Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Stretching your resources . . .

The economy in the United States is scary these days and whenever there is a sale on some non-perishable food item, I try and stock up. Even ground beef is getting more and more expensive but it is still one of the cheaper items you can use to get a hot meal on the table and still save a few cents.

Ground beef really stretches the meal in this recipe. Ever since I can remember, my mother offered this dish to us every couple of weeks. Looking back, I realize it coincided with a pre-payday week! Nevertheless, it is filling and savory. It also lends itself to your own ideas of what to throw in to please yourself and your family’s tastes.

Beef Bean Savory

2 pounds ground beef, estimate
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 brown onions, chopped
1 cup chopped celery
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 tablespoons brown mustard
1 large can baked beans, your choice
1-2 small cans tomato paste
1 package dry Italian dressing mix
1 teaspoon dried chili flakes
Salt and pepper to taste

Brown the ground beef in a large skillet. When the beef turns brown and crumbly, add the onions. Continue cooking until the onions are transparent. Add the rest of the ingredients and simmer gently for 30 minutes. Serve with a salad and fresh bread or biscuits. Then again, this is a meal that calls for hot corn bread.

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