$0.88 per serving ~ Bottom Round Pot Roast with Onion Gravy, Sheri's Roasted Carrots, and Mashed Potatoes

Every now and then my supermarket runs a bottom round special... a 2-3 lb. roast, a pound of stew cubes, and 2 pounds of sirloin steak at 99 cents a pound!!! That is just too good to pass up, but I rarely get to actually use the roast as is because a good roast takes a long time. It's been dreary, cold, and rainy this weekend, and I'm not going out, so I get to experiment! My girl Sheri, whom I've never met but know online for nearly 5 years, talked about this fantastic recipe for carrots as well, so I decided to try them too!

Bottom Round Pot Roast with Onion Gravy~ $5.00 total cost
1 3 lb. bottom round roast ($3.00)
Kosher salt
black pepper
crushed bay leaves
rosemary
salt-free steak seasoning
1 cup beef stock ($1.50)
1 tbsp white vinegar
2 large onions, sliced ($0.50)
4 tbsp minced garlic
more spices to taste
1-2 tbsp cornstarch
1-2 tbsp water

1. Mix the salt, pepper, and spices together in a small bowl (eyeball it, you need about 1/3 cup of the mixture.) Rub the mixture onto all sides of the roast. Brown the roast on all sides in a dutch oven or deep coverable stock pot.
2. Remove the roast to a plate. Deglaze the pot with stock and vinegar. Add more spices if desired (I added more rosemary and bay), sliced onions and minced garlic. Bring to a simmer over high heat. Place the roast on top of onion mixture, cover and reduce heat to low.
3. Simmer over low heat for 3 hours. Remove roast to platter and tent with foil, let stand 20 minutes. Meanwhile, mix cornstarch into water and then add to pot drippings. Stir until thickened. If desired, use immersion blender to puree onions.
4. Slice roast against the grain and serve topped with pan gravy.

Sheri's Roasted Carrots ~ $1.00 total cost
1 pound baby carrots ($1.00 at the Acme "buck a bag" sale!)
Extra virgin olive oil
Kosher salt
Black pepper

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Toss carrots with olive oil, salt and pepper.
2. Roast at 375 degrees for about 40 minutes, tossing once while cooking.

The Verdict
Josh did not speak until his plate was emptied. Jim pronounced it "fantastic", Jim's mom said it was delicious, and Julia said "yummy", disregarded her fork and proceeded to shovel it into her mouth with her fingers. I served it with Idahoan Four Cheese Mashed Potatoes (they are so good and so fast) for a total meal cost of $8.00! We had at least 4 leftover helpings, so I'm calling this a 9 serving meal though I may use the leftover roast and onions for something else.

Josh's Star Wars Stew

Josh is obsessed with Star Wars. As in, he watches it every day if we let him. So last night when he was grumpy and didn't want to eat, we named everything in the stew after Star Wars...

Josh's Star Wars Stew ~ $5.75 total cost, $0.96 per serving
1 lb. ground beef ($2.00) May the Force beef with you...
3 potatoes, chopped ($1.00) Darth Taters
2 beets, chopped (free from our garden) Obi-Wan KenoBeets
5 carrots, chopped (free from our garden) Lando Carrotrissian
1 head bok choy, chopped (free from the CSA) ChewBokChoy
1 red onion, chopped (free from the CSA) Qui-Gonion Jinn
12 oz. beer ($1.00)
1 cup chili sauce ($1.50)
1/4 cup brown sugar ($0.25)

1. Brown ground beef and place in crock pot.
2. Mix chopped vegetables together and add to crock pot.
3. Mix beer, chili sauce and brown sugar together. Pour over meat/veggie mix.
4. Cook on low 6-8 hours.
Makes 6 servings.

The Verdict
Julia ate more than she wore, which is a triumph right now. Josh enjoyed it, but liked the bread fresh from the breadmaker better. Jim said it was delicious, and I ate two helpings. I will definitely use that sauce again in different stew combinations!

"Mess o' Produce" Stir-fry and a Yummy Meatloaf Glaze

Mess o'Produce Stir-Fry
Stir-fry oil of your choice
Minced garlic
2-inch piece of fresh gingerroot, chopped
1 bunch green onions, chopped
1 cup sliced carrots
1 cup fresh green beans, sliced in 1 inch pieces
1 head bok choy, chopped (reserve leaves for a salad!)
Vegetable stock
Soy and teriyaki sauces, to taste

1. Heat oil in a large wok or skillet. Saute garlic and gingerroot until fragrant.
2. Add green onions and saute until soft
3. Add carrots and stir fry 2-3 minutes
4. Add green beans and stir fry 2-3 minutes
5. Add bok choy and stir fry 2-3 minutes
6. Add enough vegetable stock to fill about halfway to top of veggies. Bring to bubbling. Cover and cook another 5-7 minutes.
7. Remove from heat. Stir in soy and/or teriyaki sauces to taste

The Verdict
Everyone loved this as a side dish! It was a big hit. I will try it with other vegetables. Just try to add the veggies in order of which needs the most cooking time, so nothing is over- or under-done.

Yummy Meatloaf Glaze
Equal parts brown sugar, ketchup, and pineapple preserves (1/3rd cup of each for 4 servings, 1/2 cup for 6 servings.)

1. Mix together well. Pour over meatloaf and cook for the final 20 minutes of cook time.

The Verdict
This is Josh and Jim's favorite way to eat meatloaf, though it makes leftover meatloaf sandwiches very messy...

$0.93 per serving ~ Ground Beef Biscuit Stew

I was feeling ambitious...

Ground Beef Biscuit Stew ~ $0.93 per serving, $5.53 total
1 lb. ground beef ($2.00)
1 medium onion, chopped ($0.25)
1 10 oz. bag frozen mixed vegetables ($0.88)
1 8 oz. can of tomato sauce ($0.25)
1 14.5 0z. can of diced tomatoes, drained ($1.00)
2 1/4 cups baking mix ($0.50)
2/3 cup milk ($0.15)
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese ($0.50)
1 tbsp. spicy brown mustard

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Saute beef and onion over medium heat until fully cooked.
3. Stir in vegetables, sauce, and diced tomatoes. Heat through.
4. Pour into greased 11x7 baking dish. Cover. Bake for 15 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, stir baking mix, milk, cheese, and mustard together until a dough forms.
6. Remove dish from oven and uncover. Drop dough by spoonfuls over the casserole.
7. bake 15 more minutes until golden brown.
Makes 6 servings

The Verdict
This went over well. Jim said "not thrilling, but nice." Josh said very little but ate most of it. I want to tweak it with more seasonings next time.

$0.94 per serving ~ Gingered Beef and Rice

This came from Mom's school of protein + starch + veggies = dinner in one pot.

Gingered Beef and Rice ~ $0.94 per serving, $3.75 total cost
1 lb. lean ground beef ($2.00)
2 tbsp. fresh ginger, finely chopped
1 6.2 oz box rice and vermicelli mix - Fried Rice flavor ($0.75)
2 cups water
1 medium bell pepper, chopped ($0.25)
8 oz. frozen sugar snap peas ($0.50)
1/4 slivered almonds, if desired ($0.25)
soy or teriyaki sauce to taste

1. Saute beef and ginger in large skillet until beef is thoroughly browned. Drain.
2. Add rice mix and seasoning packet. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, about 2 minutes. Add water and bring to a boil.
3. Lower heat to low, cover, and simmer 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Add pepper and snap peas. Cover and simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Remove from heat and stir in almonds. Serve with soy or teriyaki sauce.
Makes 4 servings.

The Verdict
Josh, who has been sick with strep throat, found his appetite again when I gave him a bowl of this. He said "Mommy, this is SO yummy!" Jim thought it was just ok. I thought it was boring until I topped it with some Thai sweet chile sauce. All in all, not a bad experiment, and very easy for a work night!

$0.65 per serving ~ Beef and Bean Medley

When I saw this recipe in a BH&G cookbook, I realized I had everything on hand so I decided to try it.

Beef and Bean Medley ~ $0.65 per serving, $6.50 total cost

1 lb. ground beef ($2.00)

1 small onion, chopped ($0.25)

6 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled ($1.00)

1 28 oz. can baked beans ($1.25)

1 15 oz. can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained ($0.75)

1 15 oz. can red kidney beans, rinsed and drained ($0.75)

1 cup ketchup ($0.50)

3 tbsp. red wine vinegar

2 tbsp. dark brown sugar

1/2 cup water

1/2 tsp. pepper

1. In a large skillet, good ground beef and onion until beef is browned. Drain fat and transfer to crock pot. Add crumbled bacon and all beans.

2. In a bowl, combine ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, water, and pepper. Stir to combine and add to crock pot.

3. Stir well, cover, and cook on low 6 hours.

4. Serve with tortilla chips if desired.

Makes 10 servings

The Verdict
I wasn't actually home to eat this, so I'll have it for lunch tomorrow. Jim pronounced it "tasty" and ate 3 helpings. Josh, on the other hand, took one bite and then finished his tortilla chips without eating another bite, so I guess that's a no from him.

$1.35 per serving ~ Steak & Guinness Pot Pie

My husband is as Irish as they come, so I need to cook Irish food on St. Patrick's day... but he doesn't like corned beef or cabbage! So my friend Trip passed on this fantastic recipe for me to try. I modified it slightly for the Crock Pot because Tuesdays are very hectic.

Steak & Guinness Pot Pie ~ $1.35 per serving, $13.50 total cost
2 lbs. round steak, cut into small pieces ($4.00)
8 slices bacon, chopped ($3.00)
2 tbsp. flour
2 tbsp. shortening
2 bottles Guinness ($4.00)
2 cups raisins ($1.00)
2 tbsp. brown sugar
1 box premade pie crust ($1.50)

1. Combine beef and bacon, sprinkle with flour and mix to coat.
2. Place in skillet with shortening and brown, then drain. Mix with 1 bottle of beer, brown sugar, and raisins. Pour into crock pot.
3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours.
4. About 30 minutes before you want to eat, brown bottom pie crust in oven according to package directions. Pour meat mixture in, cover with top crust, and brown in oven according to package directions.
Makes 10 servings

The Verdict
Holy cow, WOW! Thank you Trip! This was AMAZING. Definitely going to make this a St. Patrick's Day tradition. I served it with mashed potatoes and kale. YUMMY!!!!! Next time I may monkey with the filling and add some carrots or other non-potato root veggies.

$0.92 per serving ~ Upside Down Pizza Casserole

Upside Down Pizza Casserole ~$0.92 per serving, $5.50 total cost
1 lb. ground beef ($2.00)
1 cup tomato sauce ($0.25)
1 cup shredded mozzarella ($1.75)
1 canister of 10 biscuits ($1.50)

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Brown ground beef on stovetop over medium heat. Drain fat. Add sauce and stir through.
2. Pour into 2-quart casserole dish. Top with cheese. Flatten biscuits with hand and place on top of cheese, spread out over entire dish.
3. Bake for 15 minutes or until biscuits are golden brown.
Makes 6 servings

The Verdict
Josh said "This is the most delicious dinner, Mama!" with his mouth full, and didn't stop until he had a second helping. Jim loved it. If you're like me, you'll want to doctor up the prepared spaghetti sauce with your own spices... you can add chopped pizza toppings (mushrooms, onions, bacon, pepperoni) to the mix as well. This was super fast and easy.

$0.60 per serving ~ "I'm Tired and Embarassed" Dinner

I have no energy:

I'm Tired and Embarassed Dinner ~ $0.60 per serving, $3.50 total cost
1 pound ground beef ($2.00)
1 package "Cheesy Italian Shells" Hamburger Helper ($1.00), prepared with water only
1 cup frozen broccoli ($0.50)

1. Prepare according to package directions. Add broccoli at the same time as the pasta.
Makes 7 servings

The Verdict
It's food, it's easy, Jim & Josh always like it. Grandma taught me to keep stuff in the house for nights just like this. At least I'm marinating a flank steak for tomorrow's dinner...

$2.09 per serving ~ Shredded Beef Wraps with Steamed Broccoli

Shredded Beef Wraps ~$1.59 per serving, $9.50 total cost
1 flank steak ($4.50)
2 cups beef stock ($1.50)
1 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes, not in oil ($1.00)
3 tbsp. minced garlic
1 tsp. cumin
1 package flour tortillas ($1.50)
1 cup shredded cheese ($1.00)

1. Cut flank steak into quarters. Place in CrockPot. Add stock, tomatoes, garlic, and cumin. Cook on low for 7-8 hours.
2. Remove beef to bowl and shred with fork. Pour remaining ingredients into blender and puree until smooth. Mix into shredded beef.
3. Serve beef topped with cheese wrapped in tortillas.
Makes 6 servings

The Verdict
Josh really loved this. He thought the wrapped up sandwich was fun and liked the taste. Jim liked it enough to pack some for tomorrow's lunch. I will probably play with the spices next time, but I definitely enjoyed it. I served it with a head of broccoli steamed in the microwave topped with a bit of salt and pepper.

$0.96 per serving ~ Super Fast Mini-Meatloaves with Mashed Sweet Potatoes and Mixed Veggies

Jim has been begging for meatloaf, but who has time to bake a meatloaf for an hour on a school night?

Super Fast Mini-Meatloaves ~ $0.31 per serving, $3.25 total cost
2 lbs. ground beef ($2.50)
1 cup seasoned bread crumbs ($0.25)
2 eggs ($0.50)
4-5 dashes Worcestershire sauce
garlic powder to taste
salt and pepper to taste

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl until well blended.
2. Spray cups in a 12-cup muffin pan. Form meat mix into 12 balls and place into muffin tin.
3. Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes.
Makes 12 servings

The Verdict
I served this with mashed sweet potatoes (Betty Crocker box, $1.20 total cost prepared, $0.40 per serving) and Green Giant Immunity Defense frozen veggies($1.00 total cost, $0.25 per serving.) Jim thanked me for finally making meatloaf and declared that the leftover minis were the perfect size for meatloaf sandwiches. Josh didn't say anything, but his demolished empty plate said it all for him. Success!

$0.65 per serving ~ Harvest Beef Stew

Tuesdays are usually crazy days with Josh's gymnastics lesson, so Tuesdays are always CrockPot or leftovers meals. Tonights was DELISH!

Harvest Beef Stew ~ $0.65 per serving, $6.50 total
1 lb. beef cubes ($1.50)
2 parsnips, peeled and chopped ($1.00)
1 large red onion, chopped ($0.25)
1 cup dried apricots ($0.50)
1 cup dried plums, halved ($0.50)
1/4 cup flour
pepper to taste
salt to taste
ground cloves to taste
3 and 1/2 cups chicken broth ($1.75)
1 cup apple cider ($0.50)
2 large apples, cored and cut into large chunks ($0.50)

1. Mix beef, parsnip, onion, apricots, and plums in 6 quart Crock Pot. Sprinkle flour, pepper, salt, and cloves over mixture and toss until all pieces are coated. Pour over broth and cider, mix well.
2. Cook on high 3 hours or on low 6 hours.
3. Add apples, mix, and cook for 30 minutes on high or 1 hour on low.
Makes 10 servings

The Verdict
This was absolutely fantastic! It smelled wonderful and was delicious, savory with a hint of sweetness. I served it with bread fresh out of the breadmaker. The only thing I would change would be to do it all on low rather than high, and shorten the final cooking time, as the fruits got too mushy to hold their shapes. Josh said "Mommy, this is the best dinner ever!"

$0.48 per serving ~ Lasagna Soup

Yes, two posts in one day. This was tonight's surprising dinner:

Lasagna Soup ~ $0.48 per serving, total cost $4.75
1 lb. ground beef ($2.00)
1 small chopped onion ($0.35)
1 package lasagna dinner mix ($0.75)
5 cups water
1 14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes undrained ($0.75)
1 can whole kernel corn, drained ($0.45)
1 can green beans, drained ($0.45)
2 tbsp. grated cheese, plus more to taste

1. Cook beef and onions in soup kettle over medium heat until cooked through. Drain.
2. Add lasagna sauce package (reserve noodles), water, tomatoes, corn, green beans, and 2 tbsp grated cheese. Bring to boil.
3. Reduce heat, cover and simmer 10 minutes. Add lasagna noodles.
4. Cover and simmer 10 minutes. Serve hot, with grated cheese to taste.
Makes 10 servings

The Verdict
WOW! Each of us (including Josh) ate 2 bowls and there are still 5 single serve containers left over. This was absolutely delicious and super easy. I suspect water will need to be added to the leftovers as the noodles will soak up the broth. Best with crusty bread to soak it all up!

$0.90 per serving ~ Creamy Beef & Potato Stew

I am so glad I put food in the crockpot last night... I have a wicked cold and we would have been eating microwave pizzas tonight if I hadn't!

Creamy Beef & Potato Stew ~ $0.90 per serving
1 lb. ground beef ($2.00)
1 16 oz. package frozen cut green beans ($1.00)
1 pkg. dry au gratin potato mix ($0.75)
1 tsp. dried thyme, crushed
1 tsp. garlic powder
3 cups water
1.5 cup half and half ($0.75)
Grated cheese to taste

1. Crumble ground beef into crock pot. Cook on high for 30-60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until meat is completely cooked. Drain and return beef to crockpot.
2. Add green beans, potatoes and sauce mix, and spices. Stir and pour water over mix. Cook on low 7-8 hours.
3. Stir half and half into meat mixture. Cook about 30 minutes or until completely heated. Ladle into bowls and sprinkle with grated cheese.
Makes 5 servings.

The Verdict
I didn't like this much, I thought it was kind of bland. Jim and Josh really enjoyed it though. I think I need to add more cheese. Cheese makes everything better!

$1.66 per serving ~ Hawaiian Sloppy Joes with Pineapple and Glazed Carrots

Back at the end of maternity leave, I watched a show and saw a recipe by R-ch--l R-y (letters omitted in case she really is as much of a draconian control freak as the tabloids say.) I loved the idea of Hawaiian-style sloppy joes, but the way she put it together seemed icky. So I made up my own version!

Hawaiian Sloppy Joes ~ $1.31 per serving
1 lb. ground beef ($2.00)
4 slices bacon, cooked and chopped ($1.25)
1 can Manwich sloppy joe sauce ($0.50)
1 can chunk pineapple ($0.50)
4 or 5 kaiser rolls, split and toasted ($1.00)

1. Brown beef on stove in large skillet. Drain. Add chopped bacon and sloppy joe sauce, heat over low heat.
2. Drain pineapple, reserving 1/2 cup of juice. Chop 1/2 cup of pineapple, set rest aside. Add chopped pineapple and reserved juice. Stir until well mixed and heat through.
3. Serve on buns.
Makes 4-5 servings, depending on the size of the rolls.

The Verdict
This was really good and a nice change of pace! If you don't want to use the canned sauce, you can make your own by mixing equal parts canned tomato sauce and red wine vinegar, then adding brown sugar and Worchestershire sauce to taste. I served it with frozen honey glazed carrots ($1.00 a box) and the rest of the pineapple on the side.