Any trip to the grocery store can be depressing, especially when trying to save money or living on a budget. Boxed casserole mix type meals are quick and easy, but can get expensive, and you are never certain just what preservatives and other chemicals are in the mix. One way to avoid eating something that may or may not be good for you is to create your own quick and easy casserole meals. That way, you know exactly what you are feeding your family.
In today’s depressed economic climate, cutting corners and saving pennies has become a necessary life change. Avoiding fast food, which is expensive and contains excess calories and fat, and learning how to make easy, even if not quick, casseroles is one way to do this. Unfortunately, cooking is almost a lost art for many people.
At a recent trip to the grocery store, the clerk mentioned that some people say they have come in to stock up on food and all that is in the grocery cart is chips and snacks. Too many people have forgetten, or never knew, their way around the kitchen. Preparing meals is more than just putting food in front of your family. It is experiencing the joy of creating something wholesome for your loved onces, as well as a time that can be used to get to know members of your family better. What better way to learn your child’s interests and concerns than while working together to prepare a meal.
Another important aspect of cooking at home is teaching your children, whether they are very young or older teenagers, how to cook. One young man was very pleased his mom insisted he learn to cook, when he married and learned his new wife couldn’t make anything but toaster pastries and frozen dinners.
To help you get started, here are three family pleasing hamburger casserole recipes. Enjoy!
Tamale Casserole
1-lb. hamburger
1 pkg. taco seasoning
½ cup milk
1 can green chilies, chopped
1 egg
1 jalapeno pepper chopped (optional)
1 can Rotel tomatoes with chilies
1 small can sliced ripe olives, drained
1 cup corn meal
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Brown hamburger and drain. Stir in taco seasoning. Add all other ingredients, except cheese. Heat in skillet, then pour into 9×13 baking dish.
Bake at 350 degrees F for 40 minutes. Top with 1 cup shredded cheese and bake 10 minutes more. Serves 6.
Spanish Rice Casserole
1 tbsp. vegetable oil
1 med. Onion, chopped
½ lb. ground meat
1 cup regular rice, uncooked
2-8 oz. tomato sauce
1 1/3 cup hot water
1 tsp. mustard
1 tsp. salt
Dash pepper
Heat oil in skillet brown onions, beef, and rice. Stir over medium heat until lightly brown. Add rest of the ingredients, and mix well. Bring to a quick boil and cover tightly. Simmer 25 minutes.
Enchilada Bake
1 lb. hamburger meat
1-15 oz. can tomato sauce
1 pkg. taco mix
12 flour tortillas
1-4 oz. can chopped green chilies
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 cup sour cream
2 cups grated cheddar cheese
Brown hamburger meat and drain. Add tomato sauce and taco mix. Stir well and simmer to 15-20 minutes. Grease 9×13 inch pan. Place small amount of meat mixture into tortilla and roll. Fill pan. Mix soup and chilies in a medium bowl. Pour over enchiladas. Top with grated cheese. Bake at 350 degree F. until cheese melts about 20 minutes.
