I've been on a mission for the last several months to rein in our grocery budget. I'm such a foodie! I love food, love to cook, love to eat, love to feed people, are you with me? I love having a super full pantry, freezer and cupboards. It makes me feel secure, content, happy and prepared.
But when we emptied out all our cupboards to redo the kitchen, it dawned on me. I had an inventory control problem. I practiced very careful inventory management when we ran our businesses for over 20 years and it was obvious. I had way more food on hand than we needed and I wasn't using my money as wisely as I could.
One of the ways I've gained control is a weekly grocery order that I pick up. No impulse shopping, stick to my budgeted list and keep what I call my "capsule pantry" in place. I can actually see what I have and what I need week to week. If you'd like to learn more I'll be happy to share that list with you. With my basics on hand and a list always going in a notebook by the fridge, I can whip up at least 20 different meals.
Well, no system is perfect and I fall way short so a few days ago, I merrily browned my one pound of ground beef. When I went to the cupboard, ack! , the item I planned to use was gone. Nada, zilch, none. Trips to the store for "just a few" items is not allowed even though two huge grocery stores are 3 minutes from our home. Lead me not into temptation!
Nope, we improvise like Rosie the Riveter. "Use it up... Wear it out... Make it do... Or do without!" So here's what I did! By golly it might be a little naughty, but it was quite tasty, thrifty and quick. I had it on the table less than 20 minutes after I discovered a Plan B was needed!
So once in awhile make it up as you go along. So what if it's not a five star dish. Know what? In a blink another mealtime will roll around and chances are, your invention might become a new "let's make that again" favorite or simply fade into the sunset of dinners past. Keep smiling!
A quick meal made in one pan, ready in 15 minutes
Brown ground beef and season to taste with pepper, garlic, no salt. In same skillet, break up dry noodles a little and stir into beef along with soup, water, seasoning packets from noodles and soy sauce. Cover, stir occasionally and cook until noodles are done.
Serve on a bed of crunchy Chinese noodles and garnish with green onion. I served this with frozen peas.
If you enjoyed this recipe today, please share it on your social media accounts like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest. I’d sure be tickled and ever so grateful, thank you!
If you haven’t already, check out my Facebook page where I’ll be posting easy, delicious and family-friendly recipes every week!
Love, GB (Betty Streff)
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