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Make 5 EASY Dinners for $25! | Tasty Budget Meals & Walmart Grocery Haul | Julia Pacheco

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Julia Pacheco
Julia Pacheco
167 recipes on Enhanced Recipes
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This budget-friendly dinner reflects the American tradition of making meals accessible and satisfying. With roots in home cooking, it emphasizes using affordable ingredients to create hearty, nutritious dishes. Today, many families adapt these recipes to fit their tastes while keeping costs low, making it a staple in American households.

Ingredients

  • chicken thighs
  • rice
  • broccoli
  • olive oil
  • garlic
  • soy sauce
  • black pepper
  • salt
  • onion
  • carrots
  • bell pepper
  • cumin
  • paprika
  • chicken broth
  • parsley

Instructions

  1. 1Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
  2. 2Add chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
  3. 3Add diced chicken thighs to the skillet; cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. 4Stir in diced carrots and bell pepper; cook for another 3-4 minutes until softened.
  5. 5Add uncooked rice and stir to combine with the chicken and vegetables.
  6. 6Pour in chicken broth and soy sauce; season with cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  7. 7Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low; cover and simmer for 18-20 minutes until rice is cooked.
  8. 8Meanwhile, steam broccoli until bright green and tender, about 5-7 minutes.
  9. 9Fluff the rice mixture with a fork; stir in chopped parsley before serving.
  10. 10Serve the chicken and rice mixture alongside steamed broccoli.

Ingredient Alternatives

chicken thighs

Healthier: skinless chicken breast

Cheaper: chicken drumsticks

Drumsticks are often cheaper and still flavorful.

olive oil

Healthier: avocado oil

Cheaper: vegetable oil

Vegetable oil is less expensive and works well for cooking.

chicken broth

Healthier: homemade broth

Cheaper: water with seasoning

Using seasoned water can save costs while still adding flavor.

rice

Healthier: quinoa

Cheaper: bulk rice

Buying rice in bulk can reduce overall cost.

Techniques

sautéingsteamingbaking

Equipment

large skilletsteamercutting boardknifemeasuring cupsspatula
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowsoygluten

Also Known As

Affordable MealCheap DinnerInexpensive Dinner

Ingredients

  • 8 chicken drumsticks
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp butter

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. 2In a large bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  3. 3Add the chicken drumsticks to the bowl and toss until they are well coated with the seasoning mixture.
  4. 4Place the drumsticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  5. 5Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is crispy.
  6. 6While the chicken is baking, prepare the gravy. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
  7. 7Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
  8. 8Gradually add the chicken broth while whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
  9. 9Bring the gravy to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  10. 10Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving with the gravy.

Equipment

baking sheetmixing bowlsaucepanwhisk

Ingredients

  • 2 cups glutinous rice
  • 2 1/2 cups water
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp coconut milk (optional)

Instructions

  1. 1Rinse the glutinous rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
  2. 2Soak the rinsed rice in water for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
  3. 3Drain the soaked rice and place it in the Instant Pot.
  4. 4Add 2 1/2 cups of water and 1/4 tsp of salt to the rice in the Instant Pot.
  5. 5Close the lid and set the valve to sealing position.
  6. 6Select the 'Manual' or 'Pressure Cook' setting and set the timer for 12 minutes on high pressure.
  7. 7Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully quick release any remaining pressure.
  8. 8Open the lid and fluff the rice with a fork. If desired, stir in 1 tbsp of coconut milk for added flavor.
  9. 9Serve warm as a side dish or dessert.

Equipment

Instant PotMeasuring cupsMeasuring spoonsColanderFork

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Italian sausage, sliced
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 cup long-grain rice
  • 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. 1In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  2. 2Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. 3Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
  4. 4In the same skillet, add the diced onion and minced garlic, sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. 5Stir in the rice and cook for 1-2 minutes until slightly toasted.
  6. 6Add the chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
  7. 7Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
  8. 8After 15 minutes, add the broccoli florets on top of the rice, cover, and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the broccoli is tender and the rice is cooked through.
  9. 9Return the sausage to the skillet, stir to combine, and heat through for 2-3 minutes.
  10. 10Serve warm.

Equipment

large skilletmeasuring cupsmeasuring spoonsspatula

Ingredients

  • 4 medium potatoes, diced
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 cup corn, drained
  • 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup shredded cheese
  • 1/2 cup chopped green onions
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. 1Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. 2Add diced potatoes and cook until they are golden brown and tender, about 10-15 minutes.
  3. 3Push the potatoes to one side of the skillet and add ground beef to the other side.
  4. 4Cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. 5Stir in the taco seasoning, corn, black beans, and diced tomatoes with the beef.
  6. 6Mix everything together and cook for an additional 5 minutes until heated through.
  7. 7Sprinkle shredded cheese on top and cover the skillet until the cheese melts, about 2-3 minutes.
  8. 8Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions.
  9. 9Serve hot and enjoy your Taco Potato Skillet!

Equipment

large skilletspatulaknifecutting board
🌶️🌶️🌶️Low

Originating from the vibrant kitchens of Mexico, One Pot Mexican Chicken & Rice is a comforting dish that combines the hearty flavors of chicken with the aromatic spices of the region. Traditionally enjoyed in family gatherings, it symbolizes the essence of communal dining. Today, this dish has found its way into homes worldwide, celebrated for its simplicity and rich flavors that evoke a sense of warmth and togetherness.

Ingredients

  • chicken thighs
  • long-grain rice
  • onion
  • garlic
  • bell pepper
  • tomato
  • chicken broth
  • black beans
  • corn
  • cumin
  • chili powder
  • lime
  • cilantro
  • olive oil
  • salt
  • black pepper

Instructions

  1. 1Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering.
  2. 2Add chopped onion and bell pepper; sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. 3Stir in minced garlic and spices; cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  4. 4Add chicken thighs, browning on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side.
  5. 5Pour in rice, stirring to coat with oil and spices for 1-2 minutes.
  6. 6Add diced tomatoes, chicken broth, black beans, and corn; bring to a boil.
  7. 7Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until rice is tender, about 20 minutes.
  8. 8Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes.
  9. 9Fluff rice with a fork; add lime juice and chopped cilantro.
  10. 10Serve warm, garnished with additional cilantro if desired.

Ingredient Alternatives

chicken thighs

Healthier: chicken breast

Cheaper: bone-in chicken

Chicken breast is leaner, while bone-in chicken is often less expensive.

long-grain rice

Healthier: brown rice

Cheaper: white rice

Brown rice is more nutritious, while white rice is typically cheaper.

black beans

Healthier: pinto beans

Cheaper: canned beans

Pinto beans are a healthy alternative, and canned beans save time.

olive oil

Healthier: avocado oil

Cheaper: vegetable oil

Avocado oil is healthier, while vegetable oil is often less expensive.

Techniques

sautéingboiling

Equipment

large potwooden spoonmeasuring cupsknifecutting board
🌶️🌶️🌶️Medium

Also Known As

Mexican Chicken RiceArroz con Pollo Mexicano

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 2 packs ramen noodles
  • 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, broccoli)
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ginger, minced
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. 1Cook the ramen noodles according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
  2. 2In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
  3. 3Add the minced garlic and ginger, sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. 4Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. 5Stir in the mixed vegetables and cook for another 3-4 minutes until they are tender.
  6. 6Add the cooked ramen noodles to the skillet, followed by the soy sauce, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
  7. 7Toss everything together until well combined and heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
  8. 8Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  9. 9Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
  10. 10Serve hot.

Equipment

large skilletspatulapot for boiling noodlesmeasuring spoonscutting boardknife
🌶️🌶️🌶️Low

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