I have list of go-to meal ideas. These are things that I can whip up in a snap if we are running behind or if we have an early evening crisis that gets in the way of dinner preparations. My list is:

Tuna Casserole
Pancakes & Eggs
Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup
and Bean & Cheese Burritos

But here are some other recipes that a neighbor gave to me a while back they are quick and don’t take a lot of preparation or planning. The ingredients in these are just things that I usually have on hand and that I keep us stocked with.

Russian Chicken

in a bowl combine about 1/2 cup Russian or Catalina dressing, a package Of dry onion soup mix, and a cup of apricot Jam or a can of cranberry sauce. pour over Pieces of chicken. For boneless-skinless chicken, bake @ 350 for a hour. For bone in chicken, bake for 2 1/2 -2 hours or until the chicken tests done. Cover it with foil for half of the time then uncover for the rest.

Super Simple Chicken Burritos

In a crock pot that has been sprayed with cooking spray put 4-6 chicken breasts, season with garlic, salt and pepper. Top with 2 cans of beans (pinto, black or kidney beans) rinsed and drained. Pour 26 OZ. of salsa over all. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. When ready co serve, shred chicken with forks. Serve with tortillas, cheese, tomatoes, lettuce etc.

Homemade Rice-A-Roni

Saute 1/4 cup butter or margarine, a 1 1/2 cups dry rice, and 3/4 cup broken spaghetti or Vermicelli noodles. Cook and stir until golden brown. Add 4 cups chicken broth and a teaspoon parsley. Bring to a boil, then cover with a lid and simmer for 20 minutes.

Family Favorite Pizza Crust

1 cup warm water combined with a teaspoon sugar and 1 T Yeast. Let yeast dissolve and rest for a few minutes. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt and 2-3 cups of flour, mixing well and dough is not sticky. Let rise for 45 minutes. Roll out dough. Place on large sprayed and cornmeal dusted pizza pans. Makes two small or medium crusts. Top with pizza sauce, cheese and toppings. Bake @ 500 for 10-15 minutes, or 450 so for 15-20 mm.

Pizza sauce:

1 can tomato sauce
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon basil
1/2 teaspoon oregano

Sausage & Rice Casserole

Brown 1 LB. Sausage with one chopped onion. Drain. Add 4 or 5 celery ribs, chopped. spray a 9 X 13 Pan sprinkle with 1 1/2 cups dry rice. Pour sausage, onion, and celery over rice. Sprinkle with 3 teaspoons chicken bouillon and pour 4 cups water over all. Cover tighly with foil. Bake @ 325 for 1 1/2-2 hours.

Goulash

Brown 1 LB. ground beef with 1 chopped onion. Season with salt and pepper. Drain. Cook 12 oz. of pasta, any shape, drain. In a large pot combine beef and pasta with a 46 oz. can of tomato juice and chili powder to taste. You can season with more salt and pepper if desired. Serve with shredded cheese.

Ham and Potato Casserole

1 cup cooked, cubed ham
4 cups cooked, cubed potatoes
1 can cream Of mushroom soup
1 cup sour cream
Mixed all ingredients together. pour into a greased casserole dish. Top
with whole or crushed seasoned croutons. Cover and bake © 350 until
hot and bubbly 3o-6o minutes.