If you need easy dinner recipes your family will love, you have come to the right place! These dinner recipes are all super tasty. You can make most of them with only around 5 minutes’ prep time!
Why spend a fortune eating out when you can make delicious meals faster and a LOT cheaper than eating out?! If you don’t have a lot of experience cooking or if you’re not confident in your cooking skills, you will love these dinner recipes!
It’s easy to imagine making dinner to be a difficult chore, but it doesn’t have to be! Grandma knew how to make delicious meals everyone loved and how to make them easy. We have included our best easy dinner recipes to satisfy your hungry family!
Here are some examples of the easy dinner recipes you might choose!
This easy pan fried lemon chicken recipe is a quick and easy chicken dinner recipe! I love quick and easy chicken dinner recipes and this one is no exception! Breaded and pan fried chicken with bell peppers over pasta makes a delicious meal you can make for less than $5! You can find this recipe in our Dining On A Dime Cookbook, Volume 1.
This Easy Pan-Fried Lemon Chicken recipe is the perfect quick and budget-friendly dinner! Tender, breaded chicken strips are pan-fried to golden perfection, then paired with sautéed bell peppers and tossed over pasta. A simple, zesty lemon-broth sauce ties everything together for a fresh, flavorful meal—all for under $5! Whether you need a fast weeknight dinner or a satisfying meal without breaking the bank, this dish delivers big taste with minimal effort.
Author:Tawra
Yield:2 servings
Ingredients
2 bell peppers, chopped 1 whole chicken breast, boneless and skinless 1 Tbsp. flour 1/2 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. pepper 2 tsp. olive oil 1/3 cup chicken broth 2 Tbsp. lemon juice 1 Tbsp. parsley, chopped 2 cups pasta, cooked
Instructions
In a skillet, sauté bell peppers over medium heat in a small amount of oil.
Cut chicken into strips.
Mix flour, salt and pepper in a bowl.
Coat chicken with flour mixture.
Remove peppers from the skillet.
Heat oil in the skillet, still on medium heat.
Add chicken and cook 6-8 minutes, until brown.
Add peppers and warm.
Put the pasta on a serving dish.
Place chicken and peppers on the pasta.
Add chicken broth and lemon juice to the skillet.
Stir over medium heat 2-3 minutes.
Scrape the brown bits on the bottom of the pan and cook until reduced.
Stir in parsley.
Pour over chicken.
Notes
This recipe serves 2, but you can easily double it and still have dinner for under 5 dollars!
This easy pan fried lemon chicken recipe is from our Dining On A Dime Cookbook, Volume 1:
This delicious saucy Italian sausage recipe is an easy, dump-and-go crockpot meal that’s hearty, comforting, and perfect for busy nights! Just toss everything in and let your slow cooker do the work! Plus, we’ve included a fresh and tasty homemade Greek salad recipe to round out the meal.
Easy Saucy Italian Link Sausages Crockpot Recipe
These Saucy Italian Link Sausages are the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it dinner! Loaded with tender Italian sausage links, colorful bell peppers, sweet onions, and bold garlic, everything simmers in a rich marinara sauce for hours in the slow cooker—no fuss, all flavor. Brown the sausage first to cut the grease, toss everything in the crockpot, and let it work its magic.
Serve these saucy sausages over pasta, piled on hoagie rolls, or spooned onto fluffy rice for a hearty, comforting meal. Want to kick it up a notch? Sauté the veggies beforehand or toss them in during the last hour if you like a little crunch. Don’t forget a sprinkle of Parmesan, Romano, or gooey Mozzarella on top before serving!
8 (4 oz.) links fresh Italian sausage 26 oz. Marinara sauce 1-2 green, red or yellow bell peppers, seeded and sliced into strips 1 onion, sliced 2 cloves of garlic
Instructions
Brown sausage to avoid a lot of grease in this dish.
Place everything in a crockpot; Stir to coat everything in sauce.
Cover, and cook on low for 6 hours.
Serve on pasta, hoagie rolls, or over rice.
To Serve: Sprinkle with Parmesan, Romano or Mozzarella cheese.
Notes
You can sauté the veggies in olive oil if you want. If you prefer the veggies more crisp, you can add them in the last hour of cooking.
This meal plan comes from our Easy Crockpot Recipes and Menus e-book. Make a little extra and you’ll get two meals in one! Serve it over rice or noodles one night, then pile the leftovers onto hoagie rolls or crusty Italian buns the next. For even faster prep, toss in frozen green and red peppers.
Meal Plan:
Saucy Italian Link Sausages Noodles/Pasta Greek Salad Orange Sherbet
Looking for a quick and easy dinner idea? In this post, I’m sharing two of our favorite garlic chicken recipes that are simple, delicious, and guaranteed to impress your family and friends! These easy chicken dinner recipes take just minutes to prep and are so foolproof, I make them all the time.
The first is an Italian-inspired Garlic Parmesan Chicken recipe — perfect served with rice, broccoli, or garlic bread for a full Italian-themed meal. The second is a classic 40 Clove Garlic Chicken recipe, packed with rich garlic flavor and perfect alongside rice and your favorite veggies.
This first easy garlic chicken recipe makes a delicious Italian themed garlic parmesan chicken. It is a perfect dinner recipe and one of our favorite chicken breast recipes. It’s very versatile, but to make it easy, I serve it with rice and a vegetable like broccoli or Italian green beans. If you would like to stay with the Italian theme, you could serve it with other Italian themed meal items like seasoned rice or garlic bread.
Try this garlic chicken recipe for a delicious savory meal with just a few minutes prep time. Serve with rice and a veggie and you’re done!
Author:Tawra Kellam
Ingredients
1/4 cup olive oil 2 cloves garlic, minced or 2 tsp. minced garlic 1/4 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved
Instructions
Preheat oven to 425°.
Heat olive oil and garlic in a small saucepan over low heat until warmed, 1 to 2 minutes.
Transfer garlic and oil to a shallow bowl.
Combine bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese in a separate shallow bowl.
Dip chicken breast halves in the olive oil and garlic mixture.
Then dip into the bread crumb mixture and turn to evenly coat.
Place into a shallow baking dish.
Bake 30 to 35 minutes, until chicken is no longer pink and juices run clear. A thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165°.
This 40 clove garlic chicken recipe is a delicious seasoned baked chicken with a distinct garlic flavor. It is a delicious savory dinner recipe that goes well with rice and your favorite vegetable!
If you love easy dinners that taste amazing, you will love these 3 ingredient chicken drumstick recipes! They’re incredibly simple to throw together, super budget-friendly, and turn out so juicy and tasty every time. Whether you bake, grill, or use the slow cooker, this is one of those easy meals you’ll keep coming back to again and again!
These 3 Ingredient Chicken Drumstick Recipes Make Easy Meals!
I end up making Chicken drumstick recipes over and over again because they’re so easy! On busy days when I don’t feel like standing in the kitchen forever, I usually grab a pack of drumsticks, mix up a quick sauce, and call it good. It’s simple, but it always turns out really tasty and satisfying! The whole family loves it!
These 3 ingredient chicken drumstick recipes are also great because there are a lot of different flavor options. In addition to the ones I included below, you can use whatever sauce you’re in the mood for or already have in the fridge. Some nights I go with a BBQ mix, and other times I’ll do the honey mustard or even the jam glaze if I want something a little different. More often than not, I use the honey baked chicken as it is my family’s favorite!
You can make this recipe using whatever cooking method works best for you. I’m usually home, so I like to bake it in the oven so the skin gets nice and a little crispy. Almost no work but amazing flavor! If you prefer something you don’t have to keep an eye on, you might prefer the crockpot – Just toss everything in and forget about it until dinner. And for that fresh from the grill flavor, it’s just as easy to throw these on the grill outside.
Chicken Drumstick Recipes Can Lower Your Grocery Bill.
This recipe is great for feeding a family without spending a lot. Chicken drumsticks are usually much more affordable than other meats, and since you only need a few simple ingredients, it keeps the grocery bill down, too. You can also use this same recipe for chicken leg quarters—they’re just as tasty and usually even more budget-friendly. Leg quarters are just drumsticks with the thigh attached, so you get a little extra meat too. This was our go-to meal when we were really trying to save a lot on our grocery budget.
If you’re looking for something super simple that still hits the spot, give these 3 ingredient chicken drumstick recipes a try soon! They’re so easy and delicious, you’ll find yourself making them again and again!
For more easy chicken Dinner recipes, check out our cookbooks:
These easy 3-ingredient chicken drumstick recipes make the ultimate budget-friendly dinner—juicy, delicious, and coated in irresistible sauces your whole family will love. With slow cooker, oven, and grill options, you can have a satisfying, low-effort meal on the table with almost no work!
This easy chicken fajita recipe is an easy $5 dinner recipe! It makes a tasty meal your family will love and is a great way to use leftover chicken, roast or steak. You can find this recipe in volume 1 of our Dining On A Dime Cookbook.
Fresh, hot beef or chicken fajitas are a wonderful Tex-Mex favorite, but they are so expensive to order at your favorite Mexican restaurant. Here is an easy chicken fajita recipe, which can also be used with beef so you can make tasty fajitas at home for a fraction of the price of eating out.
This easy fajita recipe is one of my family’s favorite recipes! My husband frequently requests it for special occasions and our kids love it. The younger kids are sometimes hesitant about eating the peppers and onions, so I might serve the smaller children mostly meat and cheese on a tortilla and then give them 1 or 2 pieces of onion or pepper to get them to try it. I wouldn’t force them to try it, but as they get older, they will usually get curious and test it out!
You can prepare this fajita recipe early in the day before dinner to give the meat time to marinate. You can prepare the meat, veggies in salsa in 5-10 minutes and then cook in a hot skillet just before serving.
We most often make this as a chicken fajita recipe, but you can also make it with round steak, skirt steak or roast. If you happen to have leftover chicken, roast or steak, you can use it to make this recipe. If you use leftover meat, only cook the meat long enough to get it warmed through so it doesn’t get tough.
Most restaurants serve fajitas with flour tortillas, and they are delicious this way, but you can also serve them with corn tortillas. Corn tortillas are great for a more authentic Mexican type flavor, but if you use corn tortillas, you will want to make sure they’re extra fresh so they don’t fall apart with the fajitas. If you’re very concerned about them falling apart, you can serve with 2 tortillas per fajita.
If you have to eat gluten-free, you can make this recipe gluten free by using corn tortillas.
For the richest flavor, and texture, I recommend making the fajitas with the optional onions and bell peppers. This gives them a more restaurant quality flavor, but it also can save you money on meat since the onions and peppers help bulk up the fajitas.
Recipes that go great with this easy chicken fajita recipe!
1 clove garlic, minced
1 onion, to taste (optional)
1–2 bell peppers, to taste (optional)
salt and pepper (to taste)
6 flour tortillas, warmed
1 tsp. vegetable oil
Salsa Ingredients
1 Tbsp. fresh cilantro
1 large tomato, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
Instructions
Cut meat crosswise into 1/2 inch thick strips.
Pound each piece to 1/4 inch thickness.
Combine lime juice, jalapeños and garlic.
Place meat in a plastic bag.
Add the lime juice mixture, turning to coat the meat.
Close the bag securely. Marinate in the refrigerator 4-6 hours, turning occasionally.
Combine the tomato, onion and cilantro for salsa.
Cover tightly and refrigerate.
If using onions and bell peppers, cut into strips just before cooking. (If you prefer, you can cut them earlier and store in the fridge in a baggie or container.)
Remove the meat from the marinade. Discard marinade.
Pat the meat dry with paper towels (to prevent spitting when you add to the oil).
Heat oil in a large skillet on high.
Cook the meat pieces in hot oil for 2-3 minutes, turning once. Add the onions and bell peppers, if desired, about half way through. If you prefer the veggies more crispy, add them closer to the end and if you prefer them softer, you can add them when you add the meat.
Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Serve the fajita meat and veggie mixture in warm tortillas with salsa.
Top with Cheddar or Mexican cheese if desired. If you like, you can also serve this fajitas recipe with sour cream, shredded lettuce and/or guacamole. Serves 6.
This easy chicken fajitas recipe is from volume 1 of our cookbook:
We absolutely love this easy stacked enchiladas recipe! It makes a quick and easy meal that’s great for families! Our entire family loves it, including the kids and I have often served it when I don’t feel like spending a lot of time in the kitchen!
Easy Enchiladas Recipe!
This stacked enchiladas recipe is different from a traditional enchilada recipe in that you don’t roll the enchiladas. Instead, you layer the toppings between 2 or more layers of filling and then add cheese and salad toppings on the top.
As written, the recipe serves 4, and includes 2 tortillas per stacked enchilada, but I often included an extra layer in the middle for my husband. My husband and the kids absolutely love this recipe. The kids love it with homemade tortilla chips and sopapillas!
I often cut tortillas into quarters and fry them in oil to make tortilla chips, especially when I have a pack of corn tortillas that is not quite as fresh and the tortillas are more brittle than flexible. These make great chips and give life to tortillas you might otherwise throw away.
This easy enchilada recipe is very flexible. I make it with these ingredients because everybody likes them, the recipe doesn’t cost a lot to make and it’s super easy. If you wanted to make it fancier, you could add a can of black beans or pinto beans to the mixture. If you prefer, you could leave out the beef.
You could also add black olives or chopped green onions to the top for a different kind of garnish. Or smother it in green chile if you prefer! Oh YUM! Really, any kind of Mexican food type modifications would probably be wonderful! If you make any modifications, tell us about them in the comments and how they turned out!
If you love enchiladas but hate the hassle of rolling them, this Easy Stacked Enchiladas Recipe is for you! Perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a crowd-pleasing dish, these stacked enchiladas come together in no time.
While you are waiting for the oil to heat, prepare bowls of tomatoes, lettuce and cheese.
The oil is hot enough when you place a tortilla in it and it sizzles. Have your plate ready in one hand and dip the tortilla in oil for 5 seconds.
Using kitchen tongs, turn over the tortilla and cook 5 more seconds.
Lift the tortilla out of pan, hold over the oil and drain slightly.
Place the tortilla on the plate and put 1/4 cup beef mixture on top.
Dip another tortilla in the oil and fry the same as above. Place on top of beef mixture.
Top with more beef mixture, tomatoes and lettuce.
Finish with a little cheese, sour cream and olives if desired. Serve warm. Serves 4.
Notes
For more hearty stacked enchiladas, you can stack additional layers of tortilla and then beef mixture before topping off with lettuce and tomatoes. If you do, you will want to adjust the recipe to make sure it serves the number of people you are feeding.
*For lower fat enchiladas, dip in warmed enchilada sauce or just warm the tortilla in the microwave for 8 seconds; then add meat and toppings.
For more quick, easy and delicious recipes like this Homemade Stacked Enchiladas Recipe, check out our cookbook!
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Other Recipes That Go Great With These Stacked Enchiladas:
If you want a quick, really tasty dinner that doesn’t take much time, these Honey Mustard Chicken Sandwiches are just the thing! The chicken turns out nice and juicy under the broiler, brushed with that sweet-tangy honey mustard sauce that has just a subtle kick. Serve on a soft bun with lettuce and tomato, and you’ve got an easy, satisfying meal! Perfect for busy weeknights, or summer meals! You’ll also find recipes for some cool summer treats!
If you’re in the mood for something quick and really tasty for dinner, you’ve got to try these Honey Mustard Chicken Sandwiches! The chicken comes out nice and juicy, coated in this homemade sauce that’s sweet from the honey, tangy from the Dijon, and has just a little kick. Serve it on a soft bun with lettuce and tomato, and it’s one of those meals that hits the spot every time.
To make it a full meal without much work, I usually serve these with a plate of fresh veggies and our easy mozzarella dip. It’s creamy, cheesy, and disappears fast—mix mayo, sour cream, grated mozzarella, Parmesan, some dried onion, sugar, and a couple dashes of salts, then chill it for an hour. Perfect for dipping carrots, celery, peppers, whatever you’ve got.
And if you want something sweet to finish, try today’s Sherbet Crunch Bliss! It’s got a crunchy Rice Krispies and brown sugar crust, a layer of sweetened whipped topping, scoops of pineapple, raspberry, and lime sherbet, then more crunch on top.
These sandwiches prove you can make a really good dinner at home faster (and cheaper) than grabbing takeout. Give them a shot—I think your family will ask for them again soon!
This Honey Mustard Chicken Sandwiches Recipe features juicy, broiled chicken breasts coated in a delicious honey-Dijon sauce with just the right blend of spices. Served on a soft bun, they’re an easy, mouthwatering meal you’ll crave again and again! Sweet, tangy, and packed with flavor!
This Easy Creamy Mozzarella Veggie Dip Recipe is the perfect way to add a cheesy kick to your favorite fresh vegetables! Made with a rich blend of mayonnaise, sour cream, grated mozzarella, Parmesan, and flavorful seasonings, this dip is smooth, creamy, and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients
2 cups mayonnaise 1 (8 oz.) cup sour cream 1 (4 oz.) cup mozzarella cheese, grated 2 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese 1 Tbsp. dried minced onion 1 tsp. sugar Dash of garlic salt Dash of seasoned salt
Cool, creamy, and delightfully crunchy, this Sherbet Crunch Bliss is the ultimate frozen treat! It starts with a sweet and crispy Rice Krispies crust, layered with a fluffy whipped topping mixture and three vibrant flavors of sherbet. A buttery, crunchy crumble tops it all off, adding the perfect contrast to the smooth, refreshing layers. Whether you’re serving it at a summer gathering or just treating yourself, this dessert is a fun and delicious way to enjoy a burst of fruity flavor in every bite!
Ingredients
1 cup butter or margarine, melted 6 cups crisp rice cereal, finely crushed 3/4 cup packed brown sugar 1 (8 oz.) container whipped topping 3 Tbsp. sugar 1 tsp. vanilla 1 pint each pineapple, raspberry and lime sherbet
Instructions
Combine butter, cereal and brown sugar, until crumbly.
Set aside 3/4 cup of the mixture for topping.
Press the rest into a 9×13 inch dish.
Add the sugar and vanilla to the whipped topping; carefully spread onto the crust.
Arrange small scoops of sherbet on top.
Sprinkle with the reserved crumb mixture.
Cover and freeze until firm.
Bonus Cooking Tips
Grind or chop leftover roast or meatloaf, add a little onion, ketchup or tomato paste and use it for stuffed baked green peppers.
One of the recipes above says to add 3 Tbsp. or sugar and 1 tsp. of vanilla to the whipped topping. You can add these ingredients to less expensive whipped topping when you use it to give it a richer taste and make it taste more like the more expensive whipped topping.
With picnics and outdoor barbecues, we often use paper plates, cups and disposable silverware. To save time, store all of these things with a few napkins in an plastic container. Then, when you are getting ready for your party, just grab your container and you’ll have it all right there.
This Easy Enchilada Casserole recipe layers all the bold, zesty flavors of classic enchiladas into a simple, no-roll bake! It’s a fast, family-friendly dinner that’s easy to customize. Just layer, bake, and enjoy!
This easy enchilada casserole recipe makes a quick and easy meal with a Tex-Mex feel, the perfect solution for busy nights when you want something hearty, delicious, and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. It brings all the bold, zesty flavors of traditional enchiladas into a simple layered dish—no rolling required! With just a few basic ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a comforting Tex-Mex inspired meal on the table that the whole family will love!
One of the best things about this recipe is that you can easily adapt it to fit your family’s preferences or whatever ingredients you already have on hand. Prefer a meatless version? Simply skip the ground beef and add extra beans. Want it extra hearty? Add more beef or pile on additional cheese. You can even mix things up with black olives, green chilies, or a dollop of sour cream baked right in or served on top.
This casserole is also a fantastic way to use up leftover taco ingredients. If you have extra cooked meat, beans, or tortillas from taco night, this recipe transforms them into a whole new meal with very little effort. The layers of soft corn tortillas, seasoned beef and beans, rich enchilada sauce, and melty cheese come together to create a delicious, comforting dish that feels like a treat but is easy enough for any night of the week.
For serving, you can keep things simple or let everyone customize their own plates. Set out toppings like shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, extra cheese, sour cream, or salsa so each person can build their perfect bite. Pair it with a simple tossed salad or even some rice for a complete meal.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a go-to dinner everyone will love, this Easy Enchilada Casserole is a budget-friendly, crowd-pleasing recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
This easy enchilada casserole recipe makes a quick and easy meal with a Tex-Mex feel! This recipe is easy to adapt to your taste and your family’s taste and it’s a great way to use leftover taco ingredients.
Author:Tawra Kellam
Ingredients
10 corn tortillas, cut in half 1 lb. ground beef 1 Tbsp. taco seasoning 1 (15 oz.) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained salt and pepper (to taste) 2 cups red enchilada sauce 2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese 1–2 tomatoes, sliced (optional) 1/4 cup green onions, sliced (optional)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°.
Brown the ground beef, about 6-8 minutes.
Add the taco seasoning and beans.
Salt and pepper to taste. Stir to mix the ingredients.
Grease a 2-quart baking dish.
Spread 1/4 cup of the enchilada sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
Layer one-third of the tortillas over the sauce.
Add half of the meat mixture, then add 3/4 cup of cheese on top of the meat.
Pour 1/2 cup of the enchilada sauce over the cheese.
Repeat the process with 1/3 of the tortillas, the rest of the meat mixture, 3/4 cup of cheese, and 1/2 cup of sauce.
Add the final 1/3 of the tortillas on top of the casserole.
Pour the remaining sauce over the top of the tortillas and sprinkle on the rest of the cheese.
Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Uncover and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and browned.
Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before cutting.
Notes
If desired, you can garnish with tomatoes and green onions over the top.
This easy garlic cheese biscuits recipe is super yummy and tastes like the garlic biscuits at Red Lobster. It’s one of our family’s favorite recipes! You can find this recipe in volume 1 of our Dining On A Dime Cookbook. You’ll also find a meal plan including a yummy confetti chicken recipe and a tasty frozen fruit fluff!
If you’ve ever wished you could recreate those warm, buttery restaurant biscuits at home, this garlic cheese biscuits recipe is exactly what you need. It delivers that same rich, savory flavor you love—but at a fraction of the cost and with ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. Even better, this recipe comes together in just minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights, last-minute dinners, or when you simply want something comforting and homemade without the hassle.
One of the best things about this garlic cheese biscuits recipe is how incredibly easy it is to make! With only about 5 minutes of prep time, you can have these biscuits ready to pop into the oven. No complicated techniques, no fancy equipment—just mix, drop, and bake. The result is a batch of soft, fluffy biscuits with a golden crust and a delicious blend of garlic and cheesy goodness in every bite.
This recipe has become a staple in our home because it tastes great served with just about any meal. Serve these biscuits alongside soups, salads, pasta dishes, or your favorite budget-friendly dinners. They’re also a hit on their own as a snack or quick side. If you’re feeding a family, you’ll love how this recipe stretches simple ingredients into something that feels special and indulgent.
This garlic cheese biscuits recipe is flexible because you can easily customize it. Add crispy bacon bits for a smoky twist, toss in some pepperoni for a fun variation, or sprinkle in extra cheese if you’re a true cheese lover. The optional chives add a subtle pop of flavor and color, but the biscuits are just as delicious without them.
This recipe is featured in Volume 1 of our Dining On A Dime Cookbook, where you’ll find even more quick, affordable, and family-approved meals. If you enjoy easy recipes that save time and money while still tasting amazing, this garlic cheese biscuits recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again.
This easy garlic cheese biscuits recipe is super yummy and tastes like the garlic biscuits at Red Lobster. 5 minutes easy prep and then bake!
Author:Tawra Kellam
Yield:Makes 10 biscuits.
Ingredients
2 cups all purpose flour 2 1/2 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. salt 1 tsp. garlic powder 2 Tbsp. chives (optional) 3/4 cup Cheddar cheese, grated finely (more or less to taste) 4 Tbsp. shortening 1 cup milk or sour milk
Instructions
Preheat oven to 450°.
Mix flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, chives and Cheddar cheese in a bowl.
Cut in shortening with a pastry blender or fork until it resembles cornmeal.
Add milk, stirring just enough to combine ingredients. Do not over stir.
Drop by tablespoonfuls onto an ungreased cookies sheet.
Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Notes
For extra flavor, you can also add bits of bacon or pepperoni to this recipe.
The easy garlic cheese biscuits recipe is from our Dining On A Dime Cookbook, Volume 1:
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Meal Plan:
Here’s an easy meal plan you can make to serve with the garlic cheese biscuits, along with the additional recipes! You’ll also find some easy cooking tips at the bottom of the post!
Confetti Chicken and Rice* Garlic – Cheese Biscuits* Frozen Fruit Fluff*
This confetti chicken recipe is especially quick if you use leftover chicken and rice in it. I call this type of recipe a dump and mix recipe. It calls for a lot of ingredients but is simple because you are just opening a lot of cans. It could be mixed up ahead of time to pop in the oven when you need it.
Ingredients
1 (10 3/4 oz.) can cream of chicken soup 1 cup (8 oz.) sour cream 1/2 cup cottage cheese 1 (3 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened 3 cups chicken, cooked, cubed 3 cups rice, cooked 1 1/2 cups Monterey Jack or Mozzarella cheese, shredded 1 (4 oz.) can chopped green chilies 1 (2 1/4 oz.) can sliced ripe olives, drained 1/8 tsp. garlic salt 1 1/2 cup crushed corn chips 2 cups shredded lettuce 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°.
Place the soup, sour cream, cottage cheese, and cream cheese into a large mixing bowl. Blend well.
Add chicken, rice, cheese, green chiles, olives and garlic salt.
Pour into a greased 2 quart baking dish.
Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes or until heated through.
Just before serving, top with corn chips, lettuce and tomatoes.
3 medium firm bananas, sliced 1 (29 oz.) can peach halves, drained and diced 1 (21 oz.)can cherry pie filling 1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk 1 (8 oz.) container whipped topping
Instructions
Combine everything except the whipped topping and mix well.
Fold in whipped topping.
Pour into a 9×13 pan.
Cover and freeze for 8 hours or overnight.
This fruit fluff will keep in the freezer 1 month.
Tips:
Quick Meatballs – add 2/3 cup of crushed seasoned stuffing mix to 1 lb. hamburger. Mix and roll into balls.
Use up stir fry leftovers by adding a little soy sauce to the vegetables and rice. Then spread the mixture on a warm flour tortilla and roll burrito style.
Keep a plastic knife in your canisters to level off things like flour or sugar.
This Easy Chicken Pot Pie Recipe is delicious and easy to make. You can use turkey instead of chicken and save even more money on this classic favorite!
If you’d like to serve a yummy St. Patrick’s Day themed meal, here are some traditional recipes to get you in the mood for the “wearin’ o’ the green”! This is a great week to stock up on corned beef, which you can really serve anytime so grab a couple of extras and put them in the freezer for later! Don’t forget to grab an extra cabbage to make cole slaw later in the week!
Irish Corned Beef and Cabbage with Traditional St. Patrick’s Day Recipes!
If you’d like to serve a fun and festive meal for St. Patrick’s Day, this simple Irish-inspired menu is a great way to celebrate the “wearin’ o’ the green” without spending a fortune! These classic recipes come together into a hearty, comforting meal that feels special but still uses basic ingredients you can easily find at the grocery store.
Grocery stores almost always put corned beef on sale for St. Patrick’s Day. Even if you only plan to cook one brisket now, it’s a smart idea to grab an extra while the price is low and toss it in the freezer. Corned beef freezes well and can be used later for soups, sandwiches, or another easy family dinner.
A traditional Irish-American St. Patrick’s Day meal usually centers around corned beef and cabbage, and for good reason. It’s hearty, delicious, and feeds a crowd. The brisket slowly simmers until tender, soaking up the seasoning while the vegetables cook right alongside it. Potatoes, carrots, onions, and cabbage make it a complete meal in one pot, which means fewer dishes and an easy dinner for busy families.
One helpful tip when serving corned beef is to slice it across the grain. This simple step makes the meat much more tender and easier to chew. Another great trick is to save the cooking juices after dinner. If you have leftovers, dice the remaining corned beef and use those flavorful juices to make a simple corned beef soup later in the week.
While you’re shopping for your corned beef dinner, consider grabbing an extra cabbage as well! Cabbage is inexpensive and versatile, and it’s perfect for making a quick batch of homemade coleslaw later in the week. Stocking up on seasonal sale items like this is an easy way to stretch your grocery budget.
To round out the meal, serve your corned beef and cabbage with homemade Irish soda bread. This classic bread has a slightly crisp crust and a soft, dense interior that pairs perfectly with hearty meals. It’s wonderful served warm with butter, and any leftovers are fantastic toasted the next morning. You can even use leftover soda bread to make French toast for a special breakfast.
And of course, no St. Patrick’s Day celebration is complete without a little something sweet! Blarney Stone cookies are a simple and festive treat made by adding green coloring to your favorite sugar cookie recipe. They’re fun for kids to help decorate and add the perfect finishing touch to your holiday meal.
Together, these recipes create an easy, budget-friendly St. Patrick’s Day menu your family will look forward to year after year. Sláinte! 🍀
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Corned Beef Tips:
Cut corned beef across the grain for more tender slices.
Save juices and reduce. Dice leftover corned beef and make corned beef soup with leftovers.
St Patrick’s Day Corned Beef Meal Plan:
Irish Corned Beef and Cabbage Irish Soda Bread Blarney Stone Cookies
1 (3 lb.) corned beef brisket, plus seasoning packet 1 large onion, peeled 10 small (red) potatoes 15 baby carrots 1 head of cabbage, cored and cut into wedges
Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
Place brisket, seasoning packet and onion in a large Dutch oven or pot.
Cover with water 6 inches above meat.
Bring to a boil and boil for 30 minutes.
Reduce to medium-low or to a gentle boil. Cover and cook for 3 1/2 hours.
Remove onions, cut into wedges and put back in the pot.
Add carrots, cabbage and then potatoes.
Cover and cook 30 more minutes or until potatoes are tender.
Remove vegetables, but keep the meat in the juices until you’re ready to slice it so it won’t dry out.
Side Sauce
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
2 Tbsp. horseradish
1/2-1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
Mix all sauce ingredients together the night or day before and then serve on the side with your corned beef.
In a second bowl mix eggs, buttermilk and sour cream.
Add liquid ingredients to dry, adding enough until flour is moistened.
Knead 10-12 strokes. The dough will be very sticky.
Place in a 9 inch cake pan. Cut a 4″ X in the top. Brush top with milk.
Bake 65-75 minutes.
Notes
*Caraway seeds make it more authentic, but if you don’t like them or don’t have them, you can leave them out. You could also use 1 cup of raisins and one cup dried cranberries.
Blarney Stone Cookies
Add a couple of drops of green food coloring to the dough of your favorite sugar cookie recipe. Sprinkle with green sugar* or frost with green frosting.
*Make green sugar by placing sugar in a container with a couple of drops of green food coloring and shaking.
Use these cheap dinner ideas to make easy and cheap meals your entire family will love! I think a lot of people are under the impression that in order to have cheap meal plans you have to have just beans and rice. The fact is that’s just not true! By watching sales and shopping at discount stores you can eat very well for just $30-$50 a week!
Cheap Dinner Ideas – $30 for 1 Week of Family Dinners
Here is a week’s worth of cheap dinner ideas that can simplify your meal preparation, getting you out of the kitchen faster and saving you a lot of money on your family food budget. Each dinner idea includes a meal plan for the day and some of the recipes that go with each meal plan.
You don’t have to strictly stick to any one of these meal plans. You can easily modify any of these easy dinner ideas to suit our family’s own taste, so if you want to switch around the order of the meals or substitute a different main dish or side, don’t be afraid to adapt it for your own convenience.
You can feel free to modify these dinners.
We put these dinner plans together with the idea of saving time and money, so you can make the meal plans just as they are described here for the $30. If you’re not as concerned about having the lowest possible price, you can feel free to substitute any more expensive dinner items that you prefer.
These meal plans assume that each person eats one serving of the meal. Many people eat a lot more than the recommended number of servings per person. If you serve each family member more than one serving, you will naturally be paying more, so keep that in mind.
If you have optional food preferences, you are choosing to pay more. For example, if you eat all organic or only buy free-range chicken, you are choosing to pay more for the food. It’s fine to choose that if you can afford it, but don’t expect to pay the same low price that other people are paying who do not make that choice.
How to shop for the best prices
In order to get the best prices, especially on meats, you MUST shop smart! If you decide to make a meal today and go to the store today to buy the meat, you will probably pay too much. I made these menus and recipes based on prices I am able to get regularly by paying attention to prices and stocking up when the meat and other ingredients are cheap.
To get the best prices on meat:
Keep your eye out for sales whenever you’re at a store. If you notice that something is a much better price than usual, stock up while it’s cheap so you can have inexpensive leat to use to make these meals. For example, I never pay more than $1.99/lb. for boneless skinless chicken breasts because I buy a lot of them when they are on sale and do NOT buy them when the price is high.
Check the ads to see what each store is offering this week. When you see that a store is offering chicken, ground beef, pork chops or something else at an unusually good price, stock up and buy as much as you have room to store. Then wait to buy it again until you find another great deal.
Don’t shop at just one store. We often have people say that meat is so expensive at the store where they shop, but they refuse to shop at any other store or even check the prices at other stores. If you only ever are willing to shop at one store, you will pay a lot higher prices than you need to.
Cheap Dinner Ideas – Family Meal Plan Week 1 Total Cost = $30
4–5 pork chops 4-5 apples, peeled, cored and sliced (If you like the peels you don’t have to peel them.) 4 Tbsp. brown sugar 1 tsp. cinnamon (to taste) 1/4 tsp. nutmeg Salt and pepper 2-3 Tbsp. butter
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°.
Grease a casserole dish or pan. I like to use bacon grease for this.
Place pork chops on the bottom of the pan.
Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Top with apples.
Sprinkle with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Sprinkle small chunks of butter over the top of everything.
Cover and bake for 45-60 minutes until pork chops are fully cooked.
This easy 3 ingredient parmesan chicken tenders recipe makes light and crispy fried chicken tenders perfect for families! This is a quick and easy chicken dinner recipe you can make fast. Our teenagers love this recipe and often request that I make it for dinner!
Author:Tawra Kellam
Ingredients
Boneless, skinless chicken, cut into strips 1 egg, beaten Parmesan cheese (the stuff that is already grated in the green can) Oil for frying (I usually use canola or vegetable oil.)
Instructions
Cut boneless, skinless chicken into strips.
In a bowl, beat the egg.
Place the Parmesan cheese into a separate bowl.
Place about 2 Tbsp. oil into a frying pan.
Dip each strip of boneless, skinless chicken into the beaten egg. Turn to coat.
Then dip it into the Parmesan cheese and turn to coat the other side.
Make this warm and comforting soup with your chicken leftovers. The roasted chicken adds a little different and yummy flavor. Don’t be frightened by all the ingredients. You can chop a lot of it the day before you make it and just dump and add the rest.
Author:Jill Cooper
Ingredients
1 cup onions, chopped 1 cup carrots, chopped 1 cup celery, chopped 1 clove garlic, minced 2 tsp. olive oil or canola oil 1/4 cup all purpose flour 1/2 tsp. oregano 1/4 tsp. thyme 8 cups chicken broth 4 cups potatoes, peeled and cubed 1 tsp. salt (adjust to taste) 2 cups chicken, cooked and diced 2 cups wide egg noodles 1/2 cup evaporated milk
Instructions
Sauté* the first 4 ingredients in oil in a large Dutch oven (big pot or pan).
Stir in flour, oregano and thyme.
Gradually add chicken broth, potatoes and salt.
Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, until potatoes are tender.
Add chicken and noodles and simmer 10 more minutes.
Reduce heat and add milk. Do not boil.
Notes
*Saute means to stir and cook until tender, usually about 3-5 minutes.
You can change this recipe to suit your taste:
Add other veggies like peas, corn or broccoli.
You can leave out the potatoes or substitute them with something like sweet potatoes or squash.
You can leave out the milk (but the milk makes a nice creamy soup) and/or add more or less broth.
You can also adjust the spices, for example you might add a little Tabasco sauce to give it a little kick.
This easy meatloaf recipe is a super delicious traditional meatloaf recipe that is easy to make with just 5 minutes’ prep time! This is an easy family dinner idea that everyone loves!
Yield:6 servings
Ingredients
1 1/2 lbs. ground beef 1 cup milk 1/2 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. dry mustard 1/4 tsp. pepper 3/4 cup quick cooking oatmeal or 1/2 cup dry bread crumbs 1 egg 1/4 tsp. garlic powder 1 tsp. onion powder 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce 1/2 cup ketchup or barbecue sauce
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°.
Mix the ground beef and all other ingredients together except the ketchup.
1 onion, chopped 1/2 lb. Italian sausage 2 (16 oz.) cans stewed tomatoes, chopped, with juice 1 (8 oz.) can tomato paste salt to taste 1 clove garlic, pressed, or garlic powder (to taste) 1 bay leaf 2 tsp. Italian Seasoning
Instructions
Crumble sausage in a 2-quart saucepan.
Brown the sausage with the onion.
Drain off the fat.
Add the remaining ingredients.
Simmer for 1 hour. Remove bay leaf before serving.
Meal Plan Day 6
Spaghetti Pizza (using the leftover spaghetti from above) Confetti Salad Brownie Sundaes Total=$4.50
This easy spaghetti pizza recipe is a great way to use leftover spaghetti. It makes an easy spaghetti casserole using any pizza-type leftovers and other pizza ingredients you love!
Ingredients
1/2 lb. spaghetti noodles, cooked 1 egg, beaten with a fork 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese 1/2 jar (16 oz.) spaghetti sauce
Toppings
Seasonings like oregano, garlic powder, salt, pepper Onions, chopped Cottage cheese Ground beef, cooked Pepperoni slices Mozzarella cheese Black Olives Bell Peppers, sliced Any other pizza toppings you love and have on hand
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°.
Mix noodles, egg and cheese.
Place into a well greased 9 inch pie pan (You can double it and put it in 9×13 pan).
Pour spaghetti sauce on it and top with any of the toppings you like.
Bake for 30 minutes or until it is hot and the cheeses are melted.
Looking for a quick and easy salad recipe that is both delicious and visually appealing? Look no further than this confetti salad recipe! With its colorful blend of fresh vegetables and leafy greens, this salad is not only a feast for the eyes, but also a tasty addition to any meal. Serve it as a side dish or enjoy it on its own for a light and refreshing lunch or dinner option.
Author:Tawra Kellam
Yield:Makes 8-10 servings.
Ingredients
6 cups salad greens, cut into bites sized pieces 1 (2 1/4 oz.) can sliced ripe olives, drained 1 small red onion, sliced 1/2 cup red pepper, chopped 1/2 cup yellow pepper, chopped 1/2 cup red cabbage, shredded 1 cup mozzarella cheese, grated Italian or dressing of your choice
Instructions
Toss everything into a bowl.
Serve with dressing.
Day 7
Serve leftovers for whatever is left or if you go out for date night go ahead and go out and give the kids leftovers!
For more super easy and cheap dinner ideas, check out our easy cookbooks, filled with recipes your family will love!
Here are 15 quick and easy hamburger casserole recipes to make dinner a snap! You’ll find lots of variations on traditional hamburger casserole that the entire family will love and you’ll be in and out of the kitchen fast!
15 Hamburger Casserole Recipes For Quick And Easy Meals!
This easy hamburger casserole recipe is a great recipe when the kids are hungry and you don’t have a lot of time. It’s popular with virtually everyone! Serve with a vegetable and some applesauce and you’ve got an entire meal in minutes! You can find this recipe in our Dining On A Dime Cookbook, Volume 1.
1/2 lb. ground beef, browned 6cupsmacaroni, cooked 2cups American cheese 1 can (15 oz.) tomato sauce 1/2 tsp. garlic powder 1/2 tsp. onion powder
salt (to taste)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°.
In a casserole dish, mix the browned ground beef with macaroni and add cheese. Stir until melted.
Add the tomato sauce, garlic powder, onion powder and salt.
Bake for 20 minutes.
Notes
*When I am in a hurry I drain the macaroni and then add the hamburger and cheese, along with the rest of the ingredients into the same pan I cooked the macaroni in. Then I stir until the cheese is melted.
This easy hamburger casserole recipe is from Volume 1 of our cookbook:
This Mexican hamburger casserole recipe is an easy hamburger casserole with a moderately spicy Mexican theme. It’s quick and easy to make and perfect for families!
Author:Tawra Kellam
Ingredients
Units
1/2 to 1 lb. ground beef* 1 can cream of chicken soup 1 small can tomato sauce 1 small can green chiles, chopped 8 to 16oz. cheese, grated* 12 corn tortillas
green onions for garnish
Instructions
Preheat oven to 300°.
Brown the ground beef in a frying pan.
Drain.
Add the soup, tomato sauce and chiles.
In a casserole dish or baking pan, layer the tortillas, meat mixture and cheese.
Bake for 30-45 minutes.
Garnish with green onions or cilantro before serving.
Notes
This recipe is very flexible. You can adjust the hamburger and cheese to what you have on hand. I use cheddar cheese but you can use Monterey Jack, Mexican mix or any combination of cheese you want.
You can also add other Mexican themed ingredients like chopped onions or black olives.
Your family will love this classic tater tot casserole recipe, a quick and easy one dish meal that requires less than 5 minutes’ prep time. Starting with ground beef, and including mixed veggies, cream of mushroom soup, tater tots, and more, this is a rich and tasty dinner recipe everyone loves!
Author:Tawra Kellam
Ingredients
1 to 2 lbs. hamburger, browned and seasoned (to taste) 1 pkg. dry onion soup mix 8 oz. sour cream 20 oz. frozen mixed veggies, or leftover veggies 1 can cream of mushroom soup 2 lb. bag of tater tots 8 oz cheddar cheese (or the cheese of your choice)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°.
Gently mix together all of the ingredients except the cheese.
Place into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
Sprinkle with cheese.
Bake for about 1 hour.
Notes
Keep a container in the freezer and, when you have a small dab of vegetables left over, put them in this container. This casserole is a great way to use them up instead of making the usual veggie soup.
This pizza hamburger casserole recipe makes a quick and easy hamburger casserole with a pizza themed flavor! It’s an easy Italian style family meal everyone in the family will love!
Author:Tawra Kellam
Ingredients
2 lbs. hamburger (ground beef) 1 onion, chopped 1 green pepper, chopped 1( 4 oz.) can mushrooms 1 (32 oz.) jar spaghetti sauce 1 (10 oz.) can pizza sauce 4 oz. pepperoni 16 oz. mozzarella cheese, grated 3 cups macaroni twists, uncooked
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°.
Boil macaroni twists for 20 minutes or until cooked to the desired doneness.
Brown the hamburger, onion and pepper in a frying pan.
Mix everything except the cheese together in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
Bake for 45 minutes. Add cheese in the last 5 minutes.
This easy enchilada casserole recipe makes a quick and easy meal with a Tex-Mex feel! This recipe is easy to adapt to your taste and your family’s taste. You can eliminate the beef and use all beans, add more beef or cheese, add black olives or top with sour cream. If you’ve never made it before, try it today!
Author:Tawra Kellam
Ingredients
10 corn tortillas, cut in half 1 lb. ground beef 1 Tbsp. taco seasoning 1 (15 oz.) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained salt and pepper (to taste) 2 cups red enchilada sauce 2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese 1–2 tomatoes, sliced (optional) 1/4 cup green onions, sliced (optional)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°.
Brown the ground beef in a frying pan, about 6-8 minutes.
Add the taco seasoning, beans and salt and pepper to taste. Stir to mix the ingredients.
Grease a 2 quart baking dish.
Spread 1/4 cup of the enchilada sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
Layer one third of the tortillas over the sauce.
Add half of the meat mixture.
Then add 3/4 cup of cheese on top of the meat.
Pour 1/2 cup of the enchilada sauce over the cheese.
Repeat the process with 1/3 of the tortillas, the rest of the meat mixture, 3/4 cup of cheese and 1/2 cup of sauce.
Add the final 1/3 of the tortillas on top of the casserole.
Pour the remaining sauce over the top of the tortillas.
Sprinkle on the rest of the cheese on top.
Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Uncover and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and browned.
Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before cutting. If desired, you can garnish with tomatoes and green onions over the top.
1 lb. hamburger (ground beef) 1 onion, chopped 2cupscelery, sliced 1/2cuprice, uncooked 1/2cup soy sauce 1/2cup water 1 (4 oz.) can mushrooms 1 (10 3/4 oz.) can cream of mushroom soup 1 small can bean sprouts 1 small can sliced water chestnuts
Chinese noodles
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°.
Brown the hamburger and onions in a frying pan.
Mix all of the remaining ingredients except the Chinese noodles together into the hamburger (including the liquid from the mushrooms and bean sprouts).
Place the mixture into a greased 9×9 inch baking pan.
Bake for 1 1/2 hours.
Top with the Chinese noodles.
Double the amount of the ingredients for a 9×13 inch pan.
Note: This recipe takes longer to cook because of the uncooked rice. You could use 1 1/2 cups of cooked rice but, if you do, don’t use the liquid from the mushrooms and bean sprouts. That will cut the cooking time in half.
Use Ramen noodles or instant rice in your casseroles. This makes preparation easier since you don’t need to cook these before you add them to the dish.
If you have time, roast your veggies before adding them to your casserole for some added flavor.
This easy 2 ingredient hamburger casserole recipe makes a quick and easy main dish that your kids will love and that takes just a few minutes to prepare. Quick and simple and easy to adapt if you like!
2 lbs. ground beef, browned 1 tsp. onion powder 1 onion, chopped (optional) 1 green pepper, chopped (optional) 3 (1 oz.) pkgs. gravy mix 2 1/2 cups water OR leave out the gravy mix and water and add 3 cups leftover beef gravy 2 (7.5 oz) cans biscuits salt (to taste)
Instructions
Mix the ground beef, onion powder and chopped onions and peppers (if you’re using them).
Spray the crockpot with cooking spray.
Spread the browned ground beef and onion mixture evenly across the bottom of the crockpot.
Mix the gravy mixes and water together.
Pour over the ground beef.
Place the biscuits on top.
Put 6-8 paper towels under the lid when you place it on the crockpot (to keep the condensation off of your biscuits).
Cook on low for 4-5 hours.
Notes
To Bake In The Oven: Place the ingredients in the same order in a 9×13 inch greased baking pan. Bake at 350° for 30-40 minutes, until the biscuits are browned on top.
This super tasty crunchy hamburger casserole recipe makes an easy meal that takes just a few minutes to prepare. It’s got a little different taste than a traditional hamburger casserole, so if you’re looking for something a bit different that’s really tasty, try this one!
Ingredients
2 cups egg noodles, cooked 1 pound ground beef. browned 1 (10 3/4 oz.) can condensed cream of mushroom soup 1 (14 1/2 oz.) can tomatoes, drained 3/4 cup shredded cheese (Cheddar, Colby, Monterey Jack, etc.) 3/4 cup green bell pepper, diced (optional) salt and pepper (to taste) 1 (2.8 oz.) can French fried onions
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°.
Combine the noodles, ground beef, soup, tomatoes, cheese and green pepper.
This potato hamburger casserole recipe makes a hearty and delicious casserole everyone will love. Only 5 minutes to prepare and then bake for a tasty main dish or one dish meal.
Ingredients
2 cans cream of mushroom soup 1 1/2 cups milk salt and pepper (to taste) 5 small potatoes 2 lbs. ground beef, browned 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (We used a colby jack mix, but cheddar would be great, too.)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°.
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk and salt and pepper (to taste). Mix well.
Peel and slice the potatoes.
Add to the mixture. Set aside.
Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with non stick spray.
Layer half of the beef, half the potato mixture and 1/2 cup of the cheese into the baking pan.
Layer the rest of the beef and potato mixture on top of the cheese.
Top with the remaining cheese.
Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour.
Remove the foil and bake another 30 minutes, until the potatoes are fork tender.
Allow it to sit for 10 minutes. Then cut and serve.
This low carb hamburger alfredo casserole is low in carbs, but rich in flavor! Starting with hamburger and Italian sausage and packed with Alfredo flavor, it’s a hamburger casserole you’re sure to love, especially if you are eating a low carb diet!
Ingredients
1 lb. ground beef 1 lb. sweet Italian sausage 1 small onion, diced 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, cut into bite sized pieces salt and pepper (to taste) 1 (8 oz.) block cream cheese 1/2 cup heavy cream 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1 tsp. dried oregano 2 tsp. minced garlic 2 cups package shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°.
Spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray.
In a large skillet, brown and crumble the ground beef, Italian sausage and onion over medium heat.
Drain the fat.
Steam the broccoli, just until tender.
Add to the hamburger mixture.
Season with salt and pepper.
Place in the baking dish.
Place the cream cheese in a microwave safe bowl and microwave on high for about 45 seconds, until soft. Stir until creamy.
Gradually stir the heavy cream into the cream cheese.
Stir the Parmesan cheese, oregano and garlic into the cream cheese mixture.
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the hamburger broccoli mixture.
Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
Cover with aluminum foil.
Bake for about 35-45 minutes. When it it finished, the cheese should be melted and the edges should be a very light golden brown.
If you’re gluten free, you can still enjoy the delicious flavor of hamburger casserole! Here’s an easy gluten free hamburger casserole recipe you can make in about 10 minutes, a perfect dinner you will enjoy a lot more than bland store bought gluten free food!
Ingredients
1 lb. ground beef 1 Tbsp. olive oil 2 small white onions, chopped 1 Tbsp. garlic, minced 8 oz. tomato paste 1 (15 oz.) can diced tomatoes 3–4 cups gluten-free pasta, cooked and drained 2–4 Tbsp. yellow mustard 1/4 cup cheddar cheese, shredded raw veggie add-ins (optional) salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
Brown the onions, garlic and ground beef in oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Drain the grease from the beef mixture.
Add the tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and cooked pasta. Stir until mixed and heated through.
Stir in the mustard, cheese, your favorite raw veggie add-ins, and salt and pepper.
Serve immediately with your favorite hamburger toppings.
Here’s a tasty Amish hamburger casserole recipe that is rich and delicious! It’s another quick and easy variation of this tasty family meal that your family will love!
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups egg noodles, cooked 4 oz. cream cheese, softened 4 oz. (1/2 cup) cottage cheese 1/4 cup sour cream 2 Tbsp. butter, melted 1/2 lb. ground beef 2 Tbsp. onion, chopped 1/4 green bell pepper, diced 1 (8 oz.) can diced tomatoes, drained 1/2 cup condensed tomato soup (not diluted) 1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°.
Spray a 9×13 inch casserole dish with cooking spray and set aside.
Cook the noodles, according to the package instructions.
Drain and set aside.
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, stir together the softened cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, and melted butter. Set aside.
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium high heat until no longer pink.
Drain the excess fat.
Return the beef to the skillet and add onion, bell pepper, diced tomatoes, tomato soup and Worcestershire sauce.
Stir to combine.
Place half of the cooked pasta in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Top with half of the cream cheese mixture and half of the meat mixture.
Repeat the layers with the remaining cream cheese and meat mixtures.
This ranch hamburger casserole recipes makes an easy hamburger casserole with a distinctive hint of ranch dressing flavor. With just 5-10 minutes prep time, it’s an easy meal to satisfy your family!
Yield:4 servings
Ingredients
1 1/2 lb. ground beef (or chicken or turkey) 2 Tbsp. ranch seasoning 1 white or yellow onion, chopped 1 bag frozen tater tots 8 oz. shredded cheddar cheese salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 450°.
Spray an 8×8 inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium high heat.
Once the meat is fully cooked, add in the ranch seasoning and chopped onion.
Layer half of the tater tots, meat mixture and cheese into the prepared dish.
Season with salt and pepper.
Then add the remaining tater tots, meat and cheese.
Season with more salt and pepper, if desired.
Place, uncovered, in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the tater tots are golden brown.
1 lb. ground beef 1/2 large onion, diced 15 oz. can whole kernel corn, drained 10.5 oz. can cream of chicken soup 10.5 oz. can cream of mushroom soup 1 cup full fat sour cream 3/4 tsp. salt (or to taste) 1/4 tsp. pepper (or to taste) 3 heaping cups medium egg noodles, cooked and drained 1 cup breadcrumbs 2 Tbsp. melted butter
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°.
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef with the onion, breaking it up until the meat is lightly browned (no longer pink) and the onion is tender.
Stir in the corn, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, salt and pepper.
Carefully stir in the cooked egg noodles until completely coated.
Prepare the breadcrumb topping by stirring together the breadcrumbs and melted butter in a bowl.
Pour the noodle mixture into an 8×8 inch casserole dish.
Sprinkle evenly with the breadcrumb topping.
Bake for approximately 35-45 minutes or until the mixture is bubbly and hot.
This easy mini pizzas recipe is super easy to make and versatile enough that everyone can have pizza exactly the way they like it! This is one of my kids’ favorite recipes. It’s super simple, they can make it themselves and everyone can have the toppings they want on their own mini pizzas.
How To Make Mini Pizzas Everyone Loves!
If you need a quick, budget-friendly meal that everyone will actually eat, this easy homemade mini pizzas recipe is about to become a favorite in your kitchen! It’s one of those super simple recipes you can pull out on busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or those afternoons when the kids walk in the door starving.
This mini pizza recipe is wonderfully easy! With just a can of refrigerated biscuits, a little sauce, shredded cheese, and whatever toppings you have on hand, you can have hot, cheesy mini pizzas on the table in about 15 minutes. No mixing dough. No complicated prep. Just flatten, top, and bake.
This recipe is also perfect for introducing kids to cooking and getting them involved with helping in the kitchen! Set out small bowls of toppings—pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, olives, peppers, or even leftover hamburger—and let everyone build their own pizza. Kids love having control over what goes on top, and they’re much more likely to eat dinner without complaints when they made it themselves. As our kids got older, they felt especially proud fo themselves for learning to make this simple meal for themselves, with a little help from mom to get it into the oven! 😉
Another bonus? These mini pizzas are incredibly versatile. Serve them with a simple side salad for a fast dinner, pack them in lunches, or make a double batch for after-school snacks. You can even set up a mini “pizza bar” for sleepovers or game nights without spending a fortune on takeout.
If you’re trying to stretch your grocery budget while still keeping meals fun and satisfying, this recipe is perfect. It’s quick, customizable, family-friendly, and made with affordable ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
Simple, practical, and delicious—that’s a win all around!
This easy homemade mini pizzas recipe turns a simple can of biscuits into hot, cheesy, customizable pizzas in just 15 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or quick after-school snacks. Let everyone add their favorite toppings for a fun, budget-friendly meal that’s kid-approved and guaranteed to disappear fast!
Author:Tawra Kellam
Ingredients
1 can refrigerator biscuits
1/2-3/4 cup spaghetti sauce
3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or cheese of your choice)
toppings (as desired)
Here are some ideas for pizza toppings for your mini pizzas:
pepperoni
sausage
hamburger
mushrooms
olives
peppers
or any other pizza topping
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°.
Open the can of biscuits and lay them about 2-3 inches apart on a cookie sheet. Use a Silpat or grease the cookie sheet so they don’t stick.
Flatten the biscuits with the palm of your hand.
Spread about 2-3 teaspoons of sauce on top of each biscuit.
Then top with desired pizza toppings and cheese.
Bake 10-12 minutes, until the edges are brown.
Notes
This homemade pizza recipe is easy for kids to make. Of course, they need to be careful and I highly recommend that you put the pizzas in the oven for younger kids so they don’t burn themselves. Our middle schooler loves to make his own mini pizzas for weekend lunches or after school snacks!
Shred the chicken and use in tacos, burritos, enchiladas or in a salad.
Notes
You can serve this chicken tacos recipe hot or cold, so the leftovers would be great to take in a lunch.
Rotel tomatoes are canned tomatoes with chopped green peppers or jalapeños. Any brand that is labeled “tomatoes and green chilies” should be OK. You can also just used canned tomatoes and add the kind of peppers that you like.
[dining]
3 Ingredient Recipes – Chicken Tacos Meal Plan:
Chicken Tacos Tomato, Mozzarella and Avocado Salad Chips No Bake Ice Box Cake
12– 16 graham crackers, enough to cover a 9×13 pan or platter 1 (8 oz.) container whipped topping 2 lbs. or 4 cups fresh or canned (drained) fruit of your choice including strawberries, peaches or blueberries
Instructions
Spread the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking pan or platter with a thin layer of whipped topping.
Layer with graham crackers.
Add another thin layer of whipped topping.
Then add some strawberries (or other fruit).
Repeat until you have 4 layers of graham crackers.
Top with whipped topping and more strawberries.
Drizzle with chocolate sauce if you like.
Chill for 4 hours so the graham crackers can absorb the moisture.
Tips:
Frozen Yogurt Popsicle – Stick a popsicle stick into the center of a container of yogurt, leaving foil the lid on. Freeze.
Fast Frosting – If you don’t have time or ingredients to frost your cake, lay a paper doily on it then dust with powdered sugar. Carefully remove the doily and you’ll have a sweet topping with a pretty pattern!
Freeze Blueberries – Freeze blueberries in the basket they come in. Do not wash them first. Wrap it all in foil or plastic wrap. This helps them keep their color and shape better.
When the mood strikes for Asian food, nothing else will do. If you live near a great place for takeout, that can be great. But if you want to save some money, make your own, or don’t have a great place nearby these easy Chinese Chicken recipes are the perfect solution.
These easy Chinese chicken recipes are simple and delicious, and much cheaper than buying Chinese food at a restaurant. The first 4 recipes start from the same Chinese chicken base recipe and then each has its own sauce and variations. You’ll find an easy sweet and sour chicken recipe, sesame chicken, garlic chicken, an easy orange chicken recipe and more!
The base Chinese chicken recipe is breaded. If you do not want the chicken to be breaded or if you are gluten free, you can fry the bite sized pieces without the breading and then serve with the rice, sauces and add-ins, if desired.
You can split the chicken between multiple sauces depending on what you like. If you prefer to serve more than one flavor, this is a quick and easy way to make multiple styles of Chinese Chicken at the same time.
All of these recipes are delicious and they are especially popular with teenagers and picky eaters!
You can find this and other tasty recipes in our Dining On A Dime Cookbooks! (The Chinese chicken is from Volume 2 and the stir fry is from Volume 1.)
How To Make The Chinese Chicken Recipes
Chinese chicken dishes are not only delicious but also surprisingly easy to make at home. The beauty of these recipes lies in their simplicity and versatility. The first 4 Chinese chicken recipes begin with a foundational base recipe, which serves as the perfect canvas for a variety of flavorful sauces and creative variations.
First, pour the frying oil into a medium frying pan and heat it on high until hot.
While the oil is heating, mix the batter for the chicken. Combine the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda and water and mix until the batter has a smooth consistency. (If you don’t want your chicken to be breaded, you can skip this step and the next one. Instead, season with seasoned salt and fry unbreaded.)
Add the chicken pieces to the batter and stir to coat them with the batter.
Drop the chicken pieces individually into the hot oil so that they don’t clump together. (If you just pour them all in, they will fry into one large clump of breaded fried chicken pierces.)
Be careful not to splatter the hot oil on yourself as you add the chicken to the oil. I like to use a large metal ladle or spoon to carefully drop the chicken pieces into the oil.
Fry the chicken pieces until they are golden brown. As they cook, remove them from the oil with a slotted spoon and lay them on a plata covered with a couple paper towels to catch the extra oil drippings. (If you skipped breading, the chicken will only brown a little.)
If you will be adding any optional vegetables that you would like sautéed, sauté them now. For example, you may want to sauté bell peppers and onions for Sweet and Sour Chicken. For a crunchier texture, only lightly sauté them.
To make your desired sauce (recipes below): Add the sauce ingredients to a medium saucepan, stir to mix. Cook for 5 minutes, until the sauce begins to thicken. Then pour over the chicken or serve on the side if some people might not want sauce.
Serve over white rice, fried rice or Chow mein noodles.
Easy Chinese Chicken Variations and Tips
If you would like to add Chinese vegetables to the chicken as these dishes are served in your favorite restaurant, you can also lightly sauté your choice of veggies like bell peppers, chunks of white onions and carrots. Then, when the chicken and the sauce are finished, you can add the vegetables and pour the sauce over the top. The vegetables add a little extra flavor and color, and make the dish look even more like a restaurant served meal.
If you have picky eaters, you can make the Chinese chicken base and then serve the rice, chicken, vegetables, and sauce separately so each person can customize to his or her own taste.
If you would like fresh homemade eggrolls to go with the Chinese chicken recipes, you can make our easy eggrolls recipe and serve them along with the chicken.
You can also make a big batch of Chinese Chicken, split it into two or three bowls, and add a different sauce to each. I’ve included the basic chicken recipe plus four sauce recipes in this post. Each of the sauce recipes makes enough sauce for two pounds of chicken.
If you do not want the chicken to be breaded or if you are gluten free, you can fry the bite sized pieces without the breading. If you are gluten free, be sure that all of your ingredients for the sauces and add-ins are also gluten free. For example, you would want to use gluten free soy sauce.
This easy Chinese chicken recipe base can be used as a starting point for creating dishes like sweet and sour chicken, orange chicken, sesame chicken, and more. Juicy chicken pieces are coated in a light, crispy batter and fried to perfection. With a crunchy exterior and tender inside, it’s the perfect base for your favorite sauces and flavors. Serve it with rice or noodles and customize it to your taste for a delicious and satisfying meal every time.
Author:Sheala Cooper
Yield:Makes 1 1/2-2 lbs.
Ingredients
vegetable oil, for frying 1 1/2-2 lbs. boneless chicken breast, cut into 3/4 inch cubes 1 cup all purpose flour 1/2 cup cornstarch 2 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. baking soda 1 1/4 cups cold water
Instructions
In a medium frying pan, heat oil on high (at least 1 inch deep in pan) until hot.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda and water until smooth in consistency.
Add chicken to batter and stir until coated.
Drop coated pieces individually into hot oil, frying until cooked. (Otherwise, they will clump together.)
If you like, for a little extra flavor and color, you can also lightly sauté your choice of veggies like bell peppers, chunks of white onions and carrots and add them to your choice of sauce at the end, pouring a little extra sauce over the top when the veggies are added.
(Sauce options are in the next several recipes.)
Notes
If you do not want the chicken to be breaded or if you are gluten free, you can season the chicken with seasoned salt and fry the bite sized pieces without the breading.
These Easy Chinese Chicken Recipes Are From Our Dining On a Dime Cookbook, Volume 2.
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Sauce Variations for our Chinese Chicken Recipes
If you’d like to make more than one flavor of chicken for the same meal, prepare as much chicken as your family wants. Then make two or more of the sauces and serve separately from the chicken so each person can choose his or her own sauce.
Each of these sauce recipes makes enough sauce for two pounds of chicken. If you have extra sauce, freeze the extra portion in a freezable plastic jar to thaw and use later when you want Asian food again.
This Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe is one of the most popular Chinese chicken recipes! Crispy, golden-brown chicken pieces are smothered in a bright and flavorful sauce that’s perfectly sweet and tangy. Perfect for kids and picky eaters! To make it more fancy, you can enhance it with chunks of pineapple, bell peppers, and onions. Serve it over steamed rice or noodles for a satisfying and colorful meal.
Author:Tawra Kellam
Ingredients
1/4 cup cornstarch 1/2 cup water 1/3 cup pineapple juice 1/2 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar 1/2 cup ketchup 1 Tbsp. soy sauce 2 lbs. Chinese chicken base (Recipe above)
Instructions
Add all of the ingredients except the chicken base to a medium saucepan.
Stir to mix.
Cook for 5 minutes, until the mixture begins to thicken.
Pour over the Chinese chicken.
Notes
Add-Ons/Variations:
If you like, you can add any of the following to the Sweet And Sour Chicken to give it more of a restaurant quality (Our kids prefer just the chicken, rice and sauce.):
Bell pepper slices – Red, green, yellow, or orange bell peppers add color and a sweet, crunchy texture.
White or red onions provide a slightly sweet and sharp flavor.
Pineapple chunks are a classic addition, offering a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the sauce.
Here are some less common add-ons you can try:
Sliced or julienned carrots add a crunchy texture and mild sweetness.
Snow peas or snap peas
Broccoli florets add a hearty texture and absorb the sweet and sour sauce well.
Mandarin oranges add a refreshing, citrusy note to the dish.
Savor the flavors of this tasty Chinese Sesame Chicken recipe! Juicy chicken pieces are coated in a crispy batter and tossed in a rich, sweet, and savory sauce. With flavors of soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and topped with toasted sesame seeds, each bite is a burst of deliciousness. Serve it with rice or noodles for a meal everyone will enjoy.
Author:Tawra Kellam
Ingredients
1/4 cup soy sauce 2 Tbsp. water 1 Tbsp. oil, butter or margarine 3 Tbsp. brown sugar 1 Tbsp. rice vinegar 1 tsp. fresh ginger, grated 2 cloves garlic, minced or 2 tsp. minced garlic 1 Tbsp. sesame seeds 1/2 Tbsp. cornstarch 2 lbs. Chinese chicken base (Recipe above)
Instructions
Add all of the ingredients except the chicken base to a medium saucepan.
Stir to mix.
Cook for 5 minutes, until the mixture begins to thicken.
Pour over the Chinese chicken.
If desired, sprinkle sesame seeds over the top.
Notes
If you like, you can try adding any of the following on to of the sesame chicken as a garnish:
Toasted Sesame Seeds: Adds a nutty flavor and extra crunch.
Chopped Green Onions: Provides a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
Cilantro: Adds a burst of color and a fresh, herbal note.
Sliced Red Chili or Chili Flakes: For a touch of heat and color.
Crushed Peanuts: Adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
We normally serve Sesame Chicken with only sesame seeds and green onions as a garnish, but if you would like to add vegetables, here sre some that work well with Sesame Chicken:
Broccoli florets add a hearty texture and absorb the sweet and sour sauce well.
Bell pepper slices – Red, green, yellow, or orange bell peppers add color and a sweet, crunchy texture.
White or red onions provide a slightly sweet and sharp flavor.
Sliced or julienned carrots add a crunchy texture and mild sweetness.
This Chinese garlic chicken recipe is one of the most flavorful Chinese chicken recipes. Juicy chicken pieces are coated in a light, crispy batter and fried to perfection. Then the rich, garlicky sauce is poured over the top. Infused with soy sauce, a hint of ginger, and just the right amount of garlic, this dish offers a delicious blend of savory and aromatic flavors you’re sure to love!
Author:Tawra Kellam
Ingredients
2 Tbsp. brown sugar 1/4 cup soy sauce 1 Tbsp. white vinegar or rice vinegar 1 cup vegetable broth or water 1 1/2 Tbsp. cornstarch 2 Tbsp. canola oil 1 tsp. onion powder 3 Tbsp. garlic, chopped or 1 tsp. garlic powder 1 Tbsp. ginger, chopped or 1 tsp. ginger powder 2 lbs. Chinese chicken base (Recipe above)
Instructions
Add all of the ingredients except the chicken base to a medium saucepan.
Stir to mix.
Cook for 5 minutes, until the mixture begins to thicken.
Pour over the Chinese chicken.
Notes
Add-Ons/Variations:
If you like, you can add any of the following to the Garlic Chicken (or anything else that sounds good to you):
Broccoli florets add a hearty texture and absorb the sweet and sour sauce well.
Bell pepper slices – Red, green, yellow, or orange bell peppers add color and a sweet, crunchy texture.
White or red onions provide a slightly sweet and sharp flavor.
Sliced or julienned carrots add a crunchy texture and mild sweetness.
Enjoy this delicious Chinese Orange Chicken with crispy chicken pieces covered in a sweet and tangy orange sauce. With flavors of fresh orange, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, each bite is bursting with flavor. Serve it with rice or veggies for a tasty meal everyone will love.
Author:Tawra Kellam
Ingredients
1 cup orange juice 1/2 cup sugar 2 Tbsp. rice vinegar or white vinegar 2 Tbsp. soy sauce 1/4 tsp. ginger powder or 1 tsp. ginger, chopped 1/4 tsp. garlic powder or 2 cloves garlic, minced or 2 tsp. minced garlic 1/2 tsp. red chili flakes 1 Tbsp. cornstarch orange zest from 1 orange 2 lbs. Chinese chicken base (Recipe above)
Instructions
Add all of the ingredients except the orange zest and chicken base to a medium saucepan.
Stir to mix.
Cook for 5 minutes, until the mixture begins to thicken.
Once the sauce is thickened, remove from heat and add the orange zest.
Easy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken is a delightful dish featuring tender chicken pieces coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. This quick and simple recipe combines the perfect balance of soy sauce, honey, and garlic, making it an ideal choice for a flavorful weeknight meal. Serve it over rice or noodles for a satisfying dinner that the whole family will love.
Author:Tawra Kellam
Ingredients
3/4 cup honey 3/4 cup soy sauce 3 cloves garlic, minced or 1 Tbsp. minced garlic 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes (optional, to taste) 2 lbs. Chinese chicken base (Recipe above)
Instructions
Add the honey, soy sauce, garlic and red pepper flakes to a medium saucepan.
Stir to mix.
Cook for 5 minutes, until the mixture begins to thicken.
This easy stir fry recipe makes a quick and easy meal that is tasty and has a lot of variety! It’s healthy and easy to make in about 10 minutes so it’s one of my favorite family meals when I’m tired or just not feeling well.
Author:Tawra Kellam
Ingredients
1/2 cup leftover beef, turkey or chicken 3 Tbsp. peanut butter 2 Tbsp. soy sauce 1/2 tsp. hot sauce 1 Tbsp. cornstarch or 2 Tbsp. flour 1 cup water 1 Tbsp. oil 3-4 sliced ginger root peeled and minced OR 1 tsp ginger powder 2 cloves garlic, minced OR 1 tsp. garlic powder 2 stalks celery, sliced 2 onions, sliced 2 green peppers, sliced 2 cups cabbage, shredded 2 Tbsp. water
Instructions
In a bowl, mix the peanut butter, soy sauce and hot sauce.
Stir the cornstarch into 1 cup of water. Add to the bowl.
In a deep skillet, simmer the oil with the ginger and garlic over medium heat.
Add the vegetables, starting with the firmest as you dice the others. Stir after each addition.
Sprinkle on water as needed. Make sure you do not overcook the vegetables.
Add the cooked meat last.
Push the vegetables to the side and add the sauce to the pot while stirring. Add additional water if needed.
As the sauce clears, mix in the vegetables. Serve over rice. Serves 4.
This quick and easy beef stew recipe is mom’s beef stew recipe and it is the best beef stew you will ever eat! Every time I make it, everyone raves about how great it is. It’s so great we hardly ever have leftovers! If you need a quick and easy meal to put in the crockpot or on the stove to simmer, this is the recipe for you!!
This beef stew recipe is a tasty, tummy warming recipe for cool winter days! It is so quick and easy to make that I make it frequently. My kids have always loved it and they still request it if too much time has gome by since the last time we ate it.
This stew is very versatile. You can easily use leftovers in places of some of the ingredients. For example, in place of the round steak, you can use leftover round steak, roast or other leftover beef.
This is a very low cost recipe and is very tasty as written, but you can feel free to modify it to your liking. If you prefer, you can add or take away veggies and if you don’t mind the extra cost, you can add more meat.
If you have leftover potatoes, carrots or onions, this recipe is a great way to use them. You can really add any other stew vegetable that sounds good to you, so if you have leftovers you need to use, you can throw them into this recipe. Bell peppers and celery might also go well with this recipe.
This quick and easy beef stew recipe is from volume 1 of our cookbook:
This easy beef stew recipe makes a delicious hearty beef stew in the crockpot or on the stovetop. It’s a home cooked recipe just like grandma used to make and your family is sure to love it. This stew recipe is a great way to use leftover round steak, pot roast or other meat.
Author:Jill Cooper
Ingredients
1/2 lb. round steak, cubed or leftover beef 6 cups water 1 bay leaf 1 tsp. salt 1 tsp. sugar 1 tsp. garlic salt, (or to taste) 1 tsp. onion salt, (or to taste) or 1 onion, chopped 1/4 tsp. allspice 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce 1 tsp. lemon juice 2 carrots, peeled and sliced 6 potatoes, peeled and diced 1 Tbsp. cornstarch or flour 2 Tbsp. water
Instructions
Brown the meat in a large saucepan.
Add all of the other ingredients except the vegetables, cornstarch and 2 tablespoons water.
Simmer for 1-2 hours until the meat is tender.
Add the vegetables.
Cook for 15-20 minutes, until tender.
Mix the cornstarch into 2 Tbsp. water.
Add to the boiling stew.
Simmer 15 minutes, until thickened. Makes 2 quarts.
To Make This Beef Stew In A Crockpot
Brown the meat in a pan. It does not need to be cooked through, just browned.
Put everything in the crockpot and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
In the last 1/2 hour of cooking, mix the cornstarch into 2 Tbsp. water and add to the crockpot to thicken.
Notes
This recipes calls for round steak, but you can also use other kinds of beef or steak.
This recipe is an easy way to use leftovers. Leftover Pot Roast is delicious in this recipe.
You can also throw in leftover potatoes or vegetables.
Here’s how to plan ahead pot roast so you can get 4 dinners from 1 pot roast for just $15! You’ll also find our easy and delicious slow cooked roast recipe!
4 Dinners, 1 Roast, $15! How To Plan Ahead Pot Roast
One important key to saving money on groceries while feeding your family tasty meals is to plan ahead! One of my favorite ways to plan ahead is to prepare one meal, keeping in mind how I will use what would have been the leftovers to craft entirely new meals!
Here is what I will serve to spend just $15 feeding my family meals they will love! Not only are these pot roast recipes easy and delicious, but they are also significantly faster and cheaper than wasting your time in a drive-thru line and without all the frustration!
Here’s our easy and super delicious slow cooked pot roast recipe in the oven you can use to make the tastiest roast you will ever eat! We also share how to plan ahead pot roast so you can get 4 meals to feed your family out of this roast!
This delicious slow cooker pot roast recipe is easy to make with 5 minutes preparation time in an oven or a crockpot. I include the oven instructions first because I prefer to make it in the oven and crockpot instructions below!
Author:Tawra Kellam
Ingredients
1 beef roast, 3-5 lbs. 1 onion, sliced 1 can cream of mushroom soup (omit for GF and sprinkle with seasoned salt)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 250°.
Place roast in pan.
Pour cream of mushroom soup and onion on top.
Cover tightly. Bake at 250° for 1 hour.
Then turn it down to 225° and cook for 6-8 hours (about 6 hours for a smaller roast and 8 hours for a larger roast). When done, it should be so tender that the meat easily pulls off the roast with a fork. Serves 4 when you use a 3-5 lb. roast.
Slow Cooker Instructions:
If you prefer to cook this slow cooked roast in a crockpot or slow cooker, place the ingredients in the crockpot and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 5-6 hours. For the most tender roast, it is best to cook longer on a lower temperature.
Use a meat thermometer to make sure the internal temperature reaches 145°.
Notes
This slow cooked roast recipe can be cooked in the oven or a slow cooker. The secret is in the slow cooking. I prefer to cook it in the oven because I think it gives the roast a little bit better taste than the crockpot, but if you prefer a slow cooker, you will still end up with a tender and tasty roast.
This slow cooker pot roast recipe is an excellent way to prepare inexpensive roasts. This slow cooked roast recipe makes them so tender they fall off the bone and are almost impossible to lift out of the pan.
This recipe is an excellent way to make a delicious meal for Sunday after church or for guests, because it can cook for 2 or 3 hours longer than required without overcooking.
Since it is so tender that no meat is left on the bone, you get more pot roast for your money.
These easy slow cooked pot roast recipes are from our Dining On A Dime Cookbook, Volume 1:
Homemade brown gravy is a delicious and versatile sauce that can be used to enhance the flavor of a variety of dishes. Made with a few simple ingredients you already have at home, this classic gravy is easy to prepare and perfect for everything from mashed potatoes to roasted meats. With its rich, savory flavor and smooth texture, homemade brown gravy is a must-have in any home cook’s recipe collection.
Author:Tawra Kellam
Yield:4 servings
Ingredients
Meat Broth 1 cup cold water 2 Tbsp. all purpose flour or 1 Tbsp. cornstarch salt and pepper
Instructions
Add at least one cup of water to the roasting pan of your roast while the meat is cooking.
Remove the meat when done and skim off the fat.
Put the pan on a stove top burner on medium heat.
Put flour or cornstarch in a jar.
Add cold water (You could also add 1/4 cup dry milk.)
Cap the jar and shake until all the lumps are gone.
Pour the flour mixture slowly into the simmering broth and stir constantly until thickened. If there is a lot of liquid you may need to use more flour.
These cheesy French dip sandwiches are a cheap, easy and tasty plan ahead pot roast recipe! You can easily use leftover pot roast or roast beef to make these sandwiches in just a few minutes! They’re sure to please your family, save you money and get you out of the kitchen fast!
This easy homemade beef fajitas recipe makes a quick, cheap and easy dinner recipe! It makes a tasty meal your family will love and is a great way to use leftover pot roast.
Author:Tawra Kellam
Yield:6 servings
Ingredients
1 tsp. vegetable oil
1 clove garlic, minced
2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and finely chopped
1 bell pepper (optional)
1 small white onion (optional)
1 lb. leftover roast
1/2 cup lime juice
Salt and pepper, to taste
6 flour tortillas, warmed
Shredded Cheddar or Mexican cheese, optional
Salsa Ingredients
1 Tbsp. fresh cilantro
1 large tomato, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
Instructions
Combine the tomato, onion and cilantro for the salsa. Cover tightly and refrigerate.
If using bell pepper and onion, slice into strips.
Heat oil in a large skillet on high. Sauté garlic, jalapeños, bell pepper and onion for 1 minute.
Add meat and lime juice.
Cook in hot oil for 2-3 minutes, until heated through.
This Easy Spanish Rice Recipe makes a nice side dish to go with enchiladas and other Mexican food favorites. Serve with Refried Beans for a complete meal!
Author:Tawra Kellam
Yield:4 servings
Ingredients
1 chicken bouillon cube 1/2 cup water 1 cup rice, cooked 1 Tbsp. (or less) taco seasoning 1 clove garlic, minced 1 cup tomato sauce
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°.
Dissolve bouillon in water.
Mix all the ingredients.
Bake uncovered for 30 minutes.
This easy beef and noodles recipe makes a tasty main dish that makes an easy 5 dollar meal and that your family will love!
This easy beef and noodles recipe is a tasty quick and easy family dinner recipe you can make in just a few minutes with leftover pot roast or other cooked beef. Families and kids love this recipe and it’s so super simple to make!
Author:Tawra Kellam
Yield:6 servings
Ingredients
1/4 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup water 1 lb. leftover roast or other cooked beef 1 can or 1 pkg. fresh mushrooms, sliced (optional) 1 tsp. garlic powder salt and pepper (to taste) 1 lb. egg noodles, cooked
Instructions
Mix water and flour in a jar and shake well.
Pour into a saucepan.
Boil until it starts to thicken.
Add roast and mushrooms, if desired. Cook until roast is heated through.
Add garlic powder, salt and pepper.
Serve over cooked egg noodles or on toast. Garnish with parsley, if desired.
Notes
If you don’t have any leftover pot roast, you can use any leftover cooked beef, like brisket, steak or ground beef.
If you want to make this recipe starting without leftovers, you can simply prepare a slow cooked pot roast, brisket or any type of beef you prefer and then use it to make this recipe.
This chicken and dumplings recipe is an easy way to make chicken and dumplings like mom and grandma used to make! It’s a warm and savory comfort food, and a perfect meal for winter! This recipe is in volume 1 of our Dining On A Dime Cookbook!
There’s something timeless about a steaming bowl of chicken and dumplings! It’s simple, filling, and tastes like it came straight from Mom or Grandma’s kitchen. This easy chicken and dumplings recipe brings all that comfort to the table without a lot of fuss or expensive ingredients.
What makes this recipe so practical is how simple it is! With just a few pantry staples—chicken broth, cooked chicken or turkey, celery, carrots, and basic seasonings—you can have a hearty meal on the table fast. It’s a perfect way to use up leftover chicken or turkey, turning yesterday’s dinner into today’s warm and satisfying comfort food.
Here’s the process (Full Recipe Below):
Start by combining the broth, chicken, celery, carrots, bay leaf, and parsley in a Dutch oven. Bring everything to a gentle boil so the flavors can blend together. While that’s simmering, stir up the dumplings. The baking mix keeps things easy and dependable. Just add thyme, parsley, and milk, stirring until the dough is just moistened. Be careful not to overmix—this helps keep the dumplings light and tender.
Drop spoonfuls of dough straight into the boiling broth. Let them cook uncovered for 10 minutes, then cover the pot and cook another 10 minutes. And here’s the key: don’t peek! Lifting the lid releases steam and can leave you with soggy dumplings instead of fluffy ones.
When they’re done, remove the dumplings with a slotted spoon, discard the bay leaf, and ladle the rich broth and vegetables over the top. In about 30 minutes, you’ll have a comforting, homemade meal that tastes like it took all day—simple, budget-friendly, and absolutely delicious.
This Easy Chicken and Dumplings recipe is from Volume 1:
This Chicken Fried Steak recipe is quick and easy and so delicious that your family is sure to love it! Save on your food bill with this inexpensive recipe, which costs dramatically less than the restaurant version!
Chicken fried steak is a tasty traditional Southern comfort food that can’t be beat, but it can be very expensive to buy at a steak house! This chicken fried steak recipe is super easy and delicious. Because it uses ground beef, it is much more fork-tender than restaurant chicken fried steak, but it has all of the delicious flavor!
I always make my chicken fried steak recipe with white gravy and we have included an easy white gravy recipe. If possible, it is best to use some of the drippings, or leftover grease, from the beef to make the gravy. If you want to add a slightly different but delicious twist, you can use bacon grease for some or all of the gravy drippings.
Chicken fried steak is traditionally served with potatoes, like mashed potatoes topped with the same white gravy or baked potatoes. Rolling the baked potatoes in coarse salt before baking them gives them a more restaurant-like flavor.
It is also often served with a vegetable like fried okra, corn on the cob, broccoli or a salad. Coleslaw and potato salad are also great choices. Some people like to include a bread, like cornbread or Texas Roadhouse Rolls.
My husband Mike has eaten a lot of chicken fried steak in his life and he absolutely loves this recipe! Whenever there’s a special occasion like his birthday or Father’s day, he requests this as part of the meal. Try it and see how it satisfies the chicken fried steak lover in your family!
This easy chicken fried steak recipe is from our Dining On A Dime Cookbook, Volume 1:
1 lb. ground beef (You can use pre-made hamburger patties.) 1/4 cup milk, place in shallow bowl 1/4 -1/2 cup all purpose flour, place on plate 1 egg, whipped with fork and place in shallow bowl 1/2 -3/4 of a tube of crackers, crushed, place on plate
Instructions
Form ground beef into 5-6 patties.
Heat a frying pan with a little oil.
Dip each patty into milk, then flour, then egg and last of all crackers.
Place in the hot frying pan.
Season with salt, pepper, onion and garlic powder.
Turn down the heat and fry on one side. Then flip to other side.
The ground beef is done when the juices run clear.
Chicken Fried Steak White Gravy Recipe
2-4 Tbsp. drippings (grease) from the ground beef*
4 Tbsp. flour
2 cups milk
salt and pepper (to taste)
After frying the meat, leave 2-4 Tbsp. of drippings (and crumbs) in the pan, draining the rest.
Add flour to the drippings.
Quickly whisk to mix and loosen the crumbs. The mixture will be thick.
Slowly add milk, whisking to mix into the flour mix. Whisk well.
Bring to a boil, whisking the whole time until the mixture is thick. If it gets too thick, just add a little more milk.
Salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
*If the meat is too lean to leave grease for the gravy, you can use bacon grease or cooking oil, but the oil will not flavor it as well as meat grease.
This cheeseburger soup recipe is a hearty soup and a classic American favorite that your family is sure to love! Perfect for families with picky eaters and hearty appetites, your family will not go away hungry!
You’ll also find an alternative easy cheeseburger soup recipe along with a tasty spice cake for and caramel frosting for dessert!
6 medium potatoes, peeled, cubed and cooked
1/2lb. ground beef, cooked
2 chicken bouillon cubes
2 slices of bacon, fried and crumbled
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tsp. onion powder, to taste
4cupsmilk8oz. American cheese1/4cupsour cream
Instructions
Cook the potatoes in a Dutch oven and drain.
Add the rest of the ingredients, except the sour cream, and cook just until heated through. Make sure the bouillon cubes are dissolved and the cheese is melted. Do Not boil.
Remove from the heat and add sour cream.
Notes
Whenever I cook bacon, I always fry an extra piece or two. Then I keep it in the freezer in a Ziploc bag so it is handy to use in recipes like this one.
Indulge in the rich, buttery delight of homemade caramel frosting with this easy-to-follow recipe. Perfect for cakes, cupcakes, or any sweet treat, this frosting combines the deep, luscious flavor of caramel with a creamy, smooth texture.
Author:Tawra Kellam
Yield:Frosts one 9×13 inch cake.
Ingredients
1/2 cup butter or margarine 1 cup brown sugar, packed 1/4 cup milk 2 cups powdered sugar
Reduce heat to low and boil 2 minutes longer, still stirring.
Stir in milk and heat to boiling.
Remove from heat and cool.
Slowly stir in the powdered sugar.
Place the saucepan of frosting in a bowl of very cold water and beat until smooth. If the frosting is too stiff, add an additional 1 teaspoon of milk at a time until the frosting is smooth.
This easy cheeseburger soup recipe is from volume 2 of our cookbook:
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If your family likes this cheeseburger soup recipe, you might also try these recipes:
These easy 3 ingredient dinner recipes will make it easy for you to make cheap and delicious meals your family will love without spending a lot of time in the kitchen!
This post is dedicated to my friend and neighbor Katie. She came over and we were talking and she said “I need some super easy 3 ingredient or less recipes for dinner“.
As I was telling her about a couple of these recipes she had no idea these recipes could be made, and so easily too! She grew up with a mom who never cooked so she never learned how to cook. She was telling me how she would like to learn now.
If you are new to cooking at home try some of these recipes to get you started and get a good cookbook to help you along the way. Even if you are an old pro try some for those days when you just need something quick and easy!
This easy 3 ingredient salsa chicken recipe is a super easy and delicious crockpot recipe perfect for families. Just 2 minutes’ prep and then toss it in the crockpot!
Ingredients
Units
6 chicken breasts, boneless, skinless OR 6-8 chicken pieces 2cups salsa 1cup shredded cheese (Cheddar or Mexican Blend)
Instructions
Place the chicken in a crockpot.
Pour the salsa on top.
Cook for 1 1/2 – 2 hours on high.
Place cheese on top and let it melt during the last 10-15 minutes.
This easy 3 ingredient sweet pork chops recipe makes tangy and delicious pork chops your family will love! It’s also great as a tangy ribs recipe for fall off the bone ribs! Just 5 minutes prep time and the crockpot does the rest!
Ingredients
4 pork chops (They can still be frozen.) OR 2-3 lbs. pork ribs 12 oz. bottle chili sauce 1 cup grape jelly
Instructions
Grease a crockpot with oil or cooking spray.
Place the pork chops in the crockpot.
In a bowl, mix the chili sauce and grape jelly.
Pour the mixture on the pork chops.
Cook on low for 6-8 hours (8 hours if frozen).
These pork chops or ribs will fall of the bone! Super Yummy!
This 3 ingredient Ritz chicken is a super easy baked chicken recipe you can make with less than 5 minutes’ work! Crispy and oh, so delicious! Your family will love it!
Ingredients
1 lb. chicken (boneless skinless), cut into strips 1/2 bottle of ranch dressing 1 sleeve of Ritz Crackers, crushed (generic is fine) salt and pepper
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°.
Place the ranch dressing and the Ritz crackers in separate bowls.
Grease a 9×13 inch pan.
Salt and pepper the chicken.
Dip the chicken in the ranch dressing and then dip in the crackers.
This easy 3 ingredient creamy chicken tacos recipe makes creamy and delicious chicken tacos, perfect for families! Just dump everything into the crockpot in the morning and dinner will be waiting!
Author:Tawra Kellam
Ingredients
1 can Rotel tomatoes OR 1 cup salsa 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts 1/2 bar( 4 oz.) cream cheese
Instructions
Place the chicken into a greased crockpot.
Pour the Rotel or salsa over the top
Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
30 minutes before serving, place the cream cheese on top. There is no need to stir. The heat will melt it.
Continue cooking for 30 more minutes.
When ready to serve, stir and break up the chicken.
This easy 3 ingredient Chicken Cacciatore recipe makes a delicious Italian style chicken dinner your family will love! With just 5 minutes prep time, it’s a perfect meal for busy families!
Ingredients
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts or 4–8 chicken pieces 1 bottle spaghetti sauce 2-3 cups vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms and onions
Instructions
Grease the crockpot.
Add the chicken.
Pour spaghetti sauce over the top.
Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
One hour before serving, add vegetables and continue cooking.
This easy 3 ingredient beef tacos recipe makes tasty classic style ground beef tacos that every family loves! Just dump everything into the crockpot in the morning and at dinner time, serve on taco shells with your favorite taco toppings!
Ingredients
1 lb. ground beef 1 pkg. taco seasoning (or homemade taco seasoning) 1 can Rotel tomatoes and green chilis
Instructions
Place everything into a greased crockpot.
Cook 5-7 hours on low. Stir every few hours to break up the beef. (You can do this beforehand if you will be gone all day).
Serve on taco shells.
If desired, garnish with taco toppings like lettuce, cheese and tomatoes.
This easy 3 ingredient barbecue meatballs makes an easy and delicious crockpot meal! It’s quick and easy for you and the kids and family will love it!
Ingredients
25 frozen fully cooked meatballs (half of a 32 oz. bag) 1 cup grape jelly 1 cup barbecue sauce
Instructions
Pour the sauces into a crockpot.
Stir until combined.
Add the meatballs.
Stir until they are coated with the sauce.
Cook on high for 3 hours.
Serve over rice.
Notes
You might also like to make our BEST Homemade Barbecue Meatballs Recipe, which is one of our readers’ most favorite easy recipes. It has more than 3 ingredients but is super easy and oh, so delicious!
This easy 3 ingredient sausage biscuits and gravy is a tasty crockpot recipe that is quick and easy to make. Biscuits and gravy are not just for breakfast – It makes a great dinner, too!
This easy 3 ingredient dr. pepper pulled pork recipe is a simple way to make tender pulled pork in the crockpot. With just 5 minutes of preparation time, it’s a quick and easy meal your family will love!
Ingredients
1 can Dr. Pepper 1 packet onion soup mix (or homemade onion soup) 1 (2–3 lb.) pork roast
Instructions
Grease crockpot.
Place the pork roast into the crockpot.
Sprinkle pork with onion soup mix.
Pour the Dr. Pepper over the pork until it is almost covered in the crockpot.
Here are 10 easy pasta recipes your family will love! You’ll find a big variety of family friendly recipes and many of these recipes can be great ways to use leftovers!
10 Pasta Recipes Your Family Will Love!
Whether you’re in the mood for something light and cool, something baked, a soup or any of a big variety of flavors, you’re sure to find that one of these easy pasta recipes does the trick!
1 onion, chopped 1/2 lb. Italian sausage 2 (16 oz.) cans stewed tomatoes, chopped, with juice 1 (8 oz.) can tomato paste salt to taste 1 clove garlic, pressed, or garlic powder (to taste) 1 bay leaf 2 tsp. Italian Seasoning
Instructions
Crumble sausage in a 2-quart saucepan.
Brown the sausage with the onion.
Drain off the fat.
Add the remaining ingredients.
Simmer for 1 hour. Remove bay leaf before serving.
This BLT pasta salad recipe is a quick, easy and delicious pasta salad dish with the taste of a bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich. It is especially refreshing on warm days, but great for any day you feel like an easy cool and delicious meal. The recipe has no specific measurements, so you can add as little or much of each ingredient as you like.
Author:Jill Cooper
Ingredients
Spiral pasta (or your favorite pasta), cooked Bacon, cooked and crumbled Tomatoes, chopped Miracle Whip dressing Lettuce
1 (15 oz.) can Northern beans 1 (28 oz.) can stewed tomatoes, sliced 16 oz. spagetti sauce Italian seasoning, to taste 2 stalks celery, sliced thin 1 small onion, chopped 2 cups pasta, uncooked Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Combine everything in a Dutch oven.
Bring to a boil on medium-high heat.
Turn the heat down to low.
Cover the pan with a lid.
Allow to cook on slow simmer for 30 minutes or until the pasta is tender. Stir occasionally.
Experience the delightful combination of tender chicken and vibrant spinach in our easy Chicken Spinach Pasta recipe. This dish features succulent chicken breast and fresh spinach, all tossed in a savory garlic parmesan sauce. Quick to prepare and full of wholesome ingredients, this recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight or a casual dinner gathering. Treat yourself to a meal that’s as delicious as it is nourishing.
Author:Tawra Kellam
Yield:4 servings
Ingredients
1 lb. fresh spinach, rinsed well 1 cup chicken broth 1 (16 oz.) pkg. pasta shells 1 tsp. olive oil or vegetable spray 4 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 tsp. nutmeg or mace salt and pepper 1/2 lb. chicken breast, boned, skinned, grilled and cut into 1 inch pieces 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
Cook the spinach in the broth until tender.
Drain and reserve broth. Remove excess liquid by mashing.
Cook pasta.
In a heavy skillet over medium heat, add the oil or vegetable spray.
Sauté the garlic, stirring constantly, until it is white (about 1 minute). Don’t allow it to brown.
Add the spinach, nutmeg or mace and salt and pepper.
Add the chicken pieces to the spinach and stir.
Add a small amount of the reserved cooking broth.
Stir the spinach until it is hot. If the spinach starts to get dry, add broth as necessary.
Add the cooked pasta to the spinach mixture and blend well.
Serve immediately with Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top.
This Green Chili Chicken Pasta Recipe is a delicious and easy Mexican themed dish. It’s an easy casserole with a different twist from a typical pasta dish.
This tasty green chili chicken pasta recipe is a delightful Mexican-inspired dish that your family will absolutely adore. Unlike your ordinary pasta dish, this easy casserole offers a lively Mexican twist that will awaken your taste buds. Not only is it a fantastic way to use leftover chicken, but it also cleverly disguises the fact that they are enjoying leftovers, leaving your family none the wiser.
Author:Jill Cooper
Ingredients
3 Tbsp. butter 3 Tbsp. flour 2 cups chicken broth 1 cup sour cream 4 oz. diced green chilies 1 lb. pasta, cooked 2 cups chicken cooked, shredded or chopped and seasoned with cumin and onion 2 cups (16 oz.) Monterrey Jack Cheese, grated
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°.
Melt butter in a medium saucepan.
Stir in flour to make a roux and let it bubble for 1 minute.
Add in chicken broth, stirring constantly. Allow it to bubble and thicken for 10-15 minutes.
Remove from heat.
Add sour cream and green chiles.
In a greased 9×13 baking dish, layer pasta, chicken and cheese two times.
Then pour the sauce over the top. Do not stir.
Bake for 20-30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Notes
If you like, you can salt and pepper to taste or add any other seasonings you like.
You might also add olives or garnish with tomatoes, parsley or cilantro.
This easy taco pasta salad recipe makes an easy one dish meal! Cool pasta with Mexican themed ingredients and finished with a tasty sweet dressing, it’s a perfect summertime family dinner recipe! It’s a great way to use leftover meat and veggies, too!
Author:Jill Cooper
Ingredients
6 Tbsp. water 1/2 packet taco seasoning 1/2 lb. cooked hamburger or 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded 8 oz. rotini pasta (or your favorite pasta shape), cooked, drained and rinsed 1/2 cup green bell pepper, chopped 1/2 cup onion, chopped 1 tomato, chopped 1 (2.25 oz.) can sliced black olives, drained 8 oz. shredded Colby Jack cheese (or your favorite cheese) 1 (8 oz.) bottle Catalina dressing or red French dressing*
Instructions
In a medium skillet, combine the water and taco seasoning. Bring to a simmer.
Add the cooked meat and cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid has evaporated. Remove from the heat and let cool.
In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, seasoned meat, green pepper, onion, tomato, olives and cheese.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to blend.
Stir before serving and add additional dressing if desired.
Notes
Rotisserie chicken works great in this recipe.
This salad is easy to customize with ingredients you already have on hand. Try adding corn, black beans, avocado, jalapeños, or chopped lettuce just before serving.
If you prefer a lighter salad, start with about 6 oz. of dressing and add more to taste.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
*The pasta will absorb some of the dressing as it chills, so the full bottle isn’t as much as it may seem. Add the dressing gradually if you prefer a less heavily dressed salad.
This ranch turkey pasta recipe is a quick and easy main dish recipe you can make to use some of your leftover holiday turkey. It is so fast you make it in less time than it takes to boil the pasta.
This ranch turkey pasta recipe is a quick and easy main dish recipe you can make to use some of your leftover holiday turkey. It is so fast you make it in less time than it takes to boil the pasta.
Author:Tawra Kellam
Yield:4 servings
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups uncooked medium tube pasta (or any other type of pasta or noodle) 6-8 Tbsp. butter or margarine 1 envelope ranch salad dressing mix 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed 3 cups turkey, cooked and cubed
Instructions
Cook the pasta according to the directions.
While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a skillet and add salad dressing mix.
This Easy Pan-Fried Lemon Chicken recipe is the perfect quick and budget-friendly dinner! Tender, breaded chicken strips are pan-fried to golden perfection, then paired with sautéed bell peppers and tossed over pasta. A simple, zesty lemon-broth sauce ties everything together for a fresh, flavorful meal—all for under $5! Whether you need a fast weeknight dinner or a satisfying meal without breaking the bank, this dish delivers big taste with minimal effort.
Author:Tawra
Yield:2 servings
Ingredients
2 bell peppers, chopped 1 whole chicken breast, boneless and skinless 1 Tbsp. flour 1/2 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. pepper 2 tsp. olive oil 1/3 cup chicken broth 2 Tbsp. lemon juice 1 Tbsp. parsley, chopped 2 cups pasta, cooked
Instructions
In a skillet, sauté bell peppers over medium heat in a small amount of oil.
Cut chicken into strips.
Mix flour, salt and pepper in a bowl.
Coat chicken with flour mixture.
Remove peppers from the skillet.
Heat oil in the skillet, still on medium heat.
Add chicken and cook 6-8 minutes, until brown.
Add peppers and warm.
Put the pasta on a serving dish.
Place chicken and peppers on the pasta.
Add chicken broth and lemon juice to the skillet.
Stir over medium heat 2-3 minutes.
Scrape the brown bits on the bottom of the pan and cook until reduced.
Stir in parsley.
Pour over chicken.
Notes
This recipe serves 2, but you can easily double it and still have dinner for under 5 dollars!
Here’s an easy chicken and pasta dish your family is sure to love! This easy chicken cacciatore recipe is a tasty Italian dish that is quick and easy to make! A traditional family favorite that will leave everyone asking for more!
Ingredients
2–3 lbs. chicken pieces 2 Tbsp. olive oil 2 (14 oz.) cans stewed tomatoes 2 cups mushrooms sliced 1 cup zucchini, sliced 1 tsp. fresh basil, crushed or 1/4 tsp dried basil salt and pepper, to taste 4 cups pasta, cooked
Instructions
Brown chicken in oil, 10 minutes, turning occasionally
Drain.
Add the rest of the ingredients except the pasta.
Cover and simmer 25 minutes.
Serve over pasta.
For more quick and easy recipes like these easy pasta recipes, check out our cookbook:
This easy honey garlic chicken recipe is a super yummy and easy to make Chinese chicken dinner recipe you can make in 10-15 minutes!
Author:Tawra Kellam
Ingredients
2 tsp. olive oil or vegetable oil 1 1/2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into small pieces (about 1/2 inch) salt and pepper (to taste)
Sauce Ingredients
3 Tbsp. honey 3 Tbsp. soy sauce 3 cloves garlic, minced or 1 Tbsp. minced garlic 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)
Instructions
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Lightly season the chicken with salt and pepper.
Add the chicken to the skillet and brown on one side, about 3-4 minutes. While the chicken is browning, make the sauce.
Whisk the honey, soy sauce, garlic and red pepper flakes, if using, in a small bowl until well combined.
Add the sauce to the pan and toss to coat the chicken pieces.
Cook until chicken is cooked through, 4-5 more minutes.
Serve with steamed rice and top with green onions, sesame seeds and a squeeze of lime juice, if desired.
Serve this honey garlic chicken with your choice of these optional items:
This easy fried rice recipe makes delicious Chinese fried rice perfect served alongside any Chinese food dish. Simple to make and customize to your taste, it’s an ideal way to use leftover rice, vegetables, and more.
Heat through. For the best flavor, cook until it is heated through and the rice is browned.
Notes
The basic fried rice recipe is super versatile and easy to customize you your own taste. While the recipe only calls for rice, eggs and bell peppers, you can add any kind of vegetables and proteins that sound good. This recipe is a great way to use leftover rice, vegetables, chicken and more.
Here are some other things you might want to add to the easy fried rice recipe to make it a little more fancy:
Mixed vegetables, like peas and carrots or a vegetable blend
Onions, chopped and sautéed (You can sauté them as they are cooking in the fried rice.)
Cooked meat, like chicken, beef, pork, shrimp or fish.
Fried tofu
Your favorite Asian sauce
Any of the variations in our list above or anything that sounds good to you.
If you don’t like eggs or if you can’t eat them, you can leave them out of the recipe.
This recipe is a perfect way to use leftovers, so if you have any kind of leftover vegetables or cooked meat, add them to this fried rice recipe to use them without calling them leftovers.
This easy honey garlic chicken recipe is from volume 2 of our cookbook:
