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One-Pan Cheesy Beef and Rice Skillet (Budget-Friendly)
This recipe is a one-pan wonder, meaning minimal cleanup and less time spent in the kitchen. It's perfect for a budget-conscious weeknight meal and utilizes ingredients readily available at Walmart:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup instant brown rice
- 1.5 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned.
- Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes, until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
- Add the diced tomatoes, black beans, instant brown rice, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the skillet and transfer it to the preheated oven.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed.
- (Optional) Remove the skillet from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Return to the oven for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the dish cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
Tips:
- To make this recipe vegetarian, simply replace the ground beef with an equal amount of lentils or crumbled tofu.
- You can use other vegetables in this recipe, such as corn, carrots, or zucchini.
- To add a bit of heat, stir in a few chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Estimated Cost:
- Ground beef: $5-$7
- Vegetables: $2-$3
- Canned goods: $2-$3
- Rice: $1-$2
- Spices: $1-$2
- Cheese (optional): $2-$3
Total: This recipe should cost around $16-$21, leaving plenty of room within your $200 budget for other groceries.
Additional notes:
- Prices can vary depending on location and brand. Be sure to check the "Great Value" brand at Walmart for budget-friendly options.
- This recipe is just a suggestion, feel free to customize it to your liking and add in your favorite ingredients!
