Recipe: Hamburger Pasta Bake
Now that school is going full throttle as well as all the after school activities it has been my mission to find quick, easy, and healthy meals that I can make for my family. I have been doing a lot in crockpot lately so I decided it was time change it up a little bit and try a casserole. The challenge was that it has to be ready in a limited amount of time. By the time we get home from activities we have about 1 to 2 hours to finish homework, give the kids a bath, eat supper, do devotions, and spend a few minutes together before the kids hit the bed. The schedule is tight therefore dinner needs to be ready on time.
Hamburger Pasta Bake
- 1 pound lean Ground Beef
- 16 oz Pasta (I used Bow Tie pasta, but any will work)
- 1 can Spaghetti Sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar & Mozzarella Cheese (I used a mix blend of cheese, but you could use just mozzarella)
- 1/2 cup Pepperoni – optional
- 1/2 cup Mushrooms – optional
Preheat the oven to 350. Spray 9 x 13 a pyrex casserole dish. Boil the pasta in a large pot until pasta is tender. Brown hamburger in a skillet. Drain pasta and place into casserole dish. Add the spaghetti sauce, meat, pepperoni, mushrooms, and stir. Top with shredded cheese and bake for 15 minutes or until the cheese has melted.
Our family loved this recipe. The only thing we added to it after trying it once was the pepperoni and mushrooms for extra flavor. It tastes awesome either way just add what your family likes to eat (or have on hand) and enjoy.
Tips to help make dinner prep more efficient when you have tight evening schedule:
Ground Hamburger – cook up your ground hamburger in advance and freeze it cooked in measured out portions. My favorite way to cook it is to get a large pack of hamburger (several pounds) put it in the crockpot and heat it on low stirring occasionally to break up the meat. Once it is cooked pour the hamburger into a strainer (over a bowl) drain, and blot with a paper towel. Allow it to cool them put into baggies or containers. I typically do between 2 to 4 cups per bag which is approximately 1 to 2 pounds of hamburger. This allows you to pull the meat out prior to dinner and make your meal. Cooking the hamburger in advance eliminates a lot of time, prep, and mess.
Cook the Noodles – if I will not have time to cook the noodles right before dinner I will cook them the night before or earlier in the day so they are done and ready to go.
Assemble in Advance – when it is going to be a busy evening schedule I will often put together the entire casserole in advance and store it in the fridge until it is ready to go into the oven. If I am really prepared when I make up a batch I put one in the fridge to bake that night and do another one to stick in the freezer for a later day when we are really tight on time.
When you have an section of the day that has a really tight schedule like ours the key is to utilize the parts of the day when you can prep for dinner. If you have a few extra minutes in the morning or after the kids are in bed for the evening prep for the next day. Lay out any items that you know you will need and do what you can to make sure those tight schedule times go as smoothly as possible.
Fresh & Healthy: Lunch Box Meals
Karlie and Brina’s lunches all packed and ready to go for school.
With the school year in full bloom we have once again started the lunch box routine. Every evening before going to bed we put together all the lunches for the following day including school and work lunches. After everything is all packed the lunch boxes are put into the refrigerator so in the morning all that we need to do it pull them out, stick in an ice pack, and go. The mornings are busy enough with activity so prepping the night before saves us a lot of time. We try to pack a protein (sandwich / meat), fruit, vegetable, diary (yogurt or cheese stick), drink, and snack in each lunch. Everyday is a little different to add more variety to their lunches.
Fresh plums, garden tomatoes, and other goodies
Lunch Box Meal:
- Peanut Butter & Strawberry Jam Sandwich
- Fresh Red Plums
- Blueberry or Mixed Berry Yogurt Tubes
- Garden Red Cherry Tomatoes
- Ritz Cheese Crackers
- Strawberry Fruit Rollup
- Honey Ham Stick
- Mini M&M’s
- Reduced Sugar Cherry or Pineapple Juice
The cupcake sandwich container and princess baggie add a little more excitement to the lunch.
While it may look like a lot of food the items packed in their lunch boxes have to get them through the majority of the day including school lunch and an afternoon snack. We have activities after school every day of the week so whatever they don’t eat for lunch they will eat as a snack on the way to the activity for the day. Since we have started doing the school lunch boxes they have had more energy because they are eating a more balanced meal and snack plus we know exactly what they are eating. Do you pack lunches everyday for your kids? How do you keep it exciting for them?
Travel & Vacation: Traveling to Orange County Kabini, India
Our fancy ride in the “Scooby Doo Mobile” arrived early to pick us up. It only took us a few minutes to load up our bags before blasting off to Kabini! We made a 7 hour trip from Bangalore to Orange County Kabini with Jake’s cousin Matt and his family. It was a fun adventure traveling together. We were able to see a lot of the countryside of India which both shocked and amazed me. Makes me appreciate the many blessings in my life.
Rachel all ready for the road trip, wearing her panda bear just in case she decides to sleep.
Sweet Erica!
The reason why we couldn’t watch a DVD was because it was the WRONG REGION! The funny thing is we had a DVD from India and it still wouldn’t play, but the driver’s pirated version played fine.
There’s even a McDonalds on the way to Orange County
A lot of trucks full sand
We listened to the drivers music on the way to Orange County
Rickshaw full of people and a donkey pulling a cart…..always something interesting on the streets of India.
Traveling on the roads with the livestock.
Homes in India
Not only are there people hanging off the bus it might be a little off balance!
Beautiful church
Wagon full goods going down the street
Laundry hanging out to dry. You see a lot of colorful laundry drying on lines as you go through small villages.
Leading his cattle down the road
Small village, notice the tent homes in the front. You see these often along the sides of the roads in India.
A home made out of tarp and various items on the side of the road. Sad to think that this is the only home people may have.
Traveling through the countryside of India. Love the thatch roofs.
I saw a lot of really amazing sights while trying through India, however, I also saw things that brought tears to my eyes. So many people…some who are living in small tents with dirt floors. It makes me realize how blessed I really am. I have so much to be thankful for in my life yet often I find myself being selfish and ungrateful. Most of the people we met along the were extremely kind, generous, and hospitable. I don’t know if I will ever be the same after traveling through the country of India. Most of these pictures were taken through the van window so I apologize for some of the glares. I hope that some day I will get another opportunity to visit India, it was an experience that I will never forget.
The “Travel and Vacation” series is an insight into our trips together as a family and ways we relax. Life is short and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to build memories with family and explore of of the most amazing places during our time away. Explore with a good attitude, look for fun, and it will be an awesome trip jammed packed with positive memories. It is refreshing having some time away from the regular routine. Make it a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet new people and learn. You just might see or try something new that takes your breath away!
Save A Lot: Deals for the week of September 5 – 11, 2012
The Save A Lot weekly ad deals are listed below for your convenience. It is a great time to stock up on some Save A Lot deals. Sign up for the Smart Shopper Club, by doing so you will get a $5.00 off of $25.00 coupon!
Meat and Seafood
Ground Beef – $1.99 lb
Stew Meat – $2.99 lb
Pork Sirloin Roast – $1.69 lb
Boneless Beef Chuck Roast – $2.49 lb
Pork Sirloin Chops – $1.99 lb
Hillshire Farm Sausage (12 oz) – $1.99
Use $1.00/2 coupon from insert 8/12 Red Plum (Expires 9/15/12)
Use $0.75/2 coupon from insert 8/12 Red Plum (Expires 9/15/12)
As low as $1.49 each after couponChicken Drums or Thighs – $0.99 lb
*Pick 5 for $19.99 promotion on going! Pick any 5 specially marked packages of your favorite cuts or types of meats, vegetables and more.
Fridge and Freezer
Banquet Frozen Dinner, Assorted Varieties – $0.99
Totino’s Party Pizza (9 – 10 oz) – $1.29
Redi-Serve Chicken Nibblers (30 – 36 oz) – pick 5 for $19.99 promotion*
Signature Onion Rings (2 pounds) – pick 5 for $19.99 promotion*
Redi-Serve Chicken Strips (36 oz) – pick 5 for $19.99 promotion*
Signature Shrimp Poppers (24 oz) – pick 5 for $19.99 promotion*
Redi-Serve Charbroiled Rib Patties (26 oz) – pick 5 for $19.99 promotion*
Signature Pizza (26 – 28 oz) – pick 5 for $19.99 promotion*
Signature Corn Dogs (25 oz) – pick 5 for $19.99 promotion*
Redi-Serve Chicken Patties (35 oz) – pick 5 for $19.99 promotion*
Signature Seasoned Potato Wedges (2.5 pounds) – pick 5 for $19.99 promotion*
Produce
Carrots (1 pound) – $0.39
Celery – $0.59 each
Russet Potatoes (8 pounds) – $2.29
Green Cabbage – $0.25 lb
Sweet Potatoes – $0.39 lb
Apples, Assorted Varieties – $0.99 lb
Grocery
Westcott Vegetable Oil (48 oz) – $2.69
Sunny Delight (48 oz) – $0.99
Lucky’s Pinto Beans (15 oz) – $0.69
Chase & Sanborn Coffee (23 oz) – $4.99
Ginger Evans Sugar (4 pounds) – $1.99
Save A Lot Soft Drinks, Assorted Varieties (2 liter) – $0.69
J Higgs Potato Chips, Assorted Varieties (10 oz) – $1.49
Remember you can use the $5/$25 printable coupon to sweeten these deals! Plus you can earn up to 5 additional $5 off $25 coupons for sharing the coupon with your friends. For more information about Save A Lot’s coupon policies go here. If you find additional deals or savings please let me know and I will add them to the list. Please make sure to check with your local Save A Lot store, the ads do vary per region.
Travel & Vacation: Little Notes of Love
Hidden I love you notes on the DVD shelf
I love my girls to pieces…..and then a little more. It is important to me that they know how much they are loved and treasured. One of the ways I spread the love is by writing surprise notes for them. When I go on a trip or at random times throughout the week I put a note someplace that they will be sure to see. It is worth investing a little extra time each week to show my family that I am thinking about them. Several of these notes were from a trip I took earlier this year. Here are a few other little notes of love I have shared with my kids. Although most of the notes are simple they have a huge positive ripple effect on my kids making it worth every second I spend doing it.
Love note to my girls.
This particular note is posted on the hallway wall outside their bedroom door.
Little Love Note to Karlie on the inside of her new notebook
Brina’s Little Love Note on her new notebook
Just in case she forgot this was on the wall next to her bed!
Note to Brina posted right next to her bed!
Little Love Note written on the inside of a white box and sat on the ping pong table (with a little treat for each kid.)
There are those days when we all could use a bear hug! When “Mom’s” not there to give a hug a sister is a great substitute! This sign was posted on their bedroom door.
Pampers Gifts to Grow – 10 Free Points
You can receive another 10 free points from Pampers with a new Gifts to Grow code!This code is different from the previous codes I have given.
- Use Code: FB9TLABDAXB3912
(Expires 9/9/12 at midnight CST)
You can save up the rewards to purchase gifts!
For more information about the Pampers Gift to Grow Program and how you can start earning Pampers “Gifts to Grow” Rewards for your family go to Pampers Gifts to Grow!
Song: “Rest in the Hope” by Karyn Williams
Recently I heard another one of Karyn’s songs but when I went to look it up I came across this one. It was perfect the one for me to listen to at the time. These last few months have been a whirlwind. So many specific situations and people have been on my heart and mind. I have so many things to be grateful for in my life yet when a stressful situation arises often I find myself trying to fix and manipulate the circumstances rather than resting in the Lord. He put me on this earth with these specific challenges for a reason and I pray that I will bring glory to Him through each situation because when I rely on my knowledge and strength I end up making everything a bigger mess. I am thankful that He is the “truth that never changes”.
You are the truth that never changes
You are the love that came to save us I am Yours
Even through all my fear and sorrow
Facing a new unknown tomorrow I am sure
That I’m gonna rest in the hope that I’m YoursI’ve spent so much time looking for You
When You were here all along
Reaching for me to carry me through
Even when I would fall
You were waiting patiently
For me to find the faith to just believeWhat’s for Dinner: Our Weekly Menu Plan
I am thankful for an extra day this weekend to spend with my family. It is nice to have one more day to catch up on stuff around the house. Although the weekend is long the rest of the week is jam packed with activity! Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:
Our Weekly Menu Plan
- Monday (Beef or Seafood Entree): Special Labor Day Event
- Tuesday (Kid’s Night to Cook): Kids in the Kitchen – Tuna Fish Sandwiches, Fresh Fruit
- Wednesday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree): Easy Crockpot Chicken Tacos, Fresh Salad
- Thursday (Pasta or Pork Entree): Vegetable Lasagna Wraps, Garlic Bread
- Friday, Saturday, & Sunday: Leftovers, Family Preference, and Hosting
I have a general pattern I try to follow for my weekly Menu Plan (for example Monday we have a beef or seafood entree and so forth). It is my goal, at least in the beginning, to have at least the main dish and one side planned. I will put together the remaining side dishes (veggies / fruits) based on the food items that need to be used up first and compliment the main entree.
Setting a weekly menu plan helps me utilize my time better, thus freeing up extra time to spend with my family. On the days that I am working longer hours I can prep the meal in advance so it will be easier to pull together once I am home. As I go through the menu planning process I will try to share some of our favorite family recipes. If there is a specific recipe you would like please let me know and I will do my best to accommodate (some recipes are a toss together meal and I do not use any set measurements).
As a family of four our life can get busy. What’s for Dinner is our weekly menu planning series and one of the ways to help keep us organized, on schedule, and within budget. Our family typically eats 6 to 7 dinner meals at home a week. We do try to go out to eat at least once a month as a special treat. Breakfasts are eaten at home before work and school, lunches are eaten at work, school, or home, so dinner is our main meal together as a family. Dinner is our time to reconnect, share, and enjoy being together after a busy day. Our weekly menu plan covers Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday only because the weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) is our time to spend with family and friends. The weekends tend to be more spontaneous and my husband (who is the better cook) likes pitching in therefore we keep the menu open for variety. We use up the leftovers throughout the week for our lunches and on the nights that we are busy or can’t cook.
Photo by Liz
Intentional Living: Weekly Goals
The girls did great on their first full week of school. Everyone is doing well but still adjusting to the school schedule (Mom included). On top for all the school fun we had doctor appointments, after school activities, and surgery keeping us busy this past week. The good news is we have today off of school and work to catch up on items around the house and to spend some extra time together as a family.
Last week’s goals:
Family Goals
Read regularly to the girls and have them read to meGreenville Drive Baseball Game with Family– the girls earned their tickets from the library by reading books this summerDaily School Activities & Homework Completed– homework is more time consuming with them being in different classes but we managed it pretty well this week.Lunch Boxes & Book Bags packed the night beforeDoctor AppointmentsAfter School ActivitiesENT Surgery & Recovery
Personal Goals
- Exercise at least 5 days this week – didn’t stay on top of this one
- Finish reading Our Boys by Joe Drape – I started this one a couple years ago and never finished so starting over. It’s about the Smith Center, Kansas football team (it has been interesting reading the book so far because I know some of the people in it since my parents live near Smith Center) – I started it again! 🙂
Home Management Goals
All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one dayWeekly Dinner Menu planned out for the week- Prep for my Fall Organizational Schedule – hoping to get to this next week
Pay all upcoming bills
Business Goals
Work on ideas for upcoming blog postsKeep up with the day to day items that need my attention- Get caught up on blog items – getting started
Ministry Goals
Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or LunchWrite and Send Out Alms & Legs Team Meeting Notes
Financial Goals
Stay within Budget on Groceries $40 for 4– only got a few items this week- Payoff the Van – working on it
My goals for the upcoming week:
Family Goals
- Read to the girls and have them read to me daily
- Lunch Boxes & Book Bags packed the night before
- Daily School Activities & Homework Completed
- Attend After School Activities
- Go to the Upper South Carolina State Fair
- Work on items around the house & yard together on Labor Day
- Spend quality time together on Labor Day since everyone is off work and school
Personal Goals
- Exercise at least 5 days this week
- Drink 8 glasses of water each day
- Finish reading Our Boys by Joe Drape – I started this one a couple years ago and never finished so starting over. It’s about the Smith Center, Kansas football team (it has been interesting reading the book so far because I know some of the people in it since my parents live near Smith Center)
Home Management Goals
- All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day
- Weekly Dinner Menu planned out for the week
- Prep for my Fall Organizational Schedule
- Pay all upcoming bills
Business Goals
- Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts
- Keep up with the day to day items that need my attention
- Get caught up on blog items
Ministry Goals
- Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
- Write and Send Out Community Group Email
Financial Goals
- Stay within Budget on Groceries $40 for 4
- Payoff the Van
- Emergency Fund – save 3 months worth of living expenses (we are trying to build this back up because we had to take some out for unexpected expenses recently.)
I think it is important to share and encourage each other as we seek to improve our lives and the lives of those around us. I want to live intentionally not just hope all my dreams and goals come true. When I focus on small steps of improvement I am able to see results as I get closer to my goals. Some weeks I get closer to the goals I have in my life and other weeks a take a few steps back (life happens, emergencies occur, people get sick). Once the goals are written down and shared it provides a guideline for what I aim to accomplish this week.
Free Audio Book: “The Brotherhood” by Jerry B. Jenkins
For the month of September Christian Audio is offering a free download of an audio book . This month the audio book is The Brotherhood by Jerry B. Jenkins.
Boone Drake follows all the rules – as a cop, husband and father. But when everything in his personal life is destroyed, he buries himself in guilt. His faith is rocked when he questions why God would allow this to happen to him. When it appears that it can’t get any worse, he’s accused of police brutality and suddenly his career is at risk. The possibility of being promoted to the Organized Crime Division is slipping from his hands. His life is spiraling out of control. But while protecting the leader of a Chicago gang, Boone comes to realize that God can change the hardest heart…and forgive the worst of crimes. (information from Christian Audio)
If you have been wanting to a book to listen to throughout the day or while driving then this is a great opportunity to get a book for free when you download it from Christian Audio in September. Make sure to submit your order by September 30, 2012 to get your free audio book. Thanks Christian Audio!
