Cheap Recipes #24: One Beefy Stroganoff

This famous dish goes back to 19th century Russia and combines the hearty flavors of meat with delectable tastes of sour cream. Normally prepared with mustard and bouillon, often including onions or mushrooms, offers a tasty dinner without going overboard on the budget. The ingredients in this variation of beef stroganoff can all be found hanging around your market for under $5. In addition, it won't take you long to get this meal out on the table.

Ingredients List

• 2 tbsp. butter
• 1/2 cup onion, diced
• Garlic
• 2 tbsp. flour
• 2 tsp. salt
• 1 can sliced mushrooms
• 1/4 tsp. pepper
• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1 can consommé
• 1 tbsp. vinegar
• 1 can tomato paste
• 1 bag egg noodles
• 1 pt. sour cream

With a heavy skillet prepared over medium heat, melt butter, then add onion and garlic, sauté both until soft. Mix flour, salt and pepper in a bowl, then sprinkle over meat. Add the meat and mushrooms into the skillet and turn down the heat to low. Stir often for about 5 to 6 minutes.

• Stir in consommé, tomato paste and vinegar. Simmer the mixture for 10 minutes, stirring often and cooking until the sauce has a thick consistency. Cook noodles separately for 10 minutes. Drain from hot water, then return to cooking pan with 2 tbsp. of melted butter. Blend in sour cream just before serving and simmer 2 minutes at medium heat. Pour meat mixture over noodles and serve.