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Apple Slaw

This crisp and refreshing apple slaw is the perfect easy side dish for weeknight meals or potlucks during the fall season.

The post Apple Slaw appeared first on Budget Bytes.

This light, crunchy, and refreshing Apple Slaw recipe takes just a few minutes to put together and makes a huge amount of slaw for well under a dollar a serving. It’s one of my favorite slaw recipes because it’s incredibly versatile and can be served as a main dish (I love it topped with Roasted Chicken) or as a side dish for a quick weeknight meal. It also travels really well, so it’s an excellent option for your next potluck. The best part? It holds up beautifully throughout the week. 

Overhead view of a bowl full of apple slaw with ingredients on the sides.

What Is Apple Slaw?

Apple Slaw is a cold chopped salad. Crunchy sliced apples, carrots, green onions, and shredded cabbage are tossed in a creamy dressing, creating the perfect addition to any weeknight meal or backyard BBQ.

Ingredients For Apple Slaw

  • Green Cabbage: Is the foundation of this slaw. Cabbage is hearty but loaded with water, so always taste your slaw before serving it and adjust the seasoning accordingly. You can substitute green cabbage with red cabbage or even kale.
  • Apples: I use Granny Smith, but if you really want to have fun with it, use a mixture of apples. My favorites to throw in are Fuji, Gala, and Honeycrisp (they’re affordable when they’re in season). Keep apples from turning brown by submerging them in water that has an acid added to it. For every cup of water, use 2 teaspoons of lemon juice or 1 teaspoon of distilled or apple cider vinegar.
  • Carrots: Bring sweetness and crunch to the salad and a pop of color. If you don’t have carrots, substitute with raw butternut squash, parsnips, or add an extra cup of cabbage to the mix.
  • Green Onions: Lends a mild onion flavor to the salad. You can substitute them with chives or sweet onions. If you only have white or red onions, soak them in water for a minute or two to help decrease their pungency. 
  • Mayonnaise: Is the backbone of the dressing and adds a tangy creaminess. Substitute it with Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream.
  • Dijon Mustard: Adds a peppery kick and a touch of color to the dressing. If you don’t have Dijon mustard, use brown or yellow mustard.
  • Honey: Creates a touch of sweetness in the dressing. If you don’t have honey, substitute it with one teaspoon of brown sugar. Just dissolve it well before adding the dressing to the salad.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a tangy note to the dressing and keeps the apples from browning. 

What To Serve With Apple Slaw

Serve this tangy slaw topped with roasted chicken for a light lunch. Or use it as topping on a Pulled Pork or Pulled Chicken sandwich. I also love it served as a side for BBQ Ribs paired with Corn On The Cobb.

How To Store Leftovers

Store Apple Slaw in an airtight container and refrigerate up to 5 days. Do not freeze, as it will change the texture of the cabbage. Always mix the slaw a few times and taste for salt before serving.

Close up side view of a bowl of apple slaw.
Overhead view of a bowl full of apple slaw with the ingredients on the sides.
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Apple Slaw

This crisp and refreshing apple slaw is the perfect easy side dish for weeknight meals or potlucks during the fall season.
Course Dinner, Lunch, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Total Cost $6.46 recipe / $0.65 serving
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 10 (1 cup each)
Calories 109kcal

Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise $0.63
  • 2 tsp Dijon mustard $0.05
  • 2 tsp honey $0.11
  • 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar $0.09
  • 1/4 tsp salt (plus more to taste) $0.01
  • 1/8 tsp black pepper $0.01
  • 1 small cabbage, thinly sliced (about 5 cups) $2.23
  • 3 Granny Smith apples, julienned (about 2 cups)* $2.55
  • 2 carrots, julienned (about 2 cups)* $0.42
  • 3 green onions, sliced (about 1 cup)* $0.36

Instructions

  • Mix the mayonnaise, Dijon, honey, vinegar, salt, and pepper to make a dressing.
  • Shred or thinly slice the cabbage into 2-inch by ¼-inch strips. Shred or slice the carrots into 2-inch by ⅛-inch strips. Peel and core the apples. Shred or slice them into 2-inch by ⅛-inch strips and keep them in water with lemon juice or vinegar added, so they don't brown.** Cut the green onions on the diagonal into 1/8-inch thick slices.
  • Mix the apples and vegetables with the dressing in a large bowl. If necessary, add more salt to taste.
  • Keep the salad refrigerated until ready to serve. Mix before serving, and add more salt to taste.

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Notes

*If finely slicing vegetables is difficult for you, use the slicing or shredding attachment on a food processor, a mandoline, or a large-holed cheese grater.
**For every one cup of water add 2 tsp lemon juice or 1 tsp distilled or apple cider vinegar.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 109kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 6g | Sodium: 139mg | Fiber: 4g

How to Make Apple Slaw – Step by Step Photos

Ingredients for dressing in a bowl, not mixed.

Mix 1/3 cup mayonnaise, 2 tsp Dijon mustard, 2 tsp honey, 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp pepper to make a dressing.

Prepared vegetables on a cutting board.

Shred or slice one small cabbage into 2 by ⅛-inch strips. Shred or slice two carrots into 2 by ¼-inch strips. Peel and core two apples, then shred or slice them into 2 by ⅛-inch strips and keep them in water with lemon juice or vinegar added, so they don’t brown. Cut three green onions on the diagonal into 1/8-inch thick slices.

Dressing being poured over the bowl of shredded vegetables.

Mix the apples and vegetables with the dressing in a large bowl. If necessary, add more salt to taste.

Finished apple slaw in a bowl.

Keep the apple slaw refrigerated until ready to serve. Mix before serving, and add more salt to taste.

Close up side view of a bowl of apple slaw.

The post Apple Slaw appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Strawberry Spinach Salad

A fresh, vibrant, Strawberry Spinach Salad with homemade balsamic vinaigrette dressing, candied pecans, and insanely delicious flavors!

The post Strawberry Spinach Salad appeared first on Budget Bytes.

I’ve made several versions of Strawberry Spinach Salad over the years, but this by far is my favorite! It includes fresh strawberries, salty feta cheese, candied pecans, and an easy homemade balsamic vinaigrette. The textures and flavors are insanely delicious and compliment each other perfectly! It reminds you of a fancy salad that you’d get at a cafe, but you can make it at home for a fraction of the cost. This is one of those “summer” salads that I could literally eat all year long!

Close up overhead shot of plated strawberry spinach salad.

What’s in Strawberry Spinach Salad

Strawberry Spinach Salad includes lots of wonderful flavors and textures that compliment each other perfectly. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Baby Spinach – a simple bed of spinach greens is the base foundation for this salad.
  • Strawberries – fresh, juicy, strawberries add a simple and wonderful sweetness.
  • Red onion – slightly sharp and a nice contrast to the sweetness of the strawberries and candied pecans. 
  • Feta cheese – soft, creamy, salty feta cheese pairs well with the strawberries in this salad. If you’re not a fan of feta cheese, goat cheese or blue cheese would also work well.
  • Candied pecans – these candied pecans, in my humble opinion, are one of the best parts of the salad. It adds a crunchy, sweet texture, and you can swap the pecans out for toasted walnuts or toasted sliced almonds, which would also be totally delicious!
  • Balsamic vinaigrette – easy homemade balsamic vinaigrette dressing tops it all off.

Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing

The dressing for this strawberry salad is probably my favorite part…ok it’s actually tied with the candied pecans! I started with Beth’s easy homemade balsamic vinaigrette and made one adjustment by replacing the mayonnaise with honey for a slightly sweeter taste. The results – absolutely amazing!

You can certainly use a store bought balsamic vinaigrette if you don’t have a well stocked pantry with all the necessary ingredients on hand, but I promise this homemade balsamic vinaigrette will taste wayyy better! I highly recommend you give it a try! ;)

Budget-Friendly Recipe Tips

  1. If chopped nuts are a little too costly at your local store, toast up some day-old bread to use in place of the chopped pecans, similar to our Panzanella salad.
  2. To bulk up the salad and make it stretch a little further, add your favorite pasta like penne or bow-tie pasta.
Side view of plated strawberry spinach salad

How To Store Strawberry Spinach Salad

Strawberry spinach salad stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. In order to keep the spinach from wilting too much, it’s best to store the strawberries and the dressing separately and add them to the salad right before you’re ready to serve.

Serving Suggestions

This salad makes a great lunch meal by itself, Monti and I totally gobbled it up at the test studio, but you can also add some grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp on top for a more filling meal. This salad also pairs well with other leaner protein like baked cod and pan-seared chicken.

Overhead shot of two plates of strawberry spinach salad with a small bowl of strawberries and feta cheese on the side.
Overhead close up shot of plated strawberry spinach salad.
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Strawberry Spinach Salad

A fresh, vibrant, Strawberry Spinach Salad with homemade balsamic vinaigrette dressing, candied pecans, and insanely delicious flavors!
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Total Cost $8.72 recipe / $2.18 serving
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 4 side salads
Calories 405kcal

Ingredients

Balsamic Vinaigrette

  • 1/3 cup olive oil $1.10
  • 3 Tbsp balsamic vinegar $0.45
  • 2 Tbsp honey $0.50
  • 1/2 Tbsp Dijon mustard $0.09
  • 1 garlic clove, minced $0.08
  • 1/2 tsp dried basil $0.05
  • 1/4 tsp salt $0.01
  • 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper $0.02

Candied Pecans

  • 1/2 Tbsp butter $0.07
  • 2 Tbsp brown sugar $0.08
  • 1 pinch salt $0.01
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans $1.15

Salad

  • 8 oz baby spinach $1.83
  • 1/2 lb strawberries, sliced $1.25
  • 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced $0.21
  • 2 oz crumbled feta cheese $1.82

Instructions

  • Start by making the homemade balsamic vinaigrette dressing. Add the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic clove, dried basil, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper to a jar, bowl, or blender. Close the jar and shake the ingredients together, whisk in a bowl, or blend until the dressing is evenly combined. Set the dressing aside.
  • Next make the candied pecans. Add the butter, brown sugar and a pinch of salt to a small non-stick skillet. Heat over medium heat while stirring.
  • Once the butter and brown sugar begins to melt add the chopped pecans to the skillet and stir with the brown sugar mixture. Continue to cook over medium heat, stirring every 10-15 seconds until the brown sugar fully melts (looks glossy instead of grainy) and completely coats the pecans.
  • Remove the skillet from the heat immediately and transfer the candied pecans to a parchment lined baking sheet. Spread the pecans out evenly in a flat layer and allow them to cool for 10 minutes while the candied coating fully hardens.
  • Now prep the strawberries, red onion and feta cheese. Remove the stems and slice the strawberries, thinly slice the red onion, and crumble the feta. Set these ingredients to the side.
  • Divide the spinach between four plates. Drizzle 2 Tbsp of balsamic vinaigrette on top of each bed of spinach.
  • Add sliced strawberries, red onions, a tablespoon or two of candied pecans, and a tablespoon of feta cheese to each salad. Feel free to drizzle a little more balsamic vinaigrette over the top of each and enjoy!

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 405kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 33g | Sodium: 400mg | Fiber: 4g

Do you love easy summer salad recipes? Try our Creamy Cucumber Salad, Panzanella, or Summer Vegetable Pasta Salad.

HOW TO MAKE STRAWBERRY SPINACH SALAD – STEP BY STEP PHOTOS

Prepared balsamic vinaigrette dressing

Start by making the homemade balsamic vinaigrette. Add 1/3 cup olive oil, 3 Tbsp balsamic vinegar, 2 Tbsp honey, 1/2 Tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 garlic clove minced, 1/2 tsp dried basic, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper to a jar, bowl, or blender. Add a top to the jar and shake, whisk in a bowl, or blend until all the ingredients are evenly combined. Set the vinaigrette dressing aside.

Chopped pecans, butter and brown sugar in a nonstick skillet

Next make the candied pecans. In a small non-stick skillet add 1/2 Tbsp butter, 2 Tbsp brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Heat over medium heat while stirring just until the butter and brown sugar begins to melt. Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecan and stir to coat in the brown sugar mixture. Continue to cook for 2-4 minutes or until the brown sugar is fully melted (looks glossy, not grainy) and completely coating the pecans.

Candied pecans spread out on a parchment lined baking sheet

Remove the skillet from the heat immediately, to prevent the brown sugar from over cooking and burning. Transfer the candied pecans to a parchment lined baking sheet, spread out in a flat layer. Allow them to cool for 10 minutes and the sugar coating will fully harden.

Sliced strawberries, sliced red onion, feta cheese, and canided pecans on a wood cutting board

Now prep the rest of the salad ingredients. Wash and slice 1/2 pound of strawberries, thinly slice 1/4 of a red onion, portion out 2 oz of crumbled feta cheese, and gather your cooled candied pecans.

Baby spinach in a large serving bowl with balsamic vinaigrette dressing

Divide 8 oz of spinach between four salad plates (roughly 2 oz per plate) or you can add all of the spinach to a larger serving bowl. Add 2 Tbsp of the balsamic vinaigrette to each salad plate or drizzle 1/3 cup of the dressing over the bowl of spinach. Reserve the rest of the dressing to add right before serving.

Overhead close up shot of plated strawberry spinach salad.

Divide the toppings (sliced strawberries, sliced red onion, 1 tablespoon of crumbled feta, and 1-2 tablespoons of candied pecans) between the four salad plates or add the toppings to a larger salad serving bowl. Drizzle each salad with a little more of the balsamic dressing and enjoy!

More Easy Salad Recipes

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Bruschetta Pasta

Bruschetta pasta is super light and fresh, featuring ripe tomatoes, aromatic basil, and a quick and easy balsamic vinaigrette.

The post Bruschetta Pasta appeared first on Budget Bytes.

I live off of cold pasta salads this time of year, so this week I made this really simple and delicious Bruschetta Pasta, which is just a super fresh and summer pasta that is inspired by the flavors and ingredients in Bruschetta. This easy pasta salad makes a great side to go with dinner or you can grill up some garlic marinated chicken to serve on top and make it a meal!

Overhead view of a bowl full of Bruschetta Pasta with a fork in the center.

What’s in Bruschetta Pasta

This summery and fresh pasta, inspired by Bruschetta, features tomatoes marinated in a simple homemade balsamic vinaigrette, fresh basil, and tender pasta. That’s IT. It’s so simple, so fresh, and so very delicious! This is the perfect pasta to make if you have your own garden or have a friend who has a garden because fresh tomatoes and fresh basil are a must!

What Kind of Pasta to Use

I used penne pasta for this recipe because we had some on hand that needed to be used up, but I think any short-shaped pasta would be great here. Bowtie or campanelle would also be great. Longer pasta, like spaghetti would work in a pinch, but I suggest breaking it half to help the pieces of tomato mix into the pasta instead of having it all clump on the outside of the bowl.

What to Serve with Bruschetta Pasta

This easy pasta works great as a side dish to any grilled meat or fish, or you could add other ingredients to flesh out the pasta and make it a meal. Cubed mozzarella or fresh mozzarella pearls would be a natural fit for this pasta. Or you could make some garlic marinated chicken, slice it up, and serve it on top of the pasta. It would also be quite nice with seafood like garlic butter shrimp or Garlic Butter Baked Cod. And don’t forget a simple side salad to round out the meal!

Close up side view of a bowl full of bruschetta pasta.
Overhead view of bruschetta pasta in a bowl with a fork.
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Bruschetta Pasta

Bruschetta pasta is super light and fresh, featuring ripe tomatoes, aromatic basil, and a quick and easy balsamic vinaigrette.
Course Lunch, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Total Cost $5.30 recipe / $0.88 serving
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 6 1.5 cups each
Calories 334kcal

Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup olive oil $1.10
  • 3 Tbsp balsamic vinegar $0.45
  • 1/2 Tbsp Dijon mustard $0.09
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced $0.16
  • 1/2 tsp salt $0.03
  • 1/2 tsp freshly cracked pepper $0.03
  • 4 Roma tomatoes $1.80
  • 12 oz. penne pasta $0.94
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil, loosely packed $0.67

Instructions

  • Make the vinaigrette first. Add the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to a bowl, then whisk until smooth.
  • Finely dice the tomatoes. Add the tomatoes to a large bowl, then pour the dressing over top. Stir the combine the tomatoes and dressing, then set them aside to marinate.
  • Cook the penne pasta according to the package directions (boil 7-8 minutes, or until tender), then drain well in a colander. Allow the pasta to cool.
  • While the pasta is cooling, roughly chop the basil.
  • Give the tomatoes another stir, then add the drained and cooled pasta and chopped basil to the bowl. Stir until everything is evenly combined and coated in dressing. Taste the pasta and add more salt or pepper if needed. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to eat.

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Nutrition

Serving: 1.5cups | Calories: 334kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 13g | Sodium: 215mg | Fiber: 2g

How to Make Bruschetta Pasta – Step by Step Photos

Balsamic vinaigrette ingredients in a bowl, not mixed.

Make the vinaigrette first, so the flavors have some time to blend. Combine ⅓ cup olive oil, 3 Tbsp balsamic vinegar, ½ Tbsp Dijon mustard, 2 minced cloves of garlic, ½ tsp salt, and ½ tsp freshly cracked pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until smooth, then set the dressing aside.

Diced tomatoes on a cutting board.

Finely dice four Roma tomatoes or two large tomatoes.

Dressing being poured over tomatoes.

Add the diced tomatoes to a large bowl, pour the vinaigrette over top, then stir them together. Let the tomatoes marinate while you cook 12 oz. pasta (according to the package directions). Drain the pasta well and allow it to cool.

Chopped basil on a cutting board.

While the pasta is cooling, chop about ½ cup (loosely packed, or ½ oz. weight) of fresh basil.

Pasta and basil added to the marinated tomatoes.

When the pasta is drained and mostly cool, give the tomatoes another stir, then add the pasta and basil to the bowl.

Finished bruschetta pasta in the bowl.

Stir everything together until evenly combined and coated in dressing. Give the pasta a taste and add more salt or pepper to your liking. Enjoy immediately or refrigerate until ready to eat (1-2 days).

Overhead view of bruschetta pasta in a bowl with a fork.

The post Bruschetta Pasta appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Sausage Meatballs and Kale Sheet Pan Meal

This hearty, tangy, and succulent Sausage Meatball and Kale Sheet Pan Meal is perfect for busy days when you just don’t feel like cooking.

The post Sausage Meatballs and Kale Sheet Pan Meal appeared first on Budget Bytes.

This hearty Sausage Meatballs and Kale Sheet Pan Meal is chock full of deep, tangy flavors and succulent textures! It’s perfect for those days when you don’t feel like cooking. And if you’re at the point where you can’t bring yourself to make a meatball, just slice sausage in its casing to get this meal in the oven even faster. PS This sheet pan dinner meal preps excellently. Quick cooking, super filling, no fuss, and you can make it for the week! What’s not to love?

Overhead shot of Sausage Meatball and Kale Sheet Pan Meal.

What You’ll Need

This Italian Sausage Meatball and Kale Sheet Pan Meal is quick, easy, and endlessly versatile! Here’s what you’ll need to make it:

  • Italian Sausage– I use ground spicy Italian sausage but you can use sweet Italian or any of your favorite ground sausages, including plant-based ones. You can also remove the sausage from its casing or skip making meatballs altogether and just slice it in its casing. Fat adds flavor and delivers a tender meatball, so skip low-fat sausages or ground meats.
  • Milk– adds moisture to the sausage and helps create depth of flavor. If you are cooking dairy-free, try using almond milk or coconut milk. If you’re really watching your pennies, just use water.
  • Panko Breadcrumbs– add texture and keep the meatballs from drying out (after a soak in milk). You can substitute Panko with regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers.
  • Egg – helps to bind the meatballs so they keep their shape. Substitute the egg with 3 tablespoons of plain yogurt, 1/4 ricotta cheese, or 1/3 cup of unsweetened apple sauce.
  • Kale– is hearty and can stand up to a high-heat roast. You can substitute it with other hearty greens like Collards or Swiss Chard.
  • Cherry Tomatoes– deepen in flavor when roasted, but feel free to sub with other fresh elements like bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions. In a pinch, used canned tomatoes. Just make sure to drain them and give them a rough chop.
  • Potatoes– add bulk to this easy meal and soak up all the flavors from the drippings—sub with sweet potatoes or other root vegetables like carrots, radishes, or parsnips.
  • Spices and Seasonings– smoked paprika, chili flakes, garlic powder, brown sugar, dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, and olive oil dress the veggies and greens in robust flavors.
  • Grated Parmesan Cheese– is the chef’s kiss in this dish. The cheese adds umami (AKA savoriness) and a touch of creamy saltiness. Omit it if you like, or substitute it with nutritional yeast.
Overhead shot of Sausage Meatball and Kale Sheet Pan Meal.

What Can I Serve With It?

Make this Italian Sausage Meatball and Kale Sheet Pan Meal even more filling by serving it with Homemade Garlic Bread, Easy Soda Bread, or Hot Honey Cornbread. You can also pair it with a light dessert like Chocolate Mousse, Vanilla Pudding, or No-Churn Strawberry Ice Cream.

How To Store Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. If meal prepping, add fresh kale on top of the roasted ingredients to keep it from wilting. You can freeze in an airtight container for up to a month with a sheet of plastic or parchment on the surface to prevent frostbite. Thaw in your fridge overnight. You can eat leftovers cold or warm them in a microwave until steaming.

Overhead shot of Sausage Meatball and Kale Sheet Pan Meal in a white bowl with a hand holding the bowl and a wooden spoon serving a portion into the bowl.
Overhead shot of Sausage Meatball and Kale Sheet Pan Meal in a white bowl.
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Sausage Meatball and Kale Sheet Pan Meal

This hearty Italian Sausage Meatballs and Kale Sheet Pan Meal is chock full of deep, tangy flavors and succulent textures! It's perfect for those days when you don't feel like cooking.
Course Brunch, Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine American
Total Cost ($15.57 recipe / $3.89 serving)
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4 bowls
Calories 928kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 lb red potatoes, quartered $1.25
  • 3/4 cup olive oil, divided $1.44
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika $0.10
  • 3 1/2 tsp kosher salt, divided $0.28
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper $0.02
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes $0.08
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes $3.49
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs $0.50
  • 1/4 cup milk $0.06
  • 1 lb Italian Ground Sausage $4.99
  • 1 large egg, beaten $0.17
  • 1 1b kale, chopped $2.49
  • 3 Tbsp red wine vinegar $0.42
  • 2 tsp Dijon mustard $0.06
  • 1 tsp brown sugar $0.02
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder $0.08
  • 2 Tbsp Parmesan cheese, grated $0.12

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 450°F. Place quartered red potatoes in a large bowl and drizzle with 1/4 cup olive oil. Mix smoked paprika, 2 teaspoons of salt, black pepper, and chili flakes. Sprinkle over the potatoes and toss. Place the potatoes in a sheet pan.
  • In the same bowl, add the cherry tomatoes and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt. Scatter them over the potatoes.
  • Soak the breadcrumbs in milk. Break up Italian sausage in a large bowl. Mix in breadcrumbs and egg. Wet your fingers with a bit of leftover oil from the bowl the tomatoes were in. Roll 16 meatballs and place them on the sheet pan between the potatoes and tomatoes.
  • Bake for 10 minutes, then turn the meatballs and bake for another 10 minutes.
  • While the meatballs bake, add 1/2 lb of the kale to the same bowl the potatoes and tomatoes were in. Mix red wine vinegar, 1/2 cup olive oil, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Toss the kale in the dressing, massaging it into the leaves.
  • Remove the sheet pan from the oven, and scatter kale all over.
  • Roast for 3 to 4 minutes until the kale has charred in spots. To serve, split raw kale between 4 bowls. Top with charred kale and tomatoes and mix. Finally, top with meatballs and potatoes. Garnish with parmesan cheese.

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowl | Calories: 928kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 79g | Sodium: 3048mg | Fiber: 3g
Side shot close up of a wood spoon holding a portion of Sausage Meatball and Kale Sheet Pan Meal.

How to Make Sausage Meatballs And Kale Sheet Pan MeAL – Step by Step Photos

Overhead shot of potatoes being dressed in a white bowl.

Preheat the oven to 450°F. Place 1 pound of quartered red potatoes in a large bowl and drizzle with 1/4 cup olive oil. Mix 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 2 teaspoons of salt, ¼ teaspoon of pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes. Sprinkle over the potatoes and toss. Place the potatoes in a sheet pan.

Overhead shot of tomatoes being dressed in a white bowl.

In the same bowl that you dressed the potatoes, add the sliced pint of cherry tomatoes and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt. Scatter them over the potatoes.

Overhead shot of ground Italian Sausage, breadcrumbs, and egg in a white bowl.

Soak the breadcrumbs in milk. Break up Italian sausage in a large bowl. Mix in breadcrumbs and egg. Wet your fingers with a bit of leftover oil from the bowl the tomatoes were in. Roll a 1-ounce meatball and place it on the sheet pan between the potatoes and tomatoes. Repeat with the remaining sausage until you have 16 meatballs.

Overhead shot of meatballs, potatoes, and tomatoes in sheet pan.

Bake for 10 minutes, then turn the meatballs and bake for another 10 minutes.

Overhead shot of kale being massaged.

While the meatballs bake, add 1/2 pound of kale to the same bowl the potatoes and tomatoes were in. Mix 3 tablespoons of red wine vinegar, 1/2 cup olive oil, 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Toss the kale in the dressing, massaging it into the leaves.

Overhead shot of kale being placed in the sheet pan.

Remove the sheet pan from the oven, and scatter kale all over.

Overhead shot of finished Sausage Meatball and Kale Sheet Pan Meal.

Roast for 3 to 4 minutes until the kale has wilted and charred in spots. To serve, split the 1/2 pound of leftover raw kale between 4 bowls. Top with charred kale and tomatoes and mix. Finally, top with meatballs and potatoes. Garnish with parmesan cheese and chow down!

Overhead shot of Sausage Meatball and Kale Sheet Pan Meal in a white bowl with a wood spoon serving a portion into the bowl.

More Easy Sheet Pan Meals

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Nashville Hot Deviled Eggs

Nashville Hot Deviled Eggs are seasoned with a fiery spice blend and hot sauce for a smoking hot appetizer that’s a total breeze to prepare!

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If you love spicy food, have I got a dish for you! Nashville Hot Deviled Eggs are seasoned with a fiery spice blend and pepper sauce for a smoking hot appetizer that’s a total breeze to prepare! Of course, you can adjust the heat by adding more (or less) Nashville Hot Seasoning. But no matter what, these deviled eggs live up to their name!

Overhead shot of Nashville Hot Deviled Eggs on aqua background.

What’s a Nashville Hot Deviled Egg?

Deviled eggs are shelled hard-boiled eggs cut in half and filled with a paste made from their egg yolks and other ingredients. What makes these bad boys different is the huge spicy kick they get from a cayenne-based blend known as Nashville Hot Seasoning and the hot sauce added to the cavity just before filling. They’re also garnished with a crunchy and spicy potato chip topping for a great pop of fiery texture.

What You’ll Need

Get ready for the appetizer everyone at the party will talk about. The best part (#IMHO) is that these take just a half hour to make! This is what you’ll need to make Nashville Hot Deviled Eggs:

  • Eggs– we need large eggs with large yolks to make the filling. Follow this great guide on How To Make Hard-Boiled Eggs.
  • Nashville Hot Seasoning – while you can purchase this fiery hot cayenne-based spice blend at some stores, it’s easier to make it. Check out my recipe for Nashville Hot Seasoning.
  • Mayonnaise – adds tang and creaminess to your filling. You can substitute it with sour cream.
  • Dijon Mustard– adds a touch of sharp acidity, though you can use any mustard you have on hand.
  • Hot Sauce – use your favorite vinegar-based hot sauce (from mild to wild) to add a shot of fire to each bite.
  • Salt & Vinegar Kettle-Cooked Potato Chips – these pair well with vinegar-based hot sauce but you can also use plain kettle chips. They stay crunchy longer, so if you don’t have kettle-cooked, skip the hot sauce in the topping, as it will just make regular potato chips a mushy mess in minutes.
  • Green Onions– are a colorful garnish and add a note of grassy freshness to the Nashville Hot party.

Can I Make These Ahead?

If you’re asking yourself, “Can I make deviled eggs ahead of time?” the answer is YES! First, boil, peel, and half the eggs. Then prepare the filling. Store in airtight containers. Make the crunchy topping before serving, then fill and garnish the eggs. If you have leftovers (and that’s a big IF), you can store the eggs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. However, don’t expect the topping to stay crunchy.

Side shot of Nashville Hot Deviled Eggs on aqua background.
Close up of hand holding a Nashville Hot Deviled Egg with other eggs in the background on an aqua backdrop.
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Nashville Hot Deviled Eggs

Nashville Hot Deviled Eggs are seasoned with a fiery spice blend and pepper sauce for a smoking hot appetizer that's a total breeze to prepare!
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Total Cost ($4.17 recipe / $0.70 serving)
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 6 eggs
Calories 162kcal

Ingredients

  • 6 eggs $1.85
  • 3 Tbsp hot sauce $0.12
  • 3 Tbsp Nashville Hot Seasoning $0.78
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise $0.69
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard $0.23
  • 1/8 tsp salt $0.02
  • 2 Tbsp crushed salt & vinegar kettle cooked potato chips $0.37
  • 1 Tbsp sliced green onion $0.11

Instructions

  • Hard boil eggs, peel, and cut them in half lengthwise. Remove their yolks and place them in a medium bowl.
  • To the yolks, add 1 tablespoon hot sauce, 2 tablespoons Nashville Hot Seasoning, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and salt. Mix until ingredients transform into a smooth, creamy filling.
  • Add a dash or two of hot sauce (depending on the heat level you want) to the cavity of each egg. Fill each cavity with a heaping tablespoon of filling.
  • Make the crunchy topping—Mix the crushed potato chips with 2 dashes of hot sauce and 1 tablespoon of Nashville Hot Seasoning. Sprinkle over the eggs.
  • Garnish with sliced green onion.

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Nutrition

Serving: 2egg halves | Calories: 162kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 13g | Sodium: 378mg | Fiber: 1g
Side shot of Nashville Hot Deviled Eggs on aqua background.

How to Make Nashville Hot Deviled Eggs – Step by Step Photos

Overhead shot of hard boiled eggs, sliced in half, with yolks in a white bowl.

Hard boil 6 eggs, peel, and cut them in half lengthwise. Remove their yolks and place them in a medium bowl.

Overhead shot of filling ingredients in a white bowl.

To the yolks, add 1 tablespoon hot sauce, 2 tablespoons Nashville Hot Seasoning, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, and 1/8 teaspoon salt. Mix until ingredients transform into a smooth, creamy filling.

Overhead shot of finished Nashville Hot Deviled Eggs being filled with hot sauce.

Add a dash or two of hot sauce (depending on the heat level you want) to the cavity of each egg. Then, fill each cavity with a heaping tablespoon of filling.

Overhead shot of finished Nashville Hot Deviled Eggs being sprinkled with crushed chips.

Make the crunchy topping—mix the 2 tablespoons of crushed potato chips with 2 dashes of hot sauce and 2 teaspoons of Nashville Hot Seasoning. Sprinkle over the eggs.

Overhead shot of finished Nashville Hot Deviled Eggs on white cutting board.

Finally, garnish eggs with sliced chives or green onion. Serve them as soon as they’re finished, while the potato chip topping is still crispy. You might want to double the recipe, because these fiery babies will go fast!

Close up of hand holding a Nashville Hot Deviled Egg with other eggs in the background on an aqua backdrop.

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Homemade Caesar Dressing

This rich, tangy, and flavorful homemade Caesar dressing is easy to prepare, and will take all your homemade salads to the next level.

The post Homemade Caesar Dressing appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Is there anything quite like the rich, tangy, and umami-filled flavor of Caesar dressing? It’s no wonder Caesar salads are relatively simple. With a dressing like that, you don’t need much else! Homemade Caesar dressing is also very simple, despite its complex flavor, so don’t shy away from making it yourself at home. Our simple recipe takes has all that bold flavor you’ll find with a restaurant dressing made with just a few simple ingredients (and maybe just one special ingredient 😉).

Overhead view of Caesar dressing being poured over a salad.

What is Caesar Dressing?

Caesar dressing is a rich and tangy dressing with strong savory and umami flavors balanced with bright acidity and flecks of vibrant black pepper. It’s typically served over a simple bed of crisp Romaine lettuce, with freshly grated Parmesan, croutons, and sometimes a protein like chicken, salmon, or shrimp.

Ingredients for Caesar Dressing

You only need a few simple ingredients to make homemade Caesar dressing, and our version is even faster and easier thanks to the use of mayonnaise instead of making our own egg and oil emulsion. Here’s what you’ll need to make your own homemade Caesar dressing:

  • Garlic: Fresh garlic provides both a savory flavor and a little kick of heat to the dressing.
  • Anchovies: These little fish add a ton of deep umami flavor to this dressing, which really sets it apart from other creamy salad dressings. And don’t worry, it doesn’t make the dressing taste like fish! It just adds some subtle, deep, savory flavor.
  • Lemon: You’ll use both the juice and zest from a fresh lemon for this recipe. The juice provides acidity, while the zest adds a nice fresh flavor to balance the savory anchovies.
  • Mayonnaise: Making Caesar dressing from scratch usually involves emulsifying egg and oil to make a creamy dressing base, but we took a shortcut by using mayonnaise, which is pre-emulsified egg and oil! Easy peasy!
  • Dijon Mustard: Dijon adds another layer of slightly tangy flavor to the dressing.
  • Parmesan: Nutty Parmesan cheese makes the dressing even more rich, and punches up the umami flavor even more.
  • Black Pepper: Flecks of spicy black pepper add pops of flavor to Caesar dressing so that no bite is boring!

How to Store Caesar Dressing

Homemade Caesar dressing can be stored in the refrigerator in an air-tight container for 4-5 days. If you don’t think you can eat the entire batch within that time, use the serving adjuster in the recipe below to make a half batch and reduce waste. We don’t recommend freezing homemade Caesar dressing as it will likely separate upon thawing.

How to Use Caesar Dressing

Caesar salads are the obvious way to use Caesar dressing, but this mouth-wateringly delicious homemade dressing is great on a lot more than just salad! So don’t let your leftover dressing go to waste. Try using Caesar dressing in these creative ways:

  • Drizzle over roasted vegetables
  • Use it a sandwich spread
  • Use it as a dressing for pasta salad
  • When breading chicken or fish, use Caesar dressing in place of the eggwash
  • Toss chicken wings in Caesar dressing instead of buffalo sauce
  • Use it in the place of dressings for chicken and tuna salads, or coleslaw
Caesar dressing dripping off a spoon into a jar.
Caesar dressing dripping off a spoon into a jar.
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Homemade Caesar Dressing

This rich, tangy, and flavorful homemade Caesar dressing is easy to prepare, and will take all your homemade salads to the next level.
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Total Cost $2.71 recipe / $0.34 serving
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 8 2 Tbsp each
Calories 117kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Zest and juice the lemon. You'll need about 3 Tbsp juice and 1 tsp lemon zest. Mince the garlic and anchovy filets. Reserve about ½ tsp of the oil from the anchovy container.
  • Add the lemon juice, zest, minced garlic, minced anchovies, anchovy oil, and pepper to a boil. Whisk to combine.
  • Add the Dijon, mayonnaise, and grated Parmesan and whisk to combine again. Taste the dressing and adjust the ingredients to your liking. Serve with a fresh salad or you favorite foods.

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Nutrition

Serving: 2Tbsp | Calories: 117kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 12g | Sodium: 240mg | Fiber: 0.2g
Homemade Caesar dressing in a bowl with a whisk.

How to Make Homemade Caesar Dressing – Step by Step Photos

Lemon juice, zest, anchovies, garlic, and pepper in a bowl.

Zest and juice one lemon. Mince three cloves of garlic, and mince three anchovies. Add the lemon juice (about 3 Tbsp), zest (about 1 tsp), minced garlic, minced anchovies, ½ tsp of the anchovy oil from the package, and ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper to a bowl. Whisk to combine.

Mayonnaise, Dijon, and Parmesan added to the bowl.

Add 2 Tbsp Dijon mustard, ½ cup mayonnaise, and ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese.

Whisked Caesar dressing in a bowl with a whisk.

Whisk the dressing until smooth. Taste and adjust the ingredients to your liking.

Caesar dressing being poured over a salad.

Pour the dressing over your favorite salad or vegetables, spread it onto a sandwich, or use it as a dip for any of your favorite foods!

Caesar dressing dripping off a spoon into a jar.

SO GOOD! 🤤

The post Homemade Caesar Dressing appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Beer Cheese Dip

Looking for a melted cheese appetizer that’s sure to be the hit of the party? You’ll love the unique taste cheddar gives this Beer Cheese Dip!

The post Beer Cheese Dip appeared first on Budget Bytes.

This quick and easy Beer Cheese Dip recipe combines two casual party staples (Beer! Cheese!) into one creamy, decadent cheese dip. This ooey-gooey melted cheese appetizer is similar to queso. But the Cheddar cheese we use gives it a sharp, slightly-tangy flavor that makes it really unique (in a good way!). This funky twist on fondue is the perfect thing to serve up the next time you want to impress without the stress. 

A large white bowl filled with beer cheese dip on a blue background surrounded by different types of pretzels, a wooden cutting board with apple slices and a glass cup of beer.

WHAT IS BEER CHEESE?

This Beer Cheese Dip is precisely what it sounds like: a saucy cheese dip made with beer. The beer is simmered to reduce its alcohol content but still maintains its tangy flavor. Then it’s melded with a combo of cream cheese and extra-sharp cheddar cheese to create an ultra-rich and decadent dip. We also added Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and seasonings to round out the flavors.

This dish, which originated in Kentucky, shouldn’t be confused with the German cow’s milk cheese Bierkäse, which literally translates to “beer cheese.” It’s also very different from Obatzda, an authentic German cheese spread made with super-funky soft cheese that’s served cold alongside Bavarian-style soft pretzels. 

CHEESE OPTIONS

You can use almost any kind of cheese to make this recipe, but some will be more successful than others. We used a block of extra-sharp, store-brand cheddar cheese since it’s the most traditional and budget-friendly option. It’s also super flavorful (but not too funky!). Here are some more tips to consider when using different types of cheese:

  • Make sure the cheese and beer taste good together — and are ones you enjoy! (Since both heavily impact the sauce’s final flavor, color, and texture.)
  • For the grated cheese, reach for a semi-firm cheese (like Cheddar, Edam, or Gouda) or a semi-soft cheese (like Mozzarella, Jack, Fontina, and Munster). Both types of cheese will shred easier when cold. Hard cheeses and ones that are “aged” or “extra-sharp” can also be used, but don’t melt as easily as their softer, milder counterparts.

BEER OPTIONS

It doesn’t matter what kind of beer you use for this recipe – just pick one you like to drink! We used Pabst Blue Ribbon, a budget-friendly light beer with a mild, malty taste that wouldn’t compete with the flavor of our sharp cheddar cheese. 

  • Light Beers: Considered best for beer cheese. Light beers are usually milder in taste. So they’re less likely to overpower easy-to-melt cheeses like basic Cheddar. Fruity wheat beers pair especially well with cheese!
  • Dark Beers: Stouts and porters also make a great beer cheese sauce, but are best paired with a sharp, funky cheese that can stand up to their strong, rich flavors. 
  • Super-hoppy IPAs: If you love this style of beer, go for it. (They’re truly an “acquired taste!”) But if you don’t like drinking them, you probably won’t enjoy the lingering, bitter aftertaste they give your beer cheese sauce either!

Why is my beer cheese lumpy or grainy?

It’s important not to overheat your cheese dip. High heat makes the proteins and fat in the cheese separate, causing the sauce to “break” and turn into a lumpy mess. If this happens, it can be difficult (or impossible) to repair. You might be able to fix the cheese sauce by adding more cream cheese or Dijon, which are both emulsifying ingredients. Add these ingredients a little at a time, stirring vigorously to incorporate them before adding any more. 

DOES BEER CHEESE CONTAIN ALCOHOL?

Boiling beer reduces the alcohol content a lot but doesn’t eliminate it entirely. I promise, no one will get “drunk” from eating too much beer cheese! If consuming alcohol isn’t part of your lifestyle, you can substitute it with a non-alcoholic beer! Or try one of our other easy cheese sauce recipes, like:

eat it fresh & keep it warm

This recipe is best eaten right after it’s prepared. The leftovers probably won’t stay as smooth and creamy, so I’d suggest reducing the serving size of the recipe to avoid wasted ingredients.

serving suggestions

Serve this decadent dip with an assortment of pretzels and crackers, apple slices, or a vegetable party tray. Our Beer Bread and Easy Soda Bread are also great vehicles for this cheese sauce!

A side view of giant Bavarian pretzel that's just been half-dipped in beer cheese is hovering over a large white bowl filled of the dip and is surrounded by an assortment of other pretzels and a glass cup of beer.
An overhead view of a hand swirling a pretzel crisp into a white bowl of beer cheese dip that's surrounded by an assortment of pretzels, a glass cup of beer, a wooden cutting board topped with apple slices, and a small bowl of pretzel salt.
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Beer Cheese Dip

Looking for a melted cheese appetizer that's sure to be the hit of the party? You'll love the unique taste cheddar gives this Beer Cheese Dip!
Course Appetizer, Dip, Side Dish
Cuisine American, German
Total Cost $3.95 RECIPE / $0.66 SERVING
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 6 1/3 cup each
Calories 210kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 cup beer $0.92
  • 1 Tbsp warm water $0.00
  • 1 Tbsp cornstarch $0.03
  • 2 oz. cream cheese $0.44
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded $2.49
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce $0.02
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard $0.03
  • 1/2 tsp salt $0.01
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper $0.01

Instructions

  • Heat the beer in a saucepan on medium-high heat. While the beer heating up, whisk together the cornstarch and warm water in a small bowl to make a slurry.
  • Once the beer comes to a rolling boil, let it continue to boil for about 5 minutes. Add the cornstarch slurry to the boiling beer, whisking constantly to fully incorporate it. Allow the beer to come back up to a boil, at which point the cornstarch slurry will slightly thicken the beer.
  • Turn the heat down to low. Cut the cream cheese into chunks, then whisk it into the beer until fully melted.
  • Add the shredded cheese a handful at a time, continuing to whisk until the cheese is fully melted before adding more.
  • Whisk in the Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Taste the cheese dip and adjust the salt or other seasonings to your liking.
  • Cover the cheese dip and keep the pot sitting over low heat so it stays warm and melted (or transfer it to a small chafing dish, crockpot, or electric fondue pot). Stir the cheese dip occasionally to prevent a thick skin from forming on the surface.

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.33cup | Calories: 210kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 16g | Sodium: 494mg | Fiber: 0.1g
A overhead view of a white bowl of cheese dip sprinkled with black pepper that is surrounded by an assortment of pretzels, a bowl of pretzel salt, a wooden cutting board of apples and a glass cup of beer.

How to Make beer cheese dip – Step by Step Photos

A small saucepot being filled with beer from a glass measuring cup held above the bottom right corner of the pot.

Heat 1 cup (8 oz.) of beer in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Once the beer comes to a rolling boil, let it boil for about 5 minutes. While the beer heating up, combine 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of warm water in a small bowl.

A cornstarch slurry is being poured into the left side of a small saucepot of beer, and a whisk is resting in the bottom right corner of the pot.

Add the cornstarch slurry to the boiling beer, whisking constantly to fully incorporate it. Bring the beer back up to a boil, at which point the cornstarch slurry will slightly thicken the beer.

A small saucepot of boiled beer with chunks of unmelted cream cheese in the right side of the pot ready to be mixed into the beer.

Turn the heat down to low. Cut 2 ounces of cream cheese into chunks, and then whisk them into the beer until fully melted.

A hand is sprinkling shredded sharp cheddar cheese into a small saucepot containing a mixture of beer, cornstarch, and cream cheese.

Add 2 cups of shredded cheese to the saucepot a handful at a time. Continue whisking after each addition until all the cheese has melted before adding the next handful.

A hand is pouring Worcestershire sauce into a small saucepot of melted cheese, and there are small piles of unmixed salt and black pepper sitting on the surface.

Add 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Whisk to combine. Taste the cheese dip and adjust the salt or other seasonings to your liking. 

A small saucepot of finished beer cheese dip.

Cover the cheese dip and keep it over low heat so it stays warm and melted. You could also transfer it to a small chafing dish, crockpot, or electric fondue pot. Stir it occasionally to prevent a thick skin from forming on the surface of the cheese sauce. 

An extreme close up of a giant Bavarian soft pretzel that's just been dipped into a white bowl filled with melted cheese sauce, and an assortment of pretzels and a glass cup of beer are blurred in the background.

There’s nothing quite like a vat of melted cheese and a soft pretzel as big as your face, amirite?! ~ Marion :)

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Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Use your slow cooker to make this incredible Beef Stew full of aromatic rosemary and garlic, fork-tender beef, and colorful vegetables.

The post Slow Cooker Beef Stew appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Whoa. Just, WHOA. I’ve never smelled anything as lovely and drool-inducing as the scent in my house while I cooked this Slow Cooker Beef Stew. The aroma had me checking the clock every 15 minutes to see if it was done yet. I couldn’t wait to lift the lid and take a quick taste. And when I finally did? INCREDIBLE. This is definitely a recipe you want to make before winter is over!

Overhead view of a beef stew in the slow cooker.

Ingredients for Beef Stew

Beef stew, in its most basic form, is really simple. It’s just chunky pieces of beef, vegetables, broth, and some herbs and spices, all cooked down until it forms a delicious cozy gravy. But I took this beef stew up a few notches with some extra special ingredients that add more umami and flavor to the stew gravy. The ingredient list may look long, but I promise it’s worth it. Here’s what you’ll need for the most incredible beef stew ever:

  • Beef Stew Meat – Stew meat, which is usually cubed chuck steak, tends to be a tougher cut, but it softens to an extremely tender texture when cooked low and slow (like in a slow cooker).
  • All-Purpose Flour – Lightly coating the stew meat in flour and then searing it before it goes into the slow cooker increases the Maillard reaction and deepens the flavor. The flour also helps thicken the stew’s gravy.
  • Vegetables – We use a hearty and flavorful mix of carrots, onions, celery, and potatoes to create a naturally flavorful gravy. The vegetables also help thicken the gravy as they break down into the broth.
  • Beef Broth – Broth acts as the base for the gravy and provides a nice moist environment for the meat to cook to tender perfection. Make sure to use a broth with great flavor. We like to use Better Than Bouillon to make our broth.
  • Seasonings – This is where we really take the flavor to the next level. For this recipe, we combined garlic, Dijon, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, rosemary, and thyme to make an over-the-top good gravy that is full of layered flavor and umami goodness.

Tips for the Best Beef Stew

  • Sear the meat first. Browning the beef gives it an extra deep flavor that can’t be achieved in the moist environment of the slow cooker alone.
  • Add extra umami. Adding ingredients to the broth that contain a lot of umami, like Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce, ramps up the flavor in the stew and makes the flavor extra “meaty”.
  • Don’t rush it. Stew meat needs to cook low and slow for a long time in order for the tough connective tissues to break down and become tender. If your stew meat is tough, reduce the heat and cook it a little longer.
  • Don’t skip the veggies. Including a variety of vegetables in your stew not only adds texture and color, but the vegetables add a ton of extra flavor to the gravy, so you’ll get a delicious, multi-dimensional flavor in the final stew.
Overhead view of a bowl of beef stew with a spoon.

How to Thicken Beef Stew

There are multiple ways to thicken a beef stew, but I prefer to allow the stew to thicken naturally as the vegetables cook and begin to break down into the broth. The stew may look a little watery when you first lift the lid, but once you begin to stir the vegetables (especially the potato) will begin to thicken the liquid in the slow cooker.

Alternately, if you prefer a firmer vegetable, you can add them in the last hour of cooking and then use a cornstarch slurry (3 Tbsp cornstarch + 3 Tbsp water) to thicken your stew. Once the cornstarch is mixed into the broth and brought to a boil, it will thicken into a gravy. This method will result in a less flavorful gravy and a glossy appearance.

What Else Can I add?

This slow cooker beef stew is pretty lush as is, but there are always options if you want to add more! Try adding 8 oz. mushrooms with the vegetables in the beginning (sliced in half) for more vegetable goodness. If you have some red wine on hand, deglaze the skillet used to brown the beef with the wine before proceeding with the gravy. Want it to look extra fancy? Sub 8 oz. pearl onions in place of the chopped onion in the recipe below.

What Do you Serve with Beef Stew?

Beef stew is a pretty well-rounded meal on its own, but you’ll want to sop up every drop of that deliciously thick brown gravy. I suggest serving your Slow Cooker Beef Stew with some bread on the side, like my Focaccia Rolls, or over a bowl warm rice or egg noodles.

Side view of beef stew in the slow cooker.
Close up overhead view of beef stew in a bowl.
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Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Use your slow cooker to make this incredible Beef Stew full of aromatic rosemary and garlic, fork-tender beef, and colorful vegetables.
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Total Cost $16.20 recipe / $2.03 serving
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 30 minutes
Servings 8 1.25 cups each
Calories 269kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs. red potatoes $2.40
  • 1 yellow onion $0.37
  • 3 carrots $0.44
  • 4 stalks celery $0.44
  • 4 cloves garlic $0.32
  • 1.5 lbs. beef stew meat $11.24
  • 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour $0.03
  • 1/4 tsp salt $0.02
  • 1/4 tsp Freshly cracked black pepper $0.02
  • 2 Tbsp cooking oil $0.08
  • 2 cups beef broth $0.27
  • 2 Tbsp Dijon mustard $0.13
  • 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce $0.06
  • 1 Tbsp soy sauce $0.06
  • 1.5 tsp brown sugar $0.02
  • 1.5 tsp dried rosemary $0.15
  • 1.5 tsp dried thyme $0.15

Instructions

  • Dice the onion and red potatoes. Slice the carrots and celery. Mince the garlic. Place the prepared vegetables in a four or five quart slow cooker.
  • Place the stew meat in a bowl and sprinkle the flour, salt, and pepper over top. Toss the meat until it's evenly coated in flour.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Once very hot, add the cooking oil and swirl to coat the surface of the skillet. Add the stew meat and cook, without stirring, until browned on the bottom. Stir and then allow the beef to brown on a second side. Transfer the meat to the slow cooker.
  • Turn the heat under the skillet down to medium-low. Add the broth, Dijon, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, rosemary, and thyme to the skillet. Stir and cook over medium-low until all the browned bits have dissolved off the bottom of the skillet.
  • Pour the broth over the ingredients in the slow cooker and everything a good stir.
  • Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on high for four hours or low for eight hours.
  • After cooking the meat and vegetables should both be tender. Stir the stew well to allow the potatoes to slightly break down and thicken the gravy. Taste the stew and adjust the salt or other seasonings to your liking. Serve hot!

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Nutrition

Serving: 1.25cups | Calories: 269kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 8g | Sodium: 591mg | Fiber: 3g

Love Beef Stew? You’ve got to try my Chicken Stew next! 

How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Stew – Step by Step Photos

Vegetables for beef stew on a cutting board.

Prepare the vegetables for the stew first. You’ll need to dice 2 lbs. red potatoes and one yellow onion, slice 4 stalks of celery and 3 carrots, and mince 4 cloves of garlic.

Vegetables in a slow cooker.

Place all of your chopped vegetables in a 4 or 5 quart slow cooker. 

Stew meat in a bowl coated with flour, salt, and pepper.

Place 1.5 lbs. stew meat (beef chuck) in a bowl. Sprinkle 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour, ¼ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp pepper over the meat. Toss the beef until it’s evenly coated in flour, salt, and pepper.

Browned beef in a skillet.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high. When it’s very hot, add 2 Tbsp cooking oil and swirl to coat the surface of the skillet. Add the stew meat and let it cook until browned on the bottom, then stir and allow it to brown on the second side again. Do not stir often, or the beef will not have a chance to brown. Transfer the beef to the slow cooker.

Ingredients for the gravy added to the skillet.

Reduce the heat under the skillet to medium-low and add 2 cups beef broth, 2 Tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 Tbsp soy sauce, 1.5 tsp brown sugar, 1.5 tsp dried rosemary, and 1.5 tsp thyme. Heat and stir the ingredients until all of the browned bits are dissolved off the bottom of the skillet.

Broth being poured over the ingredients in the slow cooker.

Pour the broth over the ingredients in the slow cooker. It’s okay if the broth does not fully cover the ingredients in the slow cooker at this point.

Slow cooker being covered with a lid.

Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on high for four hours or low for eight hours.

Cooked beef stew in the slow cooker.

After four hours on high (or eight hours on low) the stew should look a little like this. The meat and vegetables should both be tender. The gravy may look a little thin at this point, but don’t worry…

Stirred beef stew in the slow cooker.

Give the stew a good stir and the potatoes will break down a bit and thicken the gravy into a nice rich consistency. Depending on the type of broth used, you may want to taste the stew and add salt to your liking (I did not add any).

Close up overhead view of beef stew in a bowl.

Serve the Slow Cooker Beef Stew as is or spooned over a bowl of hot rice or pasta. THIS will keep you warm and full on cold winter days!

The post Slow Cooker Beef Stew appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Butternut Squash Salad

This colorful butternut squash salad features roasted butternut squash, tender greens, flavorful toppings, and a maple Dijon vinaigrette.

The post Butternut Squash Salad appeared first on Budget Bytes.

One of the best ways you can keep your food budget in check is to make sure you’re using up what you’ve got in your pantry. So this week I used up a bunch of “leftover” ingredients I had on hand to make this absolutely gorgeous butternut squash salad. It’s simple but elegant, and very easy to prepare. Plus, it meal preps great, so I’m definitely going to eating this for lunch for the next few days!

Overhead view of a butternut squash salad in a bowl with a fork.

What’s in This Butternut Squash salad?

I had a bunch of leftovers from the Roasted Brussels Sprouts Salad that I made for Thanksgiving, so I repurposed the flavors into this Butternut Squash Salad. Instead of using Brussels sprouts as the “green” I used simple mixed greens. I swapped out the roasted sweet potatoes for roasted butternut squash (because I had gotten a bunch of those on sale a couple of weeks ago), added some dried cranberries, and then topped the salad with the same combination of pecans, goat cheese, and a homemade maple Dijon vinaigrette. It’s so simple, but feels so ✨fancy✨.

Make it a Meal

I would serve this salad, as written, as a side dish or as part of a meal. If you want to bulk it up a bit and turn this into a “meal salad” here are a few things you can add:

  • Cooked turkey breast
  • Cooked chicken breast
  • Cooked bacon
  • Cooked farro or barley
  • Cooked wild rice
  • Diced apples or pears
  • Thinly sliced red onions

Other Cheese Options

Not everyone is a fan of goat cheese and it’s not always the most affordable cheese on the shelf, so if you need to swap that out for another option try diced white cheddar, shaved Parmesan, or maybe something like manchego.

How to Store Butternut Squash Salad for Meal prep

As I mentioned above, I’m going to be meal prepping this salad for my lunches. The best way to keep this salad fresh for a few days is to use the proper layering technique. Layer this salad in your meal prep container with dressing and toppings on the bottom and the delicate greens on top. So it would go in this order: dressing, butternut squash, pecans, cranberries, goat cheese, greens. This keeps the greens away from the dressing and prevents them from being squished by the heavy toppings. When you’re ready to eat, just shake or stir! The salad should stay good in the refrigerator for about four days.

Butternut squash salad in the serving dish with wooden utensiles.
Close up overhead shot of one serving of butternut squash salad in a bowl.
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Butternut Squash Salad

This colorful butternut squash salad features roasted butternut squash, tender greens, flavorful toppings, and a maple Dijon vinaigrette.
Course Dinner, Lunch, Salad
Cuisine American
Total Cost $6.43 recipe / $1.61 serving
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 378kcal

Ingredients

Roasted Butternut Squash

  • 2 lbs. butternut squash $1.78
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil $0.13
  • 1 pinch salt $0.01
  • 1 pinch pepper $0.01

Maple Dijon Vinaigrette

  • 1/4 cup olive oil $0.52
  • 2 Tbsp maple syrup $0.64
  • 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar $0.15
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard $0.02
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder $0.02
  • 1/4 tsp salt $0.02
  • 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper $0.02

Salad

  • 4 cups spring mix $1.75
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries $0.27
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans $0.59
  • 1 oz. goat cheese $0.50

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Peel and slice 2 lbs. of butternut squash into ½-inch cubes (about 4 cups cubes).
  • Place the cubed butternut squash on a parchment-lined baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and add a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss the squash until well coated in oil.
  • Roast the squash in the oven for about 30 minutes, stirring once after about 20 minutes of roasting. After 30 minutes the squash should be tender with a little bit of browning on the edges. Allow the squash to cool.
  • While the squash is roasting, make the vinaigrette. Whisk together the olive oil, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Set the dressing aside.
  • When the squash is cool to your liking (you can use it warm or room temperature), build the salad. Place the spring mix on the bottom, then top with the roasted squash, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, and crumbled goat cheese.
  • If serving right away, add about half of the dressing and toss to coat. Add more dressing to each serving as needed.

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Nutrition

Serving: 1salad | Calories: 378kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 24g | Sodium: 216mg | Fiber: 6g

How to Make Butternut Squash Salad – Step by Step Photos

Butternut squash being prepped for roasting.

Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Peel and dice about 2 lbs. of butternut squash into ½-inch cubes (about 4 cups once diced). Add the squash to a parchment-lined sheet pan, then drizzle with 1 Tbsp olive oil and add a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss until the butternut squash is evenly coated.

Roasted Butternut squash on a sheet pan.

Roast the butternut squash in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, stirring once after about 20 minutes in the oven. After 30 minutes the squash should be tender and have some caramelization on the edges (brown color). Allow the squash to cool slightly.

Close up of maple do

While the butternut squash is in the oven, prepare the maple Dijon vinaigrette. Whisk together ¼ cup olive oi, 2 Tbsp maple syrup, 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, ¼ tsp garlic powder, ¼ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp freshly cracked pepper. Set the dressing aside.

Layered salad in the serving bowl with dressing in a jar on the side.

You can serve this salad with the squash still slightly warm, room temperature, or chilled. Once the squash has cooled to your liking, it’s time to build the salad. Add 4 cups spring mix to a large serving bowl, then top with the roasted butternut squash, chopped pecans, dried cranberries, and crumbled goad cheese. If meal prepping the salad, add the ingredients to individual containers in the opposite order (dressing first, toppings, then spring mix).

Dressing being poured over the salad in the serving bowl.

Add about half of the dressing, then toss the salad to coat. Add more dressing to each serving to taste.

Close up overhead shot of one serving of butternut squash salad in a bowl.

I like to top each salad bowl with a little more pepper and a pinch of salt, but that’s just me! No matter how you serve it, this butternut squash salad is the perfect mix of sweet, savory, nutty, and creamy flavors!

The post Butternut Squash Salad appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts Salad

This cozy Roasted Brussels Sprouts Salad features roasted vegetables, toasted pecans, creamy goat cheese, and a tangy maple dijon dressing.

The post Roasted Brussels Sprouts Salad appeared first on Budget Bytes.

This post is sponsored by ALDI. Ingredient prices and availability may vary. Visit ALDI on FacebookTwitterPinterest, or Instagram.

Every year I like to work something new and unique into my Thanksgiving meal, and this year it’s going to be this Roasted Brussels Sprouts Salad. Whether you’re planning a big family gathering this year, or something more cozy and intimate, this Roasted Brussels Sprouts Salad will steal the show. This gorgeous mix of roasted Brussels Sprouts, sweet potatoes, pecans, goat cheese, and a tangy-sweet maple Dijon dressing is as gorgeous as it is delicious. And not only is it easy to make, but it was also super budget-friendly because I got all of the ingredients at ALDI—my favorite one-stop-shop for Thanksgiving. 🙌

Overhead view of a wooden bowl full of roasted Brussels sprouts salad with ingredients on the sides.

Keep Your Thanksgiving Budget In Check

Putting together a Thanksgiving meal takes a lot of planning and, if you’re working with a tight budget, you’ve got to be extra careful to keep those costs in check. Thankfully, ALDI is coming through for us again this year! ALDI has hit the rewind button on over 50 classic Thanksgiving ingredients, reducing their prices to the lowest level since 2019. SCORE! So if you’re nostalgic for the grocery prices from a few years ago, get to your local ALDI store pronto! (P.S. You can also do delivery or curb-side pick-up, which is super handy during the busy holiday season!)

What’s in Roasted Brussels Sprouts Salad

This salad is super simple, but totally elegant. It has a very short list of ingredients (all of which I got at ALDI), including the homemade maple dijon vinaigrette. Here’s what you’ll need for this salad:

  • Fresh Brussels sprouts*
  • Fresh sweet potatoes*
  • Southern Grove Chopped Pecans*
  • Emporium Selection Original Goat Cheese Log
  • Simply Nature Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • Salt & Pepper

*2019 Thanksgiving Price Rewind on select ALDI products based on average retail at ALDI from November 2–29, 2019. Available in store and online from November 2-19, 2022. Taxes and online and delivery fees not included. Products with reduced prices are marked with the Thanksgiving Price Rewind icon. Prices for other Thanksgiving-related products may be higher than 2019 prices at ALDI. Wine and beer are available at select ALDI stores.

And then the homemade vinaigrette is made with: Specially Selected 100% Pure Maple Syrup, Simply Nature Organic Apple Cider Vinegar, Burman’s Dijon Mustard, Simply Nature Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Stonemill Garlic Powder, salt, and pepper. BOOM. So easy.

Ingredients for Roasted Brussels Sprouts Salad laid out on a surface.

How Much Does THis Make?

This recipe makes about 5 cups of salad or about 4-6 regular dinner-sized servings. If you want to make a bigger batch for a larger Thanksgiving, simply double the recipe and roast the Brussels Sprouts and Sweet Potatoes on two baking sheets (one for each).

What Else Can I Add?

If you want to take this salad up a notch, you have a few great options. Try browning some bacon in a skillet and using the bacon grease to oil up the Brussels and sweet potatoes before roasting, then crumble the bacon over the salad at the end. You can also add dried cranberries for a little extra sweetness.

Side view of a wooden bowl full of roasted brussels sprouts salad with ingredients in the back.
Close up view of roasted Brussels Sprouts Salad in a wooden bowl.
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Roasted Brussels Sprouts Salad

This cozy Roasted Brussels Sprouts Salad features roasted vegetables, toasted pecans, creamy goat cheese, and a tangy maple Dijon dressing.
Course Dinner, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Total Cost $7.20 recipe / $1.44 serving
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 5 1 cup each
Calories 366kcal

Ingredients

Salad

  • 1 lb. Brussels sprouts* $2.89
  • 1 lb. sweet potatoes* $0.86
  • 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil $0.26
  • 1/8 tsp salt $0.01
  • 1/8 tsp pepper $0.01
  • 1/3 cup Southern Grove Chopped Pecans* $0.78
  • 2 oz. goat cheese $1.00

Maple Dijon Vinaigrette

  • 2 Tbsp maple syrup $0.64
  • 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar $0.15
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard $0.02
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil $0.52
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder $0.02
  • 1/4 tsp salt $0.02
  • 1/4 tsp pepper $0.02

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Wash the Brussels sprouts and cut them in half. Peel and dice the sweet potatoes into ¾-inch cubes.
  • Line a large baking sheet with parchment, then add the Brussels sprouts to one side and the sweet potatoes to the other side. Drizzle olive oil over the vegetables and add a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss until the vegetables are coated in oil.
  • Transfer the vegetables to the oven and roast for 20 minutes. Give the vegetables a good stir, keeping them each on their own side, then roast for an additional 10 minutes or until the Brussels sprouts are browned and the sweet potatoes are tender.
  • While the vegetables are roasting, make the maple Dijon vinaigrette. Whisk together the maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  • Add the chopped pecans to a skillet and place over medium heat. Stir and cook the pecans for 2-3 minutes, or just until they begin to smell toasty, then remove them from the heat.
  • Once the vegetables have finished roasting, transfer them to a large bowl and add the toasted nuts. Drizzle with half of the vinaigrette and toss to coat. Add more dressing to your liking.
  • Crumble the goat cheese over the salad just before serving. Enjoy!

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Notes

*Get special rewind prices on these ingredients at ALDI this Thanksgiving season, featuring the lowest prices since 2019! Prices listed are what I paid. The prices and ingredient availability may vary by location. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 366kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 24g | Sodium: 301mg | Fiber: 7g
Close up view of roasted Brussels Sprouts Salad in a wooden bowl.

How to Make Roasted Brussels Sprouts Salad – Step by Step Photos

Prepped Brussels sprouts on a cutting board.

Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Wash one pound of Brussels Sprouts and slice them in half.

Diced sweet potatoes on a cutting board.

Peel and dice one pound of sweet potatoes into ¾-inch cubes.

Brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes being seasoned on a sheet pan.

Place the prepared Brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes on a large sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with 2 Tbsp olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss each vegetable until well coated in oil, keeping the two vegetables separated on the sheet pan.

Vegetables on the sheet pan ready to roast.

Make sure the vegetables are spread out in a single layer on the sheet pan. Transfer the sheet pan to the preheated 400ºF oven and roast for 20 minutes, then stir, and roast for an additional 10 minutes, or until the Brussels sprouts are nicely browned and the sweet potatoes are tender. If one vegetable reaches doneness before the other, simply scoop it off the sheet pan and continue roasting the other until it reaches your desired level of doneness.

Maple Dijon vinaigrette in a small bowl with a fork.

While the vegetables are in the oven, prepare the maple Dijon vinaigrette. Whisk together 2 Tbsp maple syrup, 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, ¼ cup olive oil, ¼ tsp garlic powder, ¼ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp pepper. Set the dressing aside.

Chopped pecans being toasted in a skillet.

Add ⅓ cup chopped pecans to a skillet and heat over medium, stirring often, for about 2-3 minutes or until the pecans begin to smell toasty. Remove them from the heat as soon as you begin to smell the nutty aroma.

Roasted vegetables on the sheet pan.

Once the sweet potatoes are tender and the Brussels sprouts are browned, remove them from the oven.

Dressing being poured over the bowl of vegetables with pecans.

Add the roasted vegetables to a large bowl, then add the toasted pecans. Drizzle half of the dressing over top, then gently toss until everything is combined. Add more dressing to your liking.

Overhead view of a bowl of Roasted Brussels Sprouts salad with ingredients on the sides.

Crumble about 2 oz. goat cheese over the salad just before serving. Enjoy!

Side view of a bowl of Roasted Brussels Sprouts Salad with ingredients in the back.

The post Roasted Brussels Sprouts Salad appeared first on Budget Bytes.