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Main Dishes

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program combined logo
Beef and rice Florentine

Beef And Rice Florentine

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 30 minutes mins
Total Time 45 minutes mins
Course Kid Friendly, Main Dish
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb pound lean ground beef
  • 1/2 cup onion - diced fine
  • 2 garlic cloves - minced
  • 12 oz frozen spinach - thawed
  • 1 1/2 cups brown rice - cooked
  • 1 medium tomato - diced
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1/4 cup water - if needed
  • 1 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • non-stick cooking spray

Directions
 

  • Wash your hands and clean your cooking area.
  • Spray a large non-stick skillet evenly with non-stick cooking spray.
  • Add onions. Cook on medium heat for 2 minutes.
  • Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  • Add ground meat, brown. Drain fat, if any.
  • Push meat together to the side of the pan. Add spinach and tomato. Mix together.
  • Add seasonings and mix.
  • Stir in rice and water, mix together.
  • Cover and cook for 2-3 minutes or until everything is heated through.
  • Sprinkle with cheese and serve.

Nutrition Facts

Serv. size: 1 cup (172g), Amount per serving: Calories 180, Total Fat 5g (6% DV), Sat. Fat 2g (10% DV), Trans Fat 0g, Cholest. 50mg (17% DV), Sodium 140g (6% DV), Total Carb. 14g (5% DV), Fiber 3g (11% DV), Total Sugars 1g (Incl. 0g Added Sugars, 0% DV), Protein 20g, D (0% DV), Calcium 86mg (6% DV), Iron 3mg (15% DV), Potas. 480mg (10% DV).
Keyword Dairy, English, Grains, Protein, Vegetables

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program combined logo
Easy cheesy zucchini

Easy Cheesy Zucchini

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 40 minutes mins
Course Side Dish
Servings 8

Ingredients
  

  • 4 small zucchini - sliced
  • 2 fresh tomatoes - diced
  • 1/4 cup onion - diced
  • 1 jalapeΓ±o - finely diced
  • 1 tsp oil or non-stick cooking spray
  • 1 1/2 cups corn kernels - frozen, canned, or fresh
  • 1/2 cup reduced fat Monterrey Jack cheese or other favorite cheese - shredded
  • garlic and pepper to taste

Directions
 

  • Wash your hands and clean the cooking area.
  • Clean the tops of canned food items before opening them.
  • Wash zucchini, tomatoes, onion and jalapeΓ±o. Cut vegetables as directed.
  • Heat skillet with oil or cooking spray over medium heat.
  • Add zucchini; cook until firmly tender.
  • Add tomatoes, onion, and jalapeΓ±o.
  • Season with garlic and pepper to taste.
  • Cook uncovered until veggies are tender.
  • Reduce heat and add corn and cheese.
  • Mix well and cook until cheese is melted.

Nutrition Facts

Serv. size: 1/8Β  of recipe (151g), Amount per serving: Calories 70, Total Fat 2.5g (3% DV), Sat. Fat 1g (5% DV), Trans Fat 0g, Cholest. 5mg (2% DV), Sodium 170g (7% DV), Total Carb. 10g (4% DV), Fiber 2g (7% DV), Total Sugars 4g (Incl. 1g Added Sugars, 2% DV), Protein 4g, D (0% DV), Calcium 94mg (8% DV), Iron (0% DV), Potas. 298mg(6% DV).
Keyword Dairy, English, Vegetables

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program combined logo
Ramen noodle skillet

Ramen Noodle Skillet

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 25 minutes mins
Course Kid Friendly, Main Dish
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tsp olive or vegetable oil
  • 1 cup onion - chopped (about 1 medium onion)
  • 1 carrot - chopped or sliced into small pieces
  • 2 cups frozen broccoli stir-fry vegetable mixture - thawed
  • 2 cups cooked meat or poultry cut into bit-sized pieces
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 3-oz package beef-flavored instant ramen noodles - broken into pieces

Directions
 

  • Wash your hands and clean your cooking area.
  • Heat oil in a large skillet. Add onion and carrots and sautΓ© until soft (about 5 minutes).
  • Thaw the broccoli mixture in the microwave and drain.
  • Add the broccoli and cooked meat to the skillet. Stir and heat (about 1-2 minutes).
  • Add the noodle seasonings to the water and stir into the pan.
  • Break apart the ramen noodles. Add to the skillet when the water simmers. Stir to moisten the noodles. Cover the skillet and cook until done (about 2 minutes).
  • Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Serv. size: 1 3/4 cups (251g), Amount per serving: Calories 260, Total Fat 8g (10% DV), Sat. Fat 2.5g (13% DV), Trans Fat 0g, Cholest. 55mg (18% DV), Sodium 430g (19% DV), Total Carb. 21g (8% DV), Fiber 1g (4% DV), Total Sugars 3g (Incl. 0g Added Sugars, 0% DV), Protein 24g, D (0% DV), Calcium 40mg (4% DV), Iron 2mg (10% DV), Potas. 276mg (6% DV).
Keyword English, Grains, Protein, Vegetables

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program combined logo
Crispy salmon patties

Crispy Salmon Patties

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 25 minutes mins
Total Time 45 minutes mins
Course Main Dish
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 1 can (14.75 oz) salmon - drained
  • 1 egg
  • 1 slice whole wheat bread, shredded or 5 crushed saltine crackers
  • 3 green onions, including green stems or 1/3 cup white onion, diced fine
  • 1 medium garlic clove, minced or 1/8 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp paprika, chili powder, or dill weed
  • 2 tsp vegetable oil
  • dash of black pepper

Directions
 

  • Wash your hands, clean your cooking area, and the tops of canned food items.
  • Remove any large bones and skin from salmon. Break into chunks with fork.
  • Break egg into a large bowl. Whisk with fork. Add salmon, bread or crackers, onion, garlic, pepper, and additional seasoning. Mix gently.
  • Form into 6 patties about Β½ inch thick.
  • Heat oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Place patties in hot oil skillet. Leave skillet uncovered. Cook 3 minutes. Turn over patties with a spatula. Cook the other side 3-4 minutes to a temperature of 145Β°F.
  • Serve immediately. Makes a good sandwich with whole wheat bread, tomato, lettuce, and onions.

Nutrition Facts

Serv. size: 1 patty (95g), Amount per serving: Calories 150, Total Fat 8g (10% DV), Sat. Fat 1.5g (8% DV), Trans Fat 0g, Cholest. 75mg (25% DV), Sodium 330g (14% DV), Total Carb. 4g (1% DV), Fiber 0g (0% DV), Total Sugars 1g (Incl. 0g Added Sugars, 0% DV), Protein 15g, Vit. D (0% DV), Calcium 129mg (10% DV), Iron 1mg (6% DV), Potas. 39mg (0% DV)
Keyword English, Grains, Protein, Vegetables
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program combined logo
BBQ Chicken pizzas

BBQ Chicken Pizza

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 7 minutes mins
Total Time 17 minutes mins
Course Kid Friendly, Main Dish, Snack
Servings 12 per container

Ingredients
  

  • 6 English muffins
  • 1 bell pepper
  • 2/3 cup barbecue sauce
  • 1Β½ cups cooked chicken - shredded
  • 3/4 cup reduced fat shredded cheese
  • 1/2 red onion - diced

Directions
 

  • Wash your hands and clean your cooking area.
  • Heat oven to 450Β°F.
  • Slice English muffins in half and place on ungreased, large cookie sheet.
  • Wash and slice or dice bell pepper and onion.
  • Spread barbecue sauce on English muffins to within ΒΌ inch of edges.
  • Top with chicken, onion, cheese, and bell peppers.
  • Bake 7 to 12 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Nutrition Facts

Serv. size: 1 pizza (83g), Amount per serving: Calories 140, Total Fat 3g (4% DV), Sat. Fat 1g (5% DV), Trans Fat 0g, Cholest. 20mg (7% DV), Sodium 320g (14% DV), Total Carb. 20g (7% DV), Fiber 0g (0% DV), Total Sugars 5g (Incl. 0g Added Sugars, 0% DV), Protein 10g, D (0% DV), Calcium 161mg (10% DV), Iron 1mg (6% DV), Potas. 104mg (2% DV).
Keyword Dairy, English, Grains, Protein, Vegetables

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program combined logo
Tuna melt sandwich

Tuna Melt

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Main Dish
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 1 5 ounce can light tuna packed in water
  • 2 medium stalks celery - chopped
  • 1/2 cup low-fat cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup light mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp onion - finely chopped
  • 1/8 tsp salt
  • 1/8 tsp pepper
  • 12 slices 100% whole wheat bread

Directions
 

  • Wash your hands, clean your cooking area, and tops of canned food items.
  • Preheat oven to 350Β°F.
  • Drain tuna and break the meat apart with a fork.
  • Wash and chop the celery and dice the cheese.
  • Mix tuna, celery, cheese, light mayonnaise, onion, salt, and pepper into a medium mixing bowl with a spoon.
  • Divide tuna mixture into six portions, place each portion on six slices of whole wheat bread. Then place a single slice of bread on top of each. (you will make a total of 6 sandwiches).
  • Wrap each sandwich on a square of aluminum foil, folding edges securely.
  • Bake about 20 minutes.
  • Remove from oven. Pierce foil to release steam before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serv. size: 1 sandwich, Amount per serving: Calories 220, Total Fat 6g (8% DV), Sat. Fat 1.5g (8% DV), Trans Fat 0g, Cholest. 15mg (5% DV), Sodium 420g (18% DV), Total Carb. 26g (9% DV), Fiber 0g (0% DV), Total Sugars 3g (Incl. 0g Added Sugars, 0% DV), Protein 16g, D (0% DV), Calcium 139mg (10% DV), Iron 2mg (10% DV), Potas. 254mg (6% DV).
Keyword Dairy, English, Grains, Protein, Vegetables

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program combined logo
Black bean bagels

Black Bean Bagel Bites

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 1 minute min
Total Time 6 minutes mins
Course Kid Friendly, Main Dish, Snack
Servings 24

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 head romaine lettuce - chopped
  • 1 large tomato - diced
  • 15 oz can of black beans - mashed
  • 1/4 tsp cumin
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 12 100% whole wheat mini bagels
  • 15 oz canned corn - drained
  • 1 cup reduced fat mozzarella cheese - shredded

Directions
 

  • Wash your hands and clean your cooking area.
  • Wash lettuce and tomato. Pat dry. Chop lettuce and tomato.
  • Drain and rinse black beans.
  • In a skillet or microwave safe container, combine beans, cumin and garlic powder. Mash thoroughly with a fork. Heat on low for 1 minute.
  • Spread 1 tablespoon beans onto Β½ of mini bagel.
  • Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of each corn, lettuce, tomato and cheese on top of beans.
  • Serve immediately or cover and store in the refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts

Serv. size: 1 bagel bite (85g), Amount per serving: Calories 100, Total Fat 1.5g (2% DV), Sat. Fat .5g (3% DV), Trans Fat 0g, Cholest. 5mg (2% DV), Sodium 250g (11% DV), Total Carb. 18g (7% DV), Fiber 1g (4% DV), Total Sugars 4g (Incl. 0g Added Sugars, 0% DV), Protein 5g, Vit. D (0% DV), Calcium 69mg (6% DV), Iron 1mg (6% DV), Potas. 51mg (2% DV).
Keyword Dairy, English, Grains, Protein, Vegetables

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program combined logo
Avacado Mandarin Toss

Avocado Mandarin Salad with Chicken

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 30 minutes mins
Total Time 40 minutes mins
Course Main Dish, Side Dish
Servings 8

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup green onion - thinly sliced
  • 1 can mandarin oranges - drained
  • 1/3 cup coarsely chopped pecans
  • 1/8 tsp pepper
  • 1 medium ripe avocado - peeled and sliced
  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
  • 4 cups torn salad greens
  • 1/4 cup fat-free Italian dressing

Directions
 

  • Wash your hands and clean your cooking area.
  • Clean the tops of canned food items before opening them.
  • Wash and dice onion.
  • In a bowl, combine the onion, oranges, pecans and pepper.
  • Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  • Wash salad greens and avocado.
  • Just before serving, wash, peel and slice avocado and tear salad greens.
  • Place the greens in a salad bowl.
  • Top with orange mixture, shredded chicken and avocado slices.
  • Drizzle with dressing before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serv. size: 1 1/2 cups (141g), Amount per serving: Calories 150, Total Fat 8g (10% DV), Sat. Fat 1g (5% DV), Trans Fat 0g, Cholest. 25mg (8% DV), Sodium 110g (5% DV), Total Carb. 8g (3% DV), Fiber 3g (11% DV), Total Sugars 4g (Incl. 0g Added Sugars, 0% DV), Protein 11g, D (0% DV), Vitamin D 0mcg (0% DV) Calcium 28mg (2% DV), Iron 1mg (6% DV), Potas. 351mg (8% DV).
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Keyword English, Fruit, Protein, Vegetables
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program combined logo
3 Ingredient Pancakes

3 Ingredient Pancakes

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 15 minutes mins
Course Kid Friendly, Main Dish
Servings 2

Ingredients
  

  • 2 medium ripe bananas
  • 4 tbsp quick oats
  • 2 large eggs

Directions
 

  • Wash your hands and produce, and clean your cooking area.
  • Mash bananas with a fork in a medium bowl until smooth. Add egg and oats and mix well.
  • Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-low heat, pour the batter to make 6 pancakes.
  • Cook about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, until golden.
  • Top with fruit and/or 1 teaspoon of your favorite syrup or honey if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size: 3 pancakes (179g), Amount per serving: Calories 220, Total Fat 6g (8%), Saturated Fat 2g (10%), Trans Fat 0g, Cholesterol 185mg (62%), Sodium 70mg (3%), Total Carbohydrate 35g (13%), Dietary Fiber 4g (14%), Total Sugars 15g, (Incl. 0g Added Sugars, 0% DV), Protein 9g, Vitamin D 1mcg (6%), Calcium 39mg (4%), Iron 2mg (10%), Potassium 491mg (10%)
Keyword English, Fruit, Grains, Protein

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program combined logo
Mexican Pilaf with Chicken

Mexican Pilaf With Chicken

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 20 minutes mins
Course Main Dish
Servings 7

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 small onion - diced
  • 1/2 green bell pepper - chopped
  • 1 fresh jalapeΓ±o pepper - seeded and diced
  • 1 can (15-oz) whole kernel corn, no salt added - rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup instant barley - cooked
  • 1 cup instant brown rice - cooked
  • 1/2 cup shredded chicken - cooked
  • 1 can (15-oz) black beans, no salt added - rinsed and drained
  • 2 tsp salt-free seasoning (such as southwest, taco, or garlic and herb)
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro - chopped
  • lime juice to taste

Directions
 

  • Wash your hands and clean your cooking area. Clean the tops of canned food items.
  • Heat oil over medium heat in a large nonstick skillet.
  • Add onion, bell pepper, jalapeΓ±o, and corn.
  • Cook and stir 3 to 5 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
  • Add cooked barley, brown rice, chicken, black beans, and seasoning to skillet.
  • Cook the mixture until hot or for 2 minutes.
  • Serve with cilantro and lime juice.

Nutrition Facts

Serv. size: 1 cup (211g), Amount per serving: Calories 190, Total Fat 3.5g (4% DV), Sat. Fat 0g (0% DV), Trans Fat 0g, Cholest. 10mg (3% DV), Sodium 25g (1% DV), Total Carb. 32g (12% DV), Fiber 6g (21% DV), Total Sugars 3g (Incl. 0g Added Sugars, 0% DV), Protein 9g, Vit. D (0% DV), Calcium 42mg (4% DV), Iron 2mg (10% DV), Potas. 320mg (6% DV)
Keyword English, Grains, Protein, Vegetables

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program combined logo
Slow Cooker Fiesta Chicken and Rice bowl

Slow Cooker Fiesta Chicken & Rice Bowls

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 3 hours hrs
Total Time 3 hours hrs 10 minutes mins
Course Kid Friendly, Main Dish
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb uncooked chicken - cubed
  • 1 cup uncooked brown rice
  • 1 can (10-oz) red enchilada sauce
  • 1 can (4-oz) chopped green chilies
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 medium onion - diced
  • 1 tsp cumin

Directions
 

  • Wash your hands, clean your cooking area, and the tops of canned food items.
  • Cut the chicken and onion. If possible use a separate cutting board for each or wash the cutting board and knife between ingredients.
  • Add chicken, rice, enchilada sauce, green chilies, chicken broth, onion, and cumin to the slow cooker.
  • Stir to combine.
  • Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
  • Stove top directions: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat, add an extra ΒΌ cup of chicken broth and cook for about 40 minutes or until liquid is absorbed and rice is fully cooked.

Nutrition Facts

Serv. size: 1 cup (192g), Amount per serving: Calories 180, Total Fat 3.5g (4% DV), Sat. Fat 0.5g (3% DV), Trans Fat 0g, Cholest. 45mg (15% DV), Sodium 460g (20% DV), Total Carb. 19g (7% DV), Fiber 2g (7% DV), Total Sugars 3g (Incl. 0g Added Sugars, 0% DV), Protein 19g, Vit. D (0% DV), Calcium 17mg (2% DV), Iron 1mg (6% DV), Potas. 297mg (6% DV)
Keyword English, Grains, Protein, Vegetables

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program combined logo
Rainbow of vegetable stir fry

Rainbow Of Vegetables Stir Fry

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 20 minutes mins
Course Side Dish
Servings 2

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup red bell pepper - julienned
  • 1 cup onion - diced
  • 1 cup spinach - chopped
  • 1 cup squash - sliced
  • 1 tbsp canola oil

Directions
 

  • Wash your hands and clean your cooking area, knife, and cutting board.
  • Wash all vegetables.
  • Cut vegetables as directed in ingredients.
  • Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add harder vegetables first (squash, onions, bell pepper). Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring while you cook. Add more delicate vegetables (spinach). Cook and stir for 3 minutes.
  • Optional: Chose 1 to 2 seasonings/herbs to create different tastes.
  • Cover pan, lower the heat, and allow to cook for 2-3 minutes until vegetables are tender, and spinach is wilted. If the stir-fry is getting dry, add 2 tablespoons of water.
  • Cover and refrigerate leftovers.

Nutrition Facts

Serv. size: 2 cups (200g), Amount per serving: Calories 120, Total Fat 7g (9% DV), Sat. Fat 0.5g (3% DV), Trans Fat 0g, Cholest. 0mg (0% DV), Sodium 15g (1% DV), Total Carb. 13g (5% DV), Fiber 3g (11% DV), Total Sugars 6g (Incl. 0g Added Sugars, 0% DV), Protein 2g, D (0% DV), Calcium 38mg (2% DV), Iron 1mg (6% DV), Potas. 362mg (8% DV).
Keyword English, Vegetables
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
Texas A&M University System Member

This work is supported by the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

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