Week Two Meal Ideas

Monday-Taco Soup

Tuesday-Cheese Raviolis & Salad

Wednesday-Pot Pie Night

Thursday-Easy Chili

Friday-Fun Meal Night-Nachos

Items needed from the store:

*2lb. ground beef ($5.98)

*1/4-1/2 cup diced onions (.99)

*4 15oz cans pinto beans ($3.96)

1 15oz can hominy (.99)

*3 15oz cans diced tomatoes ($1.98)

*1 15oz can kidney beans (.99)

*1 packet dry taco seasoning (.59)

(optional) 1 packet dry ranch dressing mix ($1.99)

*1 13oz bag tortilla chips ($1.99)

1 9oz package frozen Raviolis ($2.99)

*1 26oz can spaghetti sauce (.99)

1 bagged salad (.99)

*fat free ranch dressing ($2.99)

*Croutons (.99)

1 cucumber (.99)

French Bread ($1.49)

Frozen pot pies (.99-$1.50 each)

*Corn Bread Mix (.33)

*1 8oz bag shredded cheese ($2.99)

1 can sliced olives ($1.29)

*1 15oz can refried beans (.99)

1 can beer ($2)

*Spices (.99 each): chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion salt, ground cumin, garlic, salt and pepper to taste

*Condiments: (.99 each): Worcestershire, tabasco, vinegar

Optional: diced green onions (.99), sour cream (.99), salsa (.99), green chiles (.99)

Monday-Taco Soup

Brown one pound ground beef and ¼ cup onions (I use dried onions.) After browning, drain. Add 2 cans pinto beans (undrained), 1 can hominy, 2 undrained cans of diced tomatoes, one taco seasoning packet, one ranch packet (this is optional)and mix well. Simmer 30 minutes. Top with shredded cheese and tortilla chips. You can also garnish with salsa, sour cream, black olives, etc.

On the go method: Brown onion and beef the night before. Drain and refrigerate. Toss all of the ingredients (except tortilla chips, cheese and garnishes) into your crock pot and set on low all day. When you get home from work, top with cheese, tortillas and desired garnishes.

Tuesday-Cheese Ravioli and Salad

Cook ravioli according to package directions. Drain. Add spaghetti sauce & simmer until heated through. Meanwhile, rinse bagged salad, slice the cucumber and assemble your salads, adding croutons and dressing. Serve with buttered French bread.

Wednesday-Pot Pie Night

Sometimes the week is too hectic and you just want an easy meal. Sounds like a night for Banquet Pot Pies or the frozen pot pies of your choice. Follow package instructions for a quick dinner in 35 minutes. Serve with French bread.

Thursday-Easy Chili

Brown one pound ground beef and ¼ cup onions in a large skillet. Drain. Add 1T chili powder, 2T Worcestershire, 1T paprika, 1t garlic powder, 2 15oz cans undrained pinto beans, 1 15oz can undrained kidney beans, 1t onion salt, 2t ground cumin, 2t vinegar, 1 15oz can undrained diced tomatoes, 5-10 drops Tabasco, 12 garlic cloves and one can of beer.  Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer. Check every 30 minutes until desired consistency. Salt & pepper to taste. Top with shredded cheese. Serve with Jiffy Cornbread Muffins.

On the go method-brown beef and onions the night before. Add all ingredients to your crockpot and set on low setting. Let it simmer all day.

Friday-Fun Meal Night-Nachos!

Why not use your leftover tortilla chips from Taco Soup night and your garnishes to create some yummy nachos! Heat your refried beans in a small pan over medium heat. Spread the tortilla chips over a plate. Add beans, sliced olives, shredded cheese, salsa, etc. microwave on high until cheese is nice and melty. Top with sour cream and green onions.