One Pot Meals & Math

I absolutely LOVE one pot meals.  That is our mainstay  most of the time.  Whether it be, skillet meals, stir fry, casseroles or soups - most meals contain everything in one pot.  We may have fresh veggies or salad as a side - but we love our 'messes' as G calls them!

So what does math have to do with one pot meals?  It is easy - you just follow simple addition and you have a great meal!

Meat + Veggie + Starch + Sauce + Add-ins = DINNER

SKILLET MATH

MEAT - think about ground beef, chopped chicken, ham cubed, smoked sausage, ground sausage, canned tuna, pork pieces, etc.
VEGGIE - corn, mixed veggies, green beans, chopped cabbage, peas, mushroom slices, chopped broccoli, etc.
STARCH - rice, any type pasta, canned beans, noodles, potatoes, etc.
SAUCE - Tomato soup, any cream of soups, flavored marinades, etc.
ADD-INS - salsa, shredded cheese, diced onion, spices, etc.

Mix and match any of these or any combo you can think of and you have a SKILLET DINNER
There is no right or wrong - you decide what goes in.  Many times I use whatever is leftover in the frig.  This lets you get creative and find some new yummy meals and it saves you a lot of dirty dishes!

Now doesn't that look good!  I actually used 2 pots for this particular one - as the rice was cooked separate.  However it could have all been done in one pot.


CASSEROLE MATH

MEAT - ground beef, chopped chicken, cubed ham, smoked sausage, pork chops, turkey chopped, ham slices, etc.

VEGGIES - chopped onion, mushrooms sliced, broccoli flowerets, diced tomatoes, corn, cauliflower crowns, green beans,  etc..

STARCH - kidney beans, pasta, rice, potatoes, (sliced or chopped), noodles, etc.

SAUCE - Cream of soups (1 -2 cans), pasta sauce, cheese sauce, etc.

ADD-INS - soy sauce, spices, parmesan cheese, chili peppers, etc.

Mix up and top with cheese, crust, etc. and bake in the oven till hot and bubbly.
Serve with a side salad.


EXAMPLES - ground beef, chopped onion, canned kidney beans, tomato soup, salsa = oven chili  (we like to make this and top with a small packet of corn bread mix (follow directions on box) over the top  - bake until corn bread is done!   YUM

Chicken pieces, diced peppers, mushrooms & peas, rice, oriental sauce and soy sauce - yummy stir fry skillet dinner


Follow a simple math formula and WOOHOO you have a one pot meal with all the basics included.
Give it a try.  There are so many great combinations - you will never get bored.
(and who doesn't like less pots and pans to wash!!!!!!)

Hope this gives you some ideas and a creative license to do YOUR OWN THING!
ENJOY