Bargain recipe of the week- Ground Beef Curly Noodle

Ok ....stick with me here. I found this recipe and thought... ewwww. Everyone that has tried it, however assures me that it is DELICIOUS!! What makes me happier is that its cheap and so easy I want to cry with relief on a busy day! I am told that the kiddos absolutely love it and.. get this... want more! Happy eating y'all!

I will not expense spices/oils since most of us have them on hand.

Ground Beef Curly Noodle

1 pound ground beef (On sale $1.99/lb ) $1.99
1 (3 ounce) package Oriental flavored ramen noodles (On sale 6 pk $1) $.16
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes $.99
1 (10 ounce) can whole kernel corn $.80

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Crumble in the ground beef, and cook until no longer pink, stirring frequently. Drain off grease.

Stir in the flavor packet from the noodles, tomatoes, and corn (with their juices). Break up the noodles slightly, and add them to the skillet. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes, or until noodles are tender. Stir occasionally to break up any clumps of noodles.

Total Cost of Meal: $3.94

Add Salad (Fresh Express on sale $2 -use coupon $.55/2 in 6/14 Smart Source insert) Total Cost of Meal: $4.66

For more great bargain recipes click on the icon above!

Meijer Bargain Recipe of the Week - Easy, Cheesy Zucchini Bake

This recipe was too easy to pass up trying. It also uses a great garden staple... zucchini! Feel free to experiment with spices according to your family's tastes! Serve over rice or noodles. Happy Eating Y'all!

I will not expense spices/oils since most of us have them on hand.

Easy, Cheesy Zucchini Bake

1 pound ground turkey (On sale $1) $1
2 large zucchini, halved lengthwise (On sale $.88/lb ) $1.32
3 cups spaghetti sauce (Meijer on sale $1) $.75
1 8.75 ounce whole kernel corn, drained (On sale frozen Meijer brand $1) $.50
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese blend (On sale $1.50) $.75

Spices to taste

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Melt a pat of butter in skillet and saute zucchini until slightly brown. Set aside. Brown turkey in same skillet over medium heat. Drain fat. (This is where you can add some garlic, onion powder or even some more spicy heat!)

Place halved zucchini slices in a baking dish. Pour the ground turkey, spaghetti sauce, and corn on top. Cover with aluminum foil.

Bake in preheated oven until zucchini are tender, about 20 to 25 minutes. Uncover, and sprinkle with cheese. Bake, uncovered, about 5 minutes.

Total Cost of Meal: $4.32

Add noodles (On sale $.50) Total Cost of Meal: $4.82

Add noodles and French Bread (On sale $1.39) Total Cost of Meal: $5.51

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Kroger bargain recipe of the week- Parmesan Pork Tenderloin

There is nothing that I love more than using fresh veggies from my garden. The only problem is when I am looking at 5 zucchini on my counter. " What will you do with us??" they scream. Then the guilt follows when they die a slow death on the counter... or I start to give them away to anyone that crosses my path. (Yes I am that lady who is pushing the garden veggies on people) Anywho, this recipe looks awesome! I can't wait to try it.. happy eating y'all!

I will not expense spices/oils since most of us have them on hand.

Parmesan Pork Tenderloin

1 pound pork tenderloin (On sale $1.88/lb ) $1.88
3 tablespoons fine dry bread crumbs $.25
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese $.10
1 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
1 small onion, thinly sliced (On sale $1.67/3lb bag) $.20
1 clove garlic, minced
2 small zucchini or summer squash, thinly sliced (On sale $.99/lb) $.99

Cut tenderloin crosswise into 12 slices, approximately 3/4-inch thick. Place each slice on its cut surface and flatten with heel of hand to 1/2-inch thickness. Combine crumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper; dredge pork slices to coat.

Heat oil over medium-high heat in nonstick pan. Saute pork for 2 to 3 minutes per side; remove and keep warm. Add onion, garlic and zucchini or squash to skillet and saute 5 minutes or until tender.

Total Cost of Meal: $3.42

Add Salad ( Dole on sale $.98) Total Cost of Meal: $4.08

Add salad and baked potatoes ( 10lb bag on sale $2.99) Total Cost of Meal: $4.68

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A Teachers view- Stay-cations in Northern Ohio

I am blessed to live next to a elementary school teacher who loves my kids and we love her!! She has multiple education degrees and is the first person I run to when I am worried about speech, development or anything learning related!! She has agreed to write a weekly post for me on some common concerns involving little ones and just great ideas! This week she continues to talk about great stay-cations here in Ohio!

If you have a topic that you would like to see addressed, please e-mail me at everythingmom@live.com

Stay-cations – Northern Ohio

It’s now cool to vacation in your own state. Think a vacation in Ohio is about a much fun as dental work? Think again! There are some hidden gems in this great state and deals to be had. Here are some ideas for visiting Northern Ohio.

Looking for peace and quiet? Look no further than Mohican State Park. Stay at the lodge and enjoy hiking trails, awesome food, and the indoor pool. Head into Loudonville and go canoeing (they don’t call it the canoe capital of the world for nothing!) down the Mighty Mohican River (really just the Black Fork of the Mohican River and really not that mighty). Have lunch downtown at the Main Street Café and stroll through the shops along Main Street. http://www.mohicanstatepark.org/

Head to Cleveland for a little Ohio History lesson provided by inventor Garrett Morgan, John D. Rockefeller, and President Abraham Lincoln on a free, guided walked tour of Cleveland. http://www.historicgateway.org/ Don’t forget to visit the Westside Market while in Cleveland – home of some of the best food this side of the Appalachians. http://www.westsidemarket.org/

In Sylvania, near Toledo, visit the Sylvania Historical Village and watch costumed interpreters demonstrate daily life in the 1840’s. While in Toledo, take in a Toledo MudHens game. http://www.cityofsylvania.com/

Is your family into biking? Check this out…your family can bike along the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail between Cleveland and Akron in one direction and then take the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad back to your starting point for just $2. http://www.cvsr.com/

Menu Plan Monday

Big Mama has had the stomach flu this weekend so I plan to take it easy this week. Good thing we have a ton left over from the 4th and the bargain recipes are simple ones!! I hope y'all have a yummy week... happy eating!

Monday: Leftover night- If it's in the fridge you can have it, but mama is not cooking!

Tuesday: Tex Mex pasta bake, salad

Wednesday: Summers yummy grilled chicken, corn on the cob, crescent rolls

Thursday: Pork tenderloin on the grill, grilled asparagus, baked beans, biscuits

Friday: Pizza Night!! woohoo!

Saturday: Pork tacos, refried beans, Spanish rice

Sunday: Cheeseburgers, baked fries, salad