Cheap and Easy (The food, not me). Quick too!

I have created a few new recipes based upon poor planning and too little time. I also have a three year old who is an absolute terror at the grocery store so I have been going as little as possible. We are relying on pantry and freezer staples that I stock up on when I get the chance and nerve to drag my son through the store kicking and screaming, or myself chasing him, leaving my purse for any thief looking for an opportunity. The bonus is that these recipes are extremely easy on the wallet also, never a bad thing! Of course they are healthy and full of vegetables and whole grains, another good thing! Enjoy!

Tortellini Minestrone
1 onion, chopped
1 small zucchini, chopped
1 carrot, grated
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup frozen green beans
2 large pinches Kosher salt
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
2 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp hot pepper sauce, any brand
Saute all of the above in 2 tsp olive oil until nicely browned and soft. Add
28 oz can crushed tomatoes, or diced tomatoes
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1/2 can kidney beans (save other half for salmon burger recipe, below), rinsed and drained
1 can cannelini or garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
Bring to a boil, simmer about 15 minutes. Add
1/2 bag, approximately 2 cups, frozen cheese tortellini
Bring back to boil, lower heat and simmer about 5 minutes, serve.

Salmon Burgers
1/2 onion, diced
1 carrot, grated
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 red bell pepper, minced (can substitute 1/2 cup jarred roasted red bell peppers)
Saute the vegetables in 2 tsp olive oil until slightly softened. Add to a mixing bowl with:
1/2 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
Mash with the back of the fork until all of the beans are smashed and it is a bit of a puree with the vegetables. Add:
1 can salmon (I use the Costco brand, it comes in a package of 4, it is wild salmon, about 8 oz)
1/4 cup oats
1 egg
Pinch salt and ground black pepper
Mix all of the ingredients together and form into 4 big patties, or 6 smaller ones. Heat a skillet over medium heat, add oil just to coat the bottom of the pan and saute the patties until golden brown and warmed through the middle. Can be served as is alongside a salad, or on a whole-grain bun.

Turkey sausage and vegetable pasta (Not sure what to call this, it is something I threw together that tasted great!)
Get your water on to boil for your pasta. While it is coming to a boil start working on the rest:
2 slices bacon (I keep my bacon in the package in the freezer and cut off approximately 2 slices worth at a time, then put it back in the refrigerator)
Saute in 1Tb olive oil over medium heat. While this is browning chop the rest of your ingredients:
1 onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped (can substitute 1 cup jarred roasted red bell peppers)
3 cloves garlic
1 zucchini, chopped
1 package turkey smoked sausage (I know this isn't perfect health food but it is what I keep on hand when I have no other protein thawed out and it lasts in the refrigerator awhile, tastes really good and it is cheap! You can substitute chicken sausage)
2 cups frozen chopped spinach
Add everything to the pan once your bacon is nice and brown, along with 2 large pinches Kosher salt and 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes. By now your water should be boiling for the pasta. Add to the water
1/2 package whole wheat rotini or penne pasta (about 6-1/2-7 oz. depending)
Large pinch Kosher salt
Boil according to package directions, usually 13-14 minutes. Saute your veggies and meat, keeping an eye that nothing browns, but is cooking nicely. After your pasta is cooked pour off all but about 1/2 cup of the cooking water, then pour the pasta and remaining water into the meat and vegetable mixture. Toss together, then cook about 10 more minutes until all of the water is absorbed. Serves 6-8