An EASY Weekend Meal

We've all got a lot to do this weekend (that's what the research says--people are slammed on weekends), so how about a recipe for an EASY and delicious meal--one we could eat at home or take with us if we have an outing planned?

I'm always on the lookout for just such meal ideas and recipes, and I found one in an ancient Southern Living Magazine my Aunt Annie had saved. It can be made fresh by stir-frying or be the answer to your leftovers. Give this a try and let me know what you think.

And speaking of letting me know what you think, please share YOUR tips, recipes, or suggestions for easy meals or uses for leftovers. We're all in this together, so let's help each other out. (I repeat this plea with every post because I know what can happen when folks work together--amazing things result due to the synergy that results!) And with that, have a great weekend, and happy cook'n!

OPEN-FACED PHILLY SANDWICHES (serves 2)
1 (8-inch) submarine rolls, unsliced
1/2 lb boneless round steak (or leftover steak, roast beef, etc.)
2 Tbsp Italian dressing
1/4 tsp diced crushed red pepper
2 Tbsp butter
1 large onion, thinly sliced
1 1/2 C fresh mushrooms
1 green bell pepper, cut into thin strips
1 clove garlic, pressed
2 slices provolone (or other) cheese

Make a 1 1/2- to 2-inch deep vertical cut around outside edge of each roll, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Remove tops of rolls, and discard. Hollow out about 1 1/2-inches of each bread roll, forming a boat (hence the name, submarine). Set boats aside.

Cut steak diagonally across grain into 1/8-inch strips; place in a small shallow bowl. Add dressing and crushed red pepper, tossing to coat; set aside. Melt butter in nonstick skillet over medium-high heat; add onion and mushrooms, and saute 15 min. or until onions are golden brown. Add bell pepper, and saute 8-10 min. or until bell pepper is tender. Add garlic, and saute 1 min. Remove mixture from skillet, and set aside.

Stir-fry steak mixture in skillet over medium-high heat 2-3 min. or until steak strips are no longer pink and have desired crispness. Fill bread boats evenly with layers of steak mixture and onion mixture; top with cheese. Broil, 5 1/2-inches from heat, 3 min. or until cheese is lightly browned.

NOW, what will make this recipe quick and EASY is going the left-overs route. Plan ahead earlier in the week so you have leftover beef, bell pepper strips, sauteed mushrooms, and already sliced onions. Your leftovers can then be stir-fried or just mixed together and microwaved for a couple minutes to heat through.