Tag: budget friendly

  • Budget-Friendly Stuffed Peppers

    Budget-Friendly Stuffed Peppers

    How to Make Budget-Friendly Stuffed Peppers

    Make this whole dish the night before and hold in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve. Just heat them up in the oven or in the microwave and you’ll have dinner for the whole family in no time. They’re also delicious when eaten cold!


    20 min prep time


    1 hr 15 min cook time


    6servings


    1 stuffed pepper

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
    2. Add lentils, water, ginger, garlic and turmeric to a medium sauce pan. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer, partially covered for 20 minutes. Set aside to cool.
    3. While lentils are cooking, mix ground chicken, cilantro, salt, ground black pepper and cayenne pepper in a medium bowl and set aside.
    4. Cut the tops off of the peppers and cut out seed pod (save the tops). Clean out the ribs and any seeds from the inside of the peppers and line the peppers cut side up in a baking dish. Set the tops off to the side. (Note: If the peppers won’t sit upright, trim just a little bit off the bottom of the peppers to even it out so it will sit up straight. Try not to cut a hole in the bottom so the mixture inside does not fall out).
    5. Once the lentils have cooled, stir them in to the chicken mixture and mix well to incorporate.
    6. Fill each pepper with the chicken and lentil mixture but do not pack the mixture in tightly. Just gently fill to the top.
    7. Place each pepper top back on to the peppers filled with the chicken and lentil mixture, then pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the pan.
    8. Bake for 1 hour or until the internal temperature of the chicken mixture is 165 degrees.
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    Nutrition facts

    6 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 stuffed pepper


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      230

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      4.5g

      6%

      • Saturated Fat
        1.5g

        8%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      55mg

      18%

    • Sodium
      290mg

      13%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      23g

      8%

      • Dietary Fiber
        9g

        32%
      • Total Sugars
        4g

    • Protein
      25g

    • Potassium
      930mg

      20%

    Ingredients

    red or brown lentils
    1 cup

    water
    2 cup

    fresh ginger (grated)
    1 tbsp

    garlic (minced)
    2 clove

    turmeric
    1 tsp

    lean ground chicken
    1 lbs

    fresh cilantro (chopped)
    1 tbsp

    salt
    1/2 tsp

    black pepper
    1/2 tsp

    cayenne pepper
    1/4 tsp

    small bell peppers ((any color or assorted colors))
    6

    low sodium chicken broth
    1/2 cup

  • Budget-Friendly Roasted Veggie Tacos

    Budget-Friendly Roasted Veggie Tacos

    How to Make Budget-Friendly Roasted Veggie Tacos

    Trying to eat a meatless, veggie-packed meal once a week? This recipe gives you all the flavor of tacos, but with so much more fiber and vegetables. Top them with avocado slices for extra flavor if you’d like.


    35 min prep time


    8servings


    1 taco

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray.

    2. Place zucchini, carrots, onions, and red pepper on baking sheet. Add olive oil and garlic; toss to coat. Bake for 15-18 minutes. Remove from oven.

    3. While vegetables are baking, heat a medium sauté pan over medium heat. Spray with cooking spray. Add tomato and sauté for 1 minute. Add beans, chili powder, cumin and pepper and sauté for 2 minutes. Add cooked vegetables to pan and mix well.

    4. Serve 1/2 cup veggie mixture in each taco and top with lettuce and cheese.

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    Nutrition facts

    8 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 taco


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      180

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      6g

      8%

      • Saturated Fat
        1.5g

        8%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      5mg

      2%

    • Sodium
      200mg

      9%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      27g

      10%

      • Dietary Fiber
        3g

        11%
      • Total Sugars
        6g
      • Added Sugars
        0g

        0%

    • Protein
      7g

    • Potassium
      489mg

      10%

    Ingredients

    nonstick cooking spray
    1 whole

    zucchini (small dice)
    2 med

    carrots (small dice)
    5 med

    onion(s) (small dice)
    1 small

    red bell pepper (small dice)
    1 med

    olive oil
    1 1/2 tbsp

    garlic (minced)
    1 clove

    tomato(es) (seeded and diced)
    1 med

    pinto beans (15-ounce, rinsed and drained)
    1 can

    chili powder (Plus 1 teaspoon)
    1 tbsp

    cumin
    1 tsp

    black pepper
    1/4 tsp

    corn tortillas (6-inch)
    8 whole

    lettuce (shredded)
    1 cup

    queso fresco ((or reduced-fat shredded cheddar))
    1/2 cup

  • Budget-Friendly Salmon Burgers

    Budget-Friendly Salmon Burgers

    How to Make Budget-Friendly Salmon Burgers

    These burgers are a good way to spice up your menu! They are packed with heart-healthy salmon, plus some veggies. To keep the carbohydrate count low, these are served over bibb lettuce instead of on a bun. Serve these burgers with a green salad drizzled with a sesame ginger vinaigrette for a light, refreshing meal.


    15 min prep time


    15 min cook time


    6servings


    1 salmon burger

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Preheat the oven to 475 degrees F. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray and set aside.
    2. Place the onion, garlic, bell pepper, and Thai curry paste in a large food processor and blend until smooth.
    3. Add the salmon and puree until smooth. Add the egg and cilantro and puree until incorporated.
    4. Scoop the mixture in 1/2 cup portions onto the baking sheet and press lightly to form a patty. Repeat to make 6 patties.
    5. Spray the top of each patty with cooking spray and bake for 15 minutes.
    6. Serve each salmon burger in a lettuce leaf and top each with 1 Tbsp. sliced scallions.
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    Nutrition facts

    6 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 salmon burger


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      150

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      7g

      9%

      • Saturated Fat
        1.5g

        8%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      70mg

      23%

    • Sodium
      160mg

      7%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      4g

      1%

      • Dietary Fiber
        1g

        4%
      • Total Sugars
        2g

    • Protein
      19g

    • Potassium
      390mg

      8%

    Ingredients

    nonstick cooking spray
    1

    small onion (chopped)
    1/2

    garlic (chopped)
    1 clove

    red bell pepper (seeded and chopped)
    1

    Thai red curry paste
    1 tbsp

    salmon (skinless, cut into chunks)
    1 lbs

    eggs
    1

    fresh cilantro
    1/4 cup

    lettuce leaves
    6

    green onion (scallion) (thinly sliced)
    2

  • Budget-Friendly Pastitsio (Greek Lasagna)

    Budget-Friendly Pastitsio (Greek Lasagna)

    How to Make Budget-Friendly Pastitsio (Greek Lasagna)

    This version of Greek Lasagna is a great family meal that pairs well with a green salad topped with a little feta cheese and light Greek salad dressing.


    30 min prep time


    60 min cook time


    12servings


    1 slice

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a 9×13-inch baking sheet with cooking spray. Set aside.
    2. Add cooking spray to a large nonstick sauté pan. Sauté onions for 4-5 minutes or until translucent. Add in ground turkey and sauté for 8-10 minutes, or until turkey is cooked through.
    3. Add cinnamon, oregano, salt (optional), ground black pepper, and tomato sauce. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer for 5-7 minutes or until just starting to thicken.
    4. Stir in parsley and set aside.
    5. Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt. Drain and stir immediately into turkey mixture. Pour the pasta and turkey mixture into the baking sheet and press down so it is evenly spread in the pan.
    6. Add the olive oil to a small sauce pan over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook the flour for 1-2 minutes, taking care not to brown it. Stir constantly.
    7. Slowly whisk in the skim milk and bring to a boil, whisking constantly. Whisk in the nutmeg and parmesan cheese.
    8. In a small bowl, whisk the egg and then slowly whisk in the hot milk mixture to temper the egg. Add the rest of the milk mixture to the egg and then pour over the top of the pasta, spreading to coat the entire thing.
    9. Bake on the middle rack of the oven for 30 minutes or until bubbly and top is golden brown. Let cool for 15-20 minutes, the cut into 12 equal slices.
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    Nutrition facts

    12 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 slice


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      280

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      7g

      9%

      • Saturated Fat
        1.9g

        10%
      • Trans Fats
        0.1g

    • Cholesterol
      55mg

      18%

    • Sodium
      190mg

      8%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      37g

      13%

      • Dietary Fiber
        4g

        14%
      • Total Sugars
        6g

    • Protein
      16g

    • Potassium
      530mg

      11%

    Ingredients

    nonstick cooking spray
    1

    onion(s) (diced)
    1 med

    lean ground turkey (93% fat-free)
    20 oz

    ground cinnamon
    2 1/2 tsp

    dried oregano
    1 tsp

    salt
    1/2 tsp

    black pepper
    1/2 tsp

    tomato sauce (low sodium, 15-oz cans)
    2 can

    fresh parsley (chopped)
    1 tbsp

    whole wheat penne pasta
    1 lbs

    olive oil
    1 tbsp

    whole wheat flour
    2 tbsp

    skim milk
    2 cup

    ground nutmeg
    1/8 tsp

    Parmesan cheese (freshly grated )
    1/3 cup

    eggs
    1

  • Budget-Friendly Pork Chops with Peach Salsa

    Budget-Friendly Pork Chops with Peach Salsa

    How to Make Budget-Friendly Pork Chops with Peach Salsa

    Take advantage of seasonal produce and pair this mouth-watering salsa sweet-and-savory salsa with pork chops. It would also be great over chicken or fish. For a more intensely flavored salsa, grill the peaches, bell pepper, and onion along side the pork chop before chopping and mixing them together for the salsa.

    Watch How to Make Pork Chops with Peach Salsa

    Powered by Homemade


    20 min prep time


    8 min cook time


    4servings


    1 pork chop + 1/4 cup salsa

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Prepare an indoor or outdoor grill. Season pork chops with pepper, garlic powder and oregano. Grill pork chops over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side or until done.

    2. In a small bowl, mix together the peaches, bell pepper, red onion, vinegar, oil, and cilantro.

    3. Top each cooked pork chop with about 1/4 cup salsa mixture and serve.

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    Nutrition facts

    4 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 pork chop + 1/4 cup salsa


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      210

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      9g

      12%

      • Saturated Fat
        2.7g

        14%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      60mg

      20%

    • Sodium
      50mg

      2%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      10g

      4%

      • Dietary Fiber
        2g

        7%
      • Total Sugars
        8g

    • Protein
      22g

    • Potassium
      510mg

      11%

    Ingredients

    lean boneless pork chops
    1 lb (4 chops)

    black pepper
    1/4 tsp

    garlic powder
    1/2 tsp

    dried oregano
    1 tsp

    peaches (pitted and diced)
    2 med

    green bell pepper (finely diced)
    1/2 whole

    red onion (finely diced)
    1/3 cup

    rice wine vinegar
    1 tbsp

    olive oil
    1 tsp

    fresh cilantro (chopped)
    1 tsp

  • Budget-Friendly Kale and Sausage Sauté

    Budget-Friendly Kale and Sausage Sauté

    How to Make Budget-Friendly Kale and Sausage Sauté

    This simple, low carb entree is packed with protein, fiber, and vegetables. Best of all, it can be ready in under 30 minutes!


    10 min prep time


    15 min cook time


    6servings


    1 cup

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Add olive oil to a large sauté pan over medium heat.
    2. Add diced sausage and onion and sauté until onions begin to turn golden brown.
    3. Add the kale and chicken broth and sauté until kale softens.
    4. Add remaining ingredients and sauté 3-4 more minutes to heat the beans through.
    5. Serving Suggestion: Serve with a side of brown rice to round out the meal.
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    Nutrition facts

    6 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 cup


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      170

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      6g

      8%

      • Saturated Fat
        1.4g

        7%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      35mg

      12%

    • Sodium
      410mg

      18%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      17g

      6%

      • Dietary Fiber
        5g

        18%
      • Total Sugars
        2g

    • Protein
      14g

    • Potassium
      560mg

      12%

    Ingredients

    olive oil
    1 tbsp

    Italian style chicken sausage (diced)
    3 links (about 3 oz each)

    onion (diced)
    1

    chopped kale
    1 (10-oz) bag

    low sodium chicken broth
    1/2 cup

    cannellini beans (drained and rinsed)
    1 (15-oz) can

    crushed red pepper flakes
    1/4 tsp

    salt
    1/4 tsp

    black pepper
    1/2 tsp

  • Budget-Friendly Mediterranean Fish Stew

    Budget-Friendly Mediterranean Fish Stew

    How to Make Budget-Friendly Mediterranean Fish Stew

    This Mediterranean fish stew costs a little more than $10 for 4 servings, but it can be a real treat and is great for the chilly winter weather!


    20 min prep time


    4servings


    about 1 ½ cups

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Add olive oil to a soup pot over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper, celery, garlic, basil and oregano. Sauté until onions begin to turn clear.

    2. Add crushed tomato and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 10 minutes or until vegetables are soft.

    3. Gently stir in cod and shrimp and cook for 5 minutes or until seafood is cooked through.

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    Nutrition facts

    4 Servings



    • Serving Size

      about 1 ½ cups


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      210

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      5g

      6%

      • Saturated Fat
        2g

        10%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      135mg

      45%

    • Sodium
      540mg

      23%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      22g

      8%

      • Dietary Fiber
        7g

        25%
      • Total Sugars
        12g
      • Added Sugars
        1g

        2%

    • Protein
      22g

    • Potassium
      1030mg

      22%

    Ingredients

    olive oil
    1 tbsp

    medium onion (diced)
    1 med

    red bell pepper (seeded and diced)
    1 whole

    celery (diced)
    2 stalks

    garlic (minced)
    2 clove

    basil (dried)
    1 tsp

    dried oregano (dried)
    1 tsp

    canned crushed tomatoes ( 28 oz, no salt added, crushed)
    1 (28-oz can)

    low sodium vegetable broth (low-sodium)
    2 cup

    cod filets (cut into 1-inch chunks)
    6 oz

    medium shrimp (peeled and deveined and chopped)
    8 oz

    salt (optional)
    1/2 tsp

    black pepper
    1/2 tsp

  • Budget-Friendly Hearty Cabbage Soup

    Budget-Friendly Hearty Cabbage Soup

    How to Make Budget-Friendly Hearty Cabbage Soup

    This veggie-loaded, high-fiber soup is more satisfying than traditional cabbage soup because of the addition of beans and turkey sausage. It also freezes well, so freeze half and use it during a busy week when you don’t have much time to cook.


    20 min prep time


    9servings


    1 cup

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Spray a large soup pot with cooking spray. Add celery, onion and carrots and sauté over medium-high heat for 3 minutes or onions until clear. Remove from pan and set aside.
    2. Add turkey sausage and cook until brown, about 6-7 minutes. Add celery, onions and carrots back to pan and mix.
    3. Add remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
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    Nutrition facts

    9 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 cup


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      120

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      2.5g

      3%

      • Saturated Fat
        0.9g

        5%

    • Cholesterol
      20mg

      7%

    • Sodium
      360mg

      16%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      15g

      5%

      • Dietary Fiber
        5g

        18%
      • Total Sugars
        5g

    • Protein
      10g

    • Potassium
      545mg

      12%

    Ingredients

    nonstick cooking spray
    1

    carrots (diced)
    2

    celery stalks (diced)
    2

    onion (diced)
    1

    cabbage (roughly chopped)
    1/2

    lean turkey breakfast sausage (crumbled)
    1/2 lbs

    low sodium chicken broth (fat-free, low-sodium)
    40 oz

    canned diced tomatoes
    1 (14.5-oz) can

    Great Northern beans (rinsed and drained)
    9 (15.5-oz) can

    black pepper
    1/4 tsp

    dried oregano (dried)
    1/2 tsp

  • Budget-Friendly Herb Garlic Meatloaf

    Budget-Friendly Herb Garlic Meatloaf

    How to Make Budget-Friendly Herb Garlic Meatloaf

    This savory budget-friendly meat loaf is just as good as classic meatloaf. Our diabetes-friendly version is made with lean ground turkey and is seasoned with fresh herbs and garlic. For a complete meal, serve with over roasted sweet potatoes (they can roast alongside the meatloaf in the oven) and a nonstarchy vegetable side or simple green salad.

    Watch How to Make Herb Garlic Meatloaf

    Powered by Homemade


    10 min prep time


    35 min cook time


    6servings


    1 slice

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Pre heat oven to 375 degrees F. Coat a loaf pan with cooking spray. Set aside.

    2. In a medium bowl, break up the piece of whole wheat bread into pea-sized pieces. Add egg and mix well.

    3. Add turkey, garlic, oregano, basil, 1/4 cup ketchup, salt (optional) and ground black pepper. Mix well.

    4. Press the turkey mixture into the loaf pan tightly. Put in oven to bake for 20 minutes.

    5. While meatloaf is baking, whisk together remaining 1/4 cup of ketchup, balsamic vinegar and hot sauce (optional).

    6. After the meatloaf has baked for 20 minutes, pour the ketchup and balsamic glaze over the meatloaf. Return to the oven to bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the internal temperature of the meatloaf is 165 degrees F.

    7. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes, then slice into 6 equal portions.

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    Nutrition facts

    6 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 slice


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      190

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      7g

      9%

      • Saturated Fat
        2.1g

        11%
      • Trans Fats
        0.1g

    • Cholesterol
      75mg

      25%

    • Sodium
      430mg

      19%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      9g

      3%

      • Dietary Fiber
        0g

        0%
      • Total Sugars
        6g

    • Protein
      20g

    • Potassium
      330mg

      7%

    Ingredients

    nonstick cooking spray
    1 whole

    whole wheat bread
    1 slice

    egg substitute
    1/4 cup

    lean ground turkey
    20 oz

    garlic (minced)
    2 clove

    fresh oregano
    1 tbsp

    fresh basil (chopped)
    1 tbsp

    ketchup (divided)
    1/2 cup

    salt
    1/4 tsp

    black pepper
    1/2 tsp

    balsamic vinegar
    2 tbsp

  • Budget-Friendly Greek Salad and Grilled Shrimp Pitas

    Budget-Friendly Greek Salad and Grilled Shrimp Pitas

    How to Make Budget-Friendly Greek Salad and Grilled Shrimp Pitas

    Serve this dish with a cup of cold gazpacho soup or with sautéed zucchini seasoned with lemon juice and oregano.


    15 min prep time


    4servings


    1 pita

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Prepare an indoor or outdoor grill.
    2. In a large bowl, toss together lettuce, onion, cucumber, feta cheese, olive oil, red wine vinegar, and oregano.
    3. Fill each pita pocket half with 1/4 of lettuce mixture. Set aside.
    4. Season shrimp with salt (optional), ground black pepper and cayenne pepper. Spray shrimp with cooking spray.
    5. Grill shrimp for 3-4 minutes on each side. Remove from grill and add 3 shrimp to each pita.
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    Nutrition facts

    4 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 pita


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      160

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      6g

      8%

      • Saturated Fat
        1.5g

        8%

    • Cholesterol
      30mg

      10%

    • Sodium
      435mg

      19%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      19g

      7%

      • Dietary Fiber
        3g

        11%
      • Total Sugars
        2g

    • Protein
      9g

    • Potassium
      235mg

      5%

    Ingredients

    romaine lettuce (shredded)
    2 cup

    small red onion (thinly sliced)
    1/2

    large cucumber (or 1 small) (peeled and sliced)
    1/2

    feta cheese (reduced fat, crumbled)
    1/3 cup

    olive oil
    1 tbsp

    red wine vinegar
    2 tbsp

    fresh oregano (chopped)
    1 tbsp

    whole wheat pita (halved)
    2

    medium shrimp (peeled and deveined)
    12

    salt (optional)
    1 tsp

    black pepper
    1 tsp

    cayenne pepper
    1/4 tsp

    nonstick cooking spray
    1