Enhanced Recipesculinary collection
Home
CoursesView CuisinesWhat Can I Make?My Kitchen

Struggle Meals That Don’t Feel Like Struggle Meals | Budget Dinner Ideas

Login to Save
6.4K views👍 670
Uniquely Tish
Uniquely Tish
6 recipes on Enhanced Recipes
Follow Uniquely Tish to prioritize their recipes in your meal plans, pantry matches, and suggestions

Recipes in this Video

3 recipes

Baked Ziti is a beloved dish in Italian-American cuisine, often served at family gatherings and celebrations. Its roots can be traced back to Southern Italy, where pasta dishes are a staple. This comforting casserole showcases the harmony of pasta, cheese, and tomato sauce, making it a favorite for potlucks and weeknight dinners alike. Today, variations abound, with some adding vegetables or different meats, reflecting personal tastes and regional influences.

Ingredients

  • ziti pasta
  • marinara sauce
  • ricotta cheese
  • mozzarella cheese
  • Parmesan cheese
  • ground beef
  • onion
  • garlic
  • olive oil
  • basil
  • oregano
  • salt
  • black pepper
  • egg
  • fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. 2Cook ziti pasta in boiling salted water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
  3. 3Drain the pasta and set aside.
  4. 4Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, add chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. 5Add ground beef to the skillet, cooking until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
  6. 6Stir in marinara sauce, basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper; simmer for 5 minutes.
  7. 7In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, parsley, and a pinch of salt until combined.
  8. 8In a baking dish, layer half of the cooked ziti, followed by half of the meat sauce, and half of the ricotta mixture.
  9. 9Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese on top, then repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
  10. 10Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  11. 11Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  12. 12Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Ingredient Alternatives

ricotta cheese

Healthier: cottage cheese

Cheaper: cream cheese

Cottage cheese is lower in fat and provides a similar texture.

ground beef

Healthier: ground turkey

Cheaper: ground pork

Ground turkey is leaner, while ground pork can be less expensive.

mozzarella cheese

Healthier: part-skim mozzarella

Cheaper: provolone cheese

Part-skim mozzarella reduces calories while provolone can be more affordable.

Parmesan cheese

Healthier: nutritional yeast

Cheaper: grated Pecorino Romano

Nutritional yeast is dairy-free and adds a cheesy flavor.

Techniques

boilingsautéingbaking

Equipment

large potskilletbaking dishmixing bowlmeasuring cupsspatula
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowdairygluten

Also Known As

Ziti al FornoBaked Pasta
veganvegetarianplant-basedgluten-freenut-freesoy-free

Lentil soup is a staple in Italian cuisine, often enjoyed during colder months. It is a hearty dish that reflects the agricultural traditions of Italy, where lentils are cultivated. This soup is not only nutritious but also symbolizes prosperity and good luck, especially when served on New Year's Day. Variations exist across regions, showcasing local ingredients and flavors.

Ingredients

  • lentils
  • carrots
  • celery
  • onion
  • garlic
  • vegetable broth
  • olive oil
  • bay leaves
  • salt
  • pepper

Instructions

  1. 1Rinse the lentils under cold water and set aside.
  2. 2In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  3. 3Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery; sauté until softened.
  4. 4Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
  5. 5Add the lentils, vegetable broth, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
  6. 6Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until lentils are tender.
  7. 7Remove bay leaves before serving.

Ingredient Alternatives

lentils

Healthier: green lentils

Cheaper: split peas

Split peas are often less expensive and cook faster.

olive oil

Healthier: avocado oil

Cheaper: canola oil

Canola oil is a budget-friendly alternative.

Techniques

sautéingboiling

Equipment

large potcutting boardknifemeasuring cups
🌶️🌶️🌶️Low

Also Known As

Zuppa di Lenticchie

Red Beans and Rice is a traditional dish from Louisiana, particularly associated with Creole and Cajun cuisine. It is often prepared on Mondays, using leftover meat from the weekend. The dish reflects the resourcefulness of the region's cooking, utilizing inexpensive ingredients to create a hearty meal. Its popularity has spread beyond Louisiana, becoming a staple in Southern cooking.

Ingredients

  • red beans
  • rice
  • onion
  • bell pepper
  • celery
  • garlic
  • sausage
  • bay leaves
  • thyme
  • cayenne pepper
  • salt
  • black pepper
  • water

Instructions

  1. 1Soak the red beans overnight in water.
  2. 2In a large pot, sauté chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery until soft.
  3. 3Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
  4. 4Stir in the soaked beans, water, bay leaves, thyme, and sausage.
  5. 5Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 1.5 hours until beans are tender.
  6. 6Season with cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to taste.
  7. 7Serve over cooked rice.

Ingredient Alternatives

sausage

Healthier: turkey sausage

Cheaper: smoked sausage

Turkey sausage is lower in fat, while smoked sausage can be more budget-friendly.

white rice

Healthier: brown rice

Cheaper: white rice

Brown rice is more nutritious and has a lower glycemic index.

Techniques

sautéingsimmering

Equipment

large potcutting boardknifemeasuring cupsstirring spoon
🌶️🌶️🌶️Medium

Also Known As

Red Beans and Rice with SausageLouisiana Red Beans and Rice

More Baked Ziti Videos

(24 videos)

Similar Italian-American Videos

(24 videos)

Similar Dishes From Other Cuisines

(23 videos)