Wednesday, February 19, 2025

Luxury Meals on a Budget – 20 Five-Star Recipes Under $15!

 1. Herb Roasted Chicken Thighs with Vegetables



Ingredients:

  • 5 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 4 medium potatoes (diced)
  • 2 carrots (sliced)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • 1 teaspoon rosemary
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
  3. Rub the herb mixture onto the chicken thighs.
  4. Arrange the chicken, potatoes, and carrots on a baking sheet.
  5. Roast for 35-40 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
  6. Serve and enjoy!

Cost: $12


2. Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry



Ingredients:

  • 1 lb beef sirloin (sliced thin)
  • 3 cups broccoli florets
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Instructions:

  1. In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, and cornstarch.
  2. Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add beef and cook until browned.
  3. Add broccoli and stir-fry until tender.
  4. Pour in the sauce mixture and cook until thickened.
  5. Serve with rice or noodles.

Cost: $13


 3. BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches



Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs pork shoulder
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 5 sandwich buns
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Season pork shoulder with salt and pepper.
  2. Slow cook pork in a crockpot on low for 8 hours or until tender.
  3. Shred the pork and mix with BBQ sauce and vinegar.
  4. Serve on sandwich buns.

Cost: $14


4. Baked Ziti



Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ziti pasta
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Cook ziti pasta according to package instructions.
  2. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  3. In a bowl, mix cooked pasta, marinara sauce, ricotta, basil, and salt.
  4. Pour into a baking dish, top with mozzarella and parmesan.
  5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until bubbly and golden.

Cost: $12


5. Lemon Garlic Butter Tilapia



Ingredients:

  • 5 tilapia fillets
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 lemon (juiced)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Heat butter in a pan over medium heat.
  2. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
  3. Season tilapia fillets with salt and pepper and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden.
  4. Squeeze lemon juice over the fish and serve.

Cost: $10


6. Cheesy Baked Pasta Casserole



Ingredients:

  • 1 lb pasta (penne or rotini)
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
  3. Mix cooked pasta, marinara sauce, ricotta, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  4. Pour into a baking dish, top with mozzarella and parmesan.
  5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until bubbly and golden.

Cost: $12


7. Vegetable Fried Rice



Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked rice (preferably cold)
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)

Instructions:

  1. Heat sesame oil in a pan, add garlic, and cook for 1 minute.
  2. Add mixed vegetables and stir-fry until tender.
  3. Push veggies to the side and scramble eggs in the pan.
  4. Add cold rice and soy sauce, stir well, and cook for 5-7 minutes.
  5. Serve hot!

Cost: $10


8. Chili Mac



Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 can kidney beans (drained)
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions:

  1. Cook ground beef in a pot until browned.
  2. Add beans, tomatoes, chili powder, and bring to a simmer for 10 minutes.
  3. Cook macaroni according to package instructions.
  4. Mix pasta with chili, top with shredded cheese, and serve.

Cost: $13


9. Stuffed Bell Peppers



Ingredients:

  • 5 bell peppers (tops cut off, seeds removed)
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 cup shredded cheese

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook ground beef in a pan, add tomatoes and cumin.
  3. Mix in rice and stuff each pepper.
  4. Place peppers in a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Cost: $12


10. Eggplant Parmesan



Ingredients:

  • 2 eggplants (sliced)
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Dip eggplant slices in breadcrumbs and bake for 20 minutes.
  3. Layer baked eggplant slices with marinara sauce and cheese in a baking dish.
  4. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly.

Cost: $12


 11. Loaded Baked Potatoes



Ingredients:

  • 5 large russet potatoes
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup crispy bacon (crumbled)
  • 2 green onions (sliced)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Bake potatoes for 45-60 minutes, until tender.
  3. Slice potatoes open and fluff the insides with a fork.
  4. Top with sour cream, cheese, bacon, green onions, salt, and pepper.
  5. Serve immediately!

Cost: $10


12. BBQ Chicken Drumsticks



Ingredients:

  • 10 chicken drumsticks
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Coat drumsticks with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  3. Bake for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through.
  4. Brush with BBQ sauce and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until crispy.

Cost: $12


13. Veggie Stir Fry



Ingredients:

  • 3 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, broccoli, bell peppers)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tablespoon ginger (grated)

Instructions:

  1. Heat sesame oil in a pan, add garlic and ginger, and cook for 1 minute.
  2. Add vegetables and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until tender.
  3. Add soy sauce and cook for another 2 minutes.
  4. Serve with rice or noodles!

Cost: $10


14. Shakshuka



Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion (diced)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 4 eggs
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté onion and garlic until softened.
  2. Add tomatoes, cumin, salt, and pepper, and simmer for 10 minutes.
  3. Make wells in the sauce and crack eggs into the wells.
  4. Cover and cook for 5-7 minutes until eggs are set.
  5. Serve with pita bread!

Cost: $10


15. BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches



Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs chicken breasts
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 5 sandwich buns
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Cook chicken breasts in a slow cooker for 6-8 hours until tender.
  2. Shred the chicken and mix with BBQ sauce.
  3. Serve on sandwich buns.

Cost: $12


16. Gnocchi with Garlic Butter



Ingredients:

  • 1 package gnocchi
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Cook gnocchi according to package instructions.
  2. In a pan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
  3. Toss cooked gnocchi in garlic butter.
  4. Sprinkle with parmesan and serve.

Cost: $12


17. Margherita Flatbread Pizza



Ingredients:

  • 2 flatbreads
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 1 cup fresh mozzarella (sliced)
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Spread marinara sauce over flatbreads.
  3. Add mozzarella slices and bake for 8-10 minutes until crispy.
  4. Top with fresh basil and drizzle with olive oil.

Cost: $11


18. Baked Zucchini Boats



Ingredients:

  • 4 zucchinis (cut in half and hollowed out)
  • 1 lb ground turkey or beef
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook ground meat in a pan, add marinara sauce and Italian seasoning.
  3. Stuff zucchini halves with the meat mixture and top with mozzarella.
  4. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until cheese is bubbly.

Cost: $12


19. Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Shells



Ingredients:

  • 20 jumbo pasta shells
  • 2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup spinach (cooked and chopped)
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook pasta shells according to package instructions.
  3. Mix ricotta and spinach and stuff the shells.
  4. Place stuffed shells in a baking dish, cover with marinara sauce, and top with mozzarella.
  5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly.

Cost: $13


 20. Creamy Penne Pasta Salad



Ingredients:

  • 1 lb penne pasta
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
  • 1 cucumber (diced)
  • 1/2 cup red onion (diced)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Cook penne pasta according to package instructions.
  2. In a large bowl, mix mayonnaise, mustard, salt, and pepper.
  3. Add pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, and onion.
  4. Chill for 30 minutes and serve.

Cost: $10

Friday, February 7, 2025

"20 Super Bowl Dishes That WOW Your Guests—Cheap, Fast, & Delicious!" 🍗🏆

 

Turkey Rolls



Ingredients:

  • 1 lb sliced turkey ($5)
  • 1 block cream cheese ($2)
  • 1 cup spinach or arugula ($3)
  • 1 package tortillas ($3)

Instructions:

  1. Spread cream cheese evenly over a tortilla.
  2. Layer spinach and turkey on top.
  3. Roll tightly and slice into 1-inch pinwheels.

Chicken Pot Pie Cups



Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken ($4)
  • 1 can cream of chicken soup ($1.50)
  • 1 cup frozen mixed veggies ($1.50)
  • 1 package biscuit dough ($3)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  2. Mix chicken, soup, and veggies in a bowl.
  3. Press biscuit dough into muffin tins to form cups.
  4. Fill cups with chicken mixture and bake for 15-20 minutes.

 Meatball Sliders



Ingredients:

  • 1 bag frozen meatballs ($5)
  • 1 jar marinara sauce ($2)
  • 1 pack slider buns ($3)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella ($2)

Instructions:

  1. Heat meatballs in marinara sauce.
  2. Place meatballs on slider buns, top with mozzarella.
  3. Serve warm.

 Loaded Potato Skins



Ingredients:

  • 6 large russet potatoes ($4)
  • 1 cup shredded cheese ($2)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream ($2)
  • 1/2 cup bacon bits ($3)

Instructions:

  1. Bake potatoes at 400°F for 1 hour.
  2. Halve potatoes and scoop out centers.
  3. Fill with cheese and bacon bits; bake another 10 minutes.
  4. Serve with sour cream.

 Buffalo Chicken Dip



Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken ($4)
  • 1/2 cup buffalo sauce ($2)
  • 1 block cream cheese ($2)
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing ($2)
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese ($2)

Instructions:

  1. Mix all ingredients and heat in a slow cooker for 2 hours or bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
  2. Serve with chips or veggies.

Taco Crescent Ring



Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef ($5)
  • 1 package taco seasoning ($1)
  • 2 cans crescent rolls ($5)
  • 1 cup shredded cheese ($2)

Instructions:

  1. Cook beef with taco seasoning.
  2. Arrange crescent dough in a ring shape on a baking sheet.
  3. Fill with beef mixture and cheese, then fold over dough edges.
  4. Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.

Veggie Tray with Hummus



Ingredients:

  • 1 lb baby carrots ($2)
  • 1 cup celery sticks ($1.50)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes ($2)
  • 1 container hummus ($3)

Instructions:

  1. Arrange veggies on a platter.
  2. Serve with hummus in the center.

BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders



Ingredients:

  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken ($4)
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce ($2)
  • 1 pack slider buns ($3)

Instructions:

  1. Mix chicken with BBQ sauce.
  2. Serve on slider buns.

Mini Pepper Nachos





Ingredients:

  • 1 lb mini sweet peppers ($4)
  • 1 cup shredded cheese ($2)
  • 1 cup black beans ($1.50)
  • 1/2 cup salsa ($2)

Instructions:

  1. Halve peppers and remove seeds.
  2. Top with cheese, beans, and salsa.
  3. Bake at 375°F for 10 minutes.

Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks



Ingredients:

  • 1 pizza dough ($3)
  • 1/2 cup butter ($1)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella ($2)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder ($1)

Instructions:

  1. Roll out dough, brush with melted butter.
  2. Sprinkle cheese and garlic powder on top.
  3. Bake at 400°F for 10-12 minutes.

Spinach and Artichoke Dip



Ingredients:

  • 1 cup frozen spinach ($1.50)
  • 1/2 cup chopped artichokes ($2)
  • 1 block cream cheese ($2)
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese ($2)

Instructions:

  1. Mix ingredients, heat in a skillet until bubbly.
  2. Serve with chips or bread.

BBQ Meatball Skewers



Ingredients:

  • 1 bag frozen meatballs ($5)
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce ($2)
  • 1/2 cup pineapple chunks ($2)

Instructions:

  1. Skewer meatballs and pineapple.
  2. Brush with BBQ sauce, grill or bake for 10 minutes.

Deviled Eggs



Ingredients:

  • 1 dozen eggs ($3)
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise ($1)
  • 1 tbsp mustard ($0.50)

Instructions:

  1. Boil eggs, cut in half, and remove yolks.
  2. Mix yolks with mayo and mustard.
  3. Pipe back into egg whites.

Cheesy Stuffed Mushrooms



Ingredients:

  • 1 lb white mushrooms ($4)
  • 1 cup cream cheese ($2)
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan ($2)

Instructions:

  1. Remove mushroom stems, fill with cheese mixture.
  2. Bake at 375°F for 15 minutes.