetables or even popcorn. Ready in only 5 minutes, it keeps for up to 2 years. There is therefore no more need for running to the store to pick up little packets of ranch. This is the best ranch dressing mix recipe and you never want to use another one.

What is Ranch Seasoning?

Ranch seasoning is the dry, powdered version of the popular salad dressing. It is traditionally a mixture of dried herbs and spices such as garlic powder, parsley, onion powder, dill, chives, salt, black pepper and tarragon. This spice blend can also be mixed with powdered buttermilk, however, the spice is then no longer vegan or dairy free. This pantry staple can be used as a substitute in recipes that call for a hidden valley ranch packet. Moreover, it’s a great seasoning for meat, veggies and even popcorn.

Why You’ll Love This

Notable: incredibly flavorful ranch seasoning, that is easy to make and super versatile
Main Ingredients: powdered buttermilk, garlic powder, dried parsley, onion powder, dried dill, dried chives, sea salt, ground black pepper, dried tarragon
Cooking Method: no bake
Cooking Time: 5 minutes prep time
Pairs well with: dips, salad dressing, chicken, vegetables
Diets: keto friendly, gluten free, vegetarian
Special Equipment Needed: small bowl, small whisk

Ingredients

You may have all of these ingredients for this ranch seasoning substitute recipe in your refrigerator or pantry and not need to make a trip to the grocery store! If this is your first time making this ranch mix you might want to read the possible variations before deciding on your ingredients.

Ranch Seasoning Ingredients

¼ cup dry buttermilk powder
2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 teaspoon dried parsley
2 teaspoon onion powder
2 teaspoon dried dill
2 teaspoon dried chives
1 teaspoon sea salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon dried tarragon

Variations and Substitutions

Make it vegan and dairy free: If you prefer, you can skip the powdered milk. You will still get the ranch flavor but the spice mix is dairy free and therefore also vegan.

No chunks: In case you prefer a smooth powder form of ranch seasoning, add all the ingredients to a small spice grinder and pulse until smooth. Smooth homemade ranch seasoning can also be sprinkled over popcorn.

WHAT TO MAKE NEXT: If you love this homemade ranch seasoning recipe, try Stef’s Mississippi Pot Roast. You’ll love it because ranch seasoning and pepperoncinis add an unbelievable punch of flavor to this crockpot roast.

Recommended Tools

Links to our favorite tools are affiliate links. If you purchase something through the link we may get a tiny portion of the sale.

Mixing Bowl — For best results use a clean and dry glass or porcelain bowl to mix your own homemade ranch seasoning.

Instructions

This section shows how to make this ranch seasoning substitute recipe, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique. For full step-by-step instructions, photos and nutritional information see the recipe in the printable recipe card below.

MIX SPICES: Firstly, add all the spices to a dry glass mixing bowl and then whisk until blended. Afterwards use directly in a recipe or store in a sealed container or spice jar until ready to use.

WHAT TO MAKE NEXT: If you love zesty ranch flavor then you’ll love our Easy Homemade Ranch Dip. With only 3 ingredients, this dip is ready in only 5 minutes and can be served with chips and vegetables.

Stef says….

I love using this perfect homemade ranch seasoning mix for my irresistible Dill Pickle Dip. It makes it out of this world delicious!

Recipe Tips

Follow these tips to make the best dry ranch seasoning mix.

Tip: Make sure your spices are fresh. Older spices often lose their flavor. In case your spices are discolored or have lost their aroma, toss them and buy new ones.
Tip: Measure amounts carefully to create the perfect combination of flavors.
Tip: Store homemade ranch dressing mix in a dry, airtight container, so it stays fresh for a long time.

More Homemade Spice Blend Recipes

It is surprisingly easy to make the most delicious homemade seasoning mixes with pantry ingredients that you probably already have at home. They are so much better than store-bought versions. Here are some of our favorite seasoning blends:

More Condiment Recipes

If you love making your own condiments, try one of our delicious and easy to follow recipes:

How To Store

Room Temperature: In case you are not using your ranch seasoning substitute right away, store your own homemade ranch spice blend in an airtight jar, ziploc bag, spice jar, mason jar or other tightly sealed container until ready to use. We recommend keeping your own ranch mix in a dry place such as a spice rack or a dark place such as a spice cabinet. If the spices you used for this recipe were fresh, this traditional ranch blend will last for up to 2 years.

Common Questions

How much ranch seasoning do I substitute for a store-bought packet of hidden valley ranch seasoning?

In order to replace store-bought seasoning packets use 2 tablespoons of dry homemade ranch dressing mix.

How do I store spices to keep them fresh longer?

What can I use dry ranch mix for?

Use this homemade ranch seasoning substitute in any recipe that calls for a packet of ranch seasoning. Two tablespoons of this spice mix replace one packet. Additionally, you can season meat, such as chicken breasts or chicken strips, or veggies with it. Mix with ½ cup of sour cream and ½ cup mayonnaise for an easy and delicious homemade ranch dip to serve alongside chips or veggies. You can also use this dry mix as a base for ranch salad dressing.

Homemade Ranch Seasoning Recipe

Dry ranch mix is easy to make and can be used in dips, salad dressing and much more.

Course recipe staple

Cuisine American

Diet Gluten Free, Vegetarian

Keyword homemade ranch seasoning, how to make ranch seasoning, ranch seasoning packet substitute, ranch seasoning substitute recipe

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Calories 191kcal

Author Andrea + Stef

Equipment

small bowl
small whisk

Ingredients

¼ cup dry buttermilk powder
2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 teaspoon dried parsley
2 teaspoon onion powder
2 teaspoon dried dill
2 teaspoon dried chives
1 teaspoon sea salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon dried tarragon

Instructions

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl.
Whisk to mix all the seasonings together. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

Nutrition

The post Homemade Ranch Seasoning appeared first on Family Dinners.

Can You Cook A Frozen Pork Roast in the Slow Cooker?

Andrea + Stef — Tue, 01 Nov 2022 19:42:57 +0000

Slow cooker meals are a great choice when it comes to weeknight dinners. You put your ingredients into the crockpot in the morning, set to cook and dinner is already waiting for you when you come home from work or school. In this post we are taking a closer look at how a slow cooker works, its advantages and if it is safe to cook frozen meat in the slow cooker.

Pork Roast In Instant Pot Recipe

How Does A Slow Cooker work?

Slow Cookers, also known as crockpots, are countertop appliances that slowly cook one pot meals at very low temperatures. They usually have three settings, LOW, HIGH and WARM. The heat in a crockpot, usually between 170°F and 280°F, comes directly from the pot. Similar to a dutch oven on the stovetop, the heat starts at the bottom and then comes up the sides of the crockpot. Additionally, there are newer digital slow cookers as well, which you can program to start cooking whenever you like. After the cooking process is done, they automatically switch to the warm setting. Therefore keeping your food warm, until you are ready to eat.

Advantages Of Cooking A Roast In the Crockpot

Here are some reasons why we love cooking with a crockpot:

Perfectly Cooks Less Expensive Cuts Of Meat: Cooking lean and tougher cuts of meat in the slow cooker makes them tender, juicy and delicious.
Less Mess: Crockpot meals are essentially one pot meals.
Hands-Off Cooking: Simply add all ingredients to the crockpot, set and return to a fully cooked meal.
More Efficient: Slow cookers use less electricity than regular ovens.
Brings Out The Flavor Of Food: Crockpots cook at very low temperatures, therefore giving flavors time to develop.
Saves Money: Slow cookers save money by using less electricity as well as making it possible to cook cheaper cuts of meat to tender perfection. Moreover they keep you from eating out or ordering take-out when a cooked meal is already waiting when you come home from work.

Favorite Pork Recipes

Can You Cook Frozen Meat In The Slow Cooker?

The short answer to this question is: NO! Unfortunately the USDA does not recommend cooking frozen meat in the slow cooker, because there would be too much opportunity for harmful bacteria growth.

As mentioned above, a crock-pot (slow cooker) cooks at very low temperatures, and because of that frozen meat would take too long to reach cooking temperature when it goes into the slow cooker frozen. The time until food reaches the safe temperature of 145ºF is also called the “danger zone”, it is between 41ºF and 140ºF.

Disease causing bacteria grows extremely fast during this period in the moist and low temperature environment of a crockpot. The USDA recommends no more than 2 hours to get food out of the danger zone. A frozen roast starts cooking at 0ºF and will definitely not reach a food safe temperature within 2 hours of cook time. It would thus give bacteria an opportunity to multiply, making the meat unsafe to eat and possibly causing foodborne illnesses.

Slow cooking is not the way you want to cook frozen meat. The lower temperatures are a breeding ground for e. coli and other bacteria. Food safety guidelines would recommend not cooking any frozen piece of meat in a slow cooker. Avoid cooking partially-frozen pork slowly as well.

What Is The Best Way To Cook Frozen Meat?

Our favorite way to cook frozen meat is in the electric pressure cooker. You don’t have to worry about bacterial growth and food-borne illnesses. You can cook frozen pork loin, frozen pork roast, frozen pork chops or any cut of frozen chicken or beef in the Instant Pot pressure cooker. The pressure cooker does an excellent job of breaking down the connective tissues and making tender meat. It just takes a few minutes more than fresh meat and fresh pork.

Try these recipes with your frozen pork and save the slow cooker recipes for defrosted pork:

Pork Roast: If you are a big fan of pot roasts, then you will love our most delicious Instant Pot Pork Roast. This fork tender and flavorful pork roast only takes 5 minutes to prep and it comes with perfectly cooked potatoes and carrots and the most delicious balsamic gravy. This is the most delicious pork roast you’ll ever make.

Pulled Pork Sliders: Use a defrosted or frozen pork shoulder roast or pork butt roast to make this easy recipe for BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders. With just a few ingredients for a delicious dry rub and your favorite BBQ sauce you’ll have tasty pulled BBQ pork to make a pork sandwich!

Carnitas: Use a defrosted or frozen pork shoulder roast, pork shoulder butt roast or even a pork tenderloin (boneless pork loin) to make these delicious Instant Pot Pork Carnitas. You will not believe how much flavor this great recipe has! These are a family favorite!

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Crockpot — This recipe requires a slow cooker. We use a 6 qt. basic Crockpot brand slow cooker. It works wonderfully. If you’re planning to take your Crockpot to potlucks you’ll want to check out this one that has a locking lid. A slow cooker has an inner pot called the crock. Neither the crock nor the lid are oven safe on most machines. Do not put them in the oven.

Instant Pot– One cooking method for this recipe is an Instant Pot or other electric pressure cooker. This Instant Pot isn’t the fanciest you can buy but we love it and it will work for most people’s needs. If you’re looking for one with all the bells and whistles, this 10-in-1 Instant Pot is amazing.

WHAT TO MAKE NEXT: These Crockpot Baked Potatoes are so easy you just set it and forget it. A few hours later, you’ve got the soft, pillowy potatoes of your dreams.

Stef says….

Did you know that you can also make jam in the slow cooker? With Crockpot Strawberry Raspberry Jam, you won’t need to stand over the stovetop to make a delicious batch of homemade jam! This recipe is super easy and incredibly delicious!

How To Be Food Safe With A Crockpot

Follow these tips to make sure your slow cooker dinner is not only delicious, but also safe to eat.

Tip: Keep your crockpot and work surface clean. For easier cleanup, you can use slow cooker liners.
Tip: Make sure your meat is fully defrosted. This ensures even cooking and prevents bacteria from growing.
Tip: Keep meat refrigerated until you are ready to turn on the slow cooker.

Favorite Crockpot Recipes

How To Quickly Defrost Meat

We all know the best way to defrost a frozen pork roast is overnight in the refrigerator. But in case you have forgotten to take out the meat you wanted to cook from the freezer ahead of time, here are some tips on how to quickly and safely defrost meat.

IN COLD WATER: Put your frozen meat into a sealable ziploc bag and make sure to squeeze out as much air as possible. Then submerge the bag in a bowl filled with cold water. Change the water about every 30 minutes to make sure it stays cold. Depending on size, your meat should be thawed in 1-3 hours.

IN THE MICROWAVE: Most microwave ovens have a defrost setting. Some even let you enter the weight of your meat to calculate the perfect defrosting time. In case your microwave does not have a defrost mode, turn your microwave to the lowest setting and microwave the frozen meat in short increments until thawed. With the microwave there is a fine line between thawing and cooking. Keep checking on the status of your meat and reposition it if necessary for even defrosting.

Common Questions

Is it safe to defrost meat on the counter?

We do not recommend thawing meat on the counter. According to the USDA thawed meat should never spend more than 2 hours at room temperature, because this gives bacteria the chance to multiply rapidly. Therefore the meat might no longer be safe to eat. Thawing meat on the counter would take longer than the recommended 2 hours.

What is the best cut of pork to use for pork roast?

We recommend using either a pork shoulder or pork butt roast. Both cuts have an ideal fat/lean ratio and produce juicy and flavorful roasts. We do not recommend using pork loin, if you are planning on cooking it in the pressure cooker. Pork loin (same thing as pork loin roast) is a very lean cut of meat and can overcook very easily in the Instant Pot. To avoid dry and overcooked pork loin roast, cook it in the oven instead.

At what temperature is a pork roast safe to eat?

A pork pot roast‘s internal temperature has to reach at least 145ºF to be safe to eat. Check the temperature with a meat thermometer at the end of the cooking time. If your roast hasn’t reached 145ºF yet, adjust cooking time accordingly.

Andrea says….

Not only are slow cookers great to make whole dinners, I also love using them for cooking amazing side dishes. Making Healthy Crockpot Side Dishes is easy and it saves more room on the stovetop and in the oven.

WHAT TO MAKE NEXT: Another one of our favorite slow cooker meals is delicious and flavor packed Shredded Chipotle Chicken. This makes great chicken to put on tacos, burritos, enchiladas, salads and more.

The post Can You Cook A Frozen Pork Roast in the Slow Cooker? appeared first on Family Dinners.

How long does simple syrup last in the fridge?

Andrea + Stef — Mon, 24 Oct 2022 23:04:44 +0000

Simple syrup is incredibly easy to make and comes in quite handy for making cocktails as well as mocktails. But how long does simple syrup last in the fridge? There are three main factors that contribute to the shelf life of homemade syrup: sugar content, flavoring and cooking method. This post not only describes different kinds of simple syrup, it will also tell you how to properly store them as well as how long they are generally good for.

What is Simple Syrup?

You can make basic simple syrup by combining 1 part of water with 1 part of sugar. Then stir the mixture over medium/high heat until the sugar has dissolved. Bring it to a boil, take off the heat and let cool completely. You can flavor simple syrup with zest, spices, herbs and fruit.

Generally there are 3 common mixing ratios. For light syrup mix 2 parts water with 1 part sugar (1 cup of water + ½ cup of sugar). The most popular mix is 1 part water and 1 part sugar (1 cup of water + 1 cup of sugar), this is called basic simple syrup. Lastly, there is thick syrup. Mix 1 part water with 2 parts sugar (1 cup of water + 2 cups of sugar). The more sugar is in the syrup, the longer it lasts.

Why You’ll Love This

Notable: incredibly versatile and easy to make
Main Ingredients: water, sugar, flavorings
Cooking Method: stovetop
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Essential Ingredient In: cocktails, mocktails, punches, sangria, iced tea
Diets: gluten free, dairy free, vegetarian, vegan
Special Equipment Needed: saucepan, whisk, airtight container or bottle

Ingredients and Flavor Variations

Water and white sugar are the basic ingredients for rich simple syrup recipes. However, you can make different types of simple syrup by adding fruit, herbs, spices or zest. Some of our favorite add-ins are:

Berries: strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, cranberries
Zest: orange, lemon, lime, grapefruit
Herbs: mint, elderflower, lavender, rosemary
Spices: cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice, ginger, vanilla bean
Other Sweeteners: You can also create amazing flavors using brown sugar or honey.

How To Make Simple Syrup

Make homemade simple syrup by dissolving sugar in water over medium heat until the water becomes a rich simple syrup. The best way to make this is in a small saucepan on the stovetop. The ratio of sugar to liquid is 1:1. Use as much sugar as you want and include an equal portion of liquid. Use pure cane sugar, granulated sugar, brown sugar or even maple syrup. Bring your sugar solutions to a boil. Continue to stir as your sugar dissolves. Store in a sterile container (glass jars, glass bottles or plastic container) and allow to cool before storing. Try one of these recipes:

Cranberry Simple Syrup Recipe: This is wonderful in holiday drinks, holiday salads or any time you need to use a simple syrup.

Fruit Salad Dressing: This simple dressing is delicious over fruit salads.

Basic Simple Syrup: This is just a basic simple syrup you can use for any recipe that requires a store-bought syrup or homemade syrup.

If you increase the sugar to liquid ratio, you will get a thicker sweet syrup. Thicker syrups with more sugar will store in the refrigerator for a long time but you may need to adjust the amount you use in your recipes because they have a high sugar content and are therefore a much sweeter, richer syrup.

How To Store

Room Temperature: We do not recommend storing simple syrup on the counter any longer than it needs to cool down after cooking.

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container or glass container such as a glass bottle, mason jar or jam jar in the refrigerator. A container with a lid that closes tightly is important.

Freeze: Pour into a freezer safe container or bag and freeze for up to 1 year. We recommend freezing simple syrup in ice cube trays. Pour equal amounts into an ice cube tray and freeze. Then put frozen ice cubes into a freezer ziploc bag. This way you can pull out just the right amount you need from the freezer bag when it’s time to use it.

Defrosting: Thaw in the fridge overnight or let sit on the counter until ready to use.

How Long Can You Store Simple Syrup?

As mentioned above, the shelf life depends on a couple of factors. Simple syrup recipes have a long shelf life compared to most homemade food and drink recipes. However, every bottle of your own simple syrup does not have the same shelf life.

Firstly, the amount of sugar in the syrup. The more sugar you add, the longer it lasts. See storage times below.

Secondly, the method of making the syrup effects the expiration date. The most popular way to make simple syrup is by bringing the water/sugar mixture to a boil, also called the hot process. This is because boiling kills bacteria and therefore creates a more stable syrup and ensures a longer shelf life. However, you can also make cold process syrup. Add cold water to sugar and stir until the sugar has dissolved. Cold water syrup does not last as long as the hot process one.

And thirdly, the shelf life also depends on whether your syrup is flavored or not. Unflavored syrup lasts longer than flavored ones. The flavors you add in will have their own shelf life. For example, our cranberry simple syrup has a shorter shelf life than plain simple syrup.

General Storage Times:

Flavored simple syrup as well as light syrup lasts about 2 weeks in the fridge.
Basic simple syrup (1:1 ratio) lasts up to 1 month in the fridge.
Thick simple syrup with more sugar than water lasts about 2-3 months in the fridge.

Stef says….

Classic Rum Mojitos are some of my favorite cocktails. They are a tasty combination of tart lime, flavorful mint, good ol’ spiced rum, and a splash of sweet and soda! So if your are looking for new recipes to use up your simple syrup, mojitos are perfect for you!

Storage Tips for Simple Syrup

Follow these tips on how to properly store homemade syrup.

Tip: Boil your simple syrup. Boiling makes a more stable syrup and extends the shelf life.
Tip: Use a sterile and airtight container. It is very important to pour the syrup into a clean airtight container such as a glass bottle or mason jar.
Tip: Keep the syrup in the fridge. Do not let the finished simple syrup sit on the counter for long periods of time. Return to the fridge whenever possible.

Recipes That Use Simple Syrup

Common Questions

My simple syrup is getting cloudy, is it still safe to use?

Unfortunately, no. When simple syrup starts to get cloudy, it has gone bad. The cloudiness is a sign that bacteria is growing and therefore the syrup needs to be thrown away. If stored too long, simple syrup might also develop a foul odor due to the growth of mold.

What is the best sugar-to-water ratio for simple syrup?

Generally there are 3 common mixing ratios. For light syrup mix 2 parts water with 1 part sugar (1 cup water + ½ cup sugar). The most popular mix is 1 part water and 1 part sugar (1 cup water + 1 cup sugar), this is called basic simple syrup. Lastly, there is thick syrup. Mix 1 part water with 2 parts sugar (1 cup water + 2 cups sugar). The more sugar is in the syrup, the longer it lasts.

Can I make other flavors of simple syrup?

Of course. In fact you can make loads of different flavored simple syrup. You can add flavor by simply switching to brown sugar, and your syrup will have a slight caramel flavor. Besides fruit, you can also add spices, such as vanilla, anise, or cloves. Furthermore, you can add herbs to the water and sugar mixture to make flavors such as mint or elderflower. Adding zest such as orange, lemon or lime, for example, creates syrup with amazing citrus flavor.

Andrea says….

I always keep a couple of bottles of different flavored simple syrup in my fridge. Not only do they come in handy to make amazing drinks, but you can also use homemade syrup as a topping for ice cream or a sweetener for iced tea. Furthermore, you can drizzle or brush it on baked cake layers to add extra flavor and keep the cake moist.

Basic Simple Syrup Recipe

How to make a basic simple syrup recipe with sugar and water.

Course condiment

Cuisine American

Keyword simple syrup

Cook Time 10

Total Time 10

Servings serveings

Calories 48kcal

Author Andrea + Stef

Ingredients

1 cup sugar
1 cup water

Instructions

In a small saucepan, combine water and sugar. Whisk occasionally while you bring to a boil.
Stir while the sugar dissolves. The sugar mixture will thicken and become clear.
Remove from heat and cool before storing.

Notes

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.

Nutrition

The post How long does simple syrup last in the fridge? appeared first on Family Dinners.

Pork Ribs vs Beef Ribs: Different Types Of Ribs And How To Cook Them

Andrea + Stef — Fri, 21 Oct 2022 20:34:23 +0000

It doesn’t matter if you cook ribs in the oven, on the grill or in a smoker they are always a big crowd pleaser. The secret to perfect ribs is usually a low and slow cooking process that tenderizes the meat and makes it fall off the bone. However, if you want your ribs to be done a lot faster, you can cook them in an air fryer or Instant Pot. They still come out perfectly delicious! Let’s take a look at all the different types of ribs, so you can decide which kind is perfect for you!

What Different Styles Of Ribs Are There?

Generally speaking there are two types of ribs, beef and pork. However, there are different types of cuts of each. Below we outline the different types of pork and beef rib cuts, what the meat is like and how to cook each.

Different Types Of Pork Ribs

Pork ribs are the most popular type of rib. They are meaty and come out tender, flavorful and absolutely mouthwatering. There are four different types of ribs that come from different parts of the pig. The type of pork ribs does not have to do with the size of the pig but rather the part of the pig the cut comes from.

Baby Back Ribs

Even though their name might suggest different, baby back ribs do not come from baby pigs or young pigs. They are simply smaller/shorter than spareribs and therefore called baby back.

Other Names: back ribs, pork loin ribs, Canadian back ribs

Rib Cut: Baby back ribs are cut from the high back/loin area of pigs. Back ribs have little cartilage and their bones have a slight curve.

Type of Meat: They are the leanest kind of pork ribs, with lots of loin muscle (meat) on top and less between the bones. Baby backs are the most expensive kind of pork ribs. The tender meat and less fatty bits means the ribs are in high demand and have a higher price tag.

Cooking Methods: There are many great ways to cook a rack of baby back ribs. Remove the membrane before cooking. Try cooking them in the smoker, oven, air fryer or on the grill.

WHAT TO MAKE NEXT: Have you tried our juicy and perfectly cooked Air Fryer Ribs? They are seasoned with a flavorful homemade spice rub and covered in scrumptious bbq sauce. Air fried ribs are incredibly easy to make and ready to serve in under 40 minutes.

St. Louis-Style Ribs

St. Louis ribs got their name from meat processing plants in the St. Louis area. They started to trim a rack of spare ribs down to rectangular shape by cutting away the hard breastbone and cartilage.

Rib Cut: St. Louis style ribs are cut from the belly area of a pig and are basically trimmed spareribs.

Type of Meat: Louis style ribs have more meat between the bones and also more fat compared to a baby back rib rack. They are trimmed to an almost rectangular shape and the bones are flatter than in back ribs. This makes them easier to work with and brown easier.

Cooking Methods: Remove the membrane (silver skin) before cooking. Cook these ribs in the smoker, in the oven or on the grill.

Spare Ribs

In general, spare ribs are meatier but less tender than baby back ribs. They do contain more fat which results in added flavor when cooked.

Rib Cut: Spare ribs come from the end of a hog’s rib cage after the bacon is removed.

Type of Meat: Because they are from the belly area of pigs, they are meaty but also have more fatty tissue than back ribs. Additionally the belly of the pig has more cartilage and connective tissue.

Cooking Methods: Remove the membrane on the bone side of the ribs before you cook. Cook spare ribs low and slow to break down the connective tissue. Cook in a smoker, oven or on the grill.

Country-Style Ribs

Even though a lot of people don’t consider country-style ribs “true” ribs, their meat has much the same qualities as a true rack of ribs does. Boneless country-style ribs are actually not from the rib area of the animal. They do not contain any rib bones.

Cut: This budget-friendly cut really comes from the shoulder area.

Type of Meat: Country style meat is a mixture of light and dark meat with a nice marbling of fat.

Cooking Methods: Country-style ribs are best cooked long and slow in the smoker, oven or crockpot. Moreover, they are also the perfect cut of meat for braising. For a quicker cooking process try making them in the Instant Pot.

Prepping country style ribs for the Instant Pot recipe.

Stef says….

I have to admit I was the biggest skeptic but am now a firm believer in air fryer baby back ribs! I was pleasantly surprised by how much I loved these. I’ve found a new favorite way to make ribs!

Different Types Of Beef Ribs

There are also different types of beef ribs. The type of rib has to do with where the meat is cut from the cow. You can buy different cuts of ribs ribs from your local butcher or from most grocery store meat departments.

Short Ribs

Short ribs get their name from the fact that they are generally not longer than 2-3 inches and are a smaller size than other beef ribs.

Other Names: dino ribs, dinosaur ribs, short plate ribs, chuck short ribs

Rib Cut: Short ribs can refer to ribs from two different places on the cow, the sub-primal area (lower part of a cow’s rib cage) and the arm chuck primal area (rib area more toward the shoulder). Short ribs or plate ribs come from the lower part of a cow’s rib cage while chuck short ribs come from the chuck primal area.

Type of Meat: They are usually very meaty and marbled with fat. The meat sits on top of the bone. Additionally, they have a layer of fat and lots of connective tissue.

Cooking Method: These ribs are cooked differently depending on the type of short rib. Plate short ribs are cut in 3-bone slabs, about 5-inches long. Smoke low and slow like you would brisket. Chuck short ribs are usually cut in 4-bone slabs or in single bone cuts called “English Cut”. Untrimmed 4 bone slabs are referred to as “Dino” ribs. Braise chuck short ribs, do not smoke.

Short ribs.

Flanken-Style Ribs

Other Names: Beef galbi or “Kalbi”, L.A. Style ribs

Rib Cut: Flanken-style ribs come from the same section as beef chuck short ribs, but are cut differently. Instead of being cut along the bone they are cut across. This means there are usually a couple of small bones in each rib piece.

Type of Meat: Flanken-style ribs are very meaty, have some fat and lots of connective tissue. They are very popular in Korean BBQ dishes as well as in some Mexican dishes.

Cooking Method: Cook this beef by searing and cooking hot and fast.

Flanken-style ribs.

Beef Spare Ribs

Beef spare ribs are the same cut of meat as flanken ribs and short ribs. The difference is how they’re cut. While short ribs are cut into 3-inch long pieces, the spare ribs are cut into 6-inch long rib pieces.

Beef Back Ribs

Rib Cut: Beef back ribs come from the back of cows, right behind the shoulder area. They are what is leftover after the butcher cuts away the prime rib roast.

Type of Meat: Although tasty, they have less meat, which sits mostly in between the bones, than the other kinds of beef ribs. These ribs are cheaper because they are mostly bone.

Do Beef Ribs And Pork Ribs Taste Different?

The main differences between pork ribs and beef ribs is that pork ribs are usually leaner than beef ones and more mild in flavor. Their taste compares to pork chops. The meat on beef ribs is usually more marbled and therefore has an intense beef flavor that compares to steak or brisket.

What Is A Rack Of Ribs?

Racks of ribs are groups of ribs cut by the butcher. They contain at least 8 ribs and up to 13 ribs, connected. You can usually find 10-13 on a typical commercial rack of ribs. A half rack of ribs is half of a rack of ribs, anywhere from 4 to 7 ribs.

Andrea says….

You haven’t had delicious ribs until you’ve had these Dry Rub Recipe For Baby Back Ribs cooked in the oven. They’re easy to make any time of year and are tender enough to fall off the bone. You can’t beat this flavor! If you love a saucy rib this is for you. Just rub the ribs with my rub made of brown sugar, garlic powder, paprika, kosher salt and BBQ sauce. Then wrap in aluminum foil and cook to perfection with my favorite cooking method!

The Best Side Dishes To Serve With Ribs:

We love serving ribs with Creamy Mashed Potatoes, Mac and Cheese, Chili Mac, Chili, Baked Beans, Crispy Garlic French Bread, Cornbread Muffins and French Fries.

Recommended Tools

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Instant Pot– This recipe requires an Instant Pot or other electric pressure cooker. This Instant Pot isn’t the fanciest you can buy but we love it and it will work for most people’s needs. If you’re looking for one with all the bells and whistles, this 10-in-1 Instant Pot is amazing. Make sure your sealing ring is in good shape. You can buy replacement silicone sealing rings if you need one. These seal the pot and keep the pressure inside the machine.

How To Store Ribs

Refrigerate: Store cooked rib leftovers in an airtight container or ziplock bag in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freeze: You can freeze leftover ribs in a freezer safe container or ziploc bag for up to 3 months.

Defrosting: Thaw ribs in the fridge overnight.

How To Reheat

Reheat leftover ribs in the microwave, in the oven or in the air fryer. Reheating may dry out the meat so we recommend wrapping in foil and heating in the oven at 350°F until the meat is hot.

Oven cooked baby back ribs

WHAT TO MAKE NEXT: If you love meatier ribs then you’ll love our incredibly tender and flavorful Instant Pot Country-Style Ribs smothered in barbecue sauce. They are super easy to prepare, come out juicy and fall apart in your mouth.

Common Questions

Is it better to remove the membrane from ribs?

We recommend removing the membrane (or silvery skin at the back of the ribs) before seasoning and cooking them. The membrane keeps the seasoning and heat from properly penetrating the meat and also turns into an unappetizing looking and leathery skin during cooking.

What are the cheapest type of ribs?

In general, beef ribs are a bit more expensive than pork ribs. If you are buying pork ribs you will find that country-style ribs are very budget friendly, however, they are not “real” ribs. Comparing the other three kinds of “true” pork ribs, you will find that baby back ribs are the priciest, followed by St. Louis-style ribs and spareribs are the cheapest ones.

What are the meatiest type of ribs?

Country-style ribs are by far the meatiest type of pork rib, as they are boneless. However, if we take a look at “true” ribs, spareribs and St. Louis-style ribs are the ones that have the most meat. When it comes to beef, short ribs are the ones that have the most meat.

What are the best ribs to BBQ?

We recommend using either spareribs or St. Louis-style ribs for grilling. They have a higher fat content that melts away during grilling, leaving you with juicy and flavorful ribs.

What are the best ribs to smoke?

There is no definite answer to this question, as baby back ribs, spareribs and St. Louis-style ribs all come out absolutely delicious cooked in a smoker. It all comes down to whatever qualities are most important to you. While baby back ribs are more meaty and lean, St. Louis-style ribs and spareribs have more fat, which makes them extra juicy and flavorful.

What are the key differences between beef short ribs vs. back ribs?

Beef short ribs and beef back ribs are both popular beef rib cuts. The main difference between short ribs and back ribs is that back ribs are 6-8 inches long and short ribs are 2-3-inches long. Short ribs have more meat than the beef back ribs. Beef back ribs have meat between the bones, rather than on top of the bones. Short ribs have a layer of fat on top of the meat, usually. Beef back ribs are relatively lean, in comparison.

Ribs with membrane intact.

The post Pork Ribs vs Beef Ribs: Different Types Of Ribs And How To Cook Them appeared first on Family Dinners.