Another mom sent me these recipes.

Here's what her note said:
You will notice a definite trend here. I use a variation on a theme method of cooking!
Also, when milk is called for: I use Non-Fat milk for cooking.... this really cuts the fat grams.
Also, I usually buy the good ground beef (less than 20% fat is about the best I can get where I shop)
I don’t know about other grocery stores, but ours has a section in the meats department called “Reduced for Quick Sale”;
Now before you get all skeptical:
Check with your butcher - ask him what are the requirements by law about selling meat
and what they do with meat that is about to be “expired” but still perfectly good meat?!
MANY stores simply get it out of the store - either throwing it away or in some really nice cases,
giving it local agencies that provide food for the homeless.
Our store chooses to offer the products to their customers.
I see a lot of people checking out this little section and have found some really incredible buys!
I can’t count on it for meeting all my meat needs each trip,
but I can usually get a good enough deal to be able to afford something I otherwise could not.

Also, I have a bunch of recipes on the home page: http://www.oocities.org/Heartland/Woods/4300/

As Spicy As You Want Texas Hash

This is so fast and easy to make - I often make it without bell pepper or celery,
a habit that developed while nursing, my son just didn’t like them.

  • 1 lb Ground Beef
  • 1 medium onion,
  • chopped 1 tsp Minced Garlic
  • 1 medium Bell Pepper, chopped ( or 1 small can chopped green chilies)
  • 1 rib of Celery, chopped
  • Seasonings:
  • Chili Powder,
  • Curry Powder,
  • Salt,
  • Pepper,
  • and Season Salt - to taste
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 can water
  • 1 cup rice
  • Grated Cheddar Cheese

    Brown Ground Beef, Onion, Garlic, Bell Pepper and Celery. Drain well.
    Add seasonings, tomatoes, water and rice. Cover and simmer until rice is done.
    Garnish with cheese.

    Enchilada Casserole

    This is super easy to put together, also.
    Be sure to rub a small dab of sauce on the bottom of your casserole dish to help prevent sticking.

  • 1 lb Ground Beef
  • 1 medium Onion, chopped
  • 1 tsp Minced Garlic
  • Seasonings:
  • Chili Powder,
  • Turmeric,
  • Salt,
  • Pepper
  • and Season Salt - to taste
  • 1 can red enchilada sauce
  • 5 or 6 corn tortillas
  • grated Cheddar Cheese - this I don’t really measure
    - not that I measure much of anything! lol - but, at a guess, I’d say I use at least 1 to 1 1/2 cups.

    Brown Ground Beef, Onion, and Garlic. Drain well.
    Add seasonings and sauce, mix well.
    Layer in casserole dish: tortilla, beef mixture and cheese - repeat.
    Cover loosely and bake at 350o for about 30 minutes or til heated through and bubbly.
    (An easy change: Make it with Chicken! Use 1 cup diced cooked chicken,
    instead of the red enchilada sauce you can use the green or even cream of chicken soup.
    If you use the cream of chicken soup - go really light on the milk -
    not quite a quarter can of milk will be enough and maybe even too much! )

    The Hamburger Helper Remakes:

    Beefy Potatoes

    Great with a green salad and corn.

  • 1 lb Ground Beef
  • 1 medium Onion, chopped
  • 1 tsp Minced Garlic
  • 1 beef bouillon cube
  • 2 potatoes, sliced or cubed
  • 1 cup water
  • Seasonings:
  • salt,
  • pepper,
  • season salt,
  • a touch of tarragon or oregano or even curry powder!

    Brown ground beef, onion and Garlic. Drain well.
    Add remaining ingredients, cover and simmer til potatoes are tender.

    Skillet Lasagna

  • Ground Beef
  • 1 medium Onion, chopped
  • 1 tsp Minced Garlic
  • 1 medium bell pepper, chopped (fairly fine) (this is optional, also)
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 can water
  • Seasonings:
  • Oregano,
  • Basil,
  • Thyme,
  • Salt,
  • Pepper,
  • Season Salt - to taste
  • 1 cup Uncooked Pasta: Just about anything will work - I’ve tried it all, I think!
    I really like the mini-lasagna noodles and elbow macaroni best.

    In dutch oven, brown together ground beef, onion, garlic and bell pepper. Drain as necessary.
    Add remaining ingredients. Cover and simmer until pasta is tender.

    Cheesy Beefy Macaroni

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 tsp minced garlic
  • 1 can Nacho Cheese Soup (or other cheese soup, depending on your taste)
  • 1/2 can milk
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni

    In dutch oven, brown together the ground beef, onion and garlic. Drain as necessary.
    Add remaining ingredients. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally until pasta is tender.