Frugal Friday: A recipe

Ok!  Here is my first contribution to Frugal Friday. 

Everyone else probably has some way more clever posts today, like 101 ways to reuse a plastic shopping bag.

But this is all I got for now.

And I didn't even come up with this recipe on my own.

 This recipe makes two meals, one for tonight and one to freeze:

Cheddar Beef Enchiladas

1 pound ground beef

1 (1.25 ounce) package taco seasoning

1 cup water

2 cups cooked rice

1 (16 ounce) can refried beans

2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese, divided

10 (8 inch) flour tortillas

1 (16 ounce) jar salsa

1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted

DIRECTIONS

1. In a large skillet, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Stir in taco seasoning and water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes. Stir in rice. Cook and stir until liquid is evaporated. Spread about 2 tablespoons of refried beans, 1/4 cup beef mixture and 1 tablespoon cheese down the center of each tortilla; roll up. Place seam side down in two greased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking dishes.


2. Combine salsa and soup; pour down the center of enchiladas. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake one casserole, uncovered, at 350 degrees F for 20-25 minutes or until heated through and cheese is melted. Cover and freeze remaining casserole for up to 3 months.

• 
  
  To use frozen casserole: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Cover and bake at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes. Uncover; bake 5-10 minutes longer or until heated through and cheese is melted.

My Tips:

After I brown the beef and add the taco seasoning, I just put the beans, rice, and cheese in the skillet and combine it all and then just spoon that mixture into the tortillas.  Much easier.

I use generic brand cream of chicken soup to save on money-tastes the same.

I buy flour tortillas from Costco-you get 40 for $4-$5.

I buy salsa from Costco-a huge container for $3-$4.

If I have lettuce, I serve with shredded lettuce, sour cream, and salsa.

Enjoy!