The following recipe is one I prepare regularly to use up leftovers or clear out the cupboards. I keep a copy of this taped to the inside of my pantry door at all times.
This recipe is adapted from my book, Mix-n-Match Recipes: Creative Ideas for Today’s Busy Kitchens. I’m always amazed at the meals I can create from these simple, basic formulas. I also save money by choosing ingredients I have on hand. Sometimes I even surprise myself with a delicious nearly-gourmet combination or two!
Also an excellent way to use up leftover turkey or ham from your holiday dinners. 🙂
Mix-n-Match Skillet Meals
Choose one (1) food from each of the following groups:
Breads and Cereals (1 cup raw)
- Macaroni
- Spaghetti
- Rice (white or brown)
- Noodles
- Bulgar
- Any pasta
Sauce (1 can soup plus 1.5 cans milk, broth or water)
- Cream of Mushroom
- Cream of Celery
- Cream of Chicken
- Cream of Potato
- Tomato Soup
- French Onion Soup
Protein (1 pound or 1 cup cooked)
- Chopped beef
- Chopped pork or ham
- Ground beef or turkey
- Chicken
- Turkey
- Tuna
- Salmon
- Mackerel
- Cooked dry beans
- Frankfurters
- Keilbasa
Vegetables (1.5 to 2 cups canned, cooked or raw)
- Carrots
- Peas
- Corn
- Green beans
- Lima beans
- Broccoli
- Spinach
- Mixed vegetables
- Celery
- Green Pepper
- Whatever you have around
1/2 to 1 cup cheese (any kind) can be stirred into sauce at the end of the cooking time.
- Choose one food from each of the four groups above.
- Stir together in skillet.
- Season to taste with salt, pepper, soy sauce, onion flakes, garlic, or whatever spices you enjoy.
- Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to lowest setting.
- Cover pan and simmer 30 minutes until pasta or rice is tender.
- Stir occasionaly to prevent rice and pasta from sticking.
- Stir in cheese, if desired.
- Serve.
Makes 4 to 6 servings.
To bake in oven: Mix all ingredients in casserole dish and cover tightly; bake at 350 F for one hour.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Deborah Taylor-Hough is the author of a number of popular books including the bestselling Frozen Assets cookbook series, Frugal Living for Dummies®, and A Simple Choice: A practical guide for saving your time, money and sanity. She also edits the Simple Times email newsletter. To visit Debi online, go to: www.SimpleMom.com
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