Featured Recipe...
Ramen Noodle Supper
Serves 4 adults
1 lb ground beef (I think other meat--ground turkey chicken, venison, etc--would work but my husband disagrees)
2 pkg. Ramen noodle soup, any flavor, but consider the vegetables
1lb frozen vegetables
In a large skillet, brown the beef and drain thoroughly. Remove from pan. Add 4 cups water (half of what 2 noodle packs call for) and bring to boil. Add vegetables and both noodle seasoning packs, reduce heat to strong simmer and cover to cook as directed on vegetable package, subtracting three minutes from time indicated. While cooking vegetables, break up noodle packages into about 6 lumps each. When veg time is up add noodles and turn up to boil 3 minutes more. Stir from time to time in order to separate the noodles. Add the drained meat and stir until all is heated through.
This is a one dish meal. Sometimes, I will stir fry the vegetables in a small amount of oil, coarse salt and freshly ground pepper until tender and then put with the meat. Then I cook the noodles and seasoning packs, for three minutes and add the vegs and meat.
Many flavor combinations can work depending on what Ramen packs are on sale and what veg are on sale. For example, if I get stir fry veggies, I may look for an oriental Ramen flavor. If I get veg blends with mushrooms, I might use chicken mushroom noodles. I have not noticed that using chicken or shrimp noodles matter with the ground beef.
Cost based on current sales in my area...
beef $1.99
noodles $0.50
vegetables $1.25
Total $3.74
If you use oil to saute veg it would add a little more. I have a family of meat eaters. Some would cut the meat in half for this recipe.
Submitted by Boyd
http://www.frugalfamilyrecipes.blogspot.com/
Showing posts with label One Dish Meals. Show all posts
Showing posts with label One Dish Meals. Show all posts
ChiliMac & Dogs
Featured Recipe...
The most expensive thing would be the hot dogs and cheese, but if you catch things on sale or with coupons it can be even cheaper. The main thing is, it's fast to make and kids love it. THANK YOU so much for all you publish online! God Bless!
ChiliMac & Dogs
1 Family size box of mac and cheese (to make it go farther, or you can use a normal size box)
1 can of chili
1 can whole kernel corn
4 hot dogs
Tortilla chips
Shredded cheddar cheese
Prepare mac and cheese as normal. Cut hot dogs as desired, place in a sauce pan with chili and cook. Dump corn and chili mixture in with prepared mac and cheese and mix while still on the burner. Crush chips and sprinkle cheese on top. Yum yum!
Submitted by Tiffany Seavy
http://www.frugalfamilyrecipes.blogspot.com/
The most expensive thing would be the hot dogs and cheese, but if you catch things on sale or with coupons it can be even cheaper. The main thing is, it's fast to make and kids love it. THANK YOU so much for all you publish online! God Bless!
ChiliMac & Dogs
1 Family size box of mac and cheese (to make it go farther, or you can use a normal size box)
1 can of chili
1 can whole kernel corn
4 hot dogs
Tortilla chips
Shredded cheddar cheese
Prepare mac and cheese as normal. Cut hot dogs as desired, place in a sauce pan with chili and cook. Dump corn and chili mixture in with prepared mac and cheese and mix while still on the burner. Crush chips and sprinkle cheese on top. Yum yum!
Submitted by Tiffany Seavy
http://www.frugalfamilyrecipes.blogspot.com/
Chicken and Dumplings, Spaghetti with Garlic Toast
Featured Recipes...
Hi Michelle, here are a few recipes I thought I would share.
Chicken and Dumplings:
Boil chicken thighs and legs, add salt, pepper and garlic clove. Reserve the liquid. When the chicken is done remove it to cool and remove garlic clove. Add 1 can of cheap biscuits, tear or cut each biscuit into about 4 pieces, drop into boiling chicken water. Add 1 can of veggies. De-bone chicken, add the chicken back to the biscuits and veggies.
My kids love it done this way, and you can't even tell it was made from biscuits.
Spaghetti with Garlic Toast:
1/2 box of angel hair pasta
1 lb ground beef/chuck is usually cheaper
Can of stewed/diced tomatoes
1/2 cup diced onion
1/2 cup diced mushrooms
1 can of veggies, drained
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
bay leaf
1 jar of spaghetti sauce.
Directions:
Cook noodles per directions on package, drain. in a skillet, cook and drain ground meat. Add back to skillet, then add rest of ingredients and let simmer for about 10 mins. Remove bay leaf. Serve over noodles or mix with noodles, depends on how your family likes it. Top with Parmesan cheese.
Serve with homemade garlic toast. I use sandwich bread and butter each piece, and then slice into 3 pieces. Lay on cookie sheet and sprinkle with garlic powder, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Toast until golden brown.
Submitted by Carey Banks of Palestine, TX
http://www.frugalfamilyrecipes.blogspot.com/
Hi Michelle, here are a few recipes I thought I would share.
Chicken and Dumplings:
Boil chicken thighs and legs, add salt, pepper and garlic clove. Reserve the liquid. When the chicken is done remove it to cool and remove garlic clove. Add 1 can of cheap biscuits, tear or cut each biscuit into about 4 pieces, drop into boiling chicken water. Add 1 can of veggies. De-bone chicken, add the chicken back to the biscuits and veggies.
My kids love it done this way, and you can't even tell it was made from biscuits.
Spaghetti with Garlic Toast:
1/2 box of angel hair pasta
1 lb ground beef/chuck is usually cheaper
Can of stewed/diced tomatoes
1/2 cup diced onion
1/2 cup diced mushrooms
1 can of veggies, drained
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
bay leaf
1 jar of spaghetti sauce.
Directions:
Cook noodles per directions on package, drain. in a skillet, cook and drain ground meat. Add back to skillet, then add rest of ingredients and let simmer for about 10 mins. Remove bay leaf. Serve over noodles or mix with noodles, depends on how your family likes it. Top with Parmesan cheese.
Serve with homemade garlic toast. I use sandwich bread and butter each piece, and then slice into 3 pieces. Lay on cookie sheet and sprinkle with garlic powder, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Toast until golden brown.
Submitted by Carey Banks of Palestine, TX
http://www.frugalfamilyrecipes.blogspot.com/
Shipwreck - Potatoes, Beef, Rice and Veggies
Featured Recipe...
One of my families favorite recipes, I can make it for less than $1 per serving.
Shipwreck
3-4 potatoes, peeled and sliced thin
1 lb ground beef
1 cup uncooked rice (NOT instant rice)
2 medium onions, sliced thin
2-3 ribs celery, sliced
2-3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
Layer, in order in a large casserole dish or 9 x 13 pan, seasoning to taste with salt and pepper and any other seasonings you like. Mix 2 cans of tomato soup with 2 soup cans of water and pour over the ingredients. Cover with foil and bake in oven for 2 - 2 1/2 hrs at 350 degrees.
This is also good using a cream soup instead of the tomato. On days that I don't want to do as much cutting I will use 2 - 3 cups of frozen mixed veggies instead of the celery and carrots and it works great.
A great recipe to play with and work with what you have on hand.
Submitted by Tracy B.
http://www.frugalfamilyrecipes.blogspot.com/
One of my families favorite recipes, I can make it for less than $1 per serving.
Shipwreck
3-4 potatoes, peeled and sliced thin
1 lb ground beef
1 cup uncooked rice (NOT instant rice)
2 medium onions, sliced thin
2-3 ribs celery, sliced
2-3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
Layer, in order in a large casserole dish or 9 x 13 pan, seasoning to taste with salt and pepper and any other seasonings you like. Mix 2 cans of tomato soup with 2 soup cans of water and pour over the ingredients. Cover with foil and bake in oven for 2 - 2 1/2 hrs at 350 degrees.
This is also good using a cream soup instead of the tomato. On days that I don't want to do as much cutting I will use 2 - 3 cups of frozen mixed veggies instead of the celery and carrots and it works great.
A great recipe to play with and work with what you have on hand.
Submitted by Tracy B.
http://www.frugalfamilyrecipes.blogspot.com/
Baked Chili Dish with Ground Turkey and Macaroni
Featured Recipe...
Baked Chili Dish with Ground Turkey and Macaroni
This is my 2 year old's favorite recipe - it's hearty, healthy, and economical - perfect!
Ingredients:
2 T. olive oil
2 cloves garlic, crushed (or garlic powder)
1/4 chopped onion or 2 T. dried minced onion
1/2 of a chopped green bell pepper
1/2 of a chopped red bell pepper
1 pound ground turkey
1/2 box of whole wheat elbow macaroni
28oz can whole tomatoes
Small can tomato paste (or a good squeeze from a tube)
Huge can of northern beans
3/4 T. chili powder
1/2 tsp. cumin
Sea salt and pepper
Dash oregano
Crushed red pepper or hot sauce, if desired
1 cup cheddar cheese
Directions:
Boil macaroni for about 5 minutes in salted water. Drain and set aside. Heat olive oil in dutch oven on stove top. Add garlic, onion and bell peppers. Cook and stir about 5 minutes. Add ground turkey and cook until no longer pink. Crush tomatoes with a potato masher and add to turkey mix. Add whole can of beans, undrained. Stir in chili powder, cumin, salt and pepper and oregano.
Taste to check for seasoning. Increase chili/cumin/hot pepper if you want it spicier. Add the macaroni and the cheese and stir. Bake in 325 degree oven for about 25 minutes.
Submitted by Michelle Remmey of PA
http://www.frugalfamilyrecipes.blogspot.com/
Baked Chili Dish with Ground Turkey and Macaroni
This is my 2 year old's favorite recipe - it's hearty, healthy, and economical - perfect!
Ingredients:
2 T. olive oil
2 cloves garlic, crushed (or garlic powder)
1/4 chopped onion or 2 T. dried minced onion
1/2 of a chopped green bell pepper
1/2 of a chopped red bell pepper
1 pound ground turkey
1/2 box of whole wheat elbow macaroni
28oz can whole tomatoes
Small can tomato paste (or a good squeeze from a tube)
Huge can of northern beans
3/4 T. chili powder
1/2 tsp. cumin
Sea salt and pepper
Dash oregano
Crushed red pepper or hot sauce, if desired
1 cup cheddar cheese
Directions:
Boil macaroni for about 5 minutes in salted water. Drain and set aside. Heat olive oil in dutch oven on stove top. Add garlic, onion and bell peppers. Cook and stir about 5 minutes. Add ground turkey and cook until no longer pink. Crush tomatoes with a potato masher and add to turkey mix. Add whole can of beans, undrained. Stir in chili powder, cumin, salt and pepper and oregano.
Taste to check for seasoning. Increase chili/cumin/hot pepper if you want it spicier. Add the macaroni and the cheese and stir. Bake in 325 degree oven for about 25 minutes.
Submitted by Michelle Remmey of PA
http://www.frugalfamilyrecipes.blogspot.com/
Chicken Casserole with Broccoli
Featured Recipe...
Chicken Casserole (with Broccoli)
3 (boiled/cooked) boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 can cream of mushroom soup/or cream of chicken
1 tablespoon of mayonnaise
1 bag of frozen broccoli
1 box of croutons
1 bag of shredded cheddar cheese
Directions:
Shred the chicken into small pieces. Mix the soup and mayo. Place the broccoli in the bottom of a casserole dish to cover the bottom. Then layer the chicken pieces over the top. Next, pour the soup mixture over the chicken and broccoli. Add the cheese on top. Lastly, crush the croutons and pour over the top of the entire dish.
Bake at 350 degrees for about 30 - 40 minutes (until hot all the way through).
Yummy!
Submitted by Angela Clark of Florida
http://www.frugalfamilyrecipes.blogspot.com/
Chicken Casserole (with Broccoli)
3 (boiled/cooked) boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 can cream of mushroom soup/or cream of chicken
1 tablespoon of mayonnaise
1 bag of frozen broccoli
1 box of croutons
1 bag of shredded cheddar cheese
Directions:
Shred the chicken into small pieces. Mix the soup and mayo. Place the broccoli in the bottom of a casserole dish to cover the bottom. Then layer the chicken pieces over the top. Next, pour the soup mixture over the chicken and broccoli. Add the cheese on top. Lastly, crush the croutons and pour over the top of the entire dish.
Bake at 350 degrees for about 30 - 40 minutes (until hot all the way through).
Yummy!
Submitted by Angela Clark of Florida
http://www.frugalfamilyrecipes.blogspot.com/
Can of This, Can of That
Featured Recipe...
Can of This, Can of That
1 lb. ground beef
2 cans chili hot beans
1 can whole kernel corn, drained
Brown ground beef, drain. Mix all ingredients in large skillet, heat over medium heat or until heated thorough. Serve over warm hamburger buns or toasted french bread.
Submitted by Angela Ethridge
http://www.frugalfamilyrecipes.blogspot.com/
Can of This, Can of That
1 lb. ground beef
2 cans chili hot beans
1 can whole kernel corn, drained
Brown ground beef, drain. Mix all ingredients in large skillet, heat over medium heat or until heated thorough. Serve over warm hamburger buns or toasted french bread.
Submitted by Angela Ethridge
http://www.frugalfamilyrecipes.blogspot.com/
Spicy Dirty Rice, Homemade Noodle Pot Pie, Free Turkey, Cheap Sloppy Joes
Featured Recipes...
We call this Spicy Dirty Rice.
Brown 1 lb of hamburger, and drain.
Cook enough white rice for 4. Not instant, the kind you have to boil.
Mix 1 can of crushed tomatoes w/ green chilies into your ground beef.
1.99 or less per pound of ground beef.
1.29 16oz bag of white rice
.50 for a can of crushed tomatoes w/ green chilies.
2.00 for cheddar cheese.
5.79 divided by 4 = $1.45/person
Top your rice w/ the hamburger mixture and then top that w/ cheddar cheese.
My teenagers love this and there are never any leftovers.
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Homemade Noodle Pot Pie
In a small bowl, mix 2 eggs and 2 cups of flour. Mix in just enough water to make the dough set. Should not be wet and sticky. Flour your counter top and roll dough out to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into 2 x 2" pieces. Bring 1 dutch oven 1/2 way filled w/ water to a boil. Drop in 4 large cubed potatoes. Don't cut the potatoes too small or they'll turn to mush. Drop in any of the following precooked meats: Ham, Chicken, Turkey, Beef. Drop in your already prepared dough noodles.
You'll also need to "make gravy" as my grandmother calls it, buy mixing water and flour to thicken your broth so that it's the consistency of gravy.
Mix the "gravy mixture into your boiling pot, stirring the pot. When the potatoes are soft, and the noodles have cooked for at least 10 minutes you're done. Add any vegetables, onions, or seasoning to taste. This is a staple in our house and a quick fix for when there's leftover meats from another meal.
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Free Turkey
Here are some meals we make from a cooked turkey. I never buy a turkey. Our local grocery store usually gives them away if you spend $300 in 5 or 6 weeks. I use these weeks to stock up. And, they do it twice a year.
1. Turkey dinner
2. Turkey pot pie, like above
3. Turkey corn soup
4. Turkey wraps for lunches
5. Open faced Turkey and gravy waffles
6. Turkey casserole w/ dumplings
Of course we don't have this all in one week, but we stretch it out as far as we can!
---------------------------------------
Cheap Sloppy Joes - No Manwich Needed
1lb of browned and drained ground beef, enough ketchup to make the meat "wet." Two mounded tablespoons of brown sugar, chopped onion.
No need to buy Manwich sauce at the store, most folks have all of this stuff in their cupboards already.
Just a sample of how we're "surviving the second depression."
Submitted by Katie Howard
http://www.frugalfamilyrecipes.blogspot.com/
(Thanks for sharing all these great recipes and tips, Katie! For your sloppy Joes, you may also want to experiment with additional ingredients uch as garlic, green pepper, chili powder or even worcestershire sauce! Our kids love sloppy joes too and I know I'm guilty of buying the Manwich sauce at the store to save time, more than once... just be sure to buy your ketchup when it's on sale!!! - Michelle)
We call this Spicy Dirty Rice.
Brown 1 lb of hamburger, and drain.
Cook enough white rice for 4. Not instant, the kind you have to boil.
Mix 1 can of crushed tomatoes w/ green chilies into your ground beef.
1.99 or less per pound of ground beef.
1.29 16oz bag of white rice
.50 for a can of crushed tomatoes w/ green chilies.
2.00 for cheddar cheese.
5.79 divided by 4 = $1.45/person
Top your rice w/ the hamburger mixture and then top that w/ cheddar cheese.
My teenagers love this and there are never any leftovers.
---------------------------------------
Homemade Noodle Pot Pie
In a small bowl, mix 2 eggs and 2 cups of flour. Mix in just enough water to make the dough set. Should not be wet and sticky. Flour your counter top and roll dough out to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into 2 x 2" pieces. Bring 1 dutch oven 1/2 way filled w/ water to a boil. Drop in 4 large cubed potatoes. Don't cut the potatoes too small or they'll turn to mush. Drop in any of the following precooked meats: Ham, Chicken, Turkey, Beef. Drop in your already prepared dough noodles.
You'll also need to "make gravy" as my grandmother calls it, buy mixing water and flour to thicken your broth so that it's the consistency of gravy.
Mix the "gravy mixture into your boiling pot, stirring the pot. When the potatoes are soft, and the noodles have cooked for at least 10 minutes you're done. Add any vegetables, onions, or seasoning to taste. This is a staple in our house and a quick fix for when there's leftover meats from another meal.
---------------------------------------
Free Turkey
Here are some meals we make from a cooked turkey. I never buy a turkey. Our local grocery store usually gives them away if you spend $300 in 5 or 6 weeks. I use these weeks to stock up. And, they do it twice a year.
1. Turkey dinner
2. Turkey pot pie, like above
3. Turkey corn soup
4. Turkey wraps for lunches
5. Open faced Turkey and gravy waffles
6. Turkey casserole w/ dumplings
Of course we don't have this all in one week, but we stretch it out as far as we can!
---------------------------------------
Cheap Sloppy Joes - No Manwich Needed
1lb of browned and drained ground beef, enough ketchup to make the meat "wet." Two mounded tablespoons of brown sugar, chopped onion.
No need to buy Manwich sauce at the store, most folks have all of this stuff in their cupboards already.
Just a sample of how we're "surviving the second depression."
Submitted by Katie Howard
http://www.frugalfamilyrecipes.blogspot.com/
(Thanks for sharing all these great recipes and tips, Katie! For your sloppy Joes, you may also want to experiment with additional ingredients uch as garlic, green pepper, chili powder or even worcestershire sauce! Our kids love sloppy joes too and I know I'm guilty of buying the Manwich sauce at the store to save time, more than once... just be sure to buy your ketchup when it's on sale!!! - Michelle)
Beef and Ramen Noodles
Featured Recipe...
Beef and Ramen Noodles
3 pkg. Ramen Noodles
1/2 pound of ground beef
1 can of mixed vegetables
Brown ground beef and use 1 or 2 packs of seasoning from the Ramen soup, boil the Ramen Noodles, drain and mix with the drained ground beef. Add the can of mixed vegetables and remaining seasoning.
Submitted by Susanne Dockery
www.FrugalFamilyRecipes.blogspot.com
Beef and Ramen Noodles
3 pkg. Ramen Noodles
1/2 pound of ground beef
1 can of mixed vegetables
Brown ground beef and use 1 or 2 packs of seasoning from the Ramen soup, boil the Ramen Noodles, drain and mix with the drained ground beef. Add the can of mixed vegetables and remaining seasoning.
Submitted by Susanne Dockery
www.FrugalFamilyRecipes.blogspot.com
Holiday Brunch Casserole
Featured Recipe...
Holiday Brunch Casserole
Here is a casserole that my sister made and I love it. It's a great meal for work pot lucks. I have to make 2 - 9x13 dishes of it because my co-workers gobble it down. See the optional changes at the bottom of the page. It tastes really good with the green chilies.
Ingredients:
1 pound bacon
1 T. butter
1 onion, chopped
2 cups fresh sliced mushrooms
4 cups frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. garlic salt
1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
4 eggs
1 1/2 cups milk
1 pinch dried parsley
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish. Place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Drain and set aside. In a separate skillet, melt the butter and fry onions and mushrooms until tender. Place potatoes in bottom of prepared dish. Sprinkle with salt, garlic salt, and pepper. Top with bacon, then onions and mushrooms. In a large bowl, beat eggs with milk and parsley. Pour over casserole. Top with grated cheese. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Bake in preheated oven for 1 hour or until set. If preparing and baking the same day, cook for 45 minutes.
Optional ingredients:
Diced can of green chili (TASTES GREAT WITH IT!)
I only use 1/2 an onion
Bacon substitutes--sausage (tastes great with sausage, easier than bacon), shrimp
Submitted by Christine Duval
www.FrugalFamilyRecipes.blogspot.com
Holiday Brunch Casserole
Here is a casserole that my sister made and I love it. It's a great meal for work pot lucks. I have to make 2 - 9x13 dishes of it because my co-workers gobble it down. See the optional changes at the bottom of the page. It tastes really good with the green chilies.
Ingredients:
1 pound bacon
1 T. butter
1 onion, chopped
2 cups fresh sliced mushrooms
4 cups frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. garlic salt
1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
4 eggs
1 1/2 cups milk
1 pinch dried parsley
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish. Place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Drain and set aside. In a separate skillet, melt the butter and fry onions and mushrooms until tender. Place potatoes in bottom of prepared dish. Sprinkle with salt, garlic salt, and pepper. Top with bacon, then onions and mushrooms. In a large bowl, beat eggs with milk and parsley. Pour over casserole. Top with grated cheese. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Bake in preheated oven for 1 hour or until set. If preparing and baking the same day, cook for 45 minutes.
Optional ingredients:
Diced can of green chili (TASTES GREAT WITH IT!)
I only use 1/2 an onion
Bacon substitutes--sausage (tastes great with sausage, easier than bacon), shrimp
Submitted by Christine Duval
www.FrugalFamilyRecipes.blogspot.com
Easy-Cheesy Crock Pot Potato Meal
Featured Recipe...
I would like to submit this recipe in the frugal dinner contest! It's delicious and I use it whenever I have leftover holiday ham. Enjoy!
Easy-Cheesy Crock Pot Potato Meal
My Family loves this meal after Christmas. It's a great way to use up some of your left-over ham. Wipe the inside of your crock pot with vegetable oil. Mix together the following ingredients below, then place in crock pot.
6-8 slices of leftover Holiday Ham (cut into bite sized pieces)
8 medium potatoes, sliced with skins (I like red potatoes)
2 medium onions, thinly sliced
1 cup grated SHARP or EXTRA SHARP Cheddar Cheese
1 can Cream of Mushroom Soup
Pepper and paprika to taste
1 can corn, drained
Cover and cook on high for approx. 4 hours (depending on how thick you slice your potatoes and how thick the skins are). Be sure to stir about 3 times during cooking. After potatoes are done, stir in a can of drained corn.
Submitted by Lori Knowles
-----------------------------------------
Thanks Lori, we love crock pot recipes for our busy families! - Michelle
I would like to submit this recipe in the frugal dinner contest! It's delicious and I use it whenever I have leftover holiday ham. Enjoy!
Easy-Cheesy Crock Pot Potato Meal
My Family loves this meal after Christmas. It's a great way to use up some of your left-over ham. Wipe the inside of your crock pot with vegetable oil. Mix together the following ingredients below, then place in crock pot.
6-8 slices of leftover Holiday Ham (cut into bite sized pieces)
8 medium potatoes, sliced with skins (I like red potatoes)
2 medium onions, thinly sliced
1 cup grated SHARP or EXTRA SHARP Cheddar Cheese
1 can Cream of Mushroom Soup
Pepper and paprika to taste
1 can corn, drained
Cover and cook on high for approx. 4 hours (depending on how thick you slice your potatoes and how thick the skins are). Be sure to stir about 3 times during cooking. After potatoes are done, stir in a can of drained corn.
Submitted by Lori Knowles
-----------------------------------------
Thanks Lori, we love crock pot recipes for our busy families! - Michelle
Meatless Lasagna with Tomatoes and Basil
Featured Recipe...
Meatless Lasagna with Tomatoes and Basil
Michelle, I just found your BetterBudgeting.com website. I just thought I would share a cheap and delicious meal that took less than 10 minutes prep. I bought 2 jars of Ragu reduced fat Parmesan Alfredo, a 4 pack of tomatoes, 1 pack fresh basil, a package of shredded Italian cheeses and 1 box oven ready lasagna noodles.
Use a 13x9 pan, spread some sauce, layer using noodles, sauce, sliced tomatoes and basil leaves. Top w/grated cheese. Cover and bake according to box directions. Hubby was at first upset there wasn't meat in it. My dad owns DQ's in NE Texas and I keep frozen grilled chicken breast from the store and debated over cutting some to add in, would have been good but it was fine without! About $10 to fix and had enough for 2 meals for my family of 4.
Submitted by Tonya King
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Lasagna is a dish that can be adapted in so many ways, and your version sounds yummy, Tonya! When you grow your own basil and/or tomatoes you save even more! :o) - Michelle
Leftover Ideas - Chicken Pot Pie
Featured Dinner Idea...
I made a chicken pot pie the other night with things I had in the freezer (a bag of chicken and broth, frozen vegetables). I made one large deep dish pot pie (filled to the brim) and still had enough for another pot pie, so I ladled the extra into a freezer container for another pot pie later in the month. But I still had some of the pot pie filling left over - there was not enough for an additional pot pie. I certainly didn't want to pour it out and debated about making a small individual pot pie (too much time for small gain). So I grabbed the chunky salsa out of the fridge and poured some into the mixture, added a tad of water and heated it up. It tasted REALLY good. So I poured it into a container and had enough soup for two lunches that week at work.
So my tip is: If you have a small amount of something left over think about what you might be able to do with it - if it doesn't turn out and you were going to throw it out anyway you haven't lost any money and you've gained experience for future food creations.
Submitted by K.A.
-----------------------------------------
I bet that was delicious! - Michelle
I made a chicken pot pie the other night with things I had in the freezer (a bag of chicken and broth, frozen vegetables). I made one large deep dish pot pie (filled to the brim) and still had enough for another pot pie, so I ladled the extra into a freezer container for another pot pie later in the month. But I still had some of the pot pie filling left over - there was not enough for an additional pot pie. I certainly didn't want to pour it out and debated about making a small individual pot pie (too much time for small gain). So I grabbed the chunky salsa out of the fridge and poured some into the mixture, added a tad of water and heated it up. It tasted REALLY good. So I poured it into a container and had enough soup for two lunches that week at work.
So my tip is: If you have a small amount of something left over think about what you might be able to do with it - if it doesn't turn out and you were going to throw it out anyway you haven't lost any money and you've gained experience for future food creations.
Submitted by K.A.
-----------------------------------------
I bet that was delicious! - Michelle
Marinated Chicken Alfredo
Featured Recipe...
Marinated Chicken Alfredo
Marinate two boneless/skinless chicken breast in Ken's Steak House Asian Sesame with Ginger & Soy over night or for several hours. Cook chicken on grill or broil til done. Sauté in light olive oil with small amount of finely chopped onions & finely chopped pepper (as most kids don't like onions & pepper), in sauce pan. Add chicken and 1 jar Alfredo (I use the Walmart brand...it is excellent and much cheaper), stir everything together and simmer.
Boil 1 box of bow tie pasta or your choice. I add some frozen peas to the bow ties just before I drain. Mix your bow ties/peas/Alfredo mixture in baking dish. Top with fresh grated Parmesan cheese and bake for 30 minutes on 350 degrees.
My kids love it! Cheap, good, and too easy.
Submitted by Tammy Hines
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Thanks, Tammy, this does sound yummy and a dinner the kids would love. We could probably add some extra veggies in too, like mushrooms or carrots! :o) - Michelle
Marinated Chicken Alfredo
Marinate two boneless/skinless chicken breast in Ken's Steak House Asian Sesame with Ginger & Soy over night or for several hours. Cook chicken on grill or broil til done. Sauté in light olive oil with small amount of finely chopped onions & finely chopped pepper (as most kids don't like onions & pepper), in sauce pan. Add chicken and 1 jar Alfredo (I use the Walmart brand...it is excellent and much cheaper), stir everything together and simmer.
Boil 1 box of bow tie pasta or your choice. I add some frozen peas to the bow ties just before I drain. Mix your bow ties/peas/Alfredo mixture in baking dish. Top with fresh grated Parmesan cheese and bake for 30 minutes on 350 degrees.
My kids love it! Cheap, good, and too easy.
Submitted by Tammy Hines
---------------------------------------
Thanks, Tammy, this does sound yummy and a dinner the kids would love. We could probably add some extra veggies in too, like mushrooms or carrots! :o) - Michelle
Veggie Pasta and Minestrone Soup
Featured Recipe...
Pasta La Vista
I learned the original recipe for this from a vegetarian cookbook I had in my vegetarian days; I've since edited it a lot, to suit my needs. The great thing about this recipe is that you can change out almost every ingredient for something you already have on hand, and it's super easy because you only need one pan.
You'll need:
1 large can diced tomatoes (I like the kind with green chilies)
1 bag of frozen mixed vegetables (just about anything works great -- I use whatever mix is on sale that week)
1 bag of pasta (macaroni and penne or ziti type noodles work best)
Approximately 1 cup shredded cheese
A dash of hot sauce
Directions:
In a tall-sided skillet, mix the tomatoes, vegetables, and pasta with just enough water to cover the pasta. While the pasta and veggies are cooking, add spices -- oregano, salt, pepper, garlic or garlic powder, whatever you have handy. Once the pasta's almost done, lower the heat to a simmer and stir in a dash of hot sauce or your favorite salsa, then sprinkle enough grated cheese over the top to cover it. Turn off the heat, let the cheese melt down on it, and you're done!
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Minestrone Soup
Another recipe I picked up during my vegetarian years, this one's really easy and can feed an ARMY. Whenever I make it I always end up with enough leftovers for 2-3 days of work lunch, and it's 100x better reheated anyway.
You will need:
1 large can whole stewed tomatoes
1 can tomato sauce
1-2 vegetable or chicken bouillon cubes
1/2 bag of pasta (macaroni or small shells are the best)
1 bag of frozen vegetables (whatever's on sale -- I like the frozen "stew" vegetables with the whole baby onions)
1 can of beans or chickpeas
Spices
Directions:
In a big soup pot, make the bouillon according to the package instructions (generally 1 cube to 1 cup water). Add the tomato sauce and tomatoes, cooking on medium heat until it begins to boil; mash up the whole tomatoes, then pour in the vegetables. Season to taste with oregano, rosemary, salt, pepper, and 1-2 whole bay leaves. Once vegetables start to cook, add the pasta and beans. Cook until the pasta's done.
Note: You may end up having to adjust the liquid, adding some water or more bouillon in order to get it "soupy" enough for your taste.
Submitted by Tiana Bodine
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Tiana, these recipes both sound delicious, thanks for sharing them with us! :o) - Michelle
Cheesy Tuna Casserole
Featured Recipe...
My boys love this recipe.
Cheesy Tuna Casserole
2 cups cooked macaroni
1/3 chunk of store brand cheese (like Velveeta but cheaper)
2 cans of tuna
1 10 oz. bag frozen peas
1 can of cream of mushroom soup
¾ soup can of milk
Small snack size bag of potato chips or ¼ cup of bread crumbs
Stir ingredients together and sprinkle with bread crumbs or crushed potato chips and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. It’s great.
Submitted by Beth Meadows
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Thank you Beth, my mom and I used to make Tuna Casserole often when I was growing up and I love it too. Have never tried it with potato chips or bread crumbs on top, sounds yummy! - Michelle
My boys love this recipe.
Cheesy Tuna Casserole
2 cups cooked macaroni
1/3 chunk of store brand cheese (like Velveeta but cheaper)
2 cans of tuna
1 10 oz. bag frozen peas
1 can of cream of mushroom soup
¾ soup can of milk
Small snack size bag of potato chips or ¼ cup of bread crumbs
Stir ingredients together and sprinkle with bread crumbs or crushed potato chips and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. It’s great.
Submitted by Beth Meadows
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Thank you Beth, my mom and I used to make Tuna Casserole often when I was growing up and I love it too. Have never tried it with potato chips or bread crumbs on top, sounds yummy! - Michelle
Chili Cornbread Casserole
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Chili Cornbread Casserole
This is a great recipe that I've made a gazillion times. My husband loves it and it's easy to reheat in the microwave.
1/4 lb. ground beef
1 pkg. taco seasoning mix
1 8oz. can tomato sauce
1 can Hormel Chili w/o beans
About 6-8 oz. shredded cheddar cheese
1 package (7 or 8 oz.) cornbread mix
1 egg
1/3 cup milk
Brown ground beef in a large skillet and drain. Add the taco seasoning mix, tomato sauce and Hormel Chili without beans. Place in a casserole dish. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
Make the cornbread mix using the one egg and 1/3 cup of milk and pour on top of the beef mixture. Bake in a 350 degree oven for about 20 minutes or until cornbread is golden. Serve with Salsa and Sour cream on top if desired. Delicious.
Submitted by Kathy Hooker of Toledo, OH
Chili Cornbread Casserole
This is a great recipe that I've made a gazillion times. My husband loves it and it's easy to reheat in the microwave.
1/4 lb. ground beef
1 pkg. taco seasoning mix
1 8oz. can tomato sauce
1 can Hormel Chili w/o beans
About 6-8 oz. shredded cheddar cheese
1 package (7 or 8 oz.) cornbread mix
1 egg
1/3 cup milk
Brown ground beef in a large skillet and drain. Add the taco seasoning mix, tomato sauce and Hormel Chili without beans. Place in a casserole dish. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
Make the cornbread mix using the one egg and 1/3 cup of milk and pour on top of the beef mixture. Bake in a 350 degree oven for about 20 minutes or until cornbread is golden. Serve with Salsa and Sour cream on top if desired. Delicious.
Submitted by Kathy Hooker of Toledo, OH
Creamy and Spicy Mac 'N Cheese
This weekend we had a blast of snow come through Atlanta and it was so fun, and COLD! A great time for a quick and easy comfort dinner, such as the good ol' pantry standby; Kraft macaroni and cheese. For our family of 6 I made two boxes. When I prepared the cheese sauce I added about 1/2 c. pepper jack cheese, stirring until completely melted, then added the drained macaroni. It was creamy, spicy and absolutely delicious!
I think this would have been great with some cut up red and green pepper as well, if I'd had any on hand, and if my kids would eat it! ;o)
I think this would have been great with some cut up red and green pepper as well, if I'd had any on hand, and if my kids would eat it! ;o)
Crock Pot Italian Sausage
Featured Recipe...
Here's a frugal & delicious easy recipe for the crock pot!
Crock Pot Italian Sausage
Mix the following ingredients in your crock pot:
3 links Italian Sausage, cut up
2 cans Italian Tomatoes
4 red potatoes
1 can of corn
Salt & pepper to taste
Dried Basil
Cook for 8 hours on low
Boil:
1 bag of Rotini pasta, mix & serve!
Susan Liberati
Here's a frugal & delicious easy recipe for the crock pot!
Crock Pot Italian Sausage
Mix the following ingredients in your crock pot:
3 links Italian Sausage, cut up
2 cans Italian Tomatoes
4 red potatoes
1 can of corn
Salt & pepper to taste
Dried Basil
Cook for 8 hours on low
Boil:
1 bag of Rotini pasta, mix & serve!
Susan Liberati
Mexicali Casserole
Featured Recipe...
Mexicali Casserole
1 cup raw rice
1 can, or one pound cooked kidney beans (or bean of choice), rinsed and drained
1 15 oz. can of corn, drained
1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
1 diced onion
2 cups chicken broth
2 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. ground cumin
salt & pepper to taste
cheese, optional
Mix all ingredients in large casserole and bake (at 350 degrees), covered, for 1 hour or until rice is done.
Note: Can top with cheese the last five minutes of cooking or serve cheese as a topping when serving. I tend to not add cheese because I'm watching my weight, but my kids and husband like it, so I serve it on the side.
Faye from Arizona
Mexicali Casserole
1 cup raw rice
1 can, or one pound cooked kidney beans (or bean of choice), rinsed and drained
1 15 oz. can of corn, drained
1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
1 diced onion
2 cups chicken broth
2 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. ground cumin
salt & pepper to taste
cheese, optional
Mix all ingredients in large casserole and bake (at 350 degrees), covered, for 1 hour or until rice is done.
Note: Can top with cheese the last five minutes of cooking or serve cheese as a topping when serving. I tend to not add cheese because I'm watching my weight, but my kids and husband like it, so I serve it on the side.
Faye from Arizona
