Question

What are some good meals I can make that are cheap, simple, and easy to prepare? I work pretty and want some good foods involving pasta, potatoes, beef/chicken, etc. even crock pot dishes.

Answer 1

Absolutely! Here are some budget-friendly, simple, and easy-to-prepare meals that include pasta, potatoes, beef/chicken, and crock pot dishes:

1. Spaghetti with Marinara Sauce:

• Cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
• Meanwhile, sauté diced onions and minced garlic in olive oil until softened.
• Add canned crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 15 minutes.
• Serve the marinara sauce over the cooked spaghetti and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.

2. Baked Potatoes with Chili:

• Bake potatoes in the oven until tender.
• In a separate pot, cook ground beef with diced onions until browned. Add canned chili beans, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Simmer for a few minutes.
• Slice open the baked potatoes and spoon the chili mixture over them. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and enjoy.

3. Chicken Stir-Fry with Vegetables:

• Cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
• In a hot pan or wok, stir-fry the chicken with sliced bell peppers, broccoli florets, and sliced carrots.
• Add soy sauce, garlic powder, ginger, and a pinch of sugar for seasoning.
• Serve the stir-fry over cooked rice or noodles.

4. Beef and Vegetable Stew (Crock Pot):

• Cut beef stew meat into cubes and sear in a hot pan with oil until browned.
• Transfer the beef to the crock pot and add chopped potatoes, carrots, and onions.
• Mix in beef broth, tomato paste, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
• Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.

5. Pasta Alfredo with Chicken:

• Cook fettuccine pasta according to package instructions.
• In a saucepan, melt butter and add minced garlic. Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until it thickens.
• Add cooked, diced chicken to the sauce and season with salt and pepper.
• Toss the sauce with the cooked pasta, and garnish with chopped parsley.

6. Potato and Chicken Casserole:

• Cut potatoes into thin slices and layer them in a greased baking dish.
• Season with salt, pepper, and dried thyme.
• Place boneless, skinless chicken thighs on top of the potatoes.
• Mix together cream of chicken soup and milk, then pour it over the chicken.
• Bake in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 40-45 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are tender.

These meals should give you a good mix of flavors and ingredients while staying within your budget and time constraints. Enjoy your delicious and affordable home-cooked meals!