Menu Plan Monday - March 30

Lately I'm coming up with a blank concerning meals. I decided to go through my recipe box (I usually browse through cookbooks.) I had to correlate everything with what's in the cupboards, pantry and freezer. Here's what I came up with:

*Means recipe included below menu plan.

Monday

Beef & Potato Bake *
Tossed Salads
Jello

Tuesday

Broiled Pork Chops
Mashed Potatoes
Green Beans

Wednesday

Tacos
Spanish Rice (slow cooker recipe) *
Corn
Fruit

Thursday

Pizza & Pop

Friday

Chicken& Rice Casserole
Mixed Vegetables
Tossed Salads

Saturday

Breakfast Supper - Everyone gets his/her request if it's reasonable.

Sunday

On your own

*Beef & Potato Bake*

4 c. frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed (I just shred up some chilled baked potatoes)
1 lb. ground beef
3 T. vegetable oil
1/8 t. ground black pepper
1 pkg. (3/4 oz) brown gravy mix
1 cup water
1/2 tsp. garlic salt
1 pkg (10 oz) frozen mixed vegetables
1 cup (4 oz) shredded cheddar cheese
1 can (2.8 oz) French Fried onions (I sub. Funyons because that's what I have on hand)

In a 1 1/2 quart baking dish, combine potatoes, oil and pepper. Firmly press mixture across bottom and up sides of dish to form a shell. Bake, uncovered, at 400 degrees F. for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, in a skillet, brown beef; drain. Stir in gravy mix, water and garlic salt; bring to a boil. Add mixed vegetables;reduce heat to medium and cook 5 minutes. Stir in 1/2 cup cheese and 1/2 can onions. Place in potato shell. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees F. for 15 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining cheese and onions; bake 5 minutes longer. Makes 4-6 servings.

*Spanish Rice*

1 1/2 cups raw long grain rice
1/2 cup olive oil, butter or margarine
1 1/2 cups tomato juice
1 1/2 cups water
1 onion, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1 pound hamburger or sausage, fried & drained (optional)

Saute rice in oil until golden brown. Place in slow cooker with all remaining ingredients. Stir well. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours. (High: 2 to 3 hours)