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Google Gemini Answer
One-Pan Cheesy Beef and Rice Skillet (Yields 2 servings, Budget-friendly under $15)
This recipe is a one-pan wonder, meaning minimal cleanup and easy preparation. It uses affordable ingredients readily available at Walmart and is easily customizable based on what you have on hand.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (can be substituted with ground turkey or chicken)
- ½ cup brown rice (uncooked)
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles (undrained)
- ½ cup water
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup chopped onion (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish.
- Brown the ground beef in the skillet over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon, and drain any excess fat.
- If using, add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 2 minutes.
- Stir in the uncooked brown rice, diced tomatoes with and without green chiles, water, and taco seasoning mix. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove from oven, sprinkle shredded cheese on top, and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Tips:
- If you don't have brown rice, you can use white rice and cook it according to package instructions before adding it to the skillet.
- Feel free to add other vegetables you have on hand, such as chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or corn.
- For extra flavor, add a can of black beans or kidney beans when adding the diced tomatoes.
- You can adjust the amount of taco seasoning to your desired level of spiciness.
Estimated cost at Walmart:
- Ground beef (1 lb): $4-$6
- Brown rice (1/2 cup): $1-$2
- Canned tomatoes (2 cans): $1-$2
- Taco seasoning mix (1 packet): $0.50-$1
- Shredded cheese (1/2 cup): $1-$2
- Onion (optional): $0.50-$1
Total estimated cost: $8-$14
This recipe should easily fall within your $15 budget, and you might even have some leftover ingredients for future meals. Enjoy!
