Frugal and FAB Fall Dinners To Make On A Budget

Why Make This Recipe

Fall is the perfect time to enjoy delicious meals while sticking to a budget. This recipe not only brings warmth but is also easy on your wallet. It uses common ingredients that you can find at any grocery store, helping you create a heartwarming dish without breaking the bank.

How to Make Frugal and FAB Fall Dinners to Make on a Budget

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of ground beef or turkey
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 potatoes, diced
• 1 can of diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
• 2 cups of vegetable or beef broth
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: chopped greens like spinach or kale

Directions:

1. In a large pot, brown the ground beef or turkey over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and potatoes to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes and broth. Add the thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat. Cover and simmer for 20-30 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
5. If using, stir in the chopped greens for the last 5 minutes of cooking.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

How to Serve Frugal and FAB Fall Dinners

Serve this hearty dish warm. You can enjoy it with a slice of crusty bread for dipping. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner, especially on chilly nights.

How to Store Frugal and FAB Fall Dinners

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 4 days. You can also freeze portions for future meals. Just thaw in the fridge before heating.

Tips to Make Frugal and FAB Fall Dinners

• Use leftover vegetables or protein to save money and minimize waste.
• Adjust the seasonings to match your taste preferences.
• If you have extra time, let the dish simmer longer to enhance flavors.

Variation

You can easily adapt this recipe by switching out the protein for a meatless option like lentils or beans. Try adding different vegetables based on what’s in season or on sale.

FAQs

1. Can I make this dish in advance?
   Yes, you can prepare it a day ahead. Just reheat before serving.

2. What should I serve with this dish?
   It pairs nicely with bread, rice, or a simple salad.

3. Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
   Absolutely! Just brown the meat in a pan first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Frugal and FAB Fall Dinners

A hearty and budget-friendly fall dinner made with ground beef or turkey and seasonal vegetables, perfect for chilly nights.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef or turkey
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 potatoes, diced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 cups vegetable or beef broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: chopped greens like spinach or kale

Method

 

Cooking

1. In a large pot, brown the ground beef or turkey over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and potatoes to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes and broth. Add the thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat. Cover and simmer for 20-30 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
5. If using, stir in the chopped greens for the last 5 minutes of cooking.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze portions for future meals, just thaw in the fridge before heating. Use leftover vegetables or protein to save money and minimize waste. Adjust the seasonings to match your taste preferences.