Now, this may seem like a weird topic for a recipe and tips blog, but follow along with me. I use to work for insurance adjusters claim service. If your insurance company was too bogged down with work, they would send you to our adjusters. I have to admit I learned more from that job than anything. Now, the connection (well, its actually to your kitchen).

We had a claim whereas the woman accidentally started a fire in her kitchen. She was renting and did not have renters insurance. The apartment complex’s insurance company went after her for the $15,000 in damages. Let me add, the majority of damage was smoke! Another example of what you really need to do is the family whose house burned right to the ground. The amazing thing was that they kept a list of everything they had in their house. It was noted how many boxes of cereal, how many cans of soup, etc on their main list. Not only did they have an itemized list, they also took pictures (let me tell you, their kitchen was beautiful before the fire). They were able to get more money from the insurance company, because they could prove what was in the kitchen! You also would be amazed at how much a kitchen costs to replace. Think about all the things you eat in your kitchen — those costs alone are astronomical. Then you need to add in your appliances, flooring, cabinets, table, sink, etc. You are looking at over $10,000 easily.

No matter where you live, you really need to look into insurance that fits your needs be it homeowners, Van Insurance, rental insurance, car insurance, and even health insurance. It is amazing how one little event can change your entire life. Insurance is for all those “just in case” events that I have seen a little to often for my own comfort.

That really isn’t the name of this recipe. However, when I told Madison I was making Goulash she told me that The Beast from Maggie and Ferocious Beast (it’s a show on Noggin for those of you who don’t have kids) LOVES goulash. Hence, we came up with this name, and I don’t remember what its really called anymore. As you can hopefully see from the picture on the left (if not, Will has it all over his face and hair), this easy to make recipe is a huge hit with everyone here!

2 2/3 cups uncooked rotini pasta
1 lb ground beef
1 1/2 cups chopped celery (about 3 stalks)
1 cup chopped onion (about 2 medium onions)
2 cans diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can condensed tomato soup
1 tsp dried basil leaves
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper

Cook pasta as directed on the package and drain.

Cook ground beef, celery, and onions until beef is thoroughly cooked and drain.

Stir in cooked pasta and the remaining ingredients. Heat to boiling. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes.

1 lb ground beef
1/4 cup chopped onion
2 cups diced peeled potatoes
1 bag frozen mixed vegetables
3 cups of water
2 cans (10 1/2 oz each) beef broth
1 can diced tomatoes
1 tbsp Worchestershire sauce

Cook ground beef and onion until browned and drain. Stir in all remaining ingredients and heat till boiling. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer for 18-20 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.

1 lb lean ground beef
1 can sloppy joe sauce
2 cans Pillsbury refrigerated Big & Buttery crescent dinner rolls
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Heat over to 350 degrees. Brown ground beef and drain. Stir in sauce. Heat to boiling; stirring occasionally.

Unroll 1 can of the dough. Place in ungreased 13×9 inch glass baking dish. Press in bottom and 1/2 inch up the sides. Spread beef mixture over dough. Sprinkle cheese. Unroll 2nd can of dough and place over cheese.

Bake 30 - 35 minutes or until mixture is bubbly and the dough is golden brown. Cut into squares to serve.

4 servings