Cheap & Easy BUDGET Lunches | Simple Budget Friendly Lunch Ideas
Recipes in this Video
Taco salad is a popular dish in the United States, often served at casual gatherings and parties. It combines elements of traditional Mexican cuisine with American flavors, making it a versatile and appealing option for many. The dish allows for customization based on personal preferences and dietary restrictions, contributing to its widespread popularity.
Ingredients
- ●taco shells
- ●ground beef
- ●lettuce
- ●tomatoes
- ●cheddar cheese
- ●sour cream
- ●salsa
- ●avocado
Instructions
- 1Prepare taco shells according to package instructions.
- 2Cook ground beef in a skillet until browned, seasoning as desired.
- 3Chop lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado into bite-sized pieces.
- 4In a large bowl, layer lettuce, cooked beef, tomatoes, and cheese.
- 5Top with salsa and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
- 6Serve immediately in taco shells or as a bowl.
Ingredient Alternatives
ground beef
Healthier: ground turkey
Cheaper: ground pork
Ground turkey is lower in fat, while ground pork is often less expensive.
sour cream
Healthier: Greek yogurt
Cheaper: plain yogurt
Greek yogurt is higher in protein and lower in fat.
cheddar cheese
Healthier: reduced-fat cheese
Cheaper: processed cheese
Reduced-fat cheese has fewer calories, while processed cheese can be more affordable.
Techniques
Equipment
Also Known As
Chicken wraps have become a popular dish around the world, originating from various cultures that embraced the idea of wrapping flavorful fillings in flatbreads. They are often associated with convenience and portability, making them a favorite for lunches and casual meals. Today, variations abound, with different proteins, sauces, and vegetables reflecting local tastes and dietary preferences.
Ingredients
- ●chicken breast
- ●tortillas
- ●lettuce
- ●tomatoes
- ●cucumber
- ●red onion
- ●cheddar cheese
- ●avocado
- ●sour cream
- ●hot sauce
- ●olive oil
- ●salt
- ●black pepper
- ●garlic powder
- ●paprika
Instructions
- 1Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
- 2Season chicken breast with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- 3Add chicken to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
- 4Remove chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- 5While the chicken rests, prepare the vegetables: chop lettuce, dice tomatoes, slice cucumber, and thinly slice red onion.
- 6Grate the cheddar cheese and slice the avocado.
- 7Warm tortillas in a dry skillet over low heat for about 1 minute on each side.
- 8Spread sour cream on each tortilla and drizzle with hot sauce to taste.
- 9Layer lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, cheese, and avocado on each tortilla.
- 10Top with sliced chicken and additional hot sauce if desired.
- 11Fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling and roll tightly from the bottom up.
- 12Cut each wrap in half diagonally and serve immediately.
Ingredients
- ●4 English muffins
- ●8 slices of ham
- ●4 slices of cheese (cheddar or Swiss)
- ●2 tbsp butter
- ●1/2 tsp garlic powder
- ●1/2 tsp black pepper
- ●1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- 1Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- 2Split the English muffins in half and place them on a baking sheet, cut side up.
- 3Spread butter evenly on each half of the English muffins.
- 4Sprinkle garlic powder, black pepper, and salt over the buttered muffins.
- 5Layer 2 slices of ham on each muffin half.
- 6Top each with a slice of cheese.
- 7Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- 8Remove from the oven and let cool for a minute before serving.
Equipment
Burrito bowls originated in the United States as a convenient way to enjoy the flavors of burritos without the tortilla. They celebrate the vibrant ingredients of Mexican cuisine, allowing for customization and creativity. Popular in fast-casual dining, burrito bowls have gained worldwide popularity, often adapted to local tastes and dietary preferences.
Ingredients
- ●rice
- ●black beans
- ●grilled chicken
- ●bell peppers
- ●onion
- ●corn
- ●avocado
- ●sour cream
- ●cheddar cheese
- ●cilantro
- ●lime
- ●jalapeños
- ●salsa
- ●taco seasoning
- ●olive oil
Instructions
- 1Cook rice according to package instructions until tender.
- 2Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- 3Sauté chopped onion and bell peppers until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 4Add grilled chicken and taco seasoning to the skillet; cook until heated through, about 3-4 minutes.
- 5In a bowl, layer cooked rice as the base.
- 6Add black beans and corn on top of the rice.
- 7Spoon the sautéed chicken and vegetables over the beans and corn.
- 8Top with diced avocado and a dollop of sour cream.
- 9Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese and fresh cilantro.
- 10Drizzle with lime juice and add sliced jalapeños if desired.
- 11Serve with salsa on the side.
Ingredient Alternatives
sour cream
Healthier: Greek yogurt
Cheaper: creme fraiche
Greek yogurt lowers fat while adding creaminess.
grilled chicken
Healthier: tofu
Cheaper: canned beans
Tofu is plant-based and lower in calories.
cheddar cheese
Healthier: nutritional yeast
Cheaper: processed cheese
Nutritional yeast is lower in fat and adds umami.
taco seasoning
Healthier: homemade spice blend
Cheaper: individual spices
Homemade blends can be tailored to taste.
Techniques
Equipment
Also Known As