Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

This easy Ground Beef and Broccoli stir-fry is perfect when you need a quick weeknight dinner! Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry This easy ground beef and broccoli is so much healthier than take-out! Don’t get me wrong, I love Chinese food. But w…

This easy Ground Beef and Broccoli stir-fry is perfect when you need a quick weeknight dinner! Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry This easy ground beef and broccoli is so much healthier than take-out! Don’t get me wrong, I love Chinese food. But when I am trying to meet my health goals, cooking meals from

Bolognese

Bolognese, the dreamy (and easy) Italian meat sauce, pairs with more than pasta. Work it into baked potatoes, bell peppers, rice, or nachos!

The post Bolognese appeared first on Budget Bytes.

There’s something incredibly satisfying about letting bolognese, the famous Italian meat sauce, simmer on the stove for hours, perfuming your whole house with its meaty aromas. Sigh! While this bolognese recipe is usually served with hearty pasta, you can also work it into baked potatoes, bell peppers, or nachos! I loved it so much that I ate it with rice. (Editor’s note: Dear Beth, have I ever said anything more Puerto Rican?)

Overhead shot of bolognese in a beige Dutch oven with a wood spoon in it.

What Is Bolognese?

Bolognese is the traditional meat sauce of Bologna, Italy. It’s mostly ground beef with a bit of pork thrown in, stewed in tomatoes, with a touch of milk and butter added to round out the sauce’s acidity. You won’t find aromatics like rosemary, garlic, oregano, or bay leaves in traditional bolognese. Flavors are developed over a long simmer.

What You’ll Need

Our bolognese recipe is not traditional. To keep things budget-friendly, we omitted the pork that’s usually paired with ground beef. Instead, we used a bit of garlic to add depth. Here’s what you’ll need to make bolognese.

  • Soffritto– the lightly fried flavor base of many Italian dishes. It’s simply sauteed carrots, celery, and onion.
  • Ground Beef– because, after all, it is a meat sauce. The beef should be fatty. Lean beef does not work well for this recipe.
  • Milk and Butter– adding dairy to the sauce helps round out the acidity of the tomatoes.
  • Wine– you can use red or white. But if you use red, the sauce must cook much longer to mellow the flavor. White wine cooks down much faster, which is why I used it in this recipe. If you don’t want to use wine, substitute it with white grape juice with a bit of white vinegar.
  • Crushed Tomatoes– traditional bolognese uses pureed fresh tomatoes that take many hours to break down into a sauce. We opted for canned crushed tomatoes for time’s sake and for their budget-friendliness. But feel free to use fresh if you prefer.
  • Garlic– this is not a traditional ingredient. I added garlic to the recipe to create dimension since our sauce does not simmer all day and does not contain pork. If you want to keep it strictly traditional, omit the garlic, and let the sauce simmer for a few more hours.
Overhead shot of bolognese served over rotini in a white bowl with a wood spoon in it.

What’s the Difference Between Bolognese and Meat Sauce?

The biggest difference between Bolognese and meat sauce is the ratio of meat to tomato. Bolognese is technically a meat sauce, or as they say in Italy, ragù. It differs from American meat sauce because it has a higher ratio of beef to tomato, making it much thicker. It’s also creamier as it’s made with a touch of milk.

How To Make Bolognese Taste Better

  • Use a large heavy-bottomed pot. A Dutch oven is perfect, as it retains heat and simmers ingredients without scorching them.
  • Chop the onions, carrots, and celery into small dice. Ensuring all veg is the same size helps them melt into the sauce and creates deeper flavor.
  • Be patient. Bolognese is a long game. Cook at a simmer for a minimum of 3 hours. Do not boil.
Side shot of bolognese served over rotini in a white bowl.

What To Serve With Bolognese

If you’re looking for some great budget-friendly dishes to serve with bolognese, I’ve got you covered! Try any of these Budget Bytes favorites:

How To Store Bolognese

Store the sauce in an airtight container, preferably glass or ceramic, as it stains plastic. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days and in the freezer for up to 3 months. If you’re freezing bolognese, try doing so in portions, so you only thaw it once. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, or in the microwave until it starts to steam. If microwaving it, top it with a paper towel over it so it doesn’t splatter everywhere.

Side shot of bolognese in a beige Dutch oven with a metal spoon in it.
Overhead shot of bolognese in a beige Dutch oven with a wood spoon in it.
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Bolognese

Bolognese, the dreamy (and easy) Italian meat sauce, pairs with more than pasta. Work it into baked potatoes, bell peppers, rice, or nachos!
Course Dinner
Cuisine Italian
Total Cost $10.28 recipe / $1.29 serving
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours 20 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Servings 8 cups
Calories 280kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 4 Tbsp butter, divided $0.56
  • 1 medium onion, diced $0.38
  • 1/2 tsp salt, divided $0.01
  • 2 stalks celery, diced $0.48
  • 1 large carrot, diced $0.18
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced $0.11
  • 1 lb ground beef, 80/20 $5.49
  • 1/4 tsp pepper $0.01
  • 1 cup milk $0.23
  • 1 cup wine (red or white) $1.14
  • 28 oz crushed tomatoes $1.69

Instructions

  • Place a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add butter to the pan. When the butter foams, add the onion and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Sautée until translucent.
  • Add the celery and carrot and sautée for two minutes, until they have softened some.
  • Next, add the garlic and sautée until fragrant, about 1 minute
  • Add the ground beef and pepper. Brown the beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
  • Once the beef has browned, add the milk, wine, and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir occasionally and simmer until the liquid has evaporated completely.
  • Add the crushed tomatoes. Mix until incorporated. Lower the heat as soon as the tomatoes come up to a boil.
  • Cook, uncovered, for 3 hours. Stir occasionally. If the sauce dries out, stir in a half cup of water. Once it is finished, taste for salt and pepper.

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 280kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 18g | Sodium: 386mg | Fiber: 3g
Overhead shot of bolognese served over rotini in a white bowl with a wood spoon in it.

How to Make Bolognese – Step by Step Photos

Overhead shot of onion in Dutch oven.

Place a heavy-bottomed pot (like a Dutch oven) over medium heat. Add 4 tablespoons of butter to the pan. When the butter foams, add 1 medium diced onion and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Sautée until translucent.

Overhead shot of celery, onion, and carrot in Dutch oven.

Add the 2 stalks of diced celery and the diced carrot and sautée for two minutes, until they have softened some.

Overhead shot of garlic being added to the veg.

Next, add the 2 cloves of minced garlic and sautée until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Overhead shot of sauteed veg with ground beef in it.

Add the pound of ground beef and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper. Brown the beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks.

Overhead shot of sauteed beef and veg with milk in it.

Once the beef has browned, add the cup of milk, the cup of wine, and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir occasionally and simmer until the liquid has evaporated completely.

Overhead shot of crushed tomatoes being poured into the browned meat.

Add the 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes. Mix until incorporated. Lower the heat as soon as the tomatoes come up to a boil.

Overhead shot of bolognese in a beige Dutch oven with a wood spoon in it.

Cook, uncovered, for 3 hours. Stir occasionally. If the sauce dries out, stir in a half cup of water. Once it is finished, taste for salt and pepper and adjust the seasoning. Serve this over hearty pasta like tagliatelle, pappardelle, or rotini. You can also pair it with a baked potato, stuff it into a bell pepper, or serve it over rice or nachos!

The post Bolognese appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Picadillo

Sweet, savory Puerto Rican-style Picadillo is a tomato-based ground beef stew that’s ridiculously delicious, versatile, and ready in thirty.

The post Picadillo appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Sweet and savory Puerto Rican-Style Picadillo is a ground beef stew that’s so ridiculously delicious it brings table talk to a complete stop because everyone’s too busy stuffing their face. This beef picadillo recipe is budget-friendly, comes together quickly, and is incredibly versatile. I don’t know any other way to say it: You. Need. To. Make. Picadillo.

A NOTE ON AUTHENTICITY

This is not a historically authentic recipe. We strive to create recipes that are accessible to everyone, which means ingredients need to be available at a mainstream budget grocery store. We test recipes using the least amount of steps, tools, and ingredients while still honoring the spirit of the recipe. I was born and raised in Puerto Rico and look forward to a time when our ingredients are available in mainstream markets. Until then, buen provecho!

What Is Picadillo?

Picadillo is a traditional sweet and savory Latin dish usually made with ground beef stewed in tomato sauce. In Puerto Rico, we cook it in a hearty tomato-based sauce with sofrito, adobo, olives, raisins, and sometimes diced potatoes. To the uninitiated, pairing raisins with beef sounds like blasphemy. But I promise you, IT WORKS.

What You’ll Need

Picadillo comes together in one pan in under 30 minutes. There’s a little chopping involved, and it takes about 7 minutes to assemble the recipe, but the rest of the time it simmers on the stovetop. I love a one-pot hands-off recipe! Don’t you?

  • Onion, Garlic, and Bell Pepper – this combination creates an aromatic and intensely flavored base
  • Sofrito – this is the flavor base of many Puerto Rican dishes. I have a simple recipe for you here, though you can definitely take it further if you have access to traditional ingredients like aji dulce and recao.
  • Sazón and Adobo – these seasoning blends go hand in hand to develop deep, earthy notes. The annatto in the sazón also deepens the color of the sauce. If these are hard to source, I have included recipes for both in the notes section of the recipe card.
  • Ground Beef – 80/20 is best as the fat adds flavor, but use what you have. You can also make this recipe with ground pork, chicken, lamb, or turkey. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, you can substitute ground beef with a plant-based alternative, chopped mushrooms, or black beans.
  • Green Olives – I prefer to use the sliced kind with pimento because it’s less work, but feel free to slice whole ones. If you can’t find Green Olives with Pimento (AKA Manzanilla or Spanish Olives), get pitted green olives and add a tablespoon of chopped roasted red pepper to the mix.
  • Raisins – though dark raisins are traditional, you can also use golden. I sometimes sub raisins with chopped prunes.
  • White Distilled Vinegar – helps cut through the fattiness of the ground beef and adds a sharp top note. Sub it with Apple Cider Vinegar.
  • Bay Leaves – have a mild tea-like flavor that sits in the background and helps enhance bolder flavors. Sub with a teaspoon of oregano.
  • Tomato Sauce – creates a liquid for the ground beef to stew in and adds acidic, fruity brightness.
Wooden spoon full og picadillo in the foreground with picadillo in a silver skillet in the background.

What TO Serve With Picadillo

This sweet and savory ground-beef stew is a weeknight staple at my house because I can eat it as is, or served over rice and mashed potatoes. I can also stuff it into an empanada, a burrito, or a lettuce wrap. I’ve even added it to marinara for Puerto Rican-style spaghetti. Picadillo is all-purpose!

How To Store Picadillo

This is one of those recipes that tastes even better the next day. (I love those recipes.) Store cooled Picadillo in an airtight container with plastic film or wax paper directly on the surface. It keeps in the fridge for up to 5 days and in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen Picadillo overnight in the refrigerator, then warm it in a pan set over medium heat or microwave it until steaming.

Picadillo served over white rice in a white bowl.
Overhead shot of picadillo in a silver skillet with a wooden spoon in it.
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Picadillo

Sweet, savory Puerto Rican-style Picadillo is a tomato-based ground beef stew that's ridiculously delicious, versatile, and ready in thirty.
Course Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine Latin, Puerto Rican
Total Cost ($11.44 recipe / $1.43 serving)
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 8 cups
Calories 212kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 Tbsp olive oil $0.06
  • 1 yellow onion, small dice $0.42
  • 1 red bell pepper, small dice $1.59
  • 1 Tbsp tablespoon garlic, minced $0.14
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20) $5.49
  • 1 tsp coarse salt* $0.04
  • 1 1/2 tsp sazón* (1 packet) $0.17
  • 1 tsp adobo* $0.04
  • 1/2 cup sofrito $0.72
  • 1/2 cup sliced pimento-stuffed green olives * $0.66
  • 1/4 cup raisins $0.87
  • 1/2 Tbsp white vinegar $0.04
  • 15 oz tomato sauce $1.00
  • 2 bay leaves $0.20
  • 1/4 cup water $0.00

Instructions

  • Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the onions and peppers to the pan and cook until the onions are transparent.
  • Add the garlic to the pan and cook until fragrant.
  • Add the beef to the pan and sprinkle with salt, sazón, and adobo. As the beef browns, break up big chunks with your spoon.
  • When the beef has browned, add the sofrito and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
  • Add the olives, raisins, white vinegar, tomato sauce, bay leaves, and water. Continue to cook, occasionally stirring, for 10 minutes. Take the pan off the heat and allow it cool.

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Notes

*If using fine salt, lower to 1/2 teaspoon.
*A packet of sazón contains about 1.5 teaspoons of sazón. If you cannot source sazón use the following:
1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
1/3 teaspoon ground annatto
1/8 teaspoon turmeric
1/8 teaspoon ground oregano
*If you cannot source Adobo, mix your own and then use the amount called for in the recipe. Store the rest in an airtight container.
2 Tbsp salt
1 Tbsp garlic powder
1 tsp ground oregano
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp turmeric
*Pimento-stuffed green olives are also known as Spanish Olives or Manzanilla Olives.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 212kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 16g | Sodium: 491mg | Fiber: 1g
Side shot of picadillo in a silver skillet.

How to Make Picadillo – Step by Step Photos

Onions and peppers in a silver pan.

Place a large saute pan over medium-high heat and add 1 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil. When the oil is hot, add 1 diced onion and 1 diced red bell pepper to the pan and cook until the onions are transparent.

Overhead shot of garlic being added to a pan of onions and peppers.

Add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic to the pan and cook until fragrant.

Meat being added to a pan of garlic, onions, and peppers.

Add the pound of ground beef to the pan and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon coarse salt, 1 and 1/2 teaspoons sazón, and 1 teaspoon adobo. As the beef browns, break up big chunks with your spoon.

Sofrito being added to a pan with browned meat in it.

When the beef has browned, add the 1/2 cup sofrito and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Break up any remaining chunks of ground beef.

Tomato sauce, olives, and raisins added to a pan of browned meat and sofrito.

Add the 1/2 cup olives, 1/4 cup raisins, 1/2 tablespoon white vinegar, 15 ounces tomato sauce, 2 bay leaves, and 1/4 cup water.

Finished pan of picadillo.

Continue to cook, occasionally stirring, for 10 minutes. Take the pan off the heat and allow the Picadillo to cool slightly before serving. Tell me how long it takes for everyone to start talking again!

Picadillo served over white rice in a white bowl.

More Easy One-Pot Recipes

The post Picadillo appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Best Homemade Lasagna

Lasagna nights are always GOOD nights! We love making vegetable lasagna, skillet lasagna, polenta lasagna, 4-ingredient ravioli lasagna, and even lasagna soup. But it’s hard to beat Josh’s Homemade Lasagna Recipe. It takes a little extra ti…

Lasagna nights are always GOOD nights! We love making vegetable lasagna, skillet lasagna, polenta lasagna, 4-ingredient ravioli lasagna, and even lasagna soup. But it’s hard to beat Josh’s Homemade Lasagna Recipe. It takes a little extra time to make, but the end results are worth it. It is the BEST lasagna. The lasagna is made…

Ultimate Nachos

Nachos are the BEST! You can enjoy them as an appetizer, snack, serve them up for game day, or even eat them for dinner! They are good anytime of the day (we even make breakfast nachos) and they are always a crowd pleaser. Who doesn’t love nachos…

Nachos are the BEST! You can enjoy them as an appetizer, snack, serve them up for game day, or even eat them for dinner! They are good anytime of the day (we even make breakfast nachos) and they are always a crowd pleaser. Who doesn’t love nachos? When we make nachos, we go ALL out,…

Ground Beef Tacos

Tacos are always a favorite weeknight dinner. We love making fun tacos like cauliflower chickpea tacos, steak tacos, turkey tacos, sweet potato tacos, and more BUT you can’t go wrong with traditional Ground Beef Tacos. They are a classic and this…

Tacos are always a favorite weeknight dinner. We love making fun tacos like cauliflower chickpea tacos, steak tacos, turkey tacos, sweet potato tacos, and more BUT you can’t go wrong with traditional Ground Beef Tacos. They are a classic and this is the BEST ground beef taco recipe. The taco meat is spiced with homemade…

Swedish Meatballs

Swedish meatballs are a delicious and cozy meal that is easy enough to prepare for a weeknight dinner but fancy enough for a special occasion.

The post Swedish Meatballs appeared first on Budget Bytes.

I don’t know about you, but I can’t go to Ikea without getting some of their iconic Swedish meatballs. But I can’t go to Ikea every time that craving hits, so we decided to make a budget-friendly homemade version that is easy enough for a cozy weeknight dinner, yet indulgent enough for an impressive, dinner-party main. Both hearty and comforting, these Swedish meatballs are like a hug in a dish!

Overhead view of a bowl of mashed potatoes topped with Swedish meatballs.

What are Swedish Meatballs?

Köttbullar, known in English as “Swedish meatballs” is a traditional Scandinavian dish of meatballs and gravy. Unlike Italian meatballs, the meat mixture for Swedish meatballs is flavored with allspice (and sometimes nutmeg), and after searing, they are nestled into a creamy gravy fortified with beef broth rather than a spicy, garlicky tomato sauce. 

What to serve with Swedish meatballs

Swedish meatballs are typically served with mashed potatoes. (We like ours with a little minced parsley and fresh cracked pepper on top, too!) But they’re also great served over egg noodles, or anything that will serve as a vehicle for that delicious gravy! 

Traditional interpretations of this dish frequently include a slightly-sweetened Lingonberry jam (a wild, lowbush berry native to Sweden), which has a similar flavor to cranberries or red currants. If you have leftover cranberry sauce from the holidays, that makes a great addition to this meal.

Can you Make Them Ahead?

Yes, you can make the meatballs a day ahead. If making a larger quantity, sear in batches, taking care that each meatball is cooked thoroughly to an internal temperature of at least 145℉. Allow them to cool completely before refrigerating. To reheat, spread them out on a parchment-lined sheet pan at 375℉ while you make the gravy, and then continue with the recipe as written. Once they have simmered in the sauce, each meatball should reach an internal temperature of 165℉ before serving.

Close up side view of Swedish Meatballs in the skillet.
Overhead view of a bowl full of mashed potatoes and Swedish Meatballs.
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Swedish Meatballs

Swedish meatballs are a delicious and cozy meal that is easy enough to prepare for a weeknight dinner but fancy enough for a special occasion.
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Scandavian
Total Cost $5.83 recipe / $1.46 serving
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4 4 meatballs
Calories 545kcal

Ingredients

Meatballs

  • 1/4 cup plain breadcrumbs $0.20
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg $0.03
  • 1/4 tsp allspice $0.03
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder $0.02
  • 1/4 tsp salt $0.02
  • 1/2 lb. ground pork $0.99
  • 1/2 lb. ground beef $2.65
  • 1 large egg, lightly whisked $0.32

Gravy

  • 4 Tbsp butter, divided $0.60
  • 4 Tbsp all-purpose flour $0.03
  • 2 cups beef broth* $0.24
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce $0.02
  • 1/8 tsp nutmeg $0.01
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream $0.55
  • 1/4 tsp freshly cracked pepper $0.02
  • 1 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish) $0.10

Instructions

  • In a medium bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, nutmeg, allspice, garlic powder, and salt. (Note: Mixing the dry ingredients first will ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the meatballs and prevent you from overworking the meat mixture.)
  • Meanwhile, add the pork and beef to a large bowl. Lightly whisk the egg, then add it to the bowl with the meat. Lastly, add the breadcrumb mixture.
  • Use your hands to mix the meat and seasonings together until evenly combined, but avoid overmixing.
  • Divide and shape the meat mixture into 16 meatballs, about 1.5 Tbsp each.
  • Add 1 Tbsp of the butter to a large skillet and heat over medium. When the butter is melted and foaming, add the meatballs. Cook for a minute or two on each side, or until well browned. The meatballs do not need to be cooked through at this point.
  • Remove the browned meatballs from the skillet. Add the remaining 3 Tbsp butter and the flour. Whisk the butter and flour together as the butter melts. Cook the butter and flour mixture for about two minutes.
  • Slowly whisk in the beef broth, making sure to release all of the browned bits off the bottom of the skillet. Allow the broth to come up to a simmer, at which point it will thicken.
  • Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, pepper, nutmeg, and heavy cream. Taste the gravy and adjust the salt or seasonings to your liking.

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Notes

*We use Better Than Bouillon to make our broth. If using a low-sodium broth you may need to add more salt to the gravy for taste.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 545kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 44g | Sodium: 844mg | Fiber: 1g
Overhead view of Swedish Meatballs in the skillet.

How to Make Swedish Meatballs – Step by Step Photos

Breadcrumbs and spices in a bowl.

Add ¼ cup plain breadcrumbs to a bowl along with ¼ tsp nutmeg, ¼ tsp allspice, ¼ tsp garlic powder, and ¼ tsp salt and stir until evenly combined.

Meatballs ingredients in a bowl.

Add ½ lb. ground pork, ½ lb. ground beef, the breadcrumb mixture, and one lightly whisked large egg to a bowl. Use your hands to mix the ingredients together until evenly combined. Avoid over-mixing because that will make the meatballs tough.

Shaped meatballs on a red cutting board.

Divide the mixture into 16 meatballs, about 1.5 Tbsp each, and shape them into balls.

Browned meatballs in the skillet.

Add 1 Tbsp butter to a large skillet and heat over medium. When the butter is melted and foaming, add the meatballs. Cook the meatballs, turning occasionally until they are well browned. The meatballs do not need to be cooked through at this point.

Butter and flour added to the skillet, meatballs removed.

Remove the browned meatballs from the skillet and add 4 Tbsp all-purpose flour and the remaining 3 Tbsp butter to the skillet.

Roux being whisked in the skillet.

Continue to cook the butter and flour over medium heat for about 2 minutes, whisking constantly.

Beef broth being poured into the skillet.

Slowly pour in 2 cups beef broth while whisking, making sure to dissolve any browned bits off the bottom of the skillet. Cook and stir the mixture over medium heat until it comes up to a simmer, at which point it will thicken into a gravy.

Cream and spices added to the gravy in the skillet.

Add 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, ⅛ tsp nutmeg, ¼ tsp pepper, and ⅓ cup heavy cream to the gravy, and stir to combine. Taste the gravy and adjust the salt or other seasonings to your liking.

Meatballs being added back to the skillet.

Add the meatballs back to the skillet and stir to coat in the gravy.

Finished Swedish meatballs in the skillet with gravy.

Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce until cooked through (about 5 minutes).

Overhead view of a bowl full of mashed potatoes and Swedish Meatballs.

Serve the meatballs and gravy over a bed of mashed potatoes or egg noodles. Top with chopped parsley and more pepper if desired.

Super close up image of Swedish meatballs in gravy.

Ooooh, look at that gravy! So lush!

The post Swedish Meatballs appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Sloppy Joes

What is a Sloppy Joe? A sloppy joe is a loose meat sandwich consisting of ground beef, onions, garlic, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and other seasonings, traditionally served on a hamburger bun. The tomato-based sauce is savory, a …

What is a Sloppy Joe? A sloppy joe is a loose meat sandwich consisting of ground beef, onions, garlic, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and other seasonings, traditionally served on a hamburger bun. The tomato-based sauce is savory, a little tangy, and slightly sweet. All of the flavors come together nicely! Homemade Sloppy Joes…

Slow Cooker Meatball Subs

These Slow Cooker Meatball Subs are extra tender and flavorful thanks to a low and slow simmer in marinara sauce.

The post Slow Cooker Meatball Subs appeared first on Budget Bytes.

I think I just fell in love with my slow cooker again. These slow cooker meatball subs are so incredibly tender, flavorful, and just all-around decadent thanks to that low and slow simmer in marinara sauce. It’s magical! And the best part is that this recipe makes a pretty big batch, so you can freeze half for later (use them in subs or on pasta)! Cook once, eat twice. 🙌

Overhead view of slow cooker meatball subs lined up in a row.

Do I Have to Use a Slow Cooker?

You don’t have to use a slow cooker to make these amazing homemade meatball subs, but I’m telling you right now that you want to. That low and slow simmer in the sauce makes the most incredibly tender and flavorful meatballs you’ll ever eat. If you don’t have a slow cooker, follow the cooking instructions for my basic homemade meatballs, then pile them into your buns, top with cheese, and bake till the cheese is melted.

What Kind of Sauce to Use

I tested this recipe with the most basic, inexpensive, generic marinara sauce I could find at the grocery store to make sure they were still totally delicious even if you can’t spring for an expensive sauce. But feel free to use your favorite store-bought or homemade marinara sauce for these meatballs. You’ll need 3 cups of sauce, in total.

Freeze Half for Later!

This recipe makes about 24 hefty meatballs so if you use three meatballs per sub you’ll get 8 sandwiches. If that’s a little too much for your household to eat within a few days, go ahead and freeze half of the meatballs and sauce to use on pasta or more subs later! You can reheat the frozen sauce and meatballs in the microwave or in a saucepot over low heat.

P.S. We reheated the assembled meatball subs from the photos in the air fryer the next day and they were BOMB! We air fried at 350°F for about five minutes for the most delicious leftovers ever.

Side view of a meatball sub on a plate with the baking dish in the background.
Side view of a meatball sub on a plate with the baking dish in the background.

Slow Cooker Meatball Subs

These Slow Cooker Meatball Subs are extra tender and flavorful thanks to a low and slow simmer in marinara sauce.
Course Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine American
Total Cost $19.43 recipe / $2.43 each
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours 5 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 20 minutes
Servings 8 subs
Calories 506kcal
Author Beth – Budget Bytes

Equipment

Ingredients

Meatballs

  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs $0.32
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan $0.88
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder $0.05
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder $0.05
  • 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning $0.05
  • 1/4 tsp salt $0.02
  • 1/4 tsp pepper $0.02
  • 2 large eggs $0.39
  • 1/4 cup milk $0.05
  • 1 lb. Italian sausage $4.99
  • 1 lb. lean ground beef (90% lean or higher) $6.99

Subs

  • 8 buns or rolls $3.50
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella $0.62

Instructions

  • Lightly whisk two large eggs in a small bowl. In a separate small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  • Add the Italian sausage and ground beef to a large bowl with the whisked egg, breadcrumb mixture, and milk Use your hands to mix the ingredients together. Avoid overmixing the meat.
  • Divide and shape the meat into 24 meatballs, about 3 Tbps each. The easiest way to do this is to first divide the meat mixture into four equal portions, then divide each of those in half to make eight equal portions. Finally, divide each of the 8 portions of meat into thirds and shape them into balls to make 24 meatballs.
  • Place half of the meatballs in the bottom of a slow cooker in a single layer and cover with half of the marinara sauce. Add the rest of the meatballs then top with the remaining sauce.
  • Cook the meatballs on high for three hours or low for six hours.
  • After cooking, use a meat thermometer to make sure the internal temperature of the meatballs has reached 165°F. Give the meatballs and sauce a good stir to remix the sauce (there will be some fat pooling on the surface).
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the buns on a baking sheet or in a baking dish, then pile three meatballs into each bun. Spoon some of the extra sauce over each one. Top each sub with a little shredded cheese.
  • Bake the meatball subs in the preheated oven for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the edges of the buns are toasty. Enjoy hot!

Nutrition

Serving: 1sub | Calories: 506kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 31g | Sodium: 943mg | Fiber: 2g
Close up side view of slow cooker meatball subs lined up and garnished with parsley.

How to Make Slow Cooker Meatball Subs – Step by Step Photos

egg and breadcrumb mixture

Lightly whisk two large eggs in a small bowl. In a separate small bowl, combine ½ cup breadcrumbs, ½ cup grated Parmesan, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, ½ tsp Italian seasoning, ¼ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp pepper. Pre-mixing these ingredients helps them incorporate more evenly into the meat without having to overmix the meat.

Meatball ingredients in a bowl

Add the whisked egg, breadcrumb mixture, ¼ cup milk, 1 lb. Italian sausage, and 1 lb. ground beef to a bowl. Use your hands to mix the ingredients together.

Shaped meatballs one held in a hand.

Divide and shape the meat mixture into 24 meatballs. The easiest way to divide the mixture evenly is to first divide it into four equal portions. Divide each of those in half to make eight equal-sized pieces. Finally, dive each of the eight sections into three meatballs.

Sauce being poured over the meatballs in the slow cooker.

Add half of the meatballs to the slow cooker in a single layer, then cover with half of the marinara sauce. Add the rest of the meatballs in a second layer and pour the remaining sauce over top, making sure all the meatballs are covered in sauce.

Lid being placed on the slow cooker.

Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on high for three hours or low for six hours.

Slow cooked meatballs in the slow cooker.

After cooking, use a meat thermometer to make sure the internal temperature of the meatballs has reached 165°F. You’ll see some fat pooling on the surface, but don’t worry, that deliciousness will be stirred right back into the sauce.

Finished slow cooker meatballs in the slow cooker.

Stir the meatballs in the sauce to make sure everything is evenly combined. These meatballs can now be used in subs or even on a plate of pasta!

Meatballs in subs in a baking dish.

To make the meatball subs, preheat the oven to 350°F. Place your buns on a baking sheet or in a baking dish. Fill each bun with three meatballs and spoon some of the sauce over top.

Shredded mozzarella on the meatball subs.

Top each sub with a little shredded mozzarella.

Baked meatball subs in the baking dish.

Bake the meatball subs in the preheated oven for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the edges of the buns are toasty.

Overhead view of baked meatball subs garnished with parsley.

Enjoy the meatballs hot! I garnished with chopped parsley for some color, but the parsley isn’t needed for flavor. :)

Side view of a meatball sub on a plate with the baking dish in the back.

TRY THESE OTHER MEATBALL RECIPES:

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Sloppy Joes

Ground beef in a tangy sauce piled onto a soft bun, homemade Sloppy Joes are an easy, classic American weeknight dinner.

The post Sloppy Joes appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Sloppy Joes were a mainstay weeknight dinner in our house when I was growing up in the 80s, but we always made it with a canned sauce (Manwich, or the generic equivalent). Once I started cooking for myself, I realized how easy it was to quickly whip up sauces like that from ingredients I already had in my pantry, and I never looked back. These Homemade Sloppy Joes are quick, easy, full of flavor, AND freezer friendly. 🙌 Plus, I’ve got some tips for you below to make them even more budget-friendly, since the price of ground beef isn’t getting lower anytime soon.

Side view of a sloppy joe on a plate with potato chips.

What is Sloppy Joe Sauce?

Sloppy Joes are a loose meat sandwich made with ground beef, peppers, and onions in a special red sauce, and the sauce is totally what makes a sloppy joe sandwich. It’s a savory, tangy, and slightly sweet tomato-based sauce. While some recipes simply use heavily seasoned ketchup for the sauce, our recipe is a bit more rich in flavor with tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire, vinegar, sugar, Dijon, and chili powder.

How to Serve Sloppy Joes

Sloppy Joes are traditionally served on a hamburger bun, sometimes with cheese, sometimes without. But you can totally get creative. Pile it into a tortilla and turn it into a sloppy joe taco, spoon it over a baked potato, eat it as a bowl meal over rice, or go for the ultimate budget option and just eat it on white bread (if you know, you know).

And don’t forget some chips or steak fries to serve on the side! …Or maybe some roasted broccoli. ;)

Budget Options

Ground beef is pretty expensive these days, so there are a few things you can do to make your sloppy joes a little lighter on the wallet. Here are some ideas:

  • Buy your ground beef in bulk, then divide and freeze the other portions (or make a double-batch of sloppy joes and freeze half).
  • Replace half of the ground beef with lentils or black beans.
  • Shred and sauté any extra vegetables you have before browning the beef to help bulk up and extend the ground beef.
  • Don’t forget to freeze your leftover tomato paste for the next time you make sloppy joes (or any other recipe that uses tomato paste)!
Sloppy joe meat in a skillet.
A sloppy joe on a plate with potato chips.

Sloppy Joes

Ground beef in a tangy sauce piled onto a soft bun, homemade Sloppy Joes are an easy, classic American weeknight dinner.
Course Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine American
Total Cost $10.20 recipe / $2.04 each
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 5 ¾ cup meat sauce each
Calories 440kcal
Author Beth – Budget Bytes

Ingredients

  • 1 yellow onion $0.32
  • 1 green bell pepper $0.79
  • 2 cloves garlic $0.16
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil $0.16
  • 1 lb. ground beef* $5.49
  • 1 15oz. can tomato sauce $0.79
  • 3 Tbsp tomato paste $0.21
  • 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar $0.12
  • 2 Tbsp brown sugar $0.08
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard $0.06
  • 1 tsp chili powder $0.10
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce $0.02
  • 3/4 tsp salt $0.03
  • 5 hamburger buns $1.87

Instructions

  • Finely dice the onion and bell pepper, and mince the garlic.
  • Add the olive oil and beef to a skillet and cook over medium heat until the beef is cooked through. Drain off any excess fat.
  • Add the onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the skillet with the beef. Continue to sauté until the onions are soft and translucent.
  • Finally, add the tomato sauce, tomato paste, vinegar, brown sugar Dijon, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce,and salt to the skillet. Stir to combine.
  • Allow the meat and sauce to simmer over medium-low for about 5 minutes.
  • Serve over toasted buns.

Notes

*You can use any fat percentage ground beef. If using a higher fat content beef, like 80/20, you’ll want to drain the excess fat after browning. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1sandwich | Calories: 440kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 23g | Sodium: 1138mg | Fiber: 3g
An open-faced sloppy joe on a plate with potato chips.

How to Make Sloppy Joes – Step by Step Photos

Chopped vegetables on a cutting board.

Chop the vegetables first, so they’re ready to go. Finely dice one yellow onion and one green bell pepper, and mince 2 cloves of garlic.

Browned ground beef in a skillet.

Add 1 Tbsp olive oil and 1 lb. ground beef to a large skillet. Cook over medium heat until the ground beef has browned. If you’re using a higher fat content ground beef, you’ll want to drain off the excess fat after it has browned.

Vegetables added to ground beef in the skillet.

Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet and continue to sauté until the vegetables have softened.

Sauce ingredients added to the ground beef.

Finally, add the ingredients for the sauce: one 15oz. can tomato sauce, 3 Tbsp tomato paste, 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar, 2 Tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, and ¾ tsp salt.

Finished sloppy joes mix in the skillet.

Stir everything to combine and heat through. Let the meat and sauce simmer over medium-low for 5-10 minutes, or until it has thickened to your liking.

Sloppy joe meat being spooned onto a toasted bun.

Toast your buns in a skillet or in the oven, then pile the saucy meat mixture on top.

Open-faced sloppy joe on a plate with potato chips.

Enjoy your sloppy joes with some chips and plenty of napkins because they’re as messy as they are delicious!

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