There are times when you may feel like digging out your mother's old cookbook, rolling up your sleeves and “POOF”, a delicious gourmet meal emerges. Everyone knows that perfectly planned meals don't happen that easy. It may take you hours in the kitchen to prepare and cook a good meal for your family. In this day and time, you, like me, may not have a minute to spare as caregivers to our families, let alone spare our wallets. That is why I was compelled to share this list of dinner ideas. Based on my own experience, these meals are inexpensive and easy to prepare. I hope you enjoy these as much as I have, and still do!
Banquet Crock-Pot Classics-Beef Pot Roast
I love this meal because all of the ingredients are in the bag! The meat, sauce, and vegetables are included! That means less prep time for you, and this meal is at a reasonable price. You can prepare this meal in your crock-pot. I sometimes prepare mine in my Dutch oven over the stovetop. Which ever way you choose, there is no cutting up of meat, or chopping up vegetables! Follow the instructions on the package, and dinner is done. I from time to time cook two cups of brown rice in my rice cooker to compliment this meal. This is a hearty, inexpensive meal that will satisfy. You can find this already prepped meal at your local grocery store.
Campbell's Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole
If you like creamy and wholesome, this dinner idea is right down your alley. Who doesn't like Campbell's cream soups? Their Cream of Mushroom Soup is so rich! Let me remind you though, they do offer low-fat versions of their cream soups. This idea will get the job done, hands down. You can also use this recipe as a casserole base. That means you can add ingredients or take them away. You can add vegetables or even try substitutions; brown rice instead of white, the call is yours. You can find the complete recipe and possible substitutions at Campbell Soup. Hope you enjoy!
Homemade Chicken and Dumplings
Homemade Chicken and Dumplings are great for a cold winter's night or when you want that warm, down home feeling. They smell so good when they're cooking. This is another inexpensive meal that you can cook, especially when you have left over chicken all ready in the fridge. You can find the recipe for Chicken and Dumplings at Cooks. This is one or my favorite because dumplings and chicken broth go so well together! Add any ingredients or take away ingredients, which ever you choose, you will not regret this home time favorite.
Baked Spaghetti
Spaghetti night never looked so good. Bake it baby! Baked spaghetti can be eaten again the next day as a leftover that will draw no complaints. You can use store bought sauce or make your own! I prefer to use Prego brand spaghetti sauce. This inexpensive meal takes about an hour to cook. Enjoy with homemade or store bought garlic bread. You can find the recipe for baked spaghetti at Cooks.
Eggplant Parmesan
This meal is good because it's a Vegetarian food that anyone can enjoy. Eggplant parmesan can be prepared in many ways. You can fry it, bake it or boil it. In my opinion, eggplant tastes its best fried. This meal is great prepared with Italian bread crumbs, and fried in healthy oil. Then top it with spaghetti sauce and mozzarella cheese. The recipe for Eggplant parmesan can also be found at Cooks.
Enjoy These 5 delicious and inexpensive meal ideas, at home, at work and with friends and family.
