Budget Dump and Go Recipes 101
Cooking on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or convenience. With a little creativity and a slow cooker, you can make delicious meals without breaking the bank. These budget-friendly "dump and go" recipes are simple, hearty, and full of flavor, perfect for anyone looking to save time and money.
➡ Chicken and Rice Recipe
Ingredients:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup rice (white or brown)
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 cup chicken broth
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Add the rice, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir everything together to combine, ensuring the chicken is covered with liquid.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or until the chicken is fully cooked and the rice is tender.
5. Shred the chicken before serving and stir to combine.
➡ Beef and Bean Chili Recipe
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can tomato sauce
1 packet chili seasoning
1 tsp cumin
Instructions:
1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet, then drain any excess fat.
2. Transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
3. Add the kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili seasoning, and cumin.
4. Stir everything together and cover.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Serve with cornbread or tortilla chips for an extra treat.
➡ Vegetable Soup Recipe
Ingredients:
1 bag frozen mixed vegetables
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can corn, drained
4 cups vegetable broth
1 onion, chopped
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Add the frozen mixed vegetables, diced tomatoes, corn, vegetable broth, chopped onion, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker.
2. Stir to combine, then cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours.
3. Adjust seasoning to taste before serving. This soup is perfect on its own or paired with a slice of crusty bread.
➡ Pasta and Meatballs Recipe
Ingredients:
1 bag frozen meatballs
1 jar marinara sauce
1 lb pasta (any kind)
4 cups water
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Place the frozen meatballs in the slow cooker.
2. Pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs and add the Italian seasoning and garlic powder.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the pasta with water.
4. Pour the pasta and water into the slow cooker and stir.
5. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours, stirring occasionally. Top with Parmesan cheese before serving for an extra touch.
➡ Chicken and Potato Casserole Recipe
Ingredients:
4 bone-in chicken thighs
4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
1 packet ranch seasoning mix
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Place the chicken thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Layer the diced potatoes over the chicken.
3. In a bowl, mix the ranch seasoning, sour cream, chicken broth, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the mixture over the chicken and potatoes.
5. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours until the chicken is tender and the potatoes are soft.
Tips and Swap Ideas
Frozen Veggies: Frozen vegetables are often cheaper than fresh and can be swapped into almost any recipe, making them a great way to stretch your meals further.
Protein Substitutes: Use cheaper cuts of meat, like chicken thighs instead of breasts, or ground turkey in place of ground beef. You can also go vegetarian with beans or lentils for a filling and affordable meal.
Spices: Stock up on dried spices in bulk to save money. Seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning go a long way and are used in many budget-friendly recipes.
Double It: Make extra portions and freeze the leftovers. This way, you have meals ready to go for later, saving time and money.
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