Budget Meal Prep That Doesn't Taste Cheap | Beef Roll-Ups, Soups & More
Recipes in this Video
Sausage & Tortellini Soup hails from the rich culinary traditions of Italy, where hearty soups are a staple, especially in colder months. This dish combines the robust flavors of Italian sausage with the comforting texture of tortellini, often enjoyed as a family meal. In modern times, it has gained popularity beyond Italy, with variations appearing in homes and restaurants worldwide, showcasing the versatility of Italian cuisine.
Ingredients
- ●Italian sausage
- ●tortellini
- ●chicken broth
- ●carrots
- ●celery
- ●onion
- ●garlic
- ●spinach
- ●Parmesan cheese
- ●olive oil
- ●bay leaves
- ●thyme
- ●black pepper
- ●red pepper flakes
- ●parsley
Instructions
- 1Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering.
- 2Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery; sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 3Stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes; cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- 4Add Italian sausage; cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 5-6 minutes.
- 5Pour in chicken broth and add bay leaves and thyme; bring to a boil.
- 6Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes to blend flavors.
- 7Add tortellini and cook according to package instructions, usually 3-5 minutes.
- 8Stir in spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
- 9Remove bay leaves; season with black pepper to taste.
- 10Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan and chopped parsley.
Ingredient Alternatives
Italian sausage
Healthier: turkey sausage
Cheaper: pork sausage
Turkey sausage reduces fat while still providing flavor.
chicken broth
Healthier: vegetable broth
Cheaper: water + bouillon
Vegetable broth is a lower-calorie option.
Parmesan cheese
Healthier: Nutritional yeast
Cheaper: grated Pecorino
Nutritional yeast is dairy-free and adds a cheesy flavor.
tortellini
Healthier: whole wheat tortellini
Cheaper: pasta shapes
Whole wheat adds fiber; other pasta shapes are often less expensive.
Techniques
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Also Known As
Chili is a staple dish in American cuisine, particularly associated with Tex-Mex and Southwestern cooking. It has roots in the early 20th century and is often served at gatherings, competitions, and as comfort food. Variations abound, with some regions favoring beans while others do not, leading to spirited debates about the 'true' chili recipe.
Ingredients
- ●ground beef
- ●kidney beans
- ●black beans
- ●tomato sauce
- ●onion
- ●garlic
- ●chili powder
- ●cumin
- ●salt
- ●pepper
Instructions
- 1Brown the ground beef in a large pot over medium heat.
- 2Add chopped onions and minced garlic; sauté until softened.
- 3Stir in chili powder and cumin; cook for a minute to release flavors.
- 4Add tomato sauce, kidney beans, and black beans; mix well.
- 5Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- 6Bring to a simmer and cook for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Ingredient Alternatives
ground beef
Healthier: ground turkey
Cheaper: ground pork
Ground turkey is lower in fat, while ground pork is often cheaper.
kidney beans
Healthier: black beans
Cheaper: pinto beans
Black beans are more nutritious, while pinto beans are usually less expensive.
Techniques
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Also Known As
Originating from the Lorraine region of France, Quiche is a savory custard pie that traditionally features eggs and cream. It was originally a simple dish made by local farmers, but has evolved into a beloved staple in French cuisine, often served at brunch or as a light meal. Today, variations abound globally, with fillings ranging from vegetables to seafood, making it a versatile dish enjoyed in many cultures.
Ingredients
- ●pie crust
- ●eggs
- ●heavy cream
- ●milk
- ●cheese
- ●bacon
- ●spinach
- ●onion
- ●mushrooms
- ●salt
- ●black pepper
- ●nutmeg
- ●herbs
Instructions
- 1Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- 2Roll out the pie crust and fit it into a tart pan.
- 3Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork and bake until lightly golden, about 10 minutes.
- 4In a skillet, cook bacon until crispy; remove and drain on paper towels.
- 5Sauté onions and mushrooms in the same skillet until softened, about 5 minutes.
- 6In a bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, and milk until well combined.
- 7Stir in cheese, cooked bacon, sautéed vegetables, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
- 8Pour the filling into the pre-baked pie crust.
- 9Bake in the preheated oven until set and lightly browned, about 30-35 minutes.
- 10Let cool for a few minutes before slicing.
- 11Serve warm or at room temperature.
Ingredient Alternatives
heavy cream
Healthier: Greek yogurt
Cheaper: milk + cornstarch
Greek yogurt reduces calories while maintaining creaminess
bacon
Healthier: turkey bacon
Cheaper: ham
Turkey bacon is lower in fat and calories.
cheese
Healthier: nutritional yeast
Cheaper: processed cheese
Nutritional yeast offers a cheesy flavor with fewer calories.
pie crust
Healthier: whole wheat crust
Cheaper: store-bought crust
Whole wheat crust adds fiber and nutrients.
Techniques
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Also Known As
Ingredients
- ●1 lb ground beef
- ●1 packet taco seasoning
- ●1 cup salsa
- ●2 cups tortilla chips
- ●1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ●1 cup sour cream
- ●1/2 cup chopped green onions
- ●1/2 cup black olives, sliced
Instructions
- 1Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- 2In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
- 3Add the taco seasoning and salsa to the beef, stirring to combine. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- 4In a greased baking dish, layer half of the tortilla chips on the bottom.
- 5Spread half of the beef mixture over the chips, followed by half of the cheddar cheese.
- 6Repeat the layers with the remaining chips, beef mixture, and cheese.
- 7Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- 8Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes.
- 9Top with sour cream, green onions, and black olives before serving.
Equipment
Roasted cauliflower soup has become a favorite in modern American cuisine, celebrated for its creamy texture and rich flavor. This dish highlights the versatility of cauliflower, transforming it into a comforting soup that is both nutritious and satisfying. It's often enjoyed as a starter or a light meal and can be easily adapted with various herbs and spices, making it a popular choice for health-conscious diners.
Ingredients
- ●cauliflower
- ●onion
- ●garlic
- ●vegetable broth
- ●heavy cream
- ●olive oil
- ●salt
- ●black pepper
- ●nutmeg
- ●chives
- ●lemon juice
- ●parsley
- ●bay leaves
- ●thyme
- ●cayenne pepper
Instructions
- 1Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- 2Cut the cauliflower into florets and place on a baking sheet.
- 3Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and black pepper, and toss to coat.
- 4Roast the cauliflower for 25-30 minutes until golden and tender, stirring halfway through.
- 5In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté chopped onion until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- 6Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 7Add the roasted cauliflower to the pot along with vegetable broth, bay leaves, and thyme.
- 8Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- 9Remove bay leaves and thyme stems, then blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender or a stand blender.
- 10Stir in heavy cream and nutmeg, and season to taste with salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- 11Heat through gently without boiling, then add lemon juice to brighten the flavor.
- 12Serve hot, garnished with chopped chives and parsley.
Ingredient Alternatives
heavy cream
Healthier: coconut milk
Cheaper: milk
Coconut milk adds creaminess with fewer calories.
vegetable broth
Healthier: homemade vegetable broth
Cheaper: water + bouillon
Homemade broth can be lower in sodium and cost.
Techniques
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