We kick off our first What's for Dinner recipe installment with one Megan Ward-Robinson of Brighton Heights learned from her parents, Phil and Mary Lou Ward of Bethel Park. "They worked in hospitals, as a pharmacist and a nurse, where shift work was standard," she writes. "Dinner for four kids had to be fast, easy and cooked by either parent. We had this a lot when I was a kid, and it's a favorite in my house now."

This basic version, good for picky eaters, can be customized at the table by adding vegetables, spices, hot sauce or sour cream.

POOR MAN'S STROGANOFF

• 1 pound ground beef or turkey
• 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1-pound bag egg noodles

Brown ground meat in a large deep skillet. Add soup and 1 can of water. Simmer until it thickens. Cook the egg noodles and drain. Combine the noodles with beef and gravy.