How I Feed My Family of 11 for Under $100 | 77 MEALS
Recipes in this Video
Ingredients
- ●2 cups brown rice
- ●4 cups vegetable broth
- ●1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- ●1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- ●1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- ●1 medium onion, chopped
- ●2 cloves garlic, minced
- ●1 tsp cumin
- ●1 tsp chili powder
- ●1/2 tsp salt
- ●1/4 tsp black pepper
- ●1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- ●1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
- ●1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- 1Rinse the brown rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- 2In a slow cooker, combine the rinsed brown rice and vegetable broth.
- 3Add the black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes (with juice), chopped onion, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- 4Stir all the ingredients together until well combined.
- 5Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- 6If using frozen corn, add it in the last 30 minutes of cooking. If using canned corn, add it in the last 10 minutes.
- 7Once cooked, fluff the rice and beans with a fork.
- 8Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.
Equipment
Creamy Chicken Spaghetti is a beloved American comfort dish that combines tender chicken and pasta in a rich, creamy sauce. Often served at family gatherings and potlucks, it highlights the convenience of one-pot meals while delivering satisfying flavors. Variations abound, with some adding vegetables or different cheeses, making it adaptable to various tastes and preferences.
Ingredients
- ●spaghetti
- ●chicken breast
- ●cream cheese
- ●chicken broth
- ●garlic
- ●onion
- ●bell pepper
- ●cheddar cheese
- ●black pepper
- ●salt
- ●olive oil
- ●parsley
- ●red pepper flakes
- ●parmesan cheese
Instructions
- 1Cook spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente; drain and set aside.
- 2Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
- 3Add diced onion and bell pepper; sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- 4Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- 5Add chicken breast to the skillet; season with salt and black pepper.
- 6Cook until chicken is browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes; remove from skillet and let rest.
- 7In the same skillet, add chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- 8Add cream cheese and stir until melted and smooth, about 3-4 minutes.
- 9Return the cooked chicken to the skillet; mix well to combine.
- 10Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
- 11Sprinkle with cheddar cheese and stir until melted, about 2 minutes.
- 12Season with red pepper flakes and additional salt if needed.
- 13Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Ingredient Alternatives
cream cheese
Healthier: Greek yogurt
Cheaper: sour cream
Greek yogurt reduces calories while maintaining creaminess
cheddar cheese
Healthier: low-fat cheese
Cheaper: processed cheese
Low-fat cheese reduces calories while still melting well
chicken breast
Healthier: turkey breast
Cheaper: chicken thighs
Turkey breast is leaner, while thighs are often cheaper than breasts.
Techniques
Equipment
Also Known As
Garlic toast, often associated with Italian cuisine, is a beloved appetizer or side dish that enhances many meals. Traditionally made with fresh ingredients, it embodies the Italian philosophy of simple, flavorful cooking. Today, variations abound globally, with many cultures adding their own twists, such as different herbs or cheeses, making it a versatile favorite.
Ingredients
- ●bread
- ●garlic
- ●butter
- ●parsley
- ●olive oil
- ●salt
- ●black pepper
- ●cheese
Instructions
- 1Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- 2Melt butter in a bowl, then mix in minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper.
- 3Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over slices of bread.
- 4Place the bread on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- 5Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, about 10-12 minutes.
- 6Optional: Sprinkle cheese on top and return to oven until melted, about 2-3 minutes.
Ingredient Alternatives
butter
Healthier: olive oil
Cheaper: margarine
Olive oil is healthier and adds a distinct flavor.
fresh garlic
Healthier: garlic powder
Cheaper: dehydrated garlic
Garlic powder is easier to use and store.
parsley
Healthier: basil
Cheaper: spinach
Basil provides a similar fresh flavor.
cheese
Healthier: nutritional yeast
Cheaper: none
Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor without dairy.
Techniques
Equipment
Also Known As
Fettuccine has its roots in Italy, particularly in the Lazio region. Traditionally, it was a staple of Roman cuisine, often served with rich sauces. The dish is celebrated for its creamy texture and simple yet flavorful ingredients. Today, fettuccine is enjoyed worldwide, often paired with various sauces, from Alfredo to marinara, showcasing its versatility in modern cooking.
Ingredients
- ●fettuccine pasta
- ●olive oil
- ●garlic
- ●heavy cream
- ●parmesan cheese
- ●black pepper
- ●salt
- ●fresh parsley
Instructions
- 1Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- 2Add fettuccine pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
- 3While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- 4Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- 5Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
- 6Add grated parmesan cheese to the cream mixture and stir until melted and smooth.
- 7Season the sauce with black pepper and salt to taste.
- 8Once the pasta is cooked, reserve some pasta water and drain the rest.
- 9Add the drained fettuccine to the skillet with the sauce.
- 10Toss the pasta in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed for consistency.
- 11Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Also Known As
Homemade chicken broth is a staple in American kitchens, often made from leftover roast chicken or purchased whole chickens. It serves as a foundational ingredient for soups, sauces, and risottos, embodying the concept of 'waste not, want not.' The process of simmering chicken with vegetables extracts deep flavors and nutrients, creating a comforting broth that is cherished in many households. Today, variations exist globally, with different herbs and spices reflecting regional tastes.
Ingredients
- ●whole chicken
- ●water
- ●carrots
- ●celery
- ●onions
- ●garlic
- ●bay leaves
- ●thyme
- ●peppercorns
- ●parsley
- ●salt
- ●lemon juice
Instructions
- 1Place the whole chicken in a large pot.
- 2Add enough water to cover the chicken completely.
- 3Chop the carrots, celery, and onions into large pieces and add to the pot.
- 4Smash the garlic cloves and add them to the pot.
- 5Add bay leaves, thyme, and peppercorns to the pot.
- 6Bring the pot to a boil over high heat.
- 7Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 4-6 hours.
- 8Skim off any foam that rises to the surface during simmering.
- 9After simmering, remove the chicken and set aside to cool.
- 10Strain the broth through a fine mesh sieve into another pot or large bowl.
- 11Add salt and lemon juice to taste, adjusting as necessary.
- 12Let the broth cool before storing in containers.
- 13Refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.
Ingredient Alternatives
whole chicken
Healthier: skinless chicken parts
Cheaper: chicken backs
Chicken backs are often less expensive and still provide flavor.
carrots
Healthier: parsnips
Cheaper: frozen carrots
Frozen carrots can be more affordable and save prep time.
celery
Healthier: fennel
Cheaper: celery hearts
Celery hearts can be a cheaper option with similar flavor.
bay leaves
Cheaper: dried thyme
Dried thyme can add flavor, though it changes the broth's profile.
Techniques
Equipment
Also Known As