Cooking with Rod

By Rod Cohenour

Here we are, celebrating Independence Day again. This time of year the weather is normally HOT which makes it a bit difficult spending too much time outside. Still, you may hunger for hearty and healthy, satisfying meals. But, no grilling in this heat!

This meal takes you back in the cooled environment and is easy to prepare without an oven. (Whoever invented the electric skillet should wear a halo!)

It has all the elements one needs for a 4th of July meal: great beef, some corn on the cob, mashed potatoes and gravy, and for dessert - WATERMELON! Best of all, you don't have to crack a sweat to deliver an outstanding meal. And, guess what? That perfect gravy requires no stirring, no worry about lumps, and is perfectly seasoned. Here's how you do it.

                                                                          Bon appetit!
  Savory Chopped Steak and Gravy

Serves 6 - 8:

• 4 lbs ground sirloin (ground round or 93% lean ground beef) 
• 1 lg. can Cream of Chicken Soup 
• 1 sm can French Onion soup 
• 1 sm can milk (just use the onion soup can to measure)
• 2 Tbsp. Ground black pepper (or to taste) 
• 2 Tbsp. Original Mrs. Dash (or to taste) 
• 1 tsp. Garlic powder (or to taste) 
• 1/4 cup Minced onions 

Directions:

Press entire package of meat into large electric skillet. Season top side, using half of all listed, except minced onions. Brown thoroughly. Using standard spatula, cut meat into serving portions before turning. Season flip side with remaining spices, reserving minced onions.

 Whisk together Cream of Chicken soup, French Onion soup, milk, and minced onions.

Pour gravy mixture evenly over meat. Cover, bring to a boil, then lower heat to simmer. Allow to simmer about 25 minutes.

Delicious served over mashed potatoes or rice or noodles.

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