anamcharas

Okay, so one of the many things I plan to do this year is reduce our grocery bill. I'm trying to do this by meal planning. This week is going ok, but I need more ideas so we don't have the same thing week after week. We are a pasta family, but DH really loves meat and potatoes. We do rice too. Don't do a lot of fish (I'm allergic so it mens making two meals...one for DH and one for me and DD). I'm big on easy to make meals (from fridge to table in 30 minutes of less) and crockpot meals. Any favourite family recipies out there?

~j

lynnfw1

Most of my meals are 30 minutes or less too, but it generally means basic stuff.

This is one of my all-time favorites--and is one of the quickest-fixes too.

Beef Stroganoff
Brown beef tips/strips with onion and garlic (I usually do 1-1.5 lbs.). Season to taste with salt and pepper. After meat is browned, add undiluted can of Cream of Mushroom Soup. I also add a jar of mushrooms-whole or pieces. After this simmers a while, stir in a small container of sour cream, heat through.

I serve over egg noodles, and usually peas as a side.

hotgogobot

The Everyday Food section of MS has some good, easy recipes.

I'm not very good at cooking at home, but I can address the fish thing... It is easy to make 2 different main dishes when grilling, so I have fish in the summer. I can make DH a chicken breast and myself some salmon. Or if I dont' feel like steak, I can make one for DH and grilled portabello or something for me.

symesa

I have a file of my favorite recipes that I usually consult each week. I'll PM you if you want me to email it to you...

JenR

Our new favorite is tacos - they're fun and easy. I usually just buy the kit, but it would be simple to do without as well. I'm also on the lookout for easy recipes that the kids will actually eat!

sarasuzy

This is one of my favorites...easy and super yummy! (It's a crock pot recipe). Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings - Allrecipes
I add frozen peas at the same time as the "dumplings" and use half of what they say to use of the biscuits and it turns out perfectly.

I also like this 30 minute Rachael Ray meal.
Recipes : 30 Minute Shepherd's Pie : Food Network
I bought the Country Crock mashed potatoes and used those instead of making my own and it actually only took 30 minutes that way. (For some reason Rachael's recipes always take me like 45-60 minutes to make!) I don't normally like "fake" mashed potatoes, but those are good with this recipe.

Eleni

This is a quick regular at home even though it is not greek, rather indian inspired:
sautee one chopped onion in oil, add a pound of chopped chicken breasts, once it is browned, add coconut milk (about half a can or more as needed) and curry paste, and salt. I add dry concentrated chicken broth too sometimes. Lower the heat and cover and let simmer. Once it is about done add about half a large can of mangoes and let cook a little bit longer (usually I turn off the stove and let it simmer another 10 minutes until the sauce thickens). Serve with jasmin or basmati rice and I also love to add a side of frijoles neros (you know the ready canned type which I quickly cook over the stove or microwave with chopped fresh cilantro and lots of lime juice. In the absence of fresh cilantro I add powdered one. Anyway something about the combination of beans and rice is extremely nutritious and all the flavors blend well together. Very carribean curry taste.

anamcharas

You are right. I love BBQ season. We couldn't BBQ year round where we lived before, but we might be able to now. I just need to get DH to get the BBQ out of storage.
DH does get more fish in the summer b/c I can grill his on one side and chicken or veggie kaebobs (a fav of mine not so much for DH) for DD and me on the other side. No clean up so no two pans to clean.

~j

Carol in Maryland

That sounds wonderful, Eleni! I will definitely be trying it out.

mclisa

Shepherd's Pie Recipe

• 2 cups (about 1 #) browned hamburger
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped onion
• 2 cups gravy
• salt and pepper
• 2 cups mashed potato, prepared with milk and seasonings as desired (I use instant to cut down on time)
• salt and pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon butter

PREPARATION:

Combine meat, gravy, and chopped onion; season with salt and pepper to taste. Line the bottom of a buttered baking dish with a layer of half of the seasoned mashed potatoes. Add meat mixture then cover with remaining mashed potatoes. Or, meat and gravy can be put in the baking dish first then topped with all of the mashed potatoes. Dot mashed potato topping with butter, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and paprika, then bake for about 30 minutes at 400°, or until potato topping is browned and the Shepherd's pie is thoroughly heated.
This shepherd's pie recipe serves 4.