Mushroom Burgers from the Microwave

What You Need:

1/4 C of cornstarch
2 (10 1/2 oz.) cans of condensed beef consommé
1 (6 oz.) jar of sliced mushrooms
4 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp dried basil
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/2 C of bread crumbs
1 onion, chopped fine
1/2 tsp season salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 1/2 lbs. ground beef

How to Make It:

Place the cornstarch and consommé together in a bowl and whisk until smooth.
Add the mushrooms, Worcestershire sauce and basil and stir until blended in well.
Place the egg, bread crumbs, onion, salt and pepper into a bowl and stir to combine.
Add the meat to the bread crumb mixture and mix well.
Form the meat mixture into 6 patties.
Arrange the patties in a 1 1/2 qt microwave safe dish and cover.
Place the dish in the microwave and cook on high for 6 minutes.
Drain off any liquid and rearrange the patties moving the ones inside to the outside and the ones outside to the inside.
Pour the mushroom gravy over the patties.
Recover the dish and return to the microwave.
Cook the burgers on high 10 minutes or until the meat is completely cooked through.

Makes 6 servings

Could a delicious meal be any simpler? These mushroom burgers taste great with mashed potatoes and a side of fresh corn or a side of noodles or rice topped with the delicious gravy.

Beef Stew in Savory Broth

beefstew

What You Need:

2 Tbsp canola oil
3 lbs. beef stew meat
4 carrots, sliced
4 celery stalks, sliced
2 onions cut into wedges
2 C of beef broth
3 Tbsp quick cooking tapioca
2 tsp bottled minced garlic
1 tsp salt
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary
1 tsp pepper

How to Make It:

Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Stir in the meat and cook until browned on all sides.
Drain the meat and place into the slow cooker.
Place the carrots, celery and onion over the meat.
Add the broth, tapioca and garlic stirring to combine.
Stir in the seasonings until blended in well.
Cover and cook on low for 10 hours or until the meat and vegetables are tender.

Makes 4 servings

Not only is beef stew a comfort food but is great for the budget. Freeze this stew or any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat the stew for another meal or turn it into a pot pie or stroganoff. To make it into a great stroganoff just add an 8 oz. container of sour cream, 1 tbsp of flour and 2 C of sliced mushrooms. Serve it over noodles for a budget friendly delicious meal.

Preparation Time: approximately 25 minutes
Cooking Time: approximately 5 hours on high
Total Time: 5 hours 25 minutes

Nutritional Information: (approximate values per serving)
Calories 549; Fat 13g; Saturated Fat 4g; Carbohydrates 50g; Fiber 5g; Protein 49g;
Cholesterol 125 mg; Sodium 1,309 mg