Why Make This Recipe
Budget-friendly weeknight dinners are a lifesaver for busy families and individuals. They help you save money while enjoying delicious meals. This recipe not only cuts costs but also provides a satisfying dish that can be made in under an hour. It’s perfect for those nights when you want something quick, easy, and tasty.
How to Make 17 Budget Friendly Weeknight Dinners
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 1 can of black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 3 cups cooked rice or quinoa
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- Optional toppings: sour cream, avocado, chopped cilantro
Directions:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or turkey over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, and taco seasoning to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
- Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- In a separate large bowl, combine the cooked rice or quinoa with the meat mixture.
- Transfer the mixture into a baking dish and sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot, adding optional toppings if desired.
How to Serve 17 Budget Friendly Weeknight Dinners
Serve this dish straight from the baking dish, allowing everyone to take their portion. It’s great with a side salad or warm tortillas. Encourage family and friends to add their favorite toppings to customize their plates.
How to Store 17 Budget Friendly Weeknight Dinners
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to a month. Just make sure to separate it into individual portions for easy reheating.
Tips to Make 17 Budget Friendly Weeknight Dinners
- Use whatever leftover vegetables you have in your fridge to make this dish even more budget-friendly.
- Adjust the spice level by adding hot sauce or using a spicier taco seasoning if you like it hot.
- For a vegetarian option, swap the meat for more beans or lentils.
Variation
You can easily change this recipe by using different proteins like chicken or tofu. You can also experiment with different grains, like couscous or farro.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the dish and store it in the fridge before baking. Just bake it when you’re ready to eat.
Q: Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
A: Absolutely! It stores well in individual portions, making it perfect for meal prep.
Q: Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
A: Yes, just be sure to cook fresh veggies a bit longer to ensure they’re tender before adding them to the mix.
Budget Friendly Weeknight Dinner Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 3 cups cooked rice or quinoa
- 1 cup shredded cheese
Optional Toppings
- sour cream To taste
- avocado To taste
- chopped cilantro To taste
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or turkey over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, and taco seasoning to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
- Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Assembly
- In a separate large bowl, combine the cooked rice or quinoa with the meat mixture.
- Transfer the mixture into a baking dish and sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
Baking
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serving
- Serve hot, adding optional toppings if desired.
