by Alisa Clements

Created on: July 13, 2009

I often have limited time to make a meal, but hate fast food. I have made up a few quick recipes that fill you up but are super simple.

Shepherds Pie

1 pound hamburger or turkey burger

1 bag frozen mixed vegetables

2 packages instant brown gravy mix

2 cups instant mashed potatoes (prepared while meat browns)

2 cups water

Salt/ pepper

Begin instant mashed potatoes. While they cook, brown burger, drain off excess fat. Add frozen vegetables and 1cup water. Cover, cook 3 minutes. Mix both packages brown gravy mix with last cup of water. Pour over meat/vegetable mix. Cook until thick. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve over instant mashed potatoes. I sometimes use instant rice instead of potatoes.

Stir Fry is another favorite.

1 pound beef, chicken or pork sliced thin

( you can use frozen meat and slice it in a cheese grater)

2 cups prepared instant rice (may be cooked while meat browns)

2-3 tbsp oil

1 package frozen California blend (carrots, broccoli, and cauliflower)

1 can bamboo shoots, drained

1 can sliced water chestnuts, drained

1 package instant brown gravy mix

1 1/2 cups water

1 tbsp soy sauce

Slice frozen meat with knife or grater. Heat oil in pan until hot. Add meat and soy sauce, Brown well, stirring often. Add frozen vegetables, bamboo, water chestnuts, and cup water. Cover and bring to boil. Mix instant brown gravy into last cup of water. Pour over meat and vegetables. Cook until thick, Serve over rice.

Souper Alphabet Sloppy Joes, are unusual but tasty and kids love them.

1 can condensed alphabet soup

1 pound ground beef or turkey

Cheese slices

Bread or hamburger buns

Brown meat, excess fat. Add undiluted soup. Heat on medium until hot. Serve on hamburger buns or bread with a slice of cheese.

Taco Soup is one of my absolute favorites. It is tasty and simple to make.

1 pound ground beef

1 package taco seasoning

1 1/2 cups water

1 can chili with beans

1 can diced Mexican style tomatoes

1 can tomato paste

1 small can sliced olives

1 cup grated cheese

Sour cream topping

tortilla chips

Brown ground beef and drain. Add water and taco seasoning. Cook two minutes. Add chili, tomatoes, tomato paste, and olives. Heat thoroughly, stirring constantly. Serve in bowls with a scoop of sour cream and some grated cheese. Put chips on the side and scoop out soup with them.

Finally, I will end with Chilidog Macaroni.

1 package mac and cheese, prepared

4 sliced hotdogs

1 can chili with or without beans

Prepare mac and cheese from recipe on box, but cook hotdog slices in the water you use to boil noodles. Drain and add the milk, butter and powdered cheese. Add chili and heat on low until hot. Serve.

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