What are your favorite frugal meals?

[ajrsmom]

I am going to pay particular attention to the answers here! When we move, I am going to try really hard to plan meals ahead of time ( longer than day to day ;)) and then I want to try to cook frugally too.


Any favorite frugal meals out there?

[DeBora4BobbyL]

I like potato soup, ramen noodles, and stew made with leftovers. Can't get any more frugal than that.

[RobertaD]

Fried potatoes with a bit of leftover ham. Can even add scrambled eggs if desired.

Hamburger/Sausage hash (potatoes, onion, bell peppers, ground meat) We have found that we like it with the sausage in a tube (Bob Evans, etc.) as it has more flavor than hamburger.

Soup/Stew made from leftover meat & veggies, with noodles.

Roast/whole chicken which can be stretched into three meals. Roast the first night, shredded meat the 2nd meal in whatever, and a soup/stew the third meal.

Spaghetti, garlic bread, salad.

Pancakes, eggs, sausage/bacon with toast.

Roberta

[VTMama]

My mother in law raised 5 kids on very little money. One of the things she used to cook was something they called "Spetzlies". It is German but probably has a slightly different name.

6 Cups Flour
3 Eggs
Enough water to make the right consistency.
A stick of butter (yep, that's right):eek:

Large pan of boiling water, salted.

After the batter is stirred and stirred to the right consistency (that of really wet biscuit dough) the batter is brought to the edge of the mixing bowl over the boiling water and thin ribbons of it cut off with a butter knife into the boiling water. Usually you do this till you can't hold the bowl over the pan any longer and that's one batch. When they float, they're nearly done. Cook them for about another 4-5 more minutes, drain and put into a large bowl. (re-boil water and start on the rest of the batter)

Brown the stick of butter in a frying pan and pour over the noodles. Toss & serve.

My husband's family eats this with sauer kraut. (no one's died of a heart attack yet and my mother in law is 83:rolleyes: )

[ajrsmom]

My mother in law raised 5 kids on very little money. One of the things she used to cook was something they called "Spetzlies". It is German but probably has a slightly different name.

6 Cups Flour
3 Eggs
Enough water to make the right consistency.
A stick of butter (yep, that's right):eek:

Large pan of boiling water, salted.

After the batter is stirred and stirred to the right consistency (that of really wet biscuit dough) the batter is brought to the edge of the mixing bowl over the boiling water and thin ribbons of it cut off with a butter knife into the boiling water. Usually you do this till you can't hold the bowl over the pan any longer and that's one batch. When they float, they're nearly done. Cook them for about another 4-5 more minutes, drain and put into a large bowl. (re-boil water and start on the rest of the batter)

Brown the stick of butter in a frying pan and pour over the noodles. Toss & serve.

My husband's family eats this with sauer kraut. (no one's died of a heart attack yet and my mother in law is 83:rolleyes: )


You are the only person that I have ever seen mention frying Spaetzles! My husbands MIL taught me how to make them by using a tiny spoon and dropping them into the water. When I make them, I have to make so many so we can eat them the first night with gravy one them without frying them and then the second night frying them as leftovers. They are also really good sprinkled with a little Soy sauce while frying them. They arent the same if they arent fried in butter either. ;)

[jjoj]

I love spaetzles! We lived in Germany for three years and had them lots. Also broetchen-wonderful rolls-kind of like french bread and go with everything. Mmm!
My favorite frugal meal would have to be black bean soup, cooked all day in the crock pot, with cheese quesadillas for dipping. Take care!

[DeBora4BobbyL]

I am definately going to have to try spaetzles!

VTMama or anyone, is this a side dish?

[boggsZ]

my favorite frugal meal is Brown Beans and cornbread after a couple days and there is still beans left dh loves me to make bean cakes out of the left overs

[DeBora4BobbyL]

Boggs, how does your DH make bean cakes? I LOVE beans and cornbread and did not know there was something you could do with beans besides just eating leftovers.

[ajrsmom]

I am definately going to have to try spaetzles!

VTMama or anyone, is this a side dish?


Yes, it's a side dish. I add a little baking powder to mine too. This is one of those recipes that I mix by hand with no recipe so I'm really glad that she posted the measurements for it for you! :)

We have chicken in the freezer and I was wondering what in the world I was going to make to go with it since I am trying to use up all of the food since we are moving. We are going to have these tomorrow! :D

Everyone should be happy!!

[ajrsmom]

I love spaetzles! We lived in Germany for three years and had them lots. Also broetchen-wonderful rolls-kind of like french bread and go with everything. Mmm!


Do you have a recipe for the rolls? I've never heard of them but I'm going to ask my DH if his Mom ever made anything like this.


She also made Sauerbraten ( sorry, I dont know how to spell it) for him but I dont like that. I really wish that she was here with us to teach me more!

[DeBora4BobbyL]

Now I have another question. WHat types of foods do you serve spaetzles with?

[ajrsmom]

Now I have another question. WHat types of foods do you serve spaetzles with?


We usually have grilled chicken or a beef roast made in the crockpot. They are very filling! We have even eaten leftovers for lunch by themselves.

If you are making them for just the two of you or even yourself, I would cut the recipe at least in half. They make a lot. The key too, when dropping them into the water, take your time and make them small. If you make them too big, they get tough when you have to cook them so long. You can also buy a Spaetzle maker but I didnt learn to cook them this way and with this maker, it will make the Spaetzles into thin, little pieces. Its one of those dishes where you usually make them however you grew up eating them. :)

[DeBora4BobbyL]

Tami, thanks! I cannot wait to try them!

[cat lover]

Do you have a recipe for the rolls? I've never heard of them but I'm going to ask my DH if his Mom ever made anything like this.


Here is a recipe for Broetchen which are Breakfast Rolls; this recipe came from my German SIL


1 cup and 2 tbsp warm water (115 degrees) (250 ml)
1 1/2 tsp dry yeast
2 tsp sugar
1 tbsp, 3 1/2 +1/3 cups flour (500g)
less than 1 tsp salt
2 tbsp + 2 tsp oil

You will need a mixer with dough hooks. Mix all the ingredients with the mixer on low speed first, then on medium till th dough becaome soft and separates from the bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and le stand in warm place till dough doubles, about 1 hour or less.
Grease a bread sheet or pizza pan with cooking oil (do not use shortening). For best results use a pizza pan with little holes in the bottom. Preheat oven to 105 degrees. Use an oven thermometer to check the temperature. When it has reached the right temperature turn the oven off. Take the dough out of th container and press the dough down, till all the gases escape. Cut in 8 pieces and form balls. Flatten out in your hand to 4" and put them on the baking sheet. At this point you can brush them with water and sprinkle poppy, caraway, or sesame seeds on them or leave them plain. Put the rolls in the oven for 30-40 minutes. They should rise again. Take out of the oven and cut the top like this* or +; the cut has to go down to the center of the dough. From here put the baking sheet in the oven without preheating. Set temperature at 375 degrees and after about 5-10 minutes take a pump spray filled with water and spray 4 to 5 times ont the bottom of the oven; this will make the rolls crisp. Do not put a pan filled with water in the bottom of the oven because too much moisture will amke them hard. The rolls should be done asfter 30 -40 minutes when they are nice and brown. The rolls will be good about 2 days, after that they are dry and hard.

[tutterbear35]

CHEESE SPAETZLE:

prepared Spaetzle

shredded cheese: Mozzarella, Swiss, Cheddar or other easy to melt cheese.



1. Mix Spaetzle with cheese and put in a Pyrex or other ovenproof dish. Put in the oven already heated to 375°-400°F. and bake them for 10-15 minutes until they are hot and start brown on top.

2. If you like it, put sautéed onions and garlic on top, however much you like.



My grandma has made them like this....

[DeBora4BobbyL]

Great! Another recipe that I'll have to try!

[ajrsmom]

I will try this the next time I make them. I bet that I would like the onions on them too. My DD would probably like them better with cheese.

I had planned on making them this week but we had Tilapia and rice instead. Right now I dont have the time needed to stand over a pot of water for such a long time.

[DeBora4BobbyL]

I bet that I would like the onions on them too.

Now you are just making me super hungry! I'll have to try these before summer school starts. I plan on going on a diet before October. I have my heart on going to NC in October and would like to lose weight before then. I am sure these will be off my list--at least until then.

[cat lover]

This is a recipe we used when money was low when the kids were little. Make a pan of cornbread and a tossed salad from the vegetable garden and it costs not much at all! And then a pitcher of homemade iced tea.

2 -1 lb. cans pork and beans
1/3 cup catsup
1 envelope onion soup mix
1/4 cup water
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 tbsp prepared mustard
1 lb. frankfurters, sliced

Combine all ingredients in a 2 quart casserole and bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 1 hour. 6 servings

[ajrsmom]

I remember eating this (but they didnt use the onion soup mix) at picnics with my family when I was younger.

[DeBora4BobbyL]

I sometimes make creamed tuna on toast (http://www.momsmenu.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1346#post1346). You can even use stale bread.

[jjoj]

Thank you so much for the broetchen recipe, Catlover! :D I was just going to say that I really wish I had a recipe for them and then I saw that you posted it. We used to be able to buy them at a bakery here, but it closed and I haven't found any since. Just wanted to tell you that you made my day!

[cat lover]

Glad to see you jjoj! I'm sure we'll see each other here at MomsMenu & on FamilyCorner! Will be looking for you around the forums! Glad I helped with the recipe!:)

[cat lover]

This is a inexpensive dish to prepare plus its an all in one dish.

1 1/2 lbs. grouind beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1 can (145 1/4 oz) whole kernel corn ,drained
1 can (10 3/4 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
1 pkg. (8 oz) cream cheese, cubed
1 cup milk
1 tsp beef bouillon granules
1/4 tsp pepper
4 1/2 cups uncooked wide egg noodles

In large skillet cook beef and onion; drain. Add corn, soup, cream cheese, milk, bouillon and pepper. Cook and stir till cheese is melted. Cook noodles according to pkg. directions; rinse and drain. Add to skillet and heat through. 8 servings

[DeBora4BobbyL]

I haven't done this lately due to my school schedule and DH living 3 1/2 hours away. Plus, I am limited on fridge space.

Many times I have just a tiny bit of leftover veggies or meat that isn't enough for a full meal. So, I pop them in a container that I keep in the freezer. When the container is full, I turn it into a stew by adding a few potatoes, onions, seasonings, and maybe some tomato sauce.

[cat lover]

Good idea, but now that we have chickens guess who gets all the leftover veggies! LOL

[DeBora4BobbyL]

I remember having chickens and feeding them all our leftover food.

[cat lover]

I used to "feed" the compost, but the "girls" get everything that is fruit, veggie, or grain. They don;t get any meat or meat by products; and they don't get chicken either! LOL

[DeBora4BobbyL]

I have heard that giving cows beef and pigs pork is what causes mad cow disease. I don't know if that is true, but I would think that it isn't good to give an animal food from it's own kind.

[cat lover]

This sort of explains it:
What causes Mad Cow Disease (BSE)?
It is thought that this disease is caused and spread by an abnormal form of a protein called a "prion". The abnormal protein triggers a chain-reaction causing other proteins in the brain to change to the abnormal form. Eventually these abnormal proteins accumulate in the brain leading to the development of abnormal behavior and eventually death.

How do cattle get Mad Cow Disease (BSE)?
When cattle are slaughtered, portions of the animal not destined for human consumption may be used to produce a protein-rich byproduct that may be mixed with grain and fed back to livestock as feed. In the UK where the disease was first identified, it is thought that these byproducts may have contained the prion protein, and that cattle became infected by consuming feed containing prion-contaminated animal protein. It is for this reason that the feeding of animal proteins derived from cattle back to cattle has been banned in the US.

[DeBora4BobbyL]

That's pretty much what my doctor said when I had my blood disease back in 2001. He said that there was some connection. I haven't had a relapse and hopefully won't. Thanks for the info.

[cat lover]

Another frugal meal we like is to buy several whole turkeys when they are on sale around the holidays and freeze them. Then throughout the year I will bake them. You deskin and debone them and shred the meat. Put it in a crockpot and pour BBQ sauce over it, stir it up and add more BBQ sauce. You can use different flavors BBQ sauce at different times to change the taste. Cook on Low several hours and it makes a great BBQ sandwich!

[cat lover]

Something I do when apples are in season is.... buy apples on sale even then and have them for just eating as is. Then when they start to become too soft for eating as is I cook them into many different dishes. Glazed apples (freezes well), apple pie, apple cobbler; the whole savings thing is just be creative and don't just toss them out!

Anybody else have an idea on using in season fruits or vegetables instead of just tossing them?

[cat lover]

Now that we are getting into the season of fresh veggies I try and make a meal using as much out of the garden as I can. This meal can be under $2.00 a person if you have a garden to get most of it from:

Lasagna

Garlic Tomato Bruschetta*

Romaine Salad



* Walnut Romaine Salad

1 small bunch romaine, torn
1 small zucchini, chopped
1 cup seasoned salad croutons
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
6 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 tbsp honey
1 garlic clove, minced
dash pepper

In a large bowl toss the romaine,zucchini,croutons and walnuts. In a small bowl, whisk the oil, vinegar,mustard, honey, garlic and pepper till smooth. Serve with the salad. 12 servings

[DeBora4BobbyL]

Bruschetta's are good because you can top the toasted bread with anything that you have on hand like cheese, veggies, meat, or whatever.

[cat lover]

Here's a casserole that is relatively inexpensive to make:

Pork Noodle Casserole

2 cups uncooked egg noodles
2 pounds boneless prok, cut into cubes
2 medium onions, chopped
2 cans (15 1/4 oz each) whole kernel corn, drained
2 cans (10 3/4 oz each) condensed cream of mushroom soup, uniluted
1/2 tsp pepper

Cook noodles. In large skillet cook pork and onions till meat is no longer pink. Drain noodles and stir noodles, soup, corn, and papper into pork mixture. Transfer to a 13 x 9 x 2" casserole. Cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake 15 minutes more. 4 servings

[cat lover]

Island BBQ Chicken Leg Quarters

4 to 6 chicken leg quarters
salt and pepper
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 can (8 ounces) crushed pineapple, undrained
1 cup barbecue sauce, spicy or mild
1 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 to 1 1/2 tbsp cold water
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp minced crystallized or candied ginger, optional


Wash chicken pieces and pat dry and sprinkle with salt and pepper.Heat oil In a large skillet over medium high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook, turning to brown all sides.Arrange the browned chicken in an 11x7"baking dish. Combine remaining pineapple and barbecue sauce in a small bowl. Combine flour and water in a cup and stir to form a smooth paste. Stir into the barbecue sauce mixture along with the ground ginger and candied ginger, if using. Pour the sauce over the chicken pieces. Bake in a preheated 325 degree oven for about 1 1/2 hours, or till chicken is tender and juices run clear. Baste with sauce occasionally while the chicken is baking.Serves 4 to 6.

[cat lover]

Inexpensive Tuna Casserole


1 (7 1/4 ounce) box Kraft macaroni and cheese
1 6 oz can tuna
1 10 3/4 oz can cream of mushroom soup
1 cup frozen peas, thawed
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup French fried onions

Cook Macaroni and Cheese according to box directions. Stir in tuna, cream of mushroom soup, and frozen peas. Transfer mixture to baking dish and top with shredded cheese and french fried onions. Bake at 375 degrees till cheese is melted, and dish is heated through (approximately 15 minutes).
If you are low on time, or don't want to heat up the oven, you can omit the cheese and french friend onions, and simply warm through on the stovetop.

[pag36]

Catlover your recipes sound good as usual. I especially like the Tuna one and have not had tuna in awhile so may just make this. Hugs to all

[cat lover]

Thanks pag36, nice to see you posting! Hope all is well with you!

[pag36]

Thank you I keep forgetting to come to the site unless I get a notice I know shame on me. I am doing okay thanks for asking. Knee is doing pretty good so DR says and don't have to see him anymore for this knee till a year from now. Sounds good to me. Will be seeing my Neck DR tomorrow to find out about all the pain in neck/shoulder and upper right arm. We already know I have a pinched nerve so shall see what else MRI showed. Hugs to all, PattiG

[cat lover]

Another frugal tuna dish!

3 tbsp margarine
3 tbsp flour
2 cups milk
1/2 tsp paprika
2 cups cheddar cheese, grated
2 cups cooked rice
1 -7 oz can (1 cup) tuna, flaked
1/4 cup snipped parsley
1 cup crisped rice cereal(like rice krispies)
1 tsp margarine, melted

To make cheese sauce melt margarine in a saucepan over low heat and stir in flour. Add milk gradually but stir constantly. Cook till thickened stirring occasionally. Add paprika and cheese stirring till cheese is melted. In greased casserole arrange layers of rice,tuna,parsley and cheese sauce. Crush the crisped rice slightly and combine with melted margarine. Sprinkle over the tuna mixture. Bake at 425 degrees about 15 minutes or till heated through. Serve hot. Makes servings

[cat lover]

Barbecue Bean Stew

1 large can (28 oz) barbecue beans
1/2 lb ground extra lean ground beef
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
1/2 cup matchstick carrots
1 8 oz can tomato sauce
1 cup water
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 14.5 oz can tomatoes, diced
1 cup shredded cheese

Brown ground beef with onion and green bell pepper and combine with remaining ingredients in crockpot. Cover and cook on LOW 6 to 9 hours. Top with grated cheese and cornbread or crackers. This can be made on the tovetop also: Brown ground beef with onion and green bell pepper and combine ingredients in a Dutch oven. Cover and simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Serves 4 to 6.

[cat lover]

Here is another frugal dish!

Meal In A Casserole

1 1/2 pound ground beef
2 cups thinly sliced potatoes (leave the skin on for added fiber)
1 large onion, sliced
1 15 oz can peas
1 1/2 cans (15 oz each, approximately) can tomaotes,chopped
salt and pepper to taste

Pat beef into a layer in the bottom of an 8 x 11" casserole. Add layer of potatoes, onion, and peas. Top with a layer of the tomatoes adding the juice as needed during baking. Season each layer to taste with the salt and pepper. Bake at 350 degrees about 2 hours. Makes 6 servings

***I like to use either extra lean ground beef, or ground turkey breast instead of regular ground beef and even pre cook the beef , drain before adding as the base of this caserole. This also cuts down a lot of the cooking time.

[pag36]

Good morning all, I just printed out your last two recipes Catlover. They both sound great. Will get what I don't have and make them soon. Good comfort foods with the weather starting to turn chilly. Happy day all

[cat lover]

Hope you enjoy them pag36! Here is another frugal, but tasty one!


Corn Bread Skillet Surprise

4 tbsp onion, chopped
1 pound ground meat (whatever meat you want to use)
1 8 oz can whole kernel corn
1 8 oz can peas
1/2 cup canned tomaotes OR tomato juice
1 pkg corn bread mix

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Brown onion and meat together in a cast iron skillet; drain any fat. Add remaining ingredients except the corn bread mix. Mix well and season to taste. Heat till it simmers. Prepare corn bread mix according to pkg directions and drop by tablespoons onto top of meat mixture. Put into oven till corn bread is golden and serve immediately. Makes 4 to 6 servings.

[pag36]

gOOD MORNING ALL oops! did not know cap thing was on sorry. Just printed this one out too Catlover, for myself, dau and g-dau. I would make that one today but don't have corn bread mix :(

[cat lover]

Oriental Beef and Vegetables

1/2 pound ground beef
1/2 cup onion, sliced
2 - 19 oz cans chunky style vegetable soup
1- 16 oz can Chinese vegetables, drained
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp cornstarch
Chinese noodles OR cooked rice

In a saucepan brown beef and cook onion till tender. Stir to separate meat and pour off fat. Add remaining ingredients except the noodles. Cook stirring till thickened. Serve over Chinese noodls and use additional oy sauce if desired. Makes about 6 cups

[cat lover]

A frugal meal we always liked when the boys were small and living at home was to buy a bone in ham. We could have hot ham and chese sandwiches the night it came from the oven. Then it made good ham sandwiches for lunches. After it got down some I'd chop off ham and grind it for ham salad. Then with some remaining meat on it I'd make a huge pot of bean soup. The bone went to the neighbor's dog to finish it off. So one large ham made many many meals and each was something different!

[cat lover]

How about Stuffed Crust Pizza- homemade!

1 - 10 oz can refrigerated pizza crust
7 pieces string cheese
1/2 cup pizza sauce
20 slices pepperoni
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Heat oven to 425 degrees. Butter a 13 x 9" pan. Unroll dough and press in the bottom and up 1" of the sides of the pan. Put the string cheese along the inside edges of the dough. Fold 1" of the dough over and around the string cheese an press dough edges to seal. Top the crust with the pizza sauce, pepperoni and cheese. Bake at 425 degrees 15 to 20 minutes or till crust is golden brown and cheese is melted.

You can also add your favorite toppings or use them instead. 6 servings