Sausage Butter Noodles

The prices at the grocery store are absolutely insane and finding frugal meals that will feed my large family is a lot harder than it used to be. Thankfully we do have a few recipes from my dad to help make things go a bit further. He learned this recipe from his grandmother and at the end of the day, this recipe shows her grit and survival in the great depression.

If you are looking for a frugal way to feed your family this frugal recipe will help you make use of kielbasa or smoked sausage that often goes on sale while making it go much further so you can get a filling meal for around $7 for a full family, often with leftovers. I know that seems like a lot when this used to be under $4 but the cost of food is out of control these days.

Frugal Cooking Tips And Tricks

There are a few tips and tricks I have with this recipe that help save money and lower the cost that you can use in other dishes as well.

To help cook with less meat and make it seem like there is more meat by chopping the meat up small. To do this I cut the kielbasa into 1/4 inch slices that are quartered.

Saute your vegetables in saved bacon grease or homemade beef tallow. These are a great substitute for vegetable oil and can help save money on this pricy item by using what you would normally throw away.

What you need to make this easy sausage and noodles recipe

While I had to double this recipe for my family I am giving the normal proportions here.

:: 1 package of kielbasa or smoked sausage (this often goes on sale)

:: 1 small onion or 1/2 large (grow your own onions or buy in bulk for the best price on onions.

:: 1 bell pepper (try growing your own bell peppers and freeze them for later use)

:: 1 bag egg noodles

:: 1/2 stick butter

:: Salt

:: Garlic powder

:: Italian seasoning

:: Red Pepper Flakes (optional)

How to make kielbasa and egg noodles

This recipe is extremely easy and anyone can make it. Adding whatever you want to spice it up or even use up leftovers from your refrigerator. We have used many different things for this including leftover corn, chicken, and even potatoes o brian.

Start by putting your water on to boil. Add a pinch of salt to help your pasta cook. After the water comes to a boil you can add the noodles to the water.

While that comes to a boil chop your veggies and sausage.

Saute the vegetables and meat in a small amount of grease. I like to leave the bell peppers out until they are just about done so they stay more crisp.

After your egg noodles are tender drain them and return to your pot.

Toss in your butter, seasonings, and the sauteed vegetables and meat to the pot and stir until the butter is melted and everything is evenly mixed.

I like a little spice to this so I sprinkle red pepper flakes onto my own dish and leave the red pepper flakes to the side for my family to use if they want to.

How to serve this dish

This dish is great on its own and if you are trying to make due on a low budget you may choose to serve it this way. I know my dad did. I like to serve this with some freshly baked dinner rolls and any leftover vegetable sides we have in the refrigerator to help prevent food waste.

This is one of those dishes that when I make it the kids all get excited simply because it reminds everyone of my father and the lasting mark he left on our hearts. Favorites here include pierogies, pretzel dogs, and meatloaf.