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5 Cheap Comfort Food Dinners (That still taste amazing!)

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Eating on a Dime
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Broccoli cheese soup is a popular American comfort food, often served in restaurants and homes alike. It combines the nutritious benefits of broccoli with the rich, creamy texture of cheese, making it a favorite during colder months. This dish is versatile and can be enjoyed as a main course or a hearty side, appealing to both adults and children.

Ingredients

  • broccoli
  • cheddar cheese
  • onion
  • garlic
  • vegetable broth
  • heavy cream
  • butter
  • salt
  • pepper

Instructions

  1. 1Chop broccoli into small florets.
  2. 2Dice onion and mince garlic.
  3. 3In a pot, melt butter over medium heat and sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
  4. 4Add broccoli and vegetable broth; bring to a boil.
  5. 5Reduce heat and simmer until broccoli is tender.
  6. 6Blend the mixture until smooth, then return to pot.
  7. 7Stir in heavy cream and cheddar cheese until melted; season with salt and pepper.

Ingredient Alternatives

heavy cream

Healthier: coconut milk

Cheaper: milk

Coconut milk is lower in calories and adds a unique flavor, while milk is more budget-friendly.

cheddar cheese

Healthier: nutritional yeast

Cheaper: processed cheese

Nutritional yeast is lower in fat and adds a cheesy flavor, while processed cheese is often cheaper.

Techniques

sautéingblendingsimmering

Equipment

potblenderknifecutting board
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowdairy

Also Known As

Cheesy Broccoli SoupCreamy Broccoli Soup

Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie is a comforting dish that combines the classic flavors of chicken pot pie with the convenience of slow cooking, making it a popular choice for family dinners.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 package (1 lb) refrigerated pie crusts

Instructions

  1. 1Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crock pot.
  2. 2Add the frozen mixed vegetables on top of the chicken.
  3. 3In a separate bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and thyme.
  4. 4Pour the soup mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the crock pot.
  5. 5Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is cooked through.
  6. 6Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks and stir everything together in the crock pot.
  7. 7Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  8. 8Roll out the pie crusts and place one in a pie dish.
  9. 9Pour the chicken mixture into the pie crust.
  10. 10Cover with the second pie crust, seal the edges, and cut slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
  11. 11Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.

Equipment

crock potmixing bowlpie dishoven

Pizza Pasta Casserole combines the beloved flavors of pizza with the comforting texture of pasta, making it a popular dish in American households. This casserole is often served at family gatherings and potlucks, where its hearty nature and crowd-pleasing ingredients shine. The dish has evolved with various toppings and sauces, reflecting regional preferences and personal tastes, making it a versatile favorite.

Ingredients

  • pasta
  • ground beef
  • pepperoni
  • pizza sauce
  • mozzarella cheese
  • bell peppers
  • onion
  • garlic
  • Italian seasoning
  • black olives
  • Parmesan cheese
  • salt
  • black pepper
  • red pepper flakes
  • fresh basil

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. 2Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
  3. 3In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked; drain excess fat.
  4. 4Add chopped onion, bell peppers, and minced garlic to the skillet; sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
  5. 5Stir in pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes; mix well.
  6. 6Combine cooked pasta with the meat sauce mixture in a large bowl; stir until evenly coated.
  7. 7Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish; spread evenly.
  8. 8Top with mozzarella cheese, pepperoni slices, and black olives.
  9. 9Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top.
  10. 10Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  11. 11Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
  12. 12Let cool for 5 minutes before serving; garnish with fresh basil.

Ingredient Alternatives

mozzarella cheese

Healthier: part-skim mozzarella

Cheaper: cheddar cheese

Part-skim mozzarella reduces fat while still melting well.

ground beef

Healthier: ground turkey

Cheaper: ground pork

Ground turkey is leaner, while ground pork is often less expensive.

pizza sauce

Healthier: homemade tomato sauce

Cheaper: canned tomato sauce

Homemade sauce can be healthier with less sugar.

Parmesan cheese

Healthier: nutritional yeast

Cheaper: grated Romano cheese

Nutritional yeast is a dairy-free option, while Romano is often less expensive.

Techniques

sautéingbaking

Equipment

large skilletbaking dishpotcolandermixing bowl
🌶️🌶️🌶️Mediummilkwheat

Also Known As

Pizza Pasta BakePasta Pizza Casserole

Ingredients

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 8 oz penne pasta
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. 1Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and bell pepper, sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
  2. 2Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
  3. 3In a crock pot, combine the sautéed vegetables, chicken breasts, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, heavy cream, Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
  4. 4Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
  5. 5Remove the chicken from the crock pot and shred it using two forks.
  6. 6Return the shredded chicken to the crock pot and stir in the uncooked penne pasta.
  7. 7Cover and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente.
  8. 8Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
  9. 9Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.

Equipment

crock potskilletmeasuring cupsmeasuring spoonscutting boardknife
🌶️🌶️🌶️Low

Ingredients

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 cup onion, chopped
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 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 chopped onion and ground beef to the skillet. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. 3Stir in garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
  4. 4Add the elbow macaroni, beef broth, and milk to the skillet. Stir to combine.
  5. 5Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender.
  6. 6Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
  7. 7If the mixture is too thick, add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency.
  8. 8Serve hot and enjoy your cheeseburger macaroni!

Equipment

large skilletmeasuring cupsmeasuring spoonsspatula

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