Poor man's steak

i forgot about this recipe until a string of memories brought it back today. i made this for the kids when we were a little short of money...because it was yummy!

2 lbs.lean ground meat
small, finely sliced onion
1/2 c. bread crumbs or cracker crumbs
2 eggs (or egg whites!)
salt and pepper
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
mix very well. divide into large meatballs, set aside.
In a medium skillet, melt 2 Tbs. butter.
Chop a large onion (or 2) and cook until tender.
wash and trim small mushroom, slice if desired, add to pan
Add 1 C. beef broth, dash of Worcestershire sauce, and 1 T flour
mix over medium heat until gravy forms, mushrooms are cooked, set aside.
in a large skillet, spray non cook spray, and add meatballs, leaving 2 inches between.
Flatten with a spatula, brown and fry 'steaks' until cooked thoroughly.
Top cooked 'steaks' with mushrooms and onions and serve with a healthy side, like mashed cauliflower.

Mashed Cauliflower--instead of potatoes

I know, I know, if you have never had mashed cauliflower, you cannot imagine that it could even TRY to replace our beloved mashed potatoes. I will be honest, it can for every night meals, but I would be skewered if I tried to do this at Thanksgiving!

Boil cauliflower (one large head or 2 small) until done. Drain and add to mixer with 3 T. butter (yes, REAL butter), a dash of salt and pepper if you like, and enough milk to make it the consistency you prefer. Faster, healthier, and a nice alternative to a high fat side dish!

Lazy Lasagna

Same great taste as a lasagna, but not as pretty. Made in less than 30 minutes!

In large skillet, brown ground meat (chicken, turkey, lean hamburger), add small-medium onion until translucent.
In a saucepan, boil water and cook spiral pasta or shell macaroni according to 'al dente' or 'firm' directions.
In skillet, add a jar of your fave spaghetti sauce (this would be a good chance to add fresh or frozen veggies or mushrooms to the mix!!)
Combine one small container of low fat cottage cheese and 1/2 package of shredded mozzarella (low fat?) in skillet with meat. when pasta is done, drain, rinse with hot water, and add to pain.
Serve with garlic bread, small salad, or whole grain toasted bread and oil with herbs (my favorite.)

Crock Pot Beef Stew

Use pre-cut beef pieces from supermarket,
add into crock pot baby carrots, quartered onion, Worcestershire sauce (1-2 T, depending on your preferences), beef broth (from can or bouillon.)
Turn crockpot on high for 3 hours, if you are able to.
Add potatoes, cut into bite size pieces or larger, turn crockpot down to low and cook an additional 2-3 hours. If you like, you can make gravy from the pan juices (not healthy, but yummy!)
Serve with bread and butter or a warm, crusty whole grain bread.
If you are not able to change the temp, I have added potatoes from the beginning and cooked on low all day. It wasn't as good, but still very yummy on a cold day!