Hamburger Scramble

 You know how sometimes you only have 1/2 pound of ground meat left over, it's time to make dinner.  You're wondering how to use just a small amount of meat to feed the whole family?  That's what happened to me, then I remembered a recipe that I hadn't made in over 20 years!  I used to make it all the time when my son was growing up.  It was quick, easy, required very little ingredients.  And best of all, I could feed him and four of his teenage friends easily.  It's a one pot dish, so it's also easy clean up!!

You will need:
1/2 pound of ground meat, (I use hamburger)
1/2 cup long grain rice
1/2 medium onion
2 stocks celery
2 carrots
1/2 green pepper
1/4 pound mushrooms
1 teas. salt
1/4 teas. pepper
1 teas. oregano
1 teas. Italian seasoning
1 quart whole tomatoes, (or 1 pound can)
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

 Slice your celery

 Slice your carrots

 Chop the green pepper

Slice the onion

 Slice the mushrooms

 Measure out the rice

 In the bottom of a cold large skillet, crumble the ground meat over the bottom.

I know, 1/2 pound of meat doesn't look like much to feed 4 - 6 people.  But trust me, this will.

Next layer the 1/2 cup of rice over the meat.

Next layer the onions over the rice.

Then layer the celery over the onions

Layer the carrots over the celery.

Layer the green pepper over the carrots.

 Layer the mushrooms over the green peppers.

Measure out the oregano in the palm of your hand.  Give the oregano a slight crush with your fingertips.  This will help release the oils.  Then sprinkle over the top of the vegetables.

Measure out the Italian seasoning in the palm of your hand.  Give the Italian seasoning a slight crush with your fingertips, to release the oils.  Then sprinkle over the top of the vegetables.

Now sprinkle the salt and pepper over the top.

Add the tomatoes.  I break up the tomatoes with my hands, as I add them to the pan.

Note:  you will notice I use home canned tomatoes, if you do not garden and can your own, just buy a can of plain whole tomatoes.  You will need 1 pound of tomatoes, or a quart.  If you have the space and are able, I highly recommend gardening.  It is a big money saver, and NOTHING in this world taste better than homegrown tomatoes.  And nothing is more satisfying than opening up a jar of tomatoes in the winter that you grew in the summer.

Add the 1/2 cup of water.

 Cover with a lid, and cook over medium low heat for 30 - 40 minutes, (or until the rice and vegetables are cooked).  Do not remove the lid for the first 30 minutes, the rice needs the moisture to cook.

 Once the rice is cooked, add the 1/2 cup of Cheddar cheese over the top, turn off the heat, cover with lid and allow the cheese to melt.

And there you have your hamburger scramble.

It's your meat, vegetables, and rice all in one dish - a complete meal.  And the next day, it's still delicious.

 Tonight I'm serving my hamburger scramble with a green salad, (with homemade dressing).


Enjoy !