Peach Baked Oatmeal

Crispy and caramelized on the outside and velvety on the inside, this easy breakfast dish will become a morning favorite.

The post Peach Baked Oatmeal appeared first on Budget Bytes.

I know this recipe for buttery Peach Baked Oatmeal is awesome because everyone in the studio got quiet when they were eating it, a rare moment with our lively group! Crispy and caramelized on the outside and velvety on the inside, this easy breakfast dish will become a morning favorite. Did I mention this baked oatmeal comes in at a little over a dollar per serving?? You’ve got to make this recipe!

Overhead shot of Peach Baked Oatmeal in a white baking dish.

What is Baked Oatmeal?

Baked oatmeal is exactly what it sounds like. It’s oats mixed with a liquid, a binder (like eggs), a sweetener, a fat (like butter), and other ingredients to add flavor and texture, like fruit, nuts, and spices. The oatmeal absorbs all of the flavors that were mixed into it so it blossoms when you taste it. My recipe is less custardy than our website’s other baked oatmeal recipes. It has more of a bite, like pasta. That’s because I use less liquid, so the oats retain their shape and get these crispy golden edges… OMG, I have to stop writing about it cause I’m going to end up in my kitchen making baked oatmeal at 10 o’clock at night like a crazy person. Just trust. It’s fantastic.

Ingredients For Baked Oatmeal

The best thing about baked oatmeal is that it’s endlessly customizable. You can use any fruit, nuts, or spices you like. This is what you’ll need to make my favorite combination:

  • Oatmeal– Skip the instant oats which turn to mush in a heartbeat and stick to old-fashioned, which will give you a better texture. While you can bake steel-cut oats, the liquid-to-oats ratio is different, and I haven’t tested that, so I can’t give you any direction.
  • Peaches– Canned in their own juices is my go-to, as I use the juices in the recipe. If using fresh or frozen, you’ll need to add a cup of water to the mix. You can substitute peaches with apples, pears, or bananas, also adding a cup of water to the mix.
  • Butter– because you can’t get those crispy edges without it and those crispy edges are EVERYTHING. Substitute with vegan butter if you’re dairy-free.
  • Cream– helps create a velvety texture. You can use whole milk as well, though I’d add an additional tablespoon of butter. Use coconut cream if you want to skip the dairy. Just make sure it’s full fat. You need it.
  • Eggs– will help bind the oatmeal. If you want to skip the eggs you can try using 2 ripe bananas as a binder.
  • Brown Sugar– mixes with the butter to develop deep caramel notes. You can substitute it with your preferred sweetener.
  • Cinnamon and Vanilla– season and scent the oatmeal. They also pair exquisitely with peaches and help elevate the fruit’s flavors.
Overhead shot of a portion of Peach Baked Oatmeal being lifted out of a white baking dish.

Tips For The Best Baked Oatmeal

  1. Use old-fashioned oats instead of quick oats. Old-fashioned oats will give your baked oatmeal a chewier texture.
  2. Don’t overmix the batter. Overmixing will make your baked oatmeal tough. Fold the ingredients in and mix until they are barely combined.
  3. Bake the oatmeal until it’s cooked through. Underbaked oatmeal will be mushy. You want the oatmeal to have a slight bite.

Baked Oatmeal Toppings

If you’re looking to add a little extra oomph to your Peach Baked Oatmeal, it pairs beautifully with our Homemade Whipped Cream. You can also top it with Strawberry Syrup, Blueberry Sauce, or our Lemon Curd. Or you can go wild and use all four! ( Editor’s Note: I know it seems like too much sugar, Beth- but think of how amazing it would be to start your day with such decadence! Don’t fight it. )

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Cool leftovers completely before storing them so the oatmeal doesn’t get soggy. Store baked oatmeal in an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to three days and in the freezer for three months. To reheat, microwave it for a few minutes until steaming.

Overhead shot of Peach Baked Oatmeal in a white bowl with cream in it.
Overhead shot of Peach Baked Oatmeal in a white baking dish.
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Peach Baked Oatmeal

Crispy and caramelized on the outside and velvety on the inside, this easy and budget-friendly breakfast dish will become a morning favorite.
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Total Cost ($6.30 recipe / $1.05 serving)
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Resting Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 508kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 15oz. cans sliced peaches in their juices $3.18
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, divided $0.24
  • 8 Tbsp salted butter, divided $1.12
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla, divided $0.25
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon, divided $0.05
  • 1 pinch salt $0.01
  • 3 cups oats (old-fashioned or rolled) $0.54
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream $0.69
  • 2 large eggs, beaten $0.22

Instructions

  • Set an oven rack in the middle of your oven and preheat it to 375°F. Drain the cans of peaches, reserving the juices. Add the drained peaches to a 13×9 inch baking dish, reserving six slices for garnish. Add 1/4cup brown sugar to the peaches. Dice 4 tablespoons of butter and sprinkle over the peaches. Finish with 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla. Mix thoroughly.
  • Add the old-fashioned or rolled oats to a large bowl. Add 1/4teaspoon cinnamon and the remaining 1/4cup brown sugar and mix well.
  • Mix 1 cup of peach juices with the cream and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla. Add the beaten eggs and mix. Add the wet mixture to the oatmeal and stir just until incorporated.
  • Dollop the oats over the peaches. Dice the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter and sprinkle over the top. Garnish with peach slices.
  • Bake until it is golden brown and crispy, about 45 minutes. Cool for 15 minutes. Enjoy as is or serve with a little cream!

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 508kcal | Carbohydrates: 61g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 27g | Sodium: 179mg | Fiber: 6g
Overhead shot of Peach Baked Oatmeal in a white bowl with cream in it with a spoon lifting a portion out of it.

How to Make Peach baked Oatmeal – Step by Step Photos

Set a rack in the middle of your oven and preheat it to 375°F. Drain the 2 (15oz) cans of peaches, reserving the juices. Add the drained peaches to a 13 x 9 baking dish, reserving six slices for garnish. Add 1/4 cup brown sugar to the peaches. Dice 1/2 stick of butter and sprinkle it over the peaches. Finish with 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla.

Add 3 cups of old-fashioned or rolled oats to a large bowl. Add 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon and the remaining 1/4 cup brown sugar and mix well.

Mix 1 cup of peach juice with the 1/2 cup of heavy cream and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla. Add the 2 beaten eggs and mix. Add the wet mixture to the oatmeal and stir just until incorporated.

Overhead shot of raw Peach Baked Oatmeal in a white baking dish.

Dollop the oats over the peaches. Dice the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter and sprinkle over the top. Garnish with peach slices.

Overhead shot of Peach Baked Oatmeal in a white baking dish.

Bake until it is golden brown and crispy, about 45 minutes. Cool for 15 minutes before serving! (If you can wait for that long. I’ve yet to accomplish this feat. But I don’t mind eating peach-flavored lava. You do you.) I like to serve it with a little cream in a bowl that I refill over and over and over again. Enjoy!

Side shot of Peach Baked Oatmeal in a white bowl with cream being poured into it.

More Baked Oatmeal Recipes

The post Peach Baked Oatmeal appeared first on Budget Bytes.

BBQ Ribs

You don’t need a big fancy grill to get juicy, tender, fall-off-the-bone BBQ ribs. Your oven can produce lip-smackingly delicious ribs too!

The post BBQ Ribs appeared first on Budget Bytes.

For me, nothing says “Summer is here!” like a succulent rack of BBQ Ribs with All. Of. The. Sides. But maybe, like me, you don’t have a grill or a backyard, or any desire to stand out in the hot sun next to fire. First, I see you. Second, you don’t need a big fancy grill to get juicy, tender, fall-off-the-bone BBQ Ribs. All you need is a baking pan, some foil, and some patience to get oven-baked barbecue ribs on the table that’ll have your whole family asking for more! PS This is a great recipe for Father’s Day, the 4th Of July, or a summer barbecue. So make sure to save it!

Baked ribs on a black plater.

What you need to make BBQ Ribs

Are you ready to skip the grill and fire up your oven? Here’s what you need to make delicious oven-baked barbecue ribs that leave you wishing you’d made a double batch!

  • Ribs– your choice: baby back, spare, short, St. Louis style, you name it. Though cook times will vary, you can make any 3-pound rack using this simple recipe.
  • Barbecue Sauce– we have a great recipe for Homemade BBQ Sauce if you want to make your own, but any BBQ sauce will do. Not only does the sauce add deep flavors, but it also helps caramelize the outer layer of ribs for mouth-wateringly sticky perfection.
  • Spices– a rub is a must if you want to add deep flavor to ribs. For this recipe, we will make our own rub with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, brown sugar, cayenne, and mustard powder, but if you have a favorite brand, use 5 tablespoons.
  • Butter – mixing the dry rub with melted butter makes it easy for the seasoning to stick to your ribs as they bake. The butter also adds flavor and keeps your ribs from getting dry.
  • Liquid– placing liquid in the pan will help keep your ribs from drying out. You can use any liquid: water, chicken broth, and if you’re making pork ribs, apple juice works beautifully.

How To Pick Ribs

Here are a few helpful tips to keep in mind when picking ribs:

  1. Look for meaty ribs that are the same thickness from end to end. Press your finger down into the rib to get a feel for how much meat there is on the bone.
  2. Look for ribs marbled throughout with fat, which keeps them juicy and adds flavor. Pass on ribs with big clumps of fat, which adds to the weight and cost of the rack but has to be trimmed before baking.
  3. The ribs should be about the same size and thickness from end to end, which ensures even cooking. Of course, you’ll have some natural tapering at one end, but avoid racks with a considerable size difference from end to end.
  4. Plan on at least 3 to 4 ribs per serving and buy accordingly.
Cut ribs on a white plate with mashed potatoes and green beans.

What To Serve With BBQ Ribs

Kick up your BBQ Ribs 100 notches by serving them with delicious, easy-to-make Budget Bytes classics like:

How To Store And Reheat Ribs

Wrap ribs tightly in plastic or foil and place them in an airtight container. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to three days or in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat from frozen, thaw the ribs in your fridge overnight. When ready to cook, bring the ribs to room temperature while you preheat your oven to 250°F. Line a sheet pan with a rack and fill the pan with a few cups of water. Wrap the ribs in foil, place them on a sheet pan, and warm for about 20 to 30 minutes or until steaming.

Baked ribs on a rack.
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BBQ Ribs

You don't need a big fancy grill to get juicy, tender, fall-off-the-bone BBQ ribs. Your oven can produce lip-smackingly delicious ribs too!
Course Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine American
Total Cost ($11.76 recipe / $2.94 serving)
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Resting Time 15 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 25 minutes
Servings 4 servings of 3-4 ribs
Calories 987kcal

Ingredients

  • 3 lbs pork ribs $8.82
  • 4 Tbsp butter, melted $0.37
  • 2 tsp salt $0.10
  • 1 tsp black pepper $0.10
  • 2 tsp garlic powder $0.20
  • 2 tsp onion powder $0.20
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika $0.20
  • 1 Tbsp brown sugar $0.04
  • 2 tsp cayenne $0.20
  • 2 tsp ground mustard $0.20
  • 3 cups chicken broth $0.39
  • 1 1/2 cups BBQ sauce $0.94

Instructions

  • Place an oven rack in the center of the oven and preheat it to 300°F. Trim the ribs, removing excess fat. Trim the thicker end to even out the thickness. (Cook the trimmed meat with the ribs as a cook's bonus.) Turn the ribs over and remove the silvery membrane from the back of the ribs.
  • Line a sheet pan that's at least 2 inches deep with heavy-duty aluminum foil and place a wire cooling rack in it. If you do not have a cooling rack, crumple a long sheet of aluminum and roll it into a rack-sized donut that is at least 2 inches thick. Place the trimmed ribs on the rack. Pat off any excess moisture with a paper towel.
  • Make a rub by mixing salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, brown sugar, cayenne, ground mustard, and melted butter.
  • Rub the seasoning generously all over the meaty top of the ribs in a thick layer.
  • Pour chicken broth into the sheet pan, being careful not to pour it on the ribs. Place the sheet pan in the oven. Lower the temperature to 250°F. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes.
  • Cover the ribs in aluminum foil and bake for 60 minutes, rotating the sheet pan midway through.
  • Remove the aluminum foil and brush the ribs with 1 cup of bbq sauce. Bake for an additional 30 minutes or until tender. Every rack is different. The ribs are ready when a fork can easily pull the meat off the bone.
  • Turn the heat in the oven on broil. Brush the ribs with an additional 1/2 cup of bbq sauce and place under the broiler for a few minutes, just until a little char develops. Remove the ribs from the oven and rest for 15 minutes. Cut the ribs to your desired size, serve, and try not to lick your fingers!

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 987kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 40g | Fat: 69g | Sodium: 3208mg | Fiber: 2g
Cut ribs on a plate lines with parchment paper.

How to Make BBQ Ribs – Step by Step Photos

Trimming silver skin off the back of a rib rack.

Place a rack in the center of the oven and preheat it to 300°F. Trim the ribs, removing any big clumps of excess fat. Trim the thicker end to even out the thickness and cook the trimmed meat along with the ribs. Cook’s bonus! Turn the ribs over and remove the silvery membrane from the back of the ribs. It gets rubbery when cooked. Use a pairing knife or other sharp small knife to cut away at the skin while you pull it.

Trimmed ribs on a rack.

Line a sheet pan that’s at least 2 inches deep with heavy-duty aluminum foil and place a rack in it. Place the trimmed ribs on the rack. If you do not have a cooling rack, crumple a long sheet of aluminum and roll it into a rack-sized donut that is at least 2 inches thick. Place the trimmed ribs on the rack or aluminum donut. Pat off any excess moisture with a paper towel.

Ingredients for dry rub in a white bowl.

Make a rub by mixing 2 teaspoons of salt, 1 teaspoon of pepper, 2 teaspoons of garlic powder, 2 teaspoons of onion powder, 2 teaspoons of smoked paprika, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, 2 teaspoons of cayenne, 2 teaspoons of mustard powder, and 4 tablespoons of melted butter.

Covering ribs with dry rub that are set on a rack.

Rub the seasoning generously all over the meaty top of the ribs.

Adding broth to a sheet pan with ribs on a rack.

Pour the chicken broth into the sheet pan, being careful not to pour it on the ribs. Place the sheet pan in the oven. Lower the temperature to 250°F. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes. Cover the ribs in aluminum foil and rotate the sheet pan front to back. Bake for another 30 minutes, then rotate the sheet pan again and bake for an additional 30 minutes.

Adding BBQ sauce to baked ribs on a rack.

Remove the aluminum foil and brush the ribs with 1 cup of bbq sauce. Bake for an additional 30 minutes or until tender. Every rack is different. The ribs are ready when a fork can easily pull the meat off the bone.

Finished baked ribs on a rack.

Turn the heat in the oven on broil. Brush the ribs with an additional 1/2 cup of bbq sauce and place under the broiler for a few minutes, just until a little char develops. Remove the ribs from the oven and rest for 15 minutes. Cut the ribs to your desired size, serve, and try not to lick your fingers!

Cut ribs on a white plate with mashed potatoes and green beans.

More Easy BBQ Recipes

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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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Ranch Chicken Drumsticks

Ranch chicken drumsticks are an easy and flavorful main dish for dinner that you can make with just a few simple ingredients.

The post Ranch Chicken Drumsticks appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Baked Chicken Drumsticks are one of my favorite easy dinner quick fixes because drumsticks are usually pretty inexpensive, they’re mostly hands-off to prepare, and you can make them just about ANY flavor. So this week I dressed mine up with a little melted butter and ranch seasoning mix and O-M-G. Talk about good! Trust me, you want to make these Ranch Chicken Drumsticks tonight.

Overhead view of a bowl full of ranch chicken drumsticks.

What is Ranch Seasoning?

The ranch seasoning mix is the star of the show in this recipe. It’s basically a mix of herbs and spices combined with buttermilk powder that creates the most deliciously tangy and flavorful layer on whatever you add it to. You can use a store-bought packet of ranch seasoning, or make your own using our homemade ranch seasoning recipe.

Why Add the Seasoning After Baking?

Ranch seasoning contains dehydrated buttermilk and those delicate proteins can burn if you coat the chicken in the seasoning before it goes into the oven. Plus, the powder tends to clump once mixed with oil or melted butter, so we found that the best way to coat the drumsticks in ranch flavor is to sprinkle it on after baking. …And to use a little melted butter to help it stick. ;)

Can I use Other Types of Chicken?

Yes, you can definitely make this recipe with other cuts of bone-in, skin-on chicken, like thighs or breasts, just be sure to adjust the baking time for the size of the piece of meat you’re baking. Larger pieces, like breasts, will require more time and a lower temperature to prevent drying out. Check out our Herb Roasted Chicken Breast recipe for a good technique for cooking bone-in, skin-on chicken breast.

I do not suggest using this method for boneless, skinless breasts as they tend to dry out too quickly in the oven and they will not achieve any browning like you get with skin-on chicken.

What to Serve with Ranch Chicken Drumsticks

Ranch is such a classic flavor that it will go with all sorts of simple side dishes. I’ve paired it with our Parmesan beans and roasted broccoli, but it would also go great with mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, three bean salad, lemon pepper zucchini, lemon parsley pasta, or macaroni salad.

Close up view of two ranch chicken drumsticks on a plate with Parmesan beans and roasted broccoli.
Close up overhead view of ranch chicken drumsticks in a bowl.
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Ranch Chicken Drumsticks

Ranch chicken drumsticks are an easy and flavorful main dish for dinner that you can make with just a few simple ingredients.
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Total Cost $5.37 recipe / $0.90 each
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 6 drumsticks
Calories 284kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 425ºF. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Place the chicken drumsticks in a large bowl and drizzle the cooking oil over top. Add the garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then toss until the chicken is evenly coated in oil and seasoning.
  • Place the chicken drumsticks on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 175ºF and the drumsticks are browned. Flip the drumsticks once, halfway through baking.
  • After baking, transfer the drumsticks to a clean bowl. Melt the butter and drizzle it over the drumsticks. Gently toss the drumsticks to coat. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning over top then toss to coat again. Serve hot!

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Nutrition

Serving: 1drumstick | Calories: 284kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 18g | Sodium: 419mg | Fiber: 0.02g
Close up side view of ranch chicken drumsticks in a bowl.

How to Make Ranch Chicken Drumsticks – Step by Step Photos

Seasoned drumsticks in a bowl.

Preheat the oven to 425ºF. Place about 2 lbs. of chicken drumsticks in a bowl. Drizzle 1 Tbsp cooking oil over top and add ¼ tsp garlic powder, ¼ tsp salt, and ⅛ tsp freshly cracked pepper. Toss the drumsticks until they’re evenly coated in oil and seasoning.

Chicken drumsticks on a prepared baking sheet ready to be cooked.

Place the seasoned chicken drumsticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure there is a little space around each one to allow adequate exposure to hot air.

Baked chicken drumsticks on a baking sheet.

Bake the drumsticks for 40-45 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 175ºF and are browned. Flip the drumsticks once about half-way through cooking.

Melted butter being drizzled over the drumsticks in a bowl.

Place the baked drumsticks in a clean bowl and drizzle 1 Tbsp melted butter over top. Gently toss the drumsticks with a large spoon or spatula to coat them in the butter.

Ranch seasoning being sprinkled over the drumsticks.

Sprinkle about 2 teaspoons of ranch seasoning over the drumsticks and gently toss again until evenly coated.

Close up overhead view of ranch chicken drumsticks in a bowl.

Serve hot and enjoy! (garnished with chopped parsley for color, not flavor).

Overhead view of two ranch chicken drumsticks on a plate with beans and broccoli.

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Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, Air Fryer Fried Chicken delivers loads of texture and flavor without the fuss of deep frying.

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Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, Air Fryer Fried Chicken is the move if you want loads of texture and flavor without dealing with a pot of used oil and a greasy stovetop. It’s all of the yum with less of the fuss! The hardest thing about frying chicken in an air fryer is not eating the crunchy, golden skin before it hits the table.

Overhead view of Air Fryer Fried Chicken resting on parchment paper and a cooling rack with a small bowl of hot sauce in the background.

Why Cook Chicken In An Air Fryer?

An air fryer is just a countertop convection oven with a cute name. It doesn’t actually fry food. Instead, it circulates hot air around whatever’s in the basket, creating a crispy outer layer while keeping the inside moist and tender. There’s no oil splatter all over your stove (or you), no grease-filled pot to scrub, and you only need a small fraction of the oil used in traditional frying. It’s the perfect vehicle for crispy chicken, and the results will absolutely blow your mind.

What You Need To Air Fry Chicken

I butcher a whole chicken because it’s cheaper, but you can fry any kind of chicken you want: wings, breasts, or thighs. Here’s what you’ll need to make crispy Air Fryer Fried Chicken:

  • Chicken – this recipe is for 3 pounds of chicken. Use whatever combination you like. If your air fryer basket is small, it’s best to fry similar-sized pieces in batches.
  • Buttermilk– is the foundation of your brine. It tenderizes your chicken while also adding tanginess.
  • Spices – help build earthy flavor and soft heat. I use smoked paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and cayenne pepper. Feel free to substitute this mix with three tablespoons of your favorite spice blend.
  • Egg – helps the flour mixture stick to your chicken.
  • Flour– Helps to build the iconic crispy outer layer of fried chicken.
  • Corn Starch– helps deepen the color of the batter as it cooks and creates a crispy texture.
  • Baking Powder– Helps create an airy batter with loads of crispy nooks and crannies.
  • Oil Spray – you need oil to fry chicken, even in an air fryer. If you don’t have oil spray, put corn oil or vegetable oil in a spray bottle, and use that.
Overhead view of Air Fryer Fried Chicken plated.

How To Fry Chicken In An Air Fryer

  1. For deep flavor and juicy, tender results, brine your chicken. Even a short thirty-minute dip will make a huge difference, but if you can, brine it for at least 2 hours.
  2. Preheat the air fryer. Your air fryer is a countertop oven; like most ovens, you need to preheat it. You may not need to do so for every recipe, but for crispy chicken that’s cooked throughout, it’s a must.
  3. When you’re ready to fry, shake off the excess brine and thoroughly dredge the chicken in seasoned flour mixed with cornstarch and baking soda. The last two ingredients will help crisp the skin.
  4. Spray the floured chicken with enough oil to cover it completely, once before cooking and once mid-cook.
  5. Use a lower temperature (300°F) to give the chicken time to cook without burning the batter, then increase the heat (400°F) to finish cooking the chicken and create a crispy, golden outer layer.
  6. Cook the chicken to 160°F. The chicken will continue to cook after it’s out of the air fryer and that carry-over cooking will take you to the recommended 165°F.

How Long Do I Air Fry Chicken?

Your cook time depends on the cuts of chicken used. The thicker the cut, the longer it takes to reach the required 165°F. Use a thermometer and pull the chicken once it hits 160°F. It will continue to cook outside of the air-fryer, and the temperature will reach 165°F. If you do not have a thermometer, cook the chicken until the juices run clear.

How To Reheat Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Try not to leave the chicken out at room temperature for longer than two hours. Harmful bacteria start to multiply soon after. Refrigerate fried chicken in an air-tight container for up to 3 days. Freeze it for up to 4 months, though the sooner you eat it, the tastier it will be. To reheat it, bring it up to room temperature. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F and cook the chicken until it’s steaming, about 5 minutes.

Overhead close up view of Air Fryer Fried Chicken on parchment paper and a cooling rack.
Print

Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, Air Fryer Fried Chicken delivers loads of texture and flavor without the fuss of deep frying.
Course Brunch, Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine American
Total Cost $10.39 recipe / $1.04 piece)
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Brining Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings 10 pieces
Calories 470kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 3 lbs chicken, about 10 pieces* $7.10

For the brine:

  • 2 tsp smoked paprika $0.20
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper $0.05
  • 2 tsp garlic powder $0.20
  • 2 tsp onion powder $0.20
  • 2 tsp oregano $0.20
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper $0.10
  • 1 Tbsp salt $0.15
  • 1 cup buttermilk* $0.32
  • 1 egg, beaten $0.17

For breading the chicken:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour $0.28
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch $0.12
  • 2 tsp baking powder $0.12
  • 1 tsp salt $0.08
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder $0.05
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder $0.05
  • 2 oz cooking spray $1.00

Instructions

  • Mix the smoked paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, buttermilk, and egg in a large bowl.
  • Place chicken in the bowl and mix until all of the chicken is covered. Place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the chicken. Marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2 hours.
  • Preheat your air-fryer to 300°F. Mix flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, onion powder, and garlic powder in a large bowl. Remove one piece of chicken from the brine, shake off the excess brine, and dredge it in the flour mixture. Set it aside and repeat with the remaining pieces of chicken.
  • Spray cooking oil in your air fryer basket until it is completely covered. Place the chicken in the basket in a single layer, making sure no pieces overlap. Spray the top of the chicken with cooking oil until thoroughly covered. Cook for 20 minutes at 300°F.
  • Carefully flip the chicken pieces so as not to destroy the crust. Spray the top surface of the chicken again with cooking oil until thoroughly covered.
  • Cook for 15 to 20 minutes at 400°F, or until chicken skin is crispy and golden and the internal temperature is 160°F. Insert the thermometer in the thickest part of the chicken without touching the bone. Then try not to eat that crispy skin before serving. Forgive yourself if you fail miserably!

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Notes

*You can make your own buttermilk by mixing 1 cup of whole milk with 1 tablespoon of distilled white vinegar.
*We butchered a whole 3 pound chicken into 10 pieces, but feel free to use  3 pounds of whatever pre-cut chicken you desire, thighs, breasts, wings etc.

Nutrition

Serving: 1pieces | Calories: 470kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 27g | Sodium: 1147mg | Fiber: 1g
Overhead view of Air Fryer Fried Chicken plated.

How to Make Air Fryer Fried Chicken – Step by Step Photos

Overhead shot of ingredients for brine.

Mix 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, 2 teaspoons onion powder, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 2 teaspoons oregano, 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1 tablespoon salt, 1 cup buttermilk, and 1 beaten egg in a large bowl.

Overhead shot of chicken in a white bowl covered in buttermilk brine.

Place 10 pieces of chicken in the bowl and mix until all of the chicken is covered. Place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the chicken. Marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2 hours.

Overhead shot of brined chicken being placed in a white bowl full of flour.

Preheat your air-fryer to 300°F. Mix 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup cornstarch, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder in a large bowl. Remove one piece of chicken from the brine, shake off the excess brine, and dredge it in flour mixture. For a very thick layer of breading, dunk the chicken in the brine again and dredge it in the flour mixture, shaking off the excess. Set it aside and repeat with the remaining pieces of chicken.

Overhead shot of battered chicken placed in an air fryer.

Spray cooking oil in your air fryer basket until it is completely covered. Place the chicken in the basket in a single layer making sure no pieces are overlapping. Spray the top of the chicken with cooking oil until thoroughly covered. Cook for 20 minutes at 300°F.

Overhead shot of tongs flipping air fryer fried chicken in an air fryer basket.

Carefully flip the chicken pieces so as not to destroy the crust. Spray the top surface of the chicken again with cooking oil until thoroughly covered.

Overhead shot of finished air fryer fried chicken in an air fryer basket.

Cook for 15 to 20 minutes at 400°F, or until chicken skin is crispy and golden and the internal temperature is 160°F. It might take a few minutes longer, depending on the size of your air-fryer basket and the amount of chicken in the basket. Insert the thermometer in the thickest part of the chicken without touching the bone. Then try not to eat that crispy skin before serving. Forgive yourself if you fail miserably!

Side shot of air fryer fried chicken on parchment paper.

More Great Chicken Recipes

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Cabbage Rolls

These delicious Cabbage Rolls are stuffed with ground meat and rice then baked in a simple tomato sauce for an easy comfort meal.

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My name is Olena and I would love to share my grandma’s cabbage rolls that I grew up eating in Ukraine as a kid. Her cabbage rolls recipe is very simple using basic ingredients. My only change is I add a tablespoon of Italian seasoning which adds so much flavor to the cabbage rolls. I have also tried to add pot roast seasoning to the filling and cabbage rolls were to die for with a bit of a heat kick!

Cabbage rolls in a large stock pot covered with tomato sauce and garnished with fresh dill.

What Are Cabbage Rolls?

Cabbage rolls are a dish where tender cabbage leaves are wrapped around meat and rice filling, then baked in tomato sauce. Cabbage rolls are a staple in many Eastern European cuisines and recipes vary greatly. Some prefer to use fermented cabbage leaves, and some like to add more rice than meat or use just rice in the filling. There are cabbage rolls even with buckwheat and barley. In our household, we like Ukrainian cabbage rolls on a meaty side, with both meat and rice in the filling, served with lots of flavorful tomato sauce.

And on busy weeknights, Ukrainians often make unstuffed cabbage rolls which are more of a casserole type of dish made in one pot.

Can You Use Different Meat In Cabbage Rolls?

To make cabbage rolls, I recommend using a combination of ground beef and ground pork for maximum flavor. However, you can use only ground beef or only ground pork, if that’s all you have on hand.

If you would like to make cabbage rolls more lean, feel free to mix ground chicken or ground turkey with more high fat content ground meat like ground beef or ground pork. Cabbage rolls made with only poultry will turn out dry.

Can You Make Them Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can make cabbage rolls ahead of time. You can roll cabbage rolls, assemble in a single layer in a baking dish, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 48 hours. Or just use the Dutch oven if you have enough space in your refrigerator. Then bake with tomato sauce mixture as per recipe.

You can also cover the baking dish with a few layers of plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze cabbage rolls for up to 3 months. You will have to fully defrost frozen cabbage rolls before baking. Thaw them in the fridge for 24 hours.

To freeze cooked cabbage rolls leftovers, bake and cool them completely. Transfer cooked cabbage rolls and sauce, leaving some room for expansion, to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Side view of cabbage rolls served on a black plate with sour cream and fresh dill on top and a fork on the side.

How To Reheat Cabbage Rolls

Store cabbage rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat cabbage rolls, microwave them for 2-3 minutes. You can also reheat them on the stove. In a small pot, add cabbage rolls and the sauce, cover and simmer on low heat for 10 minutes or until warmed through

What To Serve With Cabbage Rolls

Cabbage rolls are a one pot meal that has meat, starch and vegetables in it. In Ukraine, we serve cabbage rolls with generous amounts of sauce, topped with a dollop of sour cream and fresh dill. With a hunk of fresh rye bread or crusty bread like baguette for sopping up the juices. Ukrainian garlic bread will go so well with cabbage rolls as well.

Tips for Best Results

  1. Buy a large head of cabbage, so you have larger leaves to work with and extra ones, just in case.
  2. When cooking the cabbage, do not remove it from the pot with boiling water to cut off the leaf every time. Instead, hold it with a big fork, cut the leaf off and remove it from the pot with the same fork.
  3. As the head of cabbage gets smaller, dump some of the boiling water from the pot, so the head of cabbage is peeking out for easy leaf removal.
  4. Large rimmed baking sheet works very well for holding cabbage leaves. It helps them cool faster and holds water.
  5. When you remove the rib on each cabbage leaf, overlap each side covering the empty triangle and closing the gap.
  6. Combine 2-3 smaller cabbage leaves overlapping each other to create a bigger leaf for rolling.
  7. Keep rolled cabbage rolls on a side. If you end up with leftover stuffing mixture, unroll larger size cabbage rolls, add more stuffing to them, and roll them back.
  8. If you don’t have a Dutch oven, a large deep baking sheet tightly covered with a double layer of aluminum foil will work. Your cabbage rolls will need a bit more cook time though.
  9. If you do not love boiling cabbage, consider buying savoy cabbage. Its leaves are soft and require no pre-cooking before rolling.
overhead view of cabbage rolls in a stock pot with tomato sauce poured on top and garnished with fresh dill
overhead view of cabbage rolls in a stock pot with tomato sauce poured on top and garnished with fresh dill
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Cabbage Rolls

These delicious Cabbage Rolls are stuffed with ground meat and rice then baked in a simple tomato sauce for an easy comfort meal.
Course Dinner
Cuisine Ukrainian
Total Cost $15.49 recipe / $1.94 serving
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 12 minutes
Servings 8 2 cabbage rolls each
Calories 355kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 large head cabbage $2.23
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil $0.16
  • 2 large onions, finely chopped $0.76
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced $0.34
  • 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning $0.30
  • 2 tsp salt $0.10
  • 2 tsp Freshly cracked black pepper, divided $0.10
  • 1 lb. ground beef extra lean $6.49
  • 1 lb. ground pork $2.27
  • 1 cup white rice, uncooked, rinsed & drained $0.37
  • 1 28oz can tomato sauce $1.79
  • 4 cups chicken broth, low sodium $0.68

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425ºF. Bring a large stock pot with salted water to a boil. Add a head of cabbage to the pot and cook for 2 minutes. Use a large fork to partially lift the cabbage from the water, then with a paring knife, remove the softened outer leaves. Place the cabbage back in the pot and repeat until all leaves are removed.
  • Preheat a large skillet on medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Add the onion and garlic, and cook until translucent, stirring occasionally. Add the Italian seasoning and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring a few times. Transfer the onions and garlic to a large bowl.
  • To the same bowl, add the ground beef, ground pork, uncooked rice, salt, and 1 teaspoon of black pepper and mix well using your hands.
  • Remove the thick stem on the cabbage leaves. Lay the cabbage leaf flat, add 1/4 cup – 1/3 cup of the filling in the center, tuck in the sides and roll the cabbage up. Place the cabbage rolls with the seam side down in a large Dutch oven. Repeat with remaining ingredients, overlapping two smaller leaves if needed to hold the filling.
  • In a large bowl combine the tomato sauce, chicken broth, and remaining 1 teaspoon pepper. Stir the ingredients together, pour the mixture over the cabbage rolls and cover with a lid.
  • Bake cabbage rolls for 90 minutes. Remove from the oven, let stand for 15 minutes and serve hot with sour cream and dill (optional).

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 355kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 18g | Sodium: 1179mg | Fiber: 5g

How to Make Cabbage Rolls – Step by Step Photos

Overhead shot of cabbage in a dutch oven boiling in water.

Add a head of cabbage to a large pot with salted boiling water. Cook for 2 minutes.

Overhead view of softened outer leaves being removed from the cabbage with a pairing knife.

Use a large fork to partially lift the cabbage from the water, then with a paring knife, remove the softened outer leaves. Place the cabbage back in the pot and repeat until all leaves are removed.

Overhead view of sauteed onions, garlic and Italian seasoning in a large skillet.

Preheat a large skillet on medium-high heat and add 1 Tbsp olive oil. Add two diced onions and four cloves minced garlic, and cook until translucent, stirring occasionally. Add one tablespoon Italian seasoning and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring a few times. Transfer the onions and garlic to a large bowl.

Overhead view of large glass bowl with ground pork, ground beef, uncooked white rice, sautéed onion, garlic and seasoning.

To the same bowl, add one pound of ground beef, one pound of ground pork, one cup of uncooked rice, 2 teaspoons of salt, and 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper and mix well using your hands.

Overhead view of parboiled cabbage leaves with middle stem being removed with a pairing knife.

Remove the thick stem on the cabbage leaves.

Overhead view of flat cabbage leaf stuffed with filling

Lay the cabbage leaf flat and add 1/4 cup – 1/3 cup of the filling in the center.

Overhead view of stuffed cabbage leaf with sides tucked and leaf rolled over stuffing.

Tuck in the sides and roll the cabbage up. Repeat with remaining ingredients, overlapping two smaller leaves if needed to hold the filling.

Overhead view of stuffed and rolled cabbage leaves placed side by side in a dutch oven.

Place the cabbage rolls with the seam side down in a large Dutch oven.

Overhead view of tomato sauce mixture being poured over cabbage leaves inside dutch oven.
In a large bowl combine one 28oz. can of tomato sauce, four cups low-sodium chicken broth, and the remaining 1 teaspoon of pepper. Stir the ingredients together, pour the mixture over the cabbage rolls, and cover with a lid.
Overhead view of cooked cabbage rolls with tomato sauce in a dutch oven.

Bake cabbage rolls for 90 minutes. Remove from the oven, let stand for 15 minutes and serve hot with sour cream and dill (optional).

Overhead view of cooked cabbage rolls with tomato sauce on a black serving plate topped with sour cream and fresh dill.

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Smash Burger

If you love a meaty, juicy burger patty with loads of crispy edges and charred crooks and crannies, this Smash Burger recipe is for you!

The post Smash Burger appeared first on Budget Bytes.

If you love a meaty, juicy burger patty with loads of crispy edges and tons of smoky crooks and crannies for your favorite sauce or cheese to sink into, this Smash Burger recipe is for you! Will you be left with a greasy stovetop? Undoubtedly. Will your smoke alarm holler? Probably. Will it be worth it? A million times YES. Plus, you get four burgers for what you’d pay for just one at a restaurant. Oh haiiiii, Budget-Friendly Smash Burger! Let’s be best friends.

Side shot of a Smash Burger with a toothpick in the bun.

What is a Smash Burger?

Unlike traditional burger patties that are thick and round, a Smash Burger has a thin patty with crispy, charred edges packed with smoky flavor. You make a smash burger by smashing a ball of ground beef onto an ungreased, hot, flat surface.

Ingredients for The Best Smash Burger

Smash Burgers are easy (though a bit messy) to make, ridiculously delicious, and perfect for a weekend get-together. Here’s what you’ll need to make a Smash Burger:

  • Ground Beef- Don’t use lean ground beef. You need fat for a smashed patty to be flavorful and juicy. Instead, use 80/20 ground beef, which means the beef is 80% meat and 20% fat. If you want to make your burger patties with ground turkey or ground chicken the same rule applies.
  • Butter- Adding frozen butter to the beef mix helps give you juicy results with deep, meaty flavors while also delivering smoky, crispy edges. To add even more depth to your burger, you should butter your buns before toasting them.
  • Seasoning – We use our Homemade Burger Seasoning, but you can also season this burger with a teaspoon of salt and a quarter teaspoon of black pepper. For a little more kick, try using a teaspoon of your favorite spicy blend, like our Homemade Cajun Seasoning.
  • Buns- What’s a burger without a fabulous bun? I prefer potato buns, but classic white, pretzel, brioche, or sesame buns are great choices too. You can also wrap your patty in a big, juicy lettuce leaf!
  • Toppings – If you want to make a cheeseburger, I recommend American cheese, which melts beautifully. We went super-classic with lettuce, red onion, and slices of tomato for our toppings, and skipped sauces that would overpower the flavor of our patty. But you do you. Other toppings that work fabulously are slices of avocado and crispy bacon topped with a fried egg. Or smother your patty with sautéed mushrooms and onions and smoky chipotle peppers.
Overhead shot of three Smash Burgers tucked into a tray with fries nestled around them.

Tips For A Great Smash Burger

  1. Chill your beef. Cold burgers have solidified fat. That means more fat stays in the patty as it cooks, producing a crispy brown exterior with a juicy interior.
  2. Salt your burgers when you’re ready to cook them. Salt denatures the proteins in ground beef very quickly, and it only takes minutes to transform the patty into a dry, rubbery, meatloaf-like texture.
  3. Use a cast iron or heavy-bottomed stainless steel pan which holds heat when a cold patty hits it. Do not use a non-stick pan; you should never heat non-stick to high temperatures.
  4. Use the biggest, heaviest spatula you have to smash your burger. If you need more leverage, place a tall, thick, heavy glass lip-side down on the spatula and place your palm on its bottom to smash down even more.
  5. To ensure your burgers are cooked evenly, use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature of a cooked burger should be 160°F.

What To Serve With Smash Burgers

We paired our Smash Burgers with our Oven Baked Steak Fries and they were absolutely AMAZING. You can also try our super crispy Garlic Parmesan Oven Fries. Other great options are our Easy Creamy Coleslaw or our Summer Vegetable Pasta Salad.

How To Store Smash Burgers

You can store cooked patties in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Then, reheat the patties in a preheated pan until steaming hot. Avoid using a microwave, which will leave you with rubbery results. If you’d rather freeze the burgers, don’t cook the patties. Instead, freeze the buttered, unseasoned ball-shaped portions wrapped in plastic or wax paper in an airtight container. Take them out of the freezer the day before you want to prepare them and thaw them overnight in your fridge.

Side shot of a Smash Burger with a toothpick in the bun with a second Smash Burger in the background.
Side shot of a Smash Burger with a toothpick in the bun and french fries in the background.
Print

Smash Burger

If you love a meaty, juicy burger patty with loads of crispy edges and tons of smoky crooks and crannies for your favorite sauce or cheese to sink into, this Smash Burger recipe is for you!
Course Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine American
Total Cost ($11.85 recipe / $2.96 serving)
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4 burgers
Calories 516kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef $6.99
  • 4 Tbsp frozen salted butter, divided $0.56
  • 3 tsp Homemade Burger Seasoning $0.33
  • 4 burger buns $2.99
  • 4 leaves iceberg lettuce $0.37
  • 1 tomato, sliced into thin rounds $0.45
  • 1/4 small red onion, sliced into thin rounds $0.16

Instructions

  • Separate the ground beef into four equal portions.
  • Grate 1/2 tablespoon of frozen butter onto each portion. Wrap the meat around the butter and shape it into a ball. Chill the beef until you are ready to cook. Place an ungreased cast iron skillet over high heat. Turn on your exhaust fan. Open a window.
  • When the skillet is smoking hot, sprinkle a 3/4 teaspoon of burger seasoning all over the beef ball, then place it in the pan.
  • Smash down with a spatula and keep the spatula on the burger as it cooks. When you see the top of the patty change color (about 2 minutes), carefully work the spatula under the patty. Take your time with this step, as the patty will be stuck to the pan.*
  • When you have loosened the patty, flip it and smash it again. Cook for 2 minutes more, remove the patty from the pan, and rest it on a cooling rack. Wipe the pan down with a paper towel and cook the remaining patties.
  • While the patties rest, place a rack in the top third of your oven and put it on broil. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and brush it onto the inside of the buns. Place them buttered side up on a sheet pan and toast in the oven for a few minutes until golden.
  • Assemble the burgers. Place the burger on the bottom bun and top with onion rounds, tomato slices, and lettuce. Add the top bun and enjoy the crispiest, smokiest, burger ever!

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Notes

*If you want to make this a cheeseburger, as soon as you flip the patty and smash it again, remove the spatula and top the patty with a slice of cheese. I prefer American, as it melts beautifully. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1burger | Calories: 516kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 36g | Sodium: 453mg | Fiber: 1g
Side view of Smash Burger being held by two hands.

How to Make Smash Burgers – Step by Step Photos

Overhead shot of one pound of ground beef separated into quarters.

Separate 1 pound of ground beef into four equal portions.

Overhead shot of frozen, grated butter being tucked into a ball of beef.

Grate 1/2 tablespoon of frozen butter onto each portion. Wrap the meat around the butter and shape it into a ball. Chill the balls of beef until you are ready to cook. When it’s go time, place an ungreased cast iron skillet over high heat. Turn on your exhaust fan. Open a window.

Overhead shot of ball of beef in a black cast iron pan.

When the skillet is smoking hot, sprinkle a 3/4 teaspoon of our Homemade Burger Seasoning all over the beef ball, then place it in the pan.

Overhead shot of raw Smashed Burger patty in a black cast iron pan being smashed by a silver spatula.

Smash down with a spatula to create an even patty about 1/4 to a 1/2 inch thick. When you see the top of the patty change color (about 2 minutes), gently slide the spatula back and forth to take it off the top of the patty. Then, carefully work the spatula under the patty. Take your time with this step, as the patty will be stuck to the pan.

Overhead shot of cooked Smashed Burger patty in a black cast iron pan.

When you have loosened the patty, flip it and smash it again. If you want to make a cheeseburger, top the patty with a slice of cheese. Cook for 2 minutes more, remove the patty from the pan, and rest it on a cooling rack. Wipe the pan down with a paper towel and cook the remaining patties.

Overhead shot of melted butter being brushed onto a bun in a sheet pan with other buns.

While the patties rest, place a rack in the top third of your oven and put it on broil. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and brush it onto the inside of the buns.

Overhead shot of toasted buttered buns in a sheet pan.

Toast the buns buttered side up in the oven for a few minutes until golden. Assemble your burgers with red onion rounds, slices of tomato, and lettuce. Top the burger with the remaining bun and chow down, my friend!! Don’t forget to say “I cook. You clean.” as you get showered with compliments! #Trust

Overhead shot of three Smash Burgers tucked into a tray with fries nestled around them.

More Great Burger Recipes

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Pasta Primavera

Pasta Primavera is the perfect Spring dish packed with fresh seasonal vegetables tossed with pasta in a light lemon and butter sauce.

The post Pasta Primavera appeared first on Budget Bytes.

For me nothing says Spring quite like a big serving of Pasta Primavera! This dish is full of fresh seasonal vegetables tossed with pasta in a light lemon and butter sauce. Now I know I’m not the only one who struggles getting their daily veggies, which is why I love this recipe. It incorporates lots of colorful vegetables, is simple to toss together and the leftovers are just as good the next day!

Overhead shot of a bowl full of pasta primavera.

Pasta Primavera

Although the name Primavera stands for “Spring” in Italian, Pasta Primavera is actually a popular American dish that was first introduced in the 1970s. It includes lots of fresh Spring and Summer vegetables that are sauteed and tossed with pasta in a light cream sauce. In this recipe we opted for a fresh lemon and butter sauce.

Ingredients for Pasta Primavera

Pasta Primavera is such a simple and fresh recipe, you’ll only need a few ingredients to make this impressive dish. Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make Pasta Primavera:

  • Pasta Choose your favorite medium-sized pasta like penne, rotini or bow-tie pasta.
  • Lots of Veggies – The variety of fresh vegetables is what gives this pasta recipe lots of color, flavor and texture. Here we use a combination of Zucchini, Yellow Squash, Carrots, Grape Tomatoes, Red Onion and Peas.
  • Fresh Lemon Juice – The fresh lemon juice helps bring out the flavor of the vegetables.
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil & Butter – Olive oil to saute the vegetables and a little bit of butter to help make the light sauce.
  • Salt, Pepper & Dried Oregano – A simple seasoning combination.
  • Parmesan Cheese – A little bit of fresh parmesan cheese added at the end helps finish the sauce.

Can I Use Different Vegetables?

Absolutely! Pasta Primavera is extremely versatile. You could mix and match with other vegetables like broccoli, mushrooms, asparagus, green beans or any fresh vegetables that are in season that will cook in relatively the same amount of time. This is also a great recipe to use up any leftover veggies that may be hanging out in your fridge to help reduce food waste in your kitchen.

What to Serve with Pasta Primavera

This Pasta Primavera is certainly hearty enough to eat on its own as a main dish, but you can also serve it with some of our favorites like:

Overhead shot of pasta primavera in a skillet.
A bowl of pasta primavera with a fork in the center.
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Pasta Primavera

Pasta Primavera is the perfect Spring dish packed with fresh seasonal vegetables tossed with pasta in a light lemon and butter sauce.
Course Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine American
Total Cost $5.96 recipe / $1.49 serving
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 about 1.5 cups each
Calories 318kcal

Ingredients

  • 8 oz. penne pasta $0.63
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil $0.32
  • 1 zucchini $0.75
  • 1 yellow squash $0.85
  • 1 carrot $0.14
  • 1/2 red onion $0.38
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas $0.21
  • 1 cup grape tomatoes $1.00
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced $0.24
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan $0.89
  • 1 tsp dried oregano $0.10
  • 1/2 tsp salt $0.02
  • 1/2 tsp Freshly cracked black pepper $0.02
  • 2 Tbsp Fresh lemon juice $0.13
  • 2 Tbsp butter $0.28

Instructions

  • Start by prepping your vegetables. Wash the vegetables, then cut and slice each vegetable into equal size pieces. Cut the zucchini and yellow squash into half moons, slice the carrots into thin rounds, cut the grape tomatoes in half and slice the red onion into strips.
  • Next bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, or until al dente. Reserve some of the starchy pasta water before draining the pasta in a colander.
  • While the pasta is boiling, saute the vegetables. In a large deep skillet add olive oil and saute carrots and onion over medium heat for 1-2 minutes. Next add zucchini and yellow squash and saute for an additional 1-2 minutes.
  • Next add the minced garlic, grape tomatoes and frozen peas. Season the vegetables with salt, pepper and dried oregano. Saute for an additional 1-2 minutes, then turn the heat off.
  • Add the butter to the skillet along with the fresh squeezed lemon juice and stir well to combine. Either add the cooked and drained pasta to the skillet, or transfer the pasta and vegetables to a large bowl. Add grated parmesan cheese and some of the reserved pasta water. Stir the vegetables with the pasta until well combined. Serve with fresh chopped parsley (optional garnish) and enjoy!

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 318kcal | Carbohydrates: 55g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 5g | Sodium: 532mg | Fiber: 5g
Close up side view of Pasta Primavera in the skillet.

How to Make Pasta Primavera – Step by Step Photos

Chopped vegetables on a cutting board.

Start by prepping your vegetables. Wash the vegetables thoroughly then cut and slice each vegetable into equal size pieces. Cut the one zucchini and one yellow squash into half moons, slice one carrot into thin rounds, thinly slice half of a red onion, cut one cup of grape tomatoes in half, and mince three cloves of garlic.

Pasta water being removed from a pot of boiling pasta.

Next bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to the package instructions to al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining the pasta in a colander. Transfer drained pasta to a large bowl.

Sautéed vegetables in a skillet.

While the pasta is boiling, start sautéeing the vegetables. In a large deep skillet add olive oil. Sauté carrots and onion over medium heat for 2 minutes. Next add zucchini and yellow squash and sauté for an additional 2 minutes. Now add the minced garlic, grape tomatoes and frozen peas. Season the vegetables with 1 tsp salt (or to taste), 1/2 tsp pepper and 1 tsp dried oregano. Sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes then turn your heat off. 

Lemon being squeezed over the vegetables in the skillet.

Add 2 Tbsp butter to the skillet along with about 2 Tbsp fresh squeezed lemon juice. Stir the vegetables well to combine.

Parmesan added to the skillet and pasta water being drizzled over top.

Either add the cooked and drained penne to the skillet and stir to combine with the vegetables or transfer both the pasta and vegetables to a large bowl. Add 1/2 cup grated or shredded parmesan cheese and about ¼ cup of the reserved pasta water. Stir until well combined. Add more of the reserved pasta water if needed to create a light sauce.

Finished pasta primavera in the skillet.

Serve with fresh chopped parsley and enjoy!

Overhead image of pasta primavera in the skillet.

The post Pasta Primavera appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Potato and Green Bean Skillet

This easy and delicious potato and green bean skillet is the perfect weeknight meal made with simple ingredients like potatoes, green beans, onions, and bacon.

The post Potato and Green Bean Skillet appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Easy skillet meals are such a life savor on busy weeknights and if that skillet has bacon and potatoes then COUNT ME IN! This simple potato and green bean skillet can be served as a side, or, if you’re like me, you can just eat a big bowl of it for dinner on its own. The caramelized onions, smoky bacon, and tender potatoes are more than enough to keep me satisfied! As usual, I’ve got some ideas for customizations and add-ins for you below so you can make it your own.

Overhead view of potato and green bean skillet with a spatula.

What kind of Potatoes to use

I used baby potatoes in my skillet because they’re cute. No, just kidding. Well, kind of. Baby potatoes work well for this recipe because they cook quickly, don’t requite much chopping, and they have a great skin to flesh ratio which gives the skillet great color and texture. If baby potatoes are out of your price range, I would reach for either red potatoes or Yukon gold and chop them into 1-inch pieces before boiling.

Frozen Green Beans for the win

You probably know by now how much I love the convenience of frozen vegetables and how much they can help to reduce waste. For those reasons, I used frozen green beans in this quick skillet meal, but you can definitely use fresh green beans if you have them or if they’re in season. You’ll just want to cook them a little longer in the skillet (until they’re crisp-tender). Frozen green beans are already partially cooked, so they make this skillet that much faster and easier.

What else can I add?

This potato and green bean skillet is ripe for modifications. Here are some swaps or extra ingredients you can add to your skillet to make it your own:

  • Use smoked sausage in place of the bacon
  • Use steak seasoning in place of the everything bagel seasoning
  • Add a couple handfuls of spinach, chopped kale, or shredded cabbage for extra green
  • Add diced bell pepper (at the same time as the green beans)
  • Top with crispy French fried onions
  • Add minced fresh garlic or a pinch of crushed red pepper for a pop of flavor
Close up overhead view of a bowl of potatoes and green beans.
Close up overhead view of a bowl of potatoes and green beans.
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Potato and Green Bean Skillet

This easy and delicious potato and green bean skillet is the perfect weeknight meal made with simple ingredients like potatoes, green beans, onions, and bacon.
Course Dinner, Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Total Cost $6.91 recipe / $1.73 serving
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 about 1.25 cups each
Calories 287kcal

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs. baby potatoes $3.99
  • 1 tsp salt (to salt the boiling water) $0.05
  • 4 oz. bacon $1.15
  • 1 yellow onion $0.37
  • 12 oz. frozen cut green beans $1.25
  • 1 tsp everything bagel seasoning $0.10

Instructions

  • Slice the potatoes in half and place them in a large pot. Cover with water and add 1 tsp salt. Cover the pot and bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-high and allow the potatoes to continue boiling until the are fork-tender (about 7-8 minutes). Drain the potatoes in a colander.
  • While the potatoes are boiling, cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until it is brown and crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet. For the most flavor, leave all of the bacon fat in the skillet, or drain off the excess making sure to leave at least 2 Tbsp of the fat in the skillet.
  • While the bacon is cooking, dice the onion. After removing the bacon from the skillet, add the diced onion and continue to cook over medium heat until the onion is soft and slightly browned.
  • Add the drained potatoes to the skillet with the onions. Give them a brief stir to coat them in fat, then let them continue to cook, stirring only once every few minutes, to allow the bottoms to brown.
  • Once the potatoes have some brown color on them, add the frozen green beans (no need to thaw). Continue to cook and stir until the green beans are heated through.
  • Chop the cooked bacon and add it back to the skillet along with the everything bagel seasoning. Stir to combine, taste, and add salt, pepper, or more bagel seasoning to your liking. Serve hot!

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Nutrition

Serving: 1.25cups | Calories: 287kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 12g | Sodium: 850mg | Fiber: 7g
Potatoes, green beans, bacon, and onion on a fork close up.

How to Make Potato and Green Bean Skillet – Step by Step Photos

Potatoes in a pot of water.

Slice 1.5 lbs. of baby potatoes in half. Place them in a pot and cover with water. Add 1 tsp of salt to the water. Place a lid on the pot and bring it up to a boil over high heat. Once it reaches a boil, turn down the heat to medium-high and allow the potatoes to boil until fork tender, about 7-8 minutes. Drain the potatoes in a colander.

Cooked bacon in a skillet.

Cook 4 oz. bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until it’s brown and crispy. Remove the cooked bacon from the skillet. For the most flavor, leave all of the bacon fat in the skillet, or drain off most of the fat making sure to leave at least 2 Tbsp of the fat in the skillet.

Browned onions in the skillet.

While the bacon is cooking, dice one yellow onion. Add it to the skillet after removing the bacon and continue to cook over medium heat until the onions are soft and slightly browned.

Potatoes added back to the skillet with the onions.

Add the drained potatoes back to the skillet. Stir briefly to coat them in fat, then let them cook over medium heat only stirring once every few minutes to allow them to brown on the bottom.

Frozen green beans being poured into the skillet.

Once the potatoes have some browning on the edges, add one 12oz. bag of frozen cut green beans. Stir to combine and continue to cook over medium heat just until the green beans are heated through.

Bacon and seasoning added to the skillet.

Chop the cooked bacon, then add it back to the skillet along with about 1 tsp of everything bagel seasoning. Stir everything to combine, taste, and add salt, pepper, or more everything bagel seasoning to your liking. Serve hot!

Close up side view of green bean and potato skillet.

SO good, SO hearty!

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Chuletas Guisadas (Puerto Rican Stewed Pork Chops)

If you’re looking for a hearty family meal that’s mouthwateringly delicious and a breeze to put together, make these savory Chuletas Guisadas!

The post Chuletas Guisadas (Puerto Rican Stewed Pork Chops) appeared first on Budget Bytes.

If you’re looking for a hearty family meal that’s mouthwateringly delicious and a breeze to put together, you need to make these savory Chuletas Guisadas! I grew up eating this dish of unctuous stewed pork chops in Puerto Rico, where my Abuela would serve it at least once a week. It comes together in under thirty minutes, and as it stews, the fragrance is so overwhelmingly good everyone in your home will ask what’s cooking! (For real.)

Overhead shot of Chuletas Guisadas in a silver saucepan.

What Are Chuletas Guisadas?

Chuletas Guisadas is a popular Latin American dish of pork chops, onions, and peppers stewed in a flavorful tomato-based sauce. Every region has its own take on the dish, and this is the recipe my grandmother would make at least once a week. Some people don’t put olives in their Chuletas Guisadas, but my Abuela did, so that’s how I make it. I love mine served over Puerto Rican Rice And Beans with slices of ripe plantain. You can also pair it with a side salad or slices of ripe avocado.

What Are The Ingredients For Chuletas Guisadas?

My favorite thing about this dish is that the end result is much greater than its parts. But, of course, every Latin family has their version, and the ingredients vary by where you grew up. With that being said, this is what you need to make my version of Chuletas Guisadas:

  • Pork chops – How quickly the dish cooks depends on the thickness of your pork chops. I prefer thinly cut chops because they’re cheaper and cook faster. But you do you.
  • Sofrito – This robust flavor base adds complexity to every dish.
  • Tomato Sauce and Chicken Broth – are the foundation of your sauce.
  • Onions, Peppers, and Garlic – Add bulk to your dish and help flavor the sauce.
  • Vinegar and Olives– Add a briny brightness that helps cut through the fattiness of the pork.
  • Adobo, Sazon, Oregano, and Bay Leaf – these spices quickly build layers of flavor in your sauce and pork chops.
Side shot of Chuletas Guisadas in a silver saucepan.

Tips For Making Chuletas Guisadas

  1. Cut the vegetables the same size so that they cook evenly. If the vegetables are sliced in different sizes, some will be overcooked, and some undercooked.
  2. Keep the pan covered. It traps the moisture, which helps cook the meat evenly and keeps it moist and tender.
  3. Don’t overcook the pork chops. Even though they are in a sauce, they will end up tough and dry. The general rule is 7 minutes per 1/2 inch of thickness.

What Sides Go Well With Chuletas Guisadas?

I love gobbling this dish down with Puerto Rican Rice And Beans and fried slices of sweet plantain. Of course, you can always serve it with a Simple Side Salad or slices of ripe avocado. And you can even try it layered over Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes. OMG. I want that right now!!!

How To Store Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to three months. To reheat frozen Chuletas Guisadas, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Then, warm them in a skillet over medium heat until steaming. When you reheat the pork chops, add a little chicken broth to the skillet to prevent them from drying out.

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Chuletas Guisadas (Puerto Rican Stewed Pork Chops)

If you're looking for a hearty family meal that's mouthwateringly delicious and a breeze to put together, make these savory Chuletas Guisadas! These stewed pork chops come together in under thirty minutes.
Course Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine Latin
Total Cost ($15.35 recipe / $3.84 serving)
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 516kcal

Equipment

  • 3 qt. Covered Sauté Pan

Ingredients

  • 3 Tbsp olive oil, divided $0.12
  • 2 lbs thinly cut pork chops, bone-in $9.98
  • 2 tsp adobo* $0.08
  • 6 Tbsp sofrito $1.08
  • 1 Tbsp minced garlic $0.14
  • 8 oz tomato sauce $0.59
  • 1 Tbsp white distilled vinegar $0.04
  • 1 1/2 tsp sazón* (1 packet) $0.17
  • 2 cups chicken broth $0.24
  • 1/4 cup Pimento-stuffed green olives, sliced* $0.33
  • 2 tsp oregano $0.20
  • 1 bay leaf $0.10
  • 1 onion, sliced in 1/4 inch half moons $0.42
  • 1 bell pepper, sliced into 1/4-inch strips $1.59
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves $0.27

Instructions

  • Add 2 tablespoons of oil to a large saute pan and set it over medium-high heat. Mix adobo with the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil and rub the pork chops with the mixture. Sear pork chops in batches. Sear on both sides, about 2 minutes on each side.
  • Remove the pork chops from the pan, and set aside. Add the sofrito and garlic and saute until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
  • Add the tomato sauce, vinegar, and sazón and saute until the mixture thickens, about 4 minutes.
  • Add chicken broth, olives, oregano, and bay leaf, and stir well. Bring the sauce to a boil and reduce by one-quarter.
  • Add the pork chops back to the pan, cover, and lower the heat to medium-low. Cook until pork chops are tender, about 7 minutes for each 1/2 inch of thickness.
  • Add onion and bell pepper, cover, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  • Take the pan off the heat and stir in cilantro leaves. Taste the sauce and add salt and pepper if necessary. Serve over white rice and enjoy your new favorite weeknight dish!

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Notes

*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
 
*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
 
*Pimento-stuffed green olives are also known as  or Manzanilla Olives.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 516kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 52g | Fat: 29g | Sodium: 1121mg | Fiber: 3g
Overhead shot of Chuletas Guisadas over rice in a white bowl with a black fork and knife in it.

How to Make Chuletas Guisadas – Step by Step Photos

Overhead shot of pork chops searing in a silver saucepan.

Add 2 tablespoons of oil to a large saute pan and set it over medium-high heat. Mix 2 teaspoons of adobo with the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil and rub the pork chops with the mixture. Sear the 2 pounds of pork chops in batches. Sear on both sides, about 2 minutes on each side.

Overhead shot of sofrito and garlic being added to a silver saucepan.

Remove the pork chops from the pan, and set aside. Add 1/3 cup of sofrito and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic to the pork chop drippings and saute until fragrant, about 2 minutes.

Overhead shot of tomato sauce being added to a sofrito in a silver saucepan.

Add the 8 ounces of tomato sauce, 1 tablespoon of white vinegar, and 1 1/2 teaspoon of sazón to the pan. Sauté until the mixture thickens, about 4 minutes.

Overhead shot of spices and olives being added to a sauce in a silver saucepan.

Add 2 cups of chicken broth, 1/4 cup of pimento-stuffed olives, 2 teaspoons of oregano, and 1 bay leaf to the pan and stir well. Bring the sauce to a boil and reduce by one-quarter.

Overhead shot of pork chops being added to a sauce in a silver saucepan.

Add the pork chops back to the pan, cover, and lower the heat to medium-low. Cook until pork chops are tender, about 7 minutes for each 1/2 inch of thickness.

Overhead shot of Chuletas Guisadas in a silver saucepan with raw slices of onions and red peppers on top.

Add 1 onion (sliced in 1/4 inch half moons) and 1 bell pepper (sliced into 1/4-inch strips) to the pan. Cover, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

Overhead shot of Chuletas Guisadas in a silver saucepan with a hand sprinkling cilantro into it.

Take the pan off the heat and stir in 1/4 cup of cilantro leaves. Taste the sauce and add salt and pepper if necessary. Serve over white rice and enjoy your new favorite weeknight dish!

Overhead shot of Chuletas Guisadas over rice in a white bowl with a black fork in it.

More Easy Latin Dishes

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