There are days when I don't feel like putting any effort into doing anything in the kitchen! You know those days where you just want to close the kitchen and eat take out for all your meals??!! I am sure that no one else gets that way!?! When I get like this, I would rather find something else to do like curl up on the couch and get lost in a good book than to work in the kitchen! These days seem to come especially when I know that my hubby is going to be working long hours. It ends up being just the five kids and me for all 3 meals so I don't feel/need to fix anything fancy just filling. I don't need them coming back in an hour saying they are still hungry!
Yesterday I had one of those days!!! So instead of ordering take out, I pulled out one of my "pantry meals". My pantry meals are those meals where I have all the ingredients that I need either in the freezer or in my pantry stockpile and I can get in and out of the kitchen in less than an hour! I don't do OMAC or have freezer meals but I do up meals partially to pull out on my lazy days.
I pulled out of the freezer about 1lb of already browned ground beef, grab a can of tomato sauce, some elbow macaroni, and a few spices and whipped up a meal in less than a 1/2 hour!!! I call it goulash/chili mac/homemade hamburger helper.
Here is the recipe I used(approximate measurements)...
1lb ground beef, browned and drained
1 15oz can tomato sauce
1 can water
1-1 1/2 cups dry pasta
2 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. yellow mustard
2-4 tsp. minced onion(or 1/4 of a fresh onion)
Mix all together. Simmer til the pasta is tender. Serve on to plates, and sprinkle with parmesan or cheddar cheese.
Serve with veggies or a leafy salad and homemade bread.
Notes: You can change the spices to change the dish. I have used taco seasoning. I have used italian seasoning. Instead of using water, I have used milk. It all depends on what I feel like throwing together.
I love putting one dish wonders together because on lazy days it makes the clean up a breeze!
For other kitchen tips, or recipes...head over to Tammy's Recipes
6 comments:
I love to have pantry items on hand for "instant" dinners! It saves money and is convenient too! Thank you for posting this recipe, and sharing your ideas!
GinnyBerry
Great tip, buying some pantry staples is much cheaper than eating out or ordering pizza. I think my kids would love your recipe!
Toni
Sounds yummy!
Yum! Sounds good. I need to do that more. Especially on days like I've had lately where just making a meal ends up being hassle.
I think it's America's favorite.
I know exactly the kind of days you are talking about! I tend to make a very similar meal to yours on those days also. I call it: "stuff in a pan!" I have never tried just cooking the noodles in the pan like that though. I am definitely trying that next time!
Kate
Post a Comment