$8 or Less Recipe - Sloppy Casserole

1 lb ground beef, browned and drained

1 can manwich sauce

1 can cream of potato soup

1 32oz pkg cubed hash brown potatoes thawed

preheat oven to 450

to ground beef, add manwich and soup

place hash browns in greased 9X13 baking dish

top with beef mixture

cover and bake for 20 minutes

uncover and bake for 10 more minutes, topping with your favorite cheese if you like

Until Next Time.....

Franny

$8 or Less Recipe - Meatloaf

2 lb ground beef

2 eggs

1 envelope onion soup mix (or make your own, see page "and more")

1 C bread crumbs or crushed saltines

ketchup

preheat oven to 350

in large bowl, combine all ingredients with clean hands, except ketchup

shape into loaf and place in baking pan

bake 1 hour

top with ketchup and bake 15 more minutes

Until Next Time.....

Franny

$8 or Less Recipe - Pizza Skillet

1 lb ground beef

2 C uncooked spiral pasta

1 sm onion chopped

1/2 C pepperoni slices (I like to use the little bite size pepperoni)

1 14oz can petite diced tomatoes, drained

1 14oz jar spaghetti sauce (I like Prego)

1 small jar mushrooms (or equiv of fresh)

1 C shredded mozzarella (or more)

cook pasta as directed

brown ground beef and onion, drain

add all ingredients except cheese in skillet

cook for 5 min until heated through

remove from heat

sprinkle with cheese and cover until melted

Until Next TIme.....

Franny

$8 or Less Recipe - Peanut Butter Pancakes

1 C pancake mix

2 Tblsp sugar

1 egg

1/3 C creamy peanut butter

1 5oz can evaporated milk

1/3 C water

in Medium bowl combine pancake mix and sugar

in small bowl beat egg and peanut butter

add milk and water to peanut butter mix

stir into dry ingredients until just moistened

pour batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto lightly greased medium hot griddle

turn when bubbles form on top of pancakes

this recipe costs about $2-3 depending on prices in your area

Until Next Time.....

Franny

$8 or Less Recipe - Spicy Cube Steaks

4 4oz cube steaks

3 Tblsp flour

1 Tblsp chili powder

salt and pepper to taste

1 Tblsp olive oil

1 14oz can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained

in small bowl, combine dry seasonings and flour

place steaks on waxed paper

place 1/2 dry mixture on steaks and pound into them using mallet or rolling pin

repeat on other side of steaks

heat oil in skillet large enough for steaks in one layer

cook steaks 4-5 minutes on first side, then 2-3 on second over med-high heat

remove to plate and keep warm

pour tomatoes into pan and stir scraping up pan drippings

bring to a simmer and add steaks back in skillet

cover and simmer 15-20 minutes or until steaks are tender and sauce is thickened 

Until Next Time.....

Franny

$8 or Less Recipe - Healthier Pork Fried Rice

1 1/2 lbs pork TENDERLOIN
2 Tblsp Asian Seasoning mix like Pampered Chef
1/2 tsp salt
1 14oz can chicken broth (or equiv of homemade)
2 Tblsp olive oil
3 med carrots - peeled and either small dice or thin strips
1/2 med reb bell pepper cut same as carrots
3 garlic cloves - minced
2 C uncooked minute rice (try the brown rice)
1 C frozen peas - thawed
2 Tblsp soy sauce
2 green onions - thinly sliced, divided into white and green

slice pork lengthwise into four long strips, then cut those into small strips
in large bowl combine pork, seasoning mix and salt
in 2 cup measuring cup, place chicken broth then add water to equal 2 cups
heat oil in 12 inch skillet
add half of pork to skillet, cook and stir until browned about 5-7 minutes
remove to keep warm and repeat with rest of pork
add carrots and bell pepper to skillet, cook until crisp tender
add garlic and cook about 1 minute
add broth and bring to a boil
stir in rice and remove skillet from heat
cover and let stand 5 minutes
uncover and cook rice mixture over medium high heat 5-7 minutes, stirring, until liquid is absorbed
remove from heat
stir in pork, peas, soy sauce and white part of onions
garnish with green part of onions

Until Next Time.....
Franny

$8 or Less Recipe - Frozen Pizza

I know! You clicked on this link 'cause you said "she seriously did not do a post telling me to make a frozen pizza!" Not Exactly!

Take your favorite frozen CHEESE pizza
Now add a ton of fresh toppings
Prepare per package instructions

Quick and easy and you can still make it good!  Cut up all the veggies you like, maybe add a second kind of cheese.  Don't forget the pepperoni and mushrooms!  Get fancy....how 'bout ham and pineapple?  You can still have a pretty good pizza without going to a restaurant.

Give it a shot!

Until Next Time.....
Franny

$8 or Less Recipe - Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs

2 lb ground beef
1/2 lb bacon - very small dice
1 small onion - minced
1/2 c bread crumbs
3 eggs lightly beaten
1 c shredded cheddar cheese
salt & pepper to taste

preheat oven to 400
saute bacon and onions until golden brown
remove to paper plate to drain
place rest of ingredients in large bowl
add cooled bacon and onions
mix with clean hands
tightly roll into just smaller than golf ball meatballs
place on jelly roll pan
bake 18-20 minutes until cooked through

makes 45 using the medium Pampered Chef dough scoop

serve with mustard and ketchup
this recipe comes in at around $ 7.00 depending on prices in your area

Until Next Time....
Franny

$8 or Less Recipe - Linda's Cranberry Salad

Best to do 24 hours ahead

12 oz fresh cranberries washed
1 C water
2 - 3oz pkgs cherry jello
1 1/2 C sugar
1 C chopped pecans
1 8oz can crushed pineapple in juice, not syrup
(drain juice and save it in a 2 C measuring cup)
2 C liquid : above juice plus rest water to equal 2 C

in saucepan place berries, 1 cup water,  and pour sugar on top
cook until berries pop
take off heat and set aside
in another saucepan, bring 2C water and juice to a boil
add jello
when jello is dissolved, stir into berries
add pineapple and pecans
pour into glass bowl or mold and chill

This recipe is from my good friend Linda K.  Thanks, Linda!!  This recipe comes in just under $8, less if you can get the cranberries and nuts on sale.

Until Next Time.....
Franny

$8 or Less Recipe - Tex Mex Burgers

1 lb ground beef
2 Tblsp diced green chilies
1/2 C crushed tortilla chips
1/4 C shredded onion
1/4 tsp cayenne or cumin
4 slices pepper jack cheese
salsa, sour cream, guacamole for serving
4 hamburger buns

Combine first 5 ingredients by hand in large bowl, be sure to incorporate well
shape into 4 patties
grill or fry as well done as you like (165 degrees for safe food!)
place cheese to melt just before removing from heat
top with desired condiments

depending on how many toppings you use, this recipe runs around $6.00 or less

I got this pic from the internet....like I could take that good of a picture!

Until Next Time.....
Franny

$8 or Less Recipe - Hash Brown Pizza

• 
  
• 
  
• to make this vegetarian, use soy crumbles or replace with vegetables
• 
  
• 3 med potatoes shredded 
• 1 can cream of potato soup 
• 1 lb ground beef
• 3 celery ribs, chopped
• 1 med onion, chopped
• 1 8 oz can tomato sauce
• 2 Tblsp tomato paste
• 4 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• salt and pepper to taste
• 2 c shredded mozzarella cheese (or colby-jack)

• Preheat oven to 400
• In a large bowl, combine the hash browns and soup 
• Spread into a greased 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan (or eyeball it for whatever pan you have)
• Bake for 30 minutes
• Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook the beef, celery and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink and vegetables are tender; drain
• Add the tomato sauce, paste, mushrooms, chili powder, salt, garlic powder and pepper
• Remove potatoes from oven
• Spread over the crust
• Sprinkle with cheese
• Bake 10 minutes longer or until the cheese is melted
• 
  
• This recipe can run around $7.50 depending on the ingredients you choose and if you get them on sale.
• 
  

Until Next Time.....

Franny

$8 or Less Recipe - Turkey Cassoulet 2 ways

1 lb cooked turkey - about 2-3 cups
1 15 oz can great Northern beans, or pinto, drained
1 small onion chopped
3 carrots, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 c chicken broth
1 6oz can tomato paste (Red Gold!)
2 slices bacon
1 c water
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp dried marjoram

optional: crushed cracker or bread crumb, parmesan, melted butter mixture as topping.


Stove top and oven:
In large saucepan, cook bacon until crisp, drain on paper towels then crumble
in bacon grease, cook onion and garlic until tender, stirring to loosen pan drippings
add everything except beans and turkey
cover and simmer 10 minutes or until all vegetables are tender
stir in beans and turkey
transfer to 3 qt casserole dish
bake at 375 for 30-40 minutes or until bubbly with topping if using

Crock pot:
cook bacon and crumble
place everything in 3-4 qt sprayed or lined crock pot
cover and cook on low 6-7 hours

This recipe comes in around $7.00 or a little more depending on how much you spent on your turkey.  You actually might have spent way less!

Until Next Time.....
Franny

$8 or Less Recipe - Freezer Wheat Rolls

2 pkgs active dry yeast
1/2 c warm water
1/4 c brown sugar (I use granulated, you can use packed)
1 1/2 c whole wheat flour
1 tsp salt
1 egg
3 Tblsp oil
2-3 c bread flour

in large mixing bowl combine yeast and warm water, stir until dissolved
let stand for 10 minutes or until yeast bubbles
and all ingredients EXCEPT bread flour and beat with mixer for 2 minutes
gradually stir in bread flour by hand until soft dough forms
turn onto lightly floured surface
knead until smooth and elastic, 7-9 minutes
clean bowl and grease with butter
place dough in bowl and twist around until all greased
cover and let rise in warm place until doubled, about 1 hour
grease 2 cookie sheets with butter
punch down dough
divide into 24 equal pieces
roll in hands to form smooth ball
place on cookie sheets and cover with towel
let rise until double, about 30 minutes
preheat oven to 300
bake rolls for 15-20 minutes, reversing cookie sheets half way through
bake until puffed and firm but NOT browned
let rolls cool on cookie sheets 5 minutes
remove to wore rack to cool
place in freezer containers, freeze up to 3 months

to serve:
let frozen rolls stand at room temp for 1 hour
preheat oven to 400
bake 10-15 minutes or until golden brown
brush with butter

This recipe comes in at just under $2

Until Next Time.....
Franny

$8 or Less Recipe - Roasted Vegetables

serves about 6

2 large potatoes, cubed
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2-3 carrots, cut into small chunks
2 c frozen green beans or broccoli florets
2 c frozen corn or cauliflower florets
2 Tblsp olive oil
salt and pepper to taste

preheat oven to 400
in large (2 gallon?) zip bag combine everything except frozen vegetables
shake to coat
place in large roasting pan, roast for 30 min
add frozen vegetables and toss together with a large spatula
roast 30 more minutes or until all vegetables are tender
serve immediately

Depending on the vegetables you use, this is roughly $5.

Experiment with different oils and salts or other seasonings to make it your own.  I like Lawry's garlic salt, and some seasoned salt.  My friend uses a grinder that has garlic and pepper.  Some people have even used Old Bay for a little kick.  Vegetables are somewhat interchangeable too.  I don't care for green beans and corn like that, so I sometimes do broccoli and cauliflower.  Try it with squash or any other of your favorite vegetables.

Until Next Time.....
Franny

King Ranch Chicken Casserole

Crock pot conversion at bottom

2 c cubed cooked chicken
1 15oz can black beans rinsed and drained
1 14 oz can petite diced tomatoes drained
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 4 oz can diced green chilis drained
1 c frozen corn
1 small onion chopped
3 cloves garlic minced
1 5oz can evaporated milk
1 Tblsp olive oil
1 c shredded cheddar cheese
4 corn tortillas
2 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
(or instead of these last 3, use a taco seasoning packet)

preheat oven to 350
in skillet, cook onion and garlic in oil until tender
add frozen corn, stir and cook until corn is thawed
remove from heat and add tomatoes
in medium bowl, combine chicken, beans, soup, chilis and milk
in small bowl combine seasonings, or if using a packet place in bowl
cut tortillas into 1 inch strips
coat strips in seasoning
spray 9X13 baking dish with non-stick spray
layer half of chicken mixture, then half of tortillas, then half of tomato mixture, then half of cheese
repeat layers making sure to end with cheese
bake at 350 for 40-50 minutes, until sauce is bubbling and cheese is melted and turning brown
serve with salsa, sour cream, and/or guacamole

This recipe comes in at just under $8, sometimes less if you can get all of the ingredients on sale

This can also be done in the crock pot.  Follow the recipe as usual, but then layer in a 6qt oval crock pot.  Cover and cook on low 4-5 hours depending on the heat of your pot.

Until Next Time.....
Franny

$8 or Less Recipe - Parmesan Potato Chips

1 lrg Russet potato
1 lemon, juiced or 1 Tblsp of Lemon juice in a bottle
2 c canola oil or your favorite frying oil
1/2 c parmesan cheese (the best for this is in the green can)
salt to taste

Fill a large bowl with cold water and add some ice cubes and lemon juice
peel potato and cut into very thin chips using a mandolin, peeler or other device
place into water as soon as you make the chips
in large heavy pan, heat oil to 375
using a handful of chips at a time, remove from water, drain and pat dry with paper towels
drop chips carefully into oil and fry for 3-6 minutes turning with slotted spoon, until golden brown
remove from oil and place on paper towels
sprinkle immediately with cheese and salt
repeat until done
cool completely and store in airtight container for up to 3 days

This is great to try whatever you'd like to sprinkle on your chips.....
garlic salt
chipotle seasoning
garlic pepper
Krazy salt
seasoned salt
etc.....

Oh, and as with most of these recipes, this one is way under $8, like closer to $2!

Until Next Time.....
Franny

$8 or Less Recipe - Cowboy Soup with variations

1 lb ground beef
1 onion chopped
2 green chilis minced (or small call green chilis)
4 cloves garlic minced
2 Tblsp flour
1 can tomato soup
2 Tblsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
2 c beef stock
1-1/2 c frozen corn
1/2 c long grain white rice
1 c cubed American cheese (optional)
1 small can black beans (optional)

STOVETOP
in stock pot, cook beef onion, chilis and garlic over medium heat, until browned
add flour and stir about 3 more minutes
add soup, spices and beef stock, bring to a boil
cover and simmer 5 minutes
stir in frozen corn, bring back to a simmer
stir in rice and beans if using, cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes until rice is tender
Stir in cheese if using until melted, then serve....or serve cheese as garnish

CROCK POT
brown first ingredients as in stove top version OR if you've browned your ground beef ahead of time and then froze it...
place all ingredients EXCEPT rice in 6 qt crock pot and stir well
cover and cook on low 8-10 hours
turn up to high and stir in rice
cover and cook 20 -30 minutes or until rice is tender
stir in cheese and serve or use cheese as a garnish

total cost around $6.50, less if you buy ingredients on sale and/or with coupons!

Until Next Time.....
Franny

$8 or Less Recipe - Breakfast Pizza

4 whole wheat pita breads
1 3oz pkg cream cheese softened
2 Tblsp butter
4 eggs, beaten
2 Tblsp milk
1/4 tsp salt
2 sausage patties, cooked and chopped (or a few slices of bacon, crumbled)
1 c shredded cheddar cheese
you could also add mushrooms, or any vegetables you might like

preheat oven to 400
place pita breads on a cookie sheet and spread each with 1/4 of the cream cheese
heat butter in small skillet over medium heat
combine milk, eggs and salt and pour into skillet
cook until eggs are just set
divide eggs among pitas
top with sausage and cheese
bake for 10-15 minutes or until pizzas are hot and cheese melts
let cool for 5 min before serving

total cost around $4.50 less if you can get ingredients on sale and/or with coupons!

Until Next Time.....
Franny

$8 or Less Recipe - Chocolate Oatmeal Pie

1/2 c butter
1-1/2 c semisweet chocolate chips, divided
3/4 c brown sugar
1/4 c corn syrup
3 eggs
2 Tblsp flour
1/4 tsp salt
1 c toasted chopped walnuts (try 1 extra cup of oats instead if allergic to nuts)
1 c quick cooking oatmeal
1 ready made refrigerated pie crust, unbaked, placed in pie pan

preheat oven to 350
in large saucepan combine butter with 3/4 cup chocolate chips, brown sugar and corn syrup
cook and stir over low heat until butter and chips are melted
remove from heat
add eggs one at a time, beating well after each
stir in remaining ingredients
pour into crust
bake 40-50 minutes or until pie is set and crust is golden brown (40 for me)
let stand 45 min before serving

total cost around $6.00 less if you can get ingredients on sale and/or with coupons!

Until Next Time.....

Franny

$8 or Less Recipe - Greek Pasta

serves 4 for an actual amount of about $5.75

1 Tblsp olive oil
2 Tblsp butter
2 onions chopped
3 cloves garlic minced
2 c baby spinach
1 14 oz can petite diced tomatoes undrained
salt and pepper to taste
1 lb package (or newer packages of 12 oz is OK too) linguine
1/3 c feta cheese crumbled
cherry tomatoes and olives optional

bring water to cook pasta to boil
at same time, in large saucepan combine olive oil and butter over medium heat
when butter melts, add onion and garlic and cook until crisp-tender
add spinach and cook until just wilted
add undrained tomatoes, salt, and pepper bring to a simmer
reduce heat and cover
cook pasta according to package directions, reserve 1/4 c cooking water
add pasta to saucepan and toss gently, add reserved cooking water if needed
place on plates or in bowls and add feta

total cost around $5.50 less if you can get the ingredients on sale and/or with coupons!

Until Next Time.....
Franny