Skillet Meals

You can create a skillet meal from simple foods. Skillet meals are quick, easy and fun! They are a great way for the new chef to experiment with different food combinations.
They are also a great way to make sure you incorporate something from every food group into your meal, and help you learn to use what you have on hand, rather than running to the store every day!
Just choose an item from each category below and follow the directions - use your imagination! Each meal feeds 4 adults.
1. Choose one protein
15oz can or 2 cups of cooked dried beans such as pintos, black beans, white beans, kidney beans, etc.
1/2 lb. ground beef
1 lb. chicken, turkey, pork chops, fish or ham
1 {6-8oz} can of beef, chicken, tuna, salmon, or other fish
1 {12-16oz} package of extra firm tofu, drained and cubed
2. Choose one starch
1 C uncooked rice
2 C uncooked pasta
4 C uncooked noodles
2-3 C cubed raw potatoes
{cook starch before and top with skillet content}
3. Choose one or more flavors
1/2 C chopped onion, celery, green peppers
1-2 cloves minced garlic
1/2 C salsa
1-2 tsp. of dried herbs {oregano, basil, cumin, chili powder, thyme, rosemary, sage, etc.
salt and pepper to taste
4. Choose one - three vegetables
broccoli, corn, carrots, green beans, peas, squash, mixed vegetables, etc.
2 C fresh vegetables
2 C frozen vegetables
1-2 {15oz} canned vegetables, drained and rinsed
5. Choose one liquid as needed*
1 1/2 C water, broth, tomato juice, milk, etc.
6. Choose one sauce, optional
1 {10oz can} of soup {cream of mushroom, cream of chicken, cream of celery, tomato, cheese, etc.}
1 {15oz} can of diced tomatoes with juice
2 C gravy:
2 TBSP cornstarch or 4 TBSP flour
1/4 C cold water
2 C hot chicken, beef, or vegetable broth {recipes here}
instructions:
mix cornstarch or flour into cold water with a fork. Make sure you get all the lumps out. Slowly add mixture to boiling broth, stirring constantly. Reduce heat and continue to cook and stir with a whisk until thickened.
7. Choose one or more toppings
2 TBSP grated parmesan cheese
1/4 C grated grated cheddar or mozzarella cheese or breadcrumbs
Directions:
Select a food from each category, or use your own favorites. Brown your meat, if using meat. Add remaining ingredients to pan, cook over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and burning, until meat is throughly cooked and vegetables and starches are tender; 15-45 minutes. Add desired toppings.

If you would like a hard copy of these skillet meal suggestions, you may download one by clicking on the image below!

*Add more liquid as needed to allow starch to cook, to prevent dish from becoming too dry, and/or from sticking/burning.

Chicken Fajita and Rice Skillet
Beef Tips with Noodles and Diced Tomatoes

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Jenn