Kielbasa with Saffron Rice

Tonight I made kielbasa (I used turkey, but use whichever you prefer) with saffron rice and green beans. I got the idea off of Meal Planning Mommies. The rice takes the longest to cook (20 min) and you just follow package directions. To cook the kielbasa, just slice it and place it in a skillet and cook it to your preferance. We like it kind of blackened. I used frozen green beans, but you could use fresh as well. It made for a yummy and inexpensive dish (under $5).

Spanish Rice and Enchilda Style Burros

Thursday night we had Mexican food. I was raised in a town that had the BEST mexican food ever. I myself cannot make it that awesome, but I'm not bad. Since there is no meat in this recipe, it's fairly inexpensive. You could always add red or green chile with shredded beef to the burros if you prefer. (Burros=burrittos, depending on where you're from). Here are the ingredients for the spanish rice:1 1/2c. rice, 1 can tomato sauce, 3 cups water, 1/4t. minced garlic, 1/2t. cummin, 2T. Caldo con sabor de Pollo, olive oil Place olive oil in skillet (enough to lightly coat), add garlic and rice. Next, brown the rice. Once rice is browned add remaining ingredients. Be sure to add the liquids slowly. Stir just enough to mix together and then bring to a boil.

Once boiling, cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes.

It should look like this when done.

If you want you can add a can of drained corn, but it's up to you.
For the bean burros you will need: refried beans, butter, sour cream, cheese, tortillas (not pictured). If you want them enchilada style, then you will also need enchilada sauce. Normally I make my own sauce, which tastes much better, but this time I used store bought. To get rid of the canned taste of the beans I add butter and sour cream to taste, usually about 1-2T each. You can do this or not, but it does improve the flavor.

To make your burro, place some beans and cheese in the center of a buttered tortilla.

Next, fold in the sides.

Then fold in the corners to keep the beans from spilling out.

Roll. Repeat.

Place in a dish and cover with enchilada sauce and cheese and bake at 350 degrees F until cheese is melted.

Serve with your rice and enjoy.

Upside Down Shephards Pie

Last night I made upside down shephards pie for dinner.Ingredients: 1/3 c. sour cream, 1/3 c. ketchup, 1 can green beans, 1t. parsley, dash of dill, instant mashed potatoes (serving 4), 1lb hamburger, cheese (not pictured)

Prepare mashed potatoes according to package directions for 4 servings. (You can also use regular mashed potatoes, if you're so inclined, but it takes longer.) Mash into bottom of 1.5 or 2qt dish. Place in oven at 350 degrees F for 25 minutes or until edges are a golden brown.

Brown hamburger and then add the remaining ingredients, except for cheese. Mix all together.

Place hamburger mixture on top of mashed potatoes.

Top with cheese and bake another 5-10 minutes until cheese is melted.

Serve.

We had this with cottage cheese and peaches, but a nice dinner salad would also go well.