Stroganoff is simple, yet so yummy! Nothing to it, really. Not just easy, but very inexpensive, if you keep it that way. I’m sure there are recipes that far exceed $10, but not this one! It’s probably on my kiddos top 5 list for dinners, so it must be good! Oh, and don’t count on leftovers. There won’t be any. Something about this homemade goodness that makes you keep asking for more and more.

Simple Stroganoff, hold the mushrooms please!:

1 to 1 1/2 lb beef tender, chuck roast or stew meat (sliced) – $4.58
4 Tbsps flour – pantry
1/2 large white onion, diced – $.50
2 cups broth (or water with Beef Caldo or powdered broth) – pantry
1/3 cup sour cream – $.75
1/4 cup water
1/2 tsp salt – pantry
1/2 tsp ground black pepper – pantry
2 Tbsps butter or lard – pantry
Additional salt & pepper to taste – pantry
1 (6 ounce) can sliced mushrooms, drained (optional)
2/3 package of egg noodle (save the rest for a day for soup) – $.75

COST: $6.58

Cut beef into strips, about 1/2 inch thick by 2 inches long at most. Season with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and pepper. Heat lard and fry strips in a large skillet over medium heat, just till brown. Next, add onions and cook slowly for 3 to 5 minutes. Sprinkle flour onto meat and mix to coat.

Once meat is coated well with flour, pour in beef broth. I use Beef Broth in powder with water to save money. Just follow directions and it works great! After you add broth, bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Once you’re up to broil, reduce to slow simmer, cover and continue cooking for 45 mins to an hour.

Before serving, stir in sour cream and add water to desired consistency. Mix well and heat briefly, salt and pepper to taste and serve over cooked egg noodles. Pair with fresh garden zucchini, sauted in butter with a little kick. Or a lot!

Sauted Zucchini in butter, with a touch of fire!:

3 to 4 small Italian squash or zucchini (sliced 1/8 inch thick) – $1.75
1 Tbsp butter – pantry
1 Serrano Chile, finely diced (optional) – $.20
1 tsp salt – pantry
1/2 tsp ground black pepper – pantry
1 tsp paprika – pantry

COST: $1.95

GRAND TOTAL: $8.53