The folklore goes that in 1922, a restaurateur in Arizona accidentally dropped a pastry into the deep fryer and exclaimed, “Chimichanga!”

That’s Spanish for thingamajig.

Fill it with some sour cream, cheese and beef and you’ve got yourself today’s version of the chimichanga.

Now, since Sunday’s big game is being played in Arizona, it only feels right to honor that venue by serving up some beef chimichangas while you watch!

Check out this incredible beef chimichanga recipe: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/beef-chimichangas/

Many versions of this recipe call for ground beef like you’d find in steakburgers, but you can experiment and use shredded Wagyu beef or any cut of shredded steak you love.

Have fun with your chimichangas and the big game this weekend! I know I will!

My toes are perpetually frozen this time of year. So a hearty, beefy soup makes perfect sense right now.

I need a meal that’ll thaw me out!

This Beef and Vegetable Soup recipe uses bite-sized beef tenderloin tips made from Filet Mignon and it really does the trick.

Ingredients:                                                                
1 lb. package Beef Tenderloin Tips, minced
2 onions, minced
2 carrots, minced
3 celery stalks, minced
2 cups, diced tomatoes
1 cup barley
1/2 cup lentils
6 cups beef stock
1 tbsp. oil
salt and pepper

Directions: Sear Beef Tenderloin Tips in oil and remove from pan. Add carrot, celery and onion and sweat. Add barley and cook for three minutes. Add tomato and beef stock and bring to a simmer, cook for 30 minutes and add lentils. Continue to simmer for another 10 and add reserved beef. Cook for 10 minutes, season to taste and serve.

Servings: 8

A soup that includes bites of steak? Yes, please! This one’s a winner!

I like meal ideas that are quick, but don’t cut corners. These full meal pairings help to get the dinner on the table fast without sacrificing quality and flavor. Plus, they’re not the same old same old.

Try ‘em in the new year!

1. 3 Cheese Arancini (can be an appetizer or a side), Chicken Spiedini and Lemon Coconut Cake.
2. Crabcakes, Filet Mignon and Red Velvet Cake.
3. Lobster Flatbread, Veal Cutlets and Hand-Dipped Chocolate Macaroons.

Want more full meal ideas? Create your own customized meals here!

Happy (tasty) New Year!

Photo courtesy of KansasCitySteaks.com.