$5 Family Dinners | Easy & Delicious Meals on an EXTREME BUDGET!
Recipes in this Video
Ingredients
- ●2 cups ditalini pasta
- ●1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- ●4 cups vegetable broth
- ●1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- ●1 medium onion, chopped
- ●2 cloves garlic, minced
- ●2 tbsp olive oil
- ●1 tsp dried oregano
- ●1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- ●Salt and pepper to taste
- ●Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- 1In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- 2Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- 3Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
- 4Add the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and dried oregano to the pot. Bring to a boil.
- 5Once boiling, add the ditalini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
- 6Stir in the cannellini beans and cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- 7Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- 8Remove from heat and let sit for a few minutes to thicken slightly.
- 9Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Equipment
Potato soup is a comforting dish often enjoyed in colder months. It is a staple in many American households, known for its simplicity and heartiness. Variations exist across cultures, with some adding ingredients like bacon or cheese, reflecting regional tastes and traditions. This dish is versatile and can be served as a main course or a side, making it a popular choice for family meals and gatherings.
Ingredients
- ●potatoes
- ●onions
- ●garlic
- ●vegetable broth
- ●cream
- ●butter
- ●salt
- ●pepper
Instructions
- 1Peel and chop the potatoes into small cubes.
- 2Dice the onions and mince the garlic.
- 3In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat.
- 4Add onions and garlic, sauté until translucent.
- 5Add potatoes and vegetable broth, bring to a boil.
- 6Reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender.
- 7Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
- 8Stir in cream and season with salt and pepper.
- 9Heat through without boiling, then serve warm.
Ingredient Alternatives
cream
Healthier: coconut milk
Cheaper: milk
Coconut milk is lower in calories and adds a unique flavor.
butter
Healthier: olive oil
Cheaper: margarine
Olive oil is healthier and provides good fats.
Techniques
Equipment
Also Known As
Chicken noodle soup is a classic comfort food in American cuisine, often associated with home cooking and family gatherings. It is commonly prepared during cold weather or when someone is feeling unwell, embodying the idea of nurturing and warmth. The dish has variations across cultures, but its essence remains a soothing, hearty meal.
Ingredients
- ●chicken
- ●noodles
- ●carrots
- ●celery
- ●onion
- ●garlic
- ●broth
- ●herbs
- ●pepper
- ●salt
Instructions
- 1In a large pot, heat some oil over medium heat.
- 2Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery; sauté until softened.
- 3Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- 4Add chicken and broth; bring to a boil.
- 5Reduce heat and simmer until chicken is cooked through.
- 6Remove chicken, shred it, and return to the pot.
- 7Add noodles and cook until tender.
- 8Season with herbs, salt, and pepper to taste.
- 9Serve hot.
Ingredient Alternatives
chicken
Healthier: turkey
Cheaper: chicken thighs
Turkey is leaner; chicken thighs are more affordable.
noodles
Healthier: whole grain noodles
Cheaper: egg noodles
Whole grain noodles offer more fiber; egg noodles are often cheaper.
Techniques
Equipment
Also Known As
Ingredients
- ●1 lb ground beef
- ●1 cup elbow macaroni
- ●1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ●1/2 cup diced onion
- ●1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
- ●1 cup sloppy joe sauce
- ●2 cups water
- ●1 tsp garlic powder
- ●1 tsp paprika
- ●1/2 tsp salt
- ●1/4 tsp black pepper
- ●1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- 1In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- 2Add diced onion and green bell pepper, sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- 3Add ground beef to the skillet, cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
- 4Stir in the sloppy joe sauce, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- 5In a separate pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- 6Drain the macaroni and add it to the skillet with the sloppy joe mixture. Stir to combine.
- 7Reduce heat to low and add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
- 8Serve hot, garnished with additional cheese if desired.
Equipment
Ingredients
- ●1 lb ground beef
- ●1/2 cup diced onion
- ●1/2 cup diced bell pepper
- ●1 tsp garlic powder
- ●1/2 tsp salt
- ●1/2 tsp black pepper
- ●1 (30 oz) bag frozen hashbrowns
- ●2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ●4 large eggs
- ●1 cup milk
- ●1/4 cup ketchup
- ●1/4 cup mustard
Instructions
- 1Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- 2In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- 3Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- 4Stir in garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Remove from heat.
- 5In a large bowl, combine the frozen hashbrowns, cooked beef mixture, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well.
- 6In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, ketchup, and mustard until well combined.
- 7Pour the egg mixture over the hashbrown and beef mixture, stirring to combine.
- 8Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- 9Top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
- 10Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the casserole is set and the top is golden brown.
Equipment