3 Warm Southern Dishes for Cooler Winter Months

My family comes from a long line of Texans; at least 5 generations to be exact! So traditional family meals were exactly what you’d imagine growing up in my southern home. Chicken Fried Steak, Meatloaf, Pot Pies, Chicken & Dumplings… all the comfort foods you’ll find on any Southern Diner’s menu.

While I’m proud to be raising another generation of Texans, my cooking style doesn’t look exactly like my parents or grandparents. Cooking styles have changed a lot over the last 20-30 years and I tend to cook very different from my parents. Meals are usually quick and easy; the less prep, the better! I also incorporate more fresh fruits and vegetables and fewer oils and fats, but that doesn’t mean I still don’t have a southern palate and craving for those scratch-made southern dishes!

Over the past 9 months, I’ve enjoyed using some of our “free” time at home to build more cooking time into our usual evening routines and whip up some of my childhood favorite meals for my kids.

It’s taken some trial and error, but with the help of Pioneer (a Texas tradition & heritage!), my husband and I have found a happy middle ground for raising our boys with some of our favorite comfort foods AND bringing in more modern styles of cooking to our meals. Here’s 3 southern-style dishes for the winter months your family will LOVE!

TIP: Pioneer offers Gluten-Free options! Modify and try Gluten-Free Country Gravy or Gluten-Free Brown Gravy mixes in any of the recipes below for a healthier option with all the same southern flavor. 

3 Family-Friendly, Warm Southern Dishes for Winter

Southern Biscuits & Sausage Gravy

Number of Servings: 6-8
Total Time: 16 minutes; Prep Time: 13 minutes; Cooking time: 3 minutes

Ingredients:

• 3 c. Pioneer Buttermilk Biscuit and Baking Mix
• 1 c. Milk
• 1/2 lb. Breakfast Sausage
• 1 pkg. Pioneer Country Gravy Mix

Preparation Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 450°F.
2. Prepare biscuits according to Pioneer Buttermilk Biscuit and Baking Mix packaging.
3. In a skillet over medium-high heat, crumble sausage and cook until golden brown. Set aside.
4. Prepare Pioneer Country Gravy Mix to package instructions.
5. Using a slotted spoon, add crumbled sausage to the prepared gravy.
6. Split open fresh-baked biscuits (or refrigerated canned biscuits, no judgment!) and spoon warm gravy on top.

Holiday Turkey Casserole

Number of Servings: 8
Total Time: 30 minutes; Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cooking time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

•   4 c. leftover cooked turkey, cubed (or 1 1/2 lb. turkey tenderloin, cooked and cubed)
•   6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
•   1 c. tomato, chopped, seeded
•   1/2 c. green onions, chopped
•   1 package Pioneer Country Gravy Mix
•   1/2 c. mayonnaise
•   1 1/2 c. colby-jack cheese, shredded
•   2 c. Pioneer Original or Buttermilk Baking Mix
•   2/3 c. milk
•   2 tbsp. Butter or margarine, melted

Preparation Instructions:

1. In large bowl, combine turkey, bacon, tomato and onions; set aside.
2. Prepare Pioneer Country Gravy Mix according to package directions. Stir in mayonnaise and cheese until well blended.
3. Pour over turkey mixture; stir to coat. Pour into a 13 x 9 x 2-inchbaking dish that has been coated with cooking spray.
4. Prepare Biscuits: in a medium bowl, combine Pioneer Baking Mix, cheese, and milk. Stir until the mixture forms a ball.
5. Turn out onto a surface dusted with additional Pioneer Biscuit & Baking Mix. Knead 7 to 10 times.
6. Roll out to 1/2-inch thickness. (Cut into star or tree shapes with cookie cutter for holiday fun!)
7. Gently place biscuits on the turkey mixture.
8. Bake at 450°F for 12 to 15 minutes or until biscuit lattice is golden brown and turkey mixture is bubbly. Brush biscuits with melted butter.

Hearty Beef Stew

Number of Servings: 6
Total Time: 32 minutes; Prep Time: 7 minutes; Cooking time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp. Vegetable oil
• 2 lb. Beef stewing meat
• 8 oz. tomato sauce
• 3 c. beef stock
• 1 pkg. Pioneer Brown Gravy Mix
• 1 c. Red wine
• 1 diced Gold or Russet Potato
• ½ c. Frozen peas
•  ½ c. Frozen carrots

Preparation Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepot, heat olive oil over medium-high flame.
2. Once oil is hot, sear the beef. Stir every couple of minutes.
3. Cook out excess moisture from the meat and add tomato sauce and beef stock.
4. Reduce the mixture by half over high heat.
5. Whisk together Pioneer Brown Gravy Mix and red wine. Whisk away any lumps.
6. Add gravy mixture and potatoes to the pot and cook until thickened
7. Continue to cook over high heat, checking for consistency. You want the sauce to coat the meat.
8. Once the potatoes are done, turn heat to low and fold in frozen peas and carrots.
9. Let rest for 5 minutes to heat the vegetables all the way through.
10. Place in a large casserole dish and enjoy with the whole family!

For more scratch-made quality recipes, visit Pioneer.

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