Oh My Goodness

Several lifetimes ago, I was a single mom working my way through school. It’s amazing how creative you can get when it comes to stretching the food budges.

Meatloaf Tacos springs to mind. I would make a big meatloaf for the first meal, meatloaf sandwiches for the second and the remaining meat would be crumbled up and wrapped in soft taco shells or served up as the meat filling for burritos. I often ate Pickle Sandwiches. Just a slice of bread, some mayo and a few sweet pickles. Cheap ground beef and hamburger helper were my best friends.

Today I still crave Pickle Sandwiches every once and a while. And I make an awesome meatloaf, although tacos from the left overs isn’t a thing any more. I can’t recall the last time I made Hamburger Helper from a box. I still make Hamburger Helper inspired suppers, just without the box. Way back when Hubby and I were working some insanely long hours I would reach back in my arsenal of quick and cheap suppers. One of our favorites was made with Rice-A-Roni. It was quick, easy and delicious. It also makes a great stuffing for Bell Peppers.

While we do watch the food budget and Filet Mignon rarely graces our table, the freezers and pantries are typically well-stocked. God has blessed us. Having experienced lean times has made us appreciate what we have, and why it’s so important to always share. Hubby and I go shopping once a month for the food closet at our parish. While people tend to give during the holidays (which is great!), there are times when the shelves of your food bank gets a little sparse. If we all gave just a little all the time, imagine what a difference that might make for a family in need. Let’s call it was it is – not food insecurity – people aren’t insecure about their food. They are HUNGRY! People aren’t Un-housed. They are HOMELESS. If you have a roof over your head and food on the table, you are blessed. Let us Praise God for what we have been given, and give a little to those with less. For great is our reward in heaven.

Beefy-Corn Rice-A-Roni
1 can Corn
1-1/2 lbs Ground Beef
2 tablespoons Butter
2 boxes Beef Rice-A-Roni
2 cups Beef Stock
2-1/2 cups Water

Drain corn, set aside until ready to use.

In a large skillet over medium heat brown ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain well in a colander placed over a large bowl, pressing down with a spatula to release as much grease as possible. Discard the grease (hopefully into a grease can and not down the drain), set the meat aside.

In the now empty skillet melt the butter over medium heat. Empty the Rice from the box into the skillet and cook until golden, about 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly.

Return meat to the skillet. Sprinkle contents of seasoning package over meat. Add corn, beef stock and water to the skillet. Bring to a boil, cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has cooked away.

Dish this once skilet supper into individual bowls. Enjoy with a tall glass of milks. Left overs warm easily or create another meal entirely with stuffed bell peppers.

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 Alleluia, alleluia.
I chose you from the world,
to go and bear fruit that will last, says the Lord.
Alleluia, alleluia.