I’ve seen some blogs that had a cool meme called “Menu Planning Monday”. I’ve been meaning to play along for months now, but just never got around to it. Yesterday I was determined to get it done, and I did plan and write out my shopping list. I even did half the shopping. But as for getting it posted, I didn’t. Things have been really crazy around here. The boys were both sick for a full week, and then I got it too. When Momma’s sick and can’t do her housework, things crumble. And fast. I have been trying to play catch up, but it’s very slow going with boys who get things out faster than I can put them away, and a babe that wants held constantly and is refusing to nap for the past few days. I would do it at night, but at least one kid is up from the time I wake up until the time I go to bed, so there is no free time available. It sucketh. Okay, this was totally not meant to be a whine. It was about food. Food is happy! (And I shouldn’t complain because my husband called over lunch and he is outside working in the heat on things like roofs and non vinyl siding. Which reminds me, I need to post about this cool siding they are using on this build!) All this to say, I am going to post my menu for this week today, Tuesday, and just going to pretend that I did it at the right time. Okay. 
(Note that I usually only plan week-day meals. Weekends are too unpredictable for me to plan.)
Monday - Pancakes, bacon, and hash-browns
Tuesday - Gigantoni in tomato and ricotta sauce, rolls, mixed greens salad
Wednesday - Pizza tot casserole (This is a new recipe for me, and I will post it below for you all - it sounds easy and super kid friendly. Not really very healthy/low-fat though.)
Thursday - Taco salad and refried beans
Friday - Home-made pizza, mixed greens salad, and brownies
Now I just have to do a wee bit more shopping tonight (money is a bit tight this week so I am hoping to stick with my $50 food budget goal!), and I’ll be ready to tackle this!
Pizza Tot CasseroleIngredients:
1 pound ground beef
1 medium green pepper, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
1 can (10-3/4 ounces) condensed tomato soup, undiluted
1 jar (4-1/2 ounces) sliced mushrooms, drained
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1 package (32 ounces) frozen Tater Tots
Directions:
In a large skillet, cook the beef, pepper and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Add soup, mushrooms and Italian seasoning.
Transfer to a greased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking dish. Top with cheese and potatoes. Bake, uncovered, at 400° for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Yield: 6-8 servings.
