Dinner on the Cheap » Casserole

5 Recipes for $50

admin — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 15:04:30 +0000

Here were are at the beginning of a new week. This week’s recipe is full of comfort food, sweet and spicy flavor and some really quick meals. I guess I haven’t felt like spending a great deal of time in the kitchen lately (: I did discover this week that chicken wings taste great with Indian influenced spicing on them!

This Week’s Recipe List:

Tandoori Style Chicken Wings with a Yogurt Sauce
Slow Cooked Bacon and Beans with Cornbread
Vegan Bean Sprout and Spinach Stir Fry
Vegetarian English Muffin Pizza with Garlic Green Beans
Vegetarian Sweet and Savory Vegetable Casserole with Sage Rosemary Dumplings

Shopping List for Week of April 19th


Fruits/Vegetables
9 cloves garlic,0.35
3 onions,1.5
1 potato,0.25
3 carrots,0.15
1 sweet potato (1 lb),0.79
1 bunch broccoli (1/2 lb),0.75
2 zucchini,1.5
3 celery stalks,0.33
8 oz. fresh bean sprouts,1.75
1 lb spinach,4.99
1 bunch green onions,1.39
1 TB ginger,0.35
2 TB fresh cilantro,0.56

Canned Goods
1 (14 oz.) can tomato sauce,1.45
1 (14 oz) can chopped tomatoes,1.45
1 can (14 oz) vegetable broth/stock,1.75
1 (15 oz.) can red kidney beans,1.79
1 (15 oz.) can white beans,1.79
1 (15 oz.) can black beans,1.45
1 (15 oz.) can pork and beans,1.79

Oils/Condiments/Spices
1 TB oregano,0.05
1 TB thyme,0.05
5 TB olive oil,0.72
1/2 TB fresh sage,0.55
1/2 TB fresh rosemary,0.55
1 TB paprika,0.05
1/2 ts chili powder,0.05
1 TB balsamic vinegar,0.15
1/4 cup ketchup,0.15
1/4 cup BBQ sauce,0.15
1 TB mustard,0.05
1 TB molasses,0.15
1 TB rice vinegar,0.15
1 TB sesame oil,0.15
2 TB soy sauce,0.08
1 TB corn starch,0.05
1/2 TB Chinese five spice,0.05
1 dried red chili pepper,0.05
1 TB ground coriander,0.08
1 1/2 ts ground cumin,0.08
1 ts ground tumeric,0.05
1/2 ts ground cinnamon,0.05
1/4 ts cayenne pepper,0.03

Dairy
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese,3.85
2 TB butter,0.21
1/4 cup milk,0.06
2 TB sour cream,0.22
1 cup whole milk yogurt,0.96

Grains/Pasta
4 English Muffins,2.66
1 cup flour,0.45
4 servings chow mein noodles,0.9

Frozen Foods
1 bag (16 oz.) frozen green beans,3.99

Meat
10 slices bacon,3.29
24 chicken wings,5.25

Other
2 TB brown sugar,0.1


TOTAL,51.56

CLICK HERE for a PDF version of this shopping list

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Sweet and Savory Vegetable Casserole with Rosemary Sage Dumplings – Vegetarian

admin — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 14:49:13 +0000

The trick to the recipe is the SWEET POTATO and the BALSAMIC VINEGAR. I added them together on a whim and am so very happy I did. There is a tart yet sweet flavor to this dish that I have never tasted in any other.

Sweet and Savory Vegetable Casserole with Rosemary Sage Dumplings
*Vegetarian*
Prep. Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Serves 6

Ingredients:
1 TB olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 TB paprika
1 potato, chopped
3 carrots, peeled and chopped
1 (14 oz) can chopped tomatoes
1 can (14 oz) vegetable broth/stock
1 sweet potato (1 lb), peeled and chopped
1 bunch broccoli (1/2 lb), chopped
2 zucchini, chopped
1 TB balsamic vinegar
2 TB sour cream

Dumplings:
1 cup flour
2 TB chilled butter, cubed
1/2 TB fresh sage, chopped
1/2 TB fresh rosemary, chopped
1/4 cup milk

Directions:
1. Heat oil in deep skillet. Add onion and cook for 5 minutes.
2. Add garlic and paprika to skillet and cook 30 seconds. Add potato, carrot, tomato and veggie stock to pan. Bring to boil, reduce heat and cook on low for 10 minutes.
3. Add sweet potato, broccoli and zucchini and simmer for 10 minutes. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
4. Sift flour and pinch of salt into a medium sized bowl. Rub chilled butter into flour until it resembles breadcrumbs. Pour milk and herbs into bowl and using a knife slice into the flour and stir until in creates a dough.
5. Move dough to table surface and form into a ball. Cut into 6 equal sized pieces. Form each piece into a ball.
6. Right before you add your cooked vegetables to your casserole dish for baking mix in the balsamic vinegar and sour cream.
7. Top vegetable mixer with herb dumplings.
8. Bake casserole for 20 minutes.

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5 Recipes for $58

admin — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 16:40:14 +0000

I am $8 over this week, but I feel like the recipes are worth it. There is a great mixture of hot comfort food and cool spring time fresh food. I found a new combination of flavors (mint and olives! who knew?) this week and also discovered a new cheese that tastes like bacon (not gouda, but fontina–it’s cheaper!). Have a great week and happy cooking and eating!

This week’s Recipes:
Each recipe amounts to 4 servings each.

Tortilla Chip Salad
Vegetarian Cranberry and Walnut Spring Salad
Mint and Olive Chicken over Couscous
Vegetarian Macaroni and Cheese with Smoked Fontina Cheese
Vegetarian Collard Greens and Tomatoes with Garlic Cheese Bread

Shopping List for Week of April 12th


Shopping List for Week of April 12

Fruit/Vegetable
2 onions,0.35
6 Roma tomatoes,1.99
1 potato,0.15
4 cups (about 1 lb) spring mix salad,4.99
1/2 cup dried cranberries,1.45
1 pound cherry or grape tomatoes,2.99
7 garlic cloves,0.45
1/4 cup mint (1/2 bunch),0.55
2 shallots,0.35
2 carrots,0.07
1 rib of celery,0.07
1 lemon,0.25

Meat
1 1/2 pounds ground beef,2.68
4 chicken breasts,9.98

Oils/Condiments/Spices
2 TB taco seasoning,0.75
2 TB cumin,0.5
2 TB tumeric,0.5
1 TB ground coriander,0.15
2 ts thyme,0.05
1 bay leaf,0.05
1/4 ts nutmeg,0.05
3 TB olive oil,1.26
1 ts garlic powder,0.09
1/2 ts mustard powder,0.09
1 TB apple cider vinegar,0.09
1/2 ts hot sauce,0.09

Canned Foods
1 can diced chilis,1.09
4 cups chicken stock,3.52
1/4 cup kalamata olives, chopped,0.95

Frozen Food
1 16 oz. bag frozen collard greens,1.79

Dairy
4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese,5.99
1/2 cup feta cheese,2.5
1 cup sour cream,1.09
8 TB unsalted butter,0.75
2 cups shredded smoked fontina cheese,2.35
4 cups milk,0.32

Grains/Pastas
3 cups couscous,2.5
1 pound macaroni pasta,0.99
6 TB all purpose flour,0.12
4 slices bread,0.4

Other
1/2 bag tortilla chips,1.25
1/2 cup chopped walnuts,1.07
2 1/2 cups bread crumbs,1.99



TOTAL,58.66

For a pdf version of this shopping list, CLICK HERE.

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Macaroni and Cheese with Smoked Fontina Cheese

admin — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 16:22:53 +0000

I think I have to vote for this one as the week’s favorite. I love comfort food and I love mac and cheese. I grew up on Kraft boxed mac and cheese. This is a bit more complicated, but a lot more tasty. If you are feeling a bit of a gourmet itch and have a bit more time in the kitchen for dinner prep, take a shot at this recipe. So worth it!

Macaroni and Cheese with Smoked Fontina Cheese
Prep. Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes for Bechamel Sauce, 10 minutes for pasta and 30 minutes of baking

Ingredients:
1 pound macaroni pasta
4 TB butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 1/2 cups bread crumbs
1 ts thyme
2 cups shredded sharp cheese
2 cups shredded smoked fontina cheese
salt
black pepper
1 ts paprika

Bechamel Sauce:
4 TB unsalted butter
1 shallot, chopped
2 carrots, peeled and chopped
1 rib of celery, chopped
6 TB all purpose flour
4 cups milk
1 ts dried thyme
1 bay leaf
1 1/2 ts salt
1/4 ts nutmeg
black pepper

Directions:
1. Make your bechamel sauce: Melt butter in a medium sauce pan over high heat. Add shallot, carrot, and celery to pan and cook for about 5 minutes. Stir in flour and cook 2 minutes. Slowly whisk in milk and bring it all to a boil. Add thyme and bay leaf. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes in order to thicken the sauce.

2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. When it starts to boil add your pasta. Cook according to the packaging.

3. While your pasta cooks heat a medium sauce pan and melt butter with garlic cloves. Add the bread crumbs and thyme and mix.

4. When pasta is cooked, drain and toss with cheeses. Fold in the bechamel sauce, salt, pepper and paprika.

5. Transfer macaroni mixture to a greased baking dish. Cover top with bread crumbs. Bake for 30 minutes. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

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5 Recipes for $56

admin — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 21:12:15 +0000

Sorry, went a little bit over the normal rate of $50 this week. It is because two of the recipes use meat. I couldn’t resist, they are so delicious. Another little twist to this week is that I found most of my recipes online. I usually make up my own recipes or use one of my books, but I wanted a change of pace this week so I decided to find some new recipe sites and showcase them this week. Thanks to all you food bloggers out there for providing the world with awesome meal ideas. Here are a few that I found tasty.

Vegetarian Broccoli Souffle
Vegetarian Egg and Potato Skillet
Lemon Chicken
Tortilla Soup
Vegetarian Cream of Spinach Pasta

Shopping List for Week of March 29th



Fruit/Vegetables
1 potato,0.25
4 onions,1.85
1 zucchini,0.79
1 pound fresh broccoli,0.87
2 lemons,0.5
5 cloves garlic,0.35
1 avocado,0.98

Dairy
7 eggs,1.95
8 TB butter,0.75
2 cups milk,0.32
2 oz. Roquefort Cheese,1.66
1 cup sour cream,1.49
1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan Cheese,6.25

Grains/Flours
3 tablespoons flour,0.15
1/2 cup dry bread crumbs,0.15
2 TBS masa harina (fine cornmeal),0.15
1 lb. pasta of your choice,1.25

Meat
3-4 pounds chicken parts (thighs and legs),12.98
2 Chicken breasts,5

Herbs/Spices
2 TB dried thyme,0.35
1 ts dried rosemary,0.15
1/2 teaspoon Tabasco sauce,0.25

Oils/Condiments
2 TBS olive oil,1.16

Canned Goods
2 1/2 quarts chicken stock,4.25
1 (28-ounce) can tomato sauce,1.99
1 can (15 oz) black beans,1.79

Frozen Section
2 cups frozen corn,1.75
1 lb. frozen spinach,2.99

Other
1bag tortilla chips,4.35


Total,56.72

As always, Click here for a PDF version of this shopping list. Happy eating!

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Broccoli Souffle

admin — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 21:03:09 +0000

I am becoming a pretty big fan of adding eggs to meals to make them a bit more filling. At the same time, I have been looking for recipes that include green veggies because they are some of the most nutrient rich foods you can eat. Check out this Broccoli Souffle from Recipe Secrets.

Broccoli Souffle
Serves 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes

1 pound fresh broccoli
1 large minced onion
3 large eggs
2 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons flour
1 cup hot milk
2 ounces crumbled Roquefort cheese
1/2 teaspoon Tabasco sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup dry bread crumbs

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Butter baking dish; dust with dry bread crumbs; set aside.

Clean broccoli, pare any tough skin from stem and cut into pieces; place in pot of salted, boiling water for 10 minutes. Drain; squeeze dry. Transfer to food processor and pulse to chop.

In skillet, melt butter; add onion; saute until soft. Stir in flour; whisk to incorporate well.

Gradually add milk. Cook until mixture thickens, stirring constantly; remove from heat.

Stir in cheese, broccoli and Tabasco sauce.

In small bowl, beat eggs with salt. Stir eggs into cooled broccoli mixture.

Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish; bake in preheated oven for 40 minutes.

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Broccoli and Potato Casserole

admin — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 01:01:26 +0000

I needed to use up the rest of my potatoes this week. At the same time, my husband and I are trying to eat more healthy greens. This seemed like the perfect recipe.

Broccoli and Potato Casserole
***Vegetarian Dinner Recipe***
Serves 4
Prep. Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients:

1 pound potatoes, grated
1 1/2 pounds broccoli, cut into bite sized pieces
2 TB butter
1 1/2 cups green onions
2 eggs
1 TB fresh lemon juice
salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup grated cheese, cheddar, Swiss, etc.

Directions:

1. Melt the butter in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the scallions and cook until softened, not brown. Set aside.
2. Blend eggs, lemon juice, salt and pepper and 1/2 cup of the cheese.
3. Combine broccoli, potatoes, green onions with egg mixture.
4. Pour in buttered baking dish. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
5. Bake in preheated 350Â° oven for 30 minutes, or until set and golden on top.

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Flour Tortilla Enchiladas with Pepper and Tomato Salsa

admin — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 21:52:25 +0000

The variety of enchilada recipes out there make me so very happy. I love when recipes mix spicy and creamy together. That just makes my whole mouth happy with every bite!

Flour Tortilla Enchiladas with Hot Tomato Salsa

Serves 4
Prep. Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

4 oz. cream cheese
3 TB sour cream
1 onion, chopped
15 oz. can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
2 red bell peppers
1 pound tomatoes, quartered
1 can diced green chilies
1 egg
3/4 cup sour cream
1 cup cream
salt
8 flour tortillas
2 TB grated parmesan

Directions:
1. To make the filling: Beat cream cheese, sour cream, onion and kidney beans until well mixed.
2. To make the sauce: If you have a gas stove, turn on burner and blacken the outside of the red bell peppers. Otherwise, broil the peppers for 5-10 minutes until the skin starts to bubble. Wrap peppers in damp towels for 5 minutes. Run peppers under cold water and remove as much of the skin as possible. Cut the peppers in half and remove seeds.
3. Combine peppers, tomatoes, and green chilies in blender. Mix well. Add the egg, cream, sour cream and mix well.
4. To make enchiladas: Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Pour half the salsa into deep pie dish. Dip tortilla into the sauce until completely covered. Place on working surface, spoon 1/8 of filling, roll tortilla and place at one end of large casserole dish. Continue this process with the remaining tortillas.
5. When all of the tortillas are filled and rolled, cover the top with the remaining salsa and grated cheese.
6. Bake enchiladas for 20 minutes.

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Black bean and Corn Enchiladas

admin — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 02:46:53 +0000

I really like this dish because I love anything covered in enchilada sauce and the corn gives it just a perfect touch of sweetness. If needed, you could prepare this ahead of time and pop it in your preheated oven and have dinner in 15 minutes!

Black bean and Corn Enchiladas

Prep. Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Serves 4

Ingredients:
12 corn tortillas
2 cans black beans
3 cups frozen corn
1 TB olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup tomato sauce
1 TB taco seasoning
1 cup shredded cheese

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Heat olive oil in large skillet. When oil is hot, add onions. Cook onions until translucent and a little bit browned.
3. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
4. Add black beans, corn, pepper and cumin. Bring to a boil and then lower heat and simmer for 5 minutes to thicken mixture.
5. Mix tomato sauce and taco seasoning.
6. Wrap corn tortillas in a wet paper towel and microwave on high for 15 seconds on each side. If you do not have a microwave, just wrap in wet paper towels for a few minutes.
7. Dip a tortilla in tomato sauce, lay that tortilla in a casserole dish. fill with bean mixture, roll and place at one end of the casserole dish.
8. Repeat step 6 with the rest of your tortillas.
8. Top enchiladas with remaining tomato sauce and shredded cheese.
9. Bake for 15 minutes.

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Bacon Mac and Cheese Bake

admin — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 02:45:01 +0000

I have a feeling that this one is going to become one of my recipes to count on. Not only is it cheesy and warm, which makes it a comfort food in my book, it has a kick of onion and bacon to round it out to be a meal full of flavor.

Bacon Mac and Cheese Bake
Prep. Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Serves: 4

Ingredients:

3 cups macaroni
2 TB butter
1 onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, chopped
4 strips of bacon, chopped
1/4 cup flour
2 1/2 cups evaporated milk
1 ts ground cumin
2 cups shredded cheese

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a large casserole baking dish.
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and place in large bowl.
3. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and brown for 2 minutes. Add bacon and garlic; cook and stir for 5 minutes.
4. Add flour, lower heat and cook 1 minute.
5. Remove your skillet from the heat and gradually add the milk. Stir until mixture is smooth.
6. Return skillet to heat and cook until the mixture thickens and just starts to boil.
7. Remove from heat and add cumin.
8. Add mixture to pasta bowl along with 2/3 of the shredded cheese. Stir and mix; pour into greased casserole baking dish.
9. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
10. Bake for 20 minutes.

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