Why Dirty Tons Of Pots And Pans When One Will Do The Trick?

One of the best ways I have found to save money and stretch your food budget is by utilizing leftovers.

I love to make one pot comfort meals.

The best way I have found to do this is by doubling the recipe. When you make soups and stews this is very easy to do. It is also very cost effective.

Also, the aroma from the meal will greet your family as they come home. What a nice thing to come home to after a hard day!

For instance, the other day I made stew. Stew meat is one of the cheapest meats you can buy and when cooked long enough it's delicious. So if you are a stay-at-home mom these kinds of meals are always within your reach.

Also, when you have leftovers you don't have to cook again. All you do is heat them up. So on nights when the kids have activities this is a great way to give them a home-cooked meal without fussing all over again.

The other thing about one pot meals is that the clean-up is minimal. One pot, no clean-up and you're out the door in an instant.

If you work during the week you can always make these kinds of dishes on the weekend and heat them up during the week. Food will usually last at least four days in the refrigerator. Usually with one pot meals like soups and stews the longer they sit the better they taste.

The following stew I made the other day and we're having the leftovers tonight. Stew is always a hit with my family.


One pot: cuts down on the clean-up!


Beef Stew

3 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 lbs beef stew meat
2 Tablespoons cooking oil
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 clove garlic
1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme (crush in hand before adding)
3 cups of vegetable juice
1 teaspoon instant beef boullion granules
Few dashes of hot sauce
2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 1/2 cups of sliced celery
1 1/2 cups sliced carrots
1 cup of green beans (fresh or frozen)
1 teaspoon salt

In a plastic bag combine flour and salt. Add meat cubes, a few at a time, shaking to coat. In a large pot brown meat in the hot oil. Add onion, garlic and thyme. Cook until onion is translucent, but not brown. Stir in vegetable juice, boullion, hot sauce, and 1 cup water. Bring to boiling point; reduce the heat. Cover and simmer for 2 hours or till meat is tender. Stir in potatoes, celery, green beans, and carrot. Cover and simmer 30 to 45 minutes more. Skim off fat.

This will serve 6.

I doubled this recipe to get two meals.

This stew was a hit with my husband and daughter. The best part is I don't have to cook tonight and they will still get a great home-cooked meal. All I do is heat it on the stove and dinner is served. Again, one pot, so my clean-up will be minimal this evening.

So try soups and stews. It's easy on you. Best of all it's healthy and your family will love it! I guarantee it will be a hit with your family too.

Nothing like a hot meal to come home to after a long day!