Grandma’s Cheap Recipes: 3 Quick Meals to Make for Less
Have you ever found yourself staring at your pantry, wondering how to make a hearty meal without spending much? Well, you’re not alone! In a world where groceries can quickly add up, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the cost of feeding a family. But what if I told you you could make delicious, comforting meals without breaking the bank? Enter Grandma’s Cheap Recipes — simple, affordable, and mouth-watering dishes that bring joy to the table without draining your wallet.
In this blog post, we’ll explore three quick meals that anyone can make using budget-friendly and easy-to-find ingredients. So, let’s dig into these family-approved, heartwarming recipes that prove that good food doesn’t have to cost a fortune!
Ingredients List
1. Grandma’s Cheap Mac and Cheese
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (or any pasta you have)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (feel free to substitute with mozzarella for a lighter option)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder (optional but adds a nice zing)
Substitution Suggestions:
- Use skim milk or a dairy-free alternative (like almond milk) to reduce calories.
- It will work beautifully for a different flavor profile if you don’t have cheddar, parmesan, or gruyere.
- For added protein, consider throwing in some leftover chicken or bacon bits.
2. Grandma’s Cheap Chicken Stew
- 2 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless, or use leftover chicken)
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- Salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary to taste
Substitution Suggestions:
- You can easily swap out chicken breasts for thighs or even use ground turkey.
- Add other veggies like corn, green beans, or celery, depending on your fridge.
3. Grandma’s Cheap Spaghetti Bolognese
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner version)
- 1 can crushed tomatoes (14.5 ounces)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for sautéing
- 1 box of spaghetti pasta
Substitution Suggestions:
- Use lentils or chickpeas as a plant-based alternative to ground beef for a veggie-packed Bolognese.
- Basil or Italian seasoning will also work if you’re out of oregano.
Timing
Grandma’s Cheap Mac and Cheese
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
This recipe is 20% faster than the average mac and cheese, giving you more time to enjoy your meal.
Grandma’s Cheap Chicken Stew
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
This simple and quick stew is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty but don’t have much time.
Grandma’s Cheap Spaghetti Bolognese
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
This Bolognese is much quicker than traditional slow-cooked sauces, allowing you to savor a rich, flavorful dish in under an hour.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Grandma’s Cheap Mac and Cheese
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook it according to the package instructions for about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Roux: Melt the butter over medium heat in the same pot. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 2-3 minutes to form a roux.
- Add the Milk: Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Add the Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until the cheese melts and the sauce smooths.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and stir until well coated. Season with salt, pepper, and mustard powder.
- Serve: Serve warm with a sprinkle of extra cheese or breadcrumbs for crunch.
Grandma’s Cheap Chicken Stew
- Cook the Chicken: In a large pot, cook the chicken breasts over medium heat until browned, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove and shred with two forks.
- Sauté the Veggies: In the same pot, sauté the onions, carrots, and potatoes for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth, add the shredded chicken, and stir in the peas. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary.
- Simmer: Cover the pot and simmer for 30-40 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and serve hot.
Grandma’s Cheap Spaghetti Bolognese
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Cook the Meat: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Add Veggies and Sauce: Stir onion and garlic, and cook until softened about 3 minutes. Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Combine: Toss the cooked spaghetti with the sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve: Serve hot with grated parmesan or fresh basil on top.
Nutritional Information
Grandma’s Cheap Mac and Cheese (per serving)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 14g
- Carbs: 45g
- Fat: 15g
Grandma’s Cheap Chicken Stew (per serving)
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 20g
- Carbs: 35g
- Fat: 8g
Grandma’s Cheap Spaghetti Bolognese (per serving)
- Calories: 400
- Protein: 25g
- Carbs: 40g
- Fat: 15g
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
Grandma’s Cheap Mac and Cheese
- Substitute whole wheat pasta for extra fiber.
- Use low-fat cheese or nutritional yeast for a healthier, dairy-free option.
Grandma’s Cheap Chicken Stew
- Replace chicken breast with tofu or seitan for a vegan version.
- Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to reduce sodium intake.
Grandma’s Cheap Spaghetti Bolognese
- Use whole wheat spaghetti for a fiber boost.
- Substitute ground turkey or lentils for a leaner or plant-based alternative.
Serving Suggestions
- Grandma’s Cheap Mac and Cheese: Serve alongside a simple salad or roasted veggies for a well-rounded meal.
- Grandma’s Cheap Chicken Stew: Pair with a slice of crusty bread or roasted Brussels sprouts for a comforting dinner.
- Grandma’s Cheap Spaghetti Bolognese: Top with a dollop of ricotta cheese or a sprinkle of fresh parsley for added flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Mac and Cheese: Don’t overcook the pasta; it should be al dente. Overcooking can make it mushy.
- Chicken Stew: Avoid overcrowding the pot. Make sure the chicken and veggies have space to cook evenly.
- Bolognese: Don’t skip the simmering time. The longer the sauce simmers, the more flavorful it becomes.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
- Mac and Cheese: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
- Chicken Stew: This stew freezes beautifully! Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Spaghetti Bolognese: Leftover sauce can be stored in the fridge for 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Just reheat and toss with fresh pasta.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly meal or want something comforting and quick, these Grandma’s Cheap Recipes have covered you. From mac and cheese to chicken stew and spaghetti bolognese, these dishes are affordable, fast, and easy to make. Try them today, and let us know how they turned out! Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments or leave a review below. We’d love to hear how you make these recipes your own!
FAQs
1. Can I make these recipes ahead of time?
Absolutely! These dishes can be prepped and stored in the fridge or freezer for several weeks. Just reheat when you’re ready to eat!
2. Can I substitute the meat in these recipes?
Yes! These recipes are versatile. You can swap chicken for turkey, use plant-based alternatives, or add extra veggies for a meatless option.
3. Can I make these recipes gluten-free?
Yes, you can swap out the pasta for gluten-free varieties and ensure that your chicken broth and other ingredients are also gluten-free.
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