Menu Plan Monday - January 22

Hello! Laura over at http://orgjunkie.blogspot.com hosts Menu planning Monday and once again I will say what a difference this has made in my life! I was in a major dinner rut and it took a little time to sit down and do this, but it works and with so many perks. Laura mentioned this in her Thursday Thirteen about why she likes meal planning. It saves time, saves on my budget and the family likes knowing ahead of time what is for dinner, it's not just me springing a box meal on them at the last minute because I am crunched for time and cannot think.

I didn't get a chance to get on here last week and post, but since we are on a major budget right now, I sat down and made my meal plan. I planned out meals for the rest of the month! and believe it or not, I planned out 20 meals and with coupons and local sales and purchased all with the exception of fresh fruits and veggies, milk and I spent only $250.00!! I was soo excited so now we are sitting here with a pantry and freezer full. Less trips to the store with 3 kids in tow makes this momma a happy one!

So here is my meal plans for this week:
Monday: Mexican Monday - Chicken Quesadillas, Spanish rice
Tuesday: Meatloaf, noodles, green beans
Wednesday: Baked potato soup
Thursday: Chicken casserole, peas and carrots
Friday: Homemade pizza
Saturday: Spaghetti Pie, salad, bread sticks
Sunday: meatball sandwiches, baked french fries

The spaghetti pie is one of our favorites and a meal I make for moms a lot when they have a baby. I will post the recipe if anyone is interested. Its just a new take on regular spaghetti.

1 lb ground beef
1/2 c chopped onion
1/4 C green pepper
1 jar (15 oz) spaghetti sauce
8 oz spaghetti, cooked and drained
1/3 c grated Parmesan cheese
2 eggs beaten
2 tsp butter
1 c cottage cheese
1/2 c shredded mozzarella cheese

1. preheat oven to 350 degrees, cook beef, onion and green pepper in lg skillet until meat is browned. Drain fat, stir in spaghetti sauce. In a large bowl, combine spaghetti, Parmesan cheese, eggs and butter, mix well. Place in bottom of 13 x 9 inch baking pan. Spread cottage cheese over top; cover with sauce mixture. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Bake until mixture is thoroughly heated and cheese is melted about 20 minutes.