Updated “Joe’s special”

This definitely goes in the “cook what is in your pantry” list. My mom used to cook something similar when I was a kid, but she called it "Joe’s special.” Her version had eggs instead of cream cheese which was definitely more nutritious. (I love my mom but I didn’t love the eggs with the ground beef!). This is my version. I was sceptical, but the family ate every last bite! 

(My husband added some salsa on top which he said to suggest to you all.)

Ingredients:

2 lbs ground beef, cooked and thoroughly drained

1 package of frozen, chopped spinach heated and squeezed of excess water

1 onion diced

1 tsp fresh chopped garlic

1 block of cream cheese

½ tsp each salt & pepper

¼ tsp creole seasoning (optional)

½ tsp garlic powder

2-3 cups of frozen shredded potatoes

1-2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:

• Cook hashbrowns with a little vegetable oil in a separate pan until crisp on one side. You will be flipping this on top of your skillet mixture later! 

• In a cast iron skillet saute the onions and garlic. Set aside.

• In the same skillet brown the ground beef and thoroughly drain the fat! 

• Add back in the onions, garlic, and drained, chopped spinach.

• Add in cream cheese and combine everything.

• Flip your pan of hash browns over top of this so that the crisp side is up! 

• Sprinkle with cheese. 

• Pop into a 350° oven for 20-30 minutes

• Serve with a fresh salad