Category: mushrooms

Cozy Veggie Bake

This hearty veggie bake recipe is savory and refined, almost meaty, but it’s vegetarian and gluten-free! It’s perfect for Meatless…

This hearty veggie bake recipe is savory and refined, almost meaty, but it’s vegetarian and gluten-free! It’s perfect for Meatless Mondays or a cozy brunch.

Veggie bake in pan

Food is about connection and people. That’s what drew Alex and me to cooking together. Our kids might be too young to truly understand, but when we all eat the same food, there’s truly something that stirs in me. When we first ate this veggie bake together, watching our kids love it so much (making the yum yum sound) was fulfilling in a way that I never dreamed.

This harvest vegetable bake is a recipe from The Pollan Family Table cookbook. It’s a vegetarian main dish the Pollans suggested we try, and my, does it deliver on flavor! It’s a combination of vegetables and baked tofu, topped with cheese and baked until bubbly. Here’s the recipe and more about it!

Veggie bake on plate

Tips for making this veggie bake

This veggie bake is from The Pollan Family Table cookbook (shared here with the authors’ permission!). While it takes a bit of time to prepare, the flavor is savory and refined, almost meaty. It features a filling of tofu, cheese, carrots, broccoli, chard, and mushrooms, flavored in a punchy wine sauce.

We served this veggie bake as a vegetarian main dish for dinner, but we think it would also be a fantastic savory bake for a brunch spread. This vegetable bake recipe is incredibly versatile and can be served so many ways. A few of our favorite ways to enjoy this recipe are:

  • With a side of brown rice — The hearty vegetables and cheese go perfectly with a side of brown rice. The rice rounds out the meal and adds a healthy source of carbs to your plate without taking away from the main attraction (this vegetable bake!).
  • With a simple salad — If you’re serving this vegetable bake at lunch or dinner, a fresh salad of some kind would pair well with the baked veggies.
  • With fruit salad — To make this dish brunch appropriate, serve it with a lighter, fresh side like fruit salad.

More about the book

This book is by the Pollan family: mother Corky and sisters Dana, Lori, and Tracy. Brother Michael Pollan is well-known for his books and documentaries on food and eating. His mother and sisters have collaborated on a The Pollan Family Table cookbook with the message that a culture of family dinners is transformative: for your physical health, mental well-being, and overall happiness.

We were lucky enough to have the Pollan family as guests on our podcast, and it stands out as one of our favorite episodes to date. Maybe it’s because we had four guests at once (yes, four!). But I think it’s because of the genuine warmth and sincerity with which these women recounted growing up at the table — and their own hopes for the next generation of eaters.

Congratulations to the Pollan family on an incredible book: we can’t wait for the next one! And make sure to take a listen to their podcast episode: A Family Affair.

Vegetable bake

More vegetarian dinner recipes

We love creating easy dinner recipes that are naturally meatless! A few of our favorite vegetarian dinners are:

Dietary notes

This veggie bake recipe is vegetarian and gluten-free.

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10 Delicious Vegetarian Main Dish Thanksgiving Recipes | A Couple Cooks

Cozy Veggie Bake

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  • Author: a Couple Cooks
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 4 (or more if served as part of a larger spread)
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Description

This harvest vegetable bake is savory and refined, almost meaty, but it’s vegetarian and gluten-free! Perfect for Meatless Mondays or a cozy brunch.

Ingredients

  • 12 to 14-ounce package extra firm organic tofu, drained and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ cup finely chopped shallot
  • 4 cloves garlic (2 minced, 2 sliced)
  • 1 tablespoon dry sherry (we used brandy in a pinch)
  • ½ cup dry white wine
  • 1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup sliced cremini or baby bella mushrooms
  • 1 cup peeled and sliced carrots, cut into 1/4-inch-thick rounds
  • 2 cups sliced zucchini, cut into 1/4-inch-thick rounds (we omitted)
  • 2 ½ cups 1-inch broccoli florets
  • 2 cups packed stemmed and roughly chopped Swiss chard (we did 5 cups)
  • ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ¾ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Instructions

  1. Set a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat the oven to 350ºF. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Arrange the tofu in a single layer on the baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, flipping once halfway through. Remove from the oven and set aside. Increase the oven temperature to 400ºF.
  3. Meanwhile, begin preparing the sauce and vegetables. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add 1 tablespoon of the oil, the shallot, and the minced garlic. Stir occasionally until they become translucent and begin to brown, about 8 minutes. Add the sherry and white wine and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in the vegetable broth, soy sauce, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ⅛ teaspoon of pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes. Set aside.
  4. While the sauce simmers, pour the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil into a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil is shimmering, add the sliced garlic, the mushrooms, and carrots, and saute for 2 minutes. Raise the heat to medium high, add the zucchini and broccoli, and saute for 6 minutes. Add the Swiss chard and stir all the vegetables continuously for 2 minutes more, until well combined and the Swiss chard has wilted.
  5. Transfer the vegetables to a large casserole or baking dish. Add the tofu, pour the sauce over the casserole, and mix. Sprinkle the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese on top. Bake uncovered until the cheese are browned and bubbling, 20 to 25 minutes. Serve hot.

Notes

Reprinted with permission from The Pollan Family Table: The Best Recipes and Kitchen Wisdom for Delicious, Healthy Family Meals by Corky, Lori, Dana, and Tracy Pollan

  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Beef Stroganoff

Beef stroganoff is a savory dish made with juicy, tender beef and hearty mushrooms that are coated in a creamy sauce that is made with sour cream. The sauce is rich, flavorful, and similar to gravy. This classic dinner is satisfying, comforting, and a …

Beef stroganoff is a savory dish made with juicy, tender beef and hearty mushrooms that are coated in a creamy sauce that is made with sour cream. The sauce is rich, flavorful, and similar to gravy. This classic dinner is satisfying, comforting, and a family favorite. It is the perfect meal for busy weeknights because…

Chicken Marsala

This budget-friendly chicken Marsala recipe is so rich and flavorful, you won’t believe it didn’t come from your favorite Italian restaurant!

The post Chicken Marsala appeared first on Budget Bytes.

I love taking classic recipes and adapting them to be budget-friendly, and chicken Marsala is my latest endeavor. This Chicken Marsala recipe is so rich and flavorful, you won’t believe it didn’t come from your favorite Italian restaurant. Your family will be begging for this easy dinner recipe on repeat because it’s just that good!

partial overhead view of chicken marsala in a pan.

What is Chicken Marsala?

Chicken Marsala is a classic Italian dish, made from thinly sliced and pounded chicken breasts coated in a wine-based sauce enriched with butter and mushrooms. The mushrooms add what’s known as umami taste, a meaty, savory flavor that makes this dish so craveable.

Chicken Marsala Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make chicken marsala:

  • Vegetable Oil: Helps to cook the chicken and vegetables without burning them. Canola or olive oil also works well here.
  • Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the classic choice for this recipe. Slice them in half and pound them to create what’s known as escalopes.
  • Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and Italian herb seasoning add classic Italian flavor to the chicken.
  • Flour: All-purpose flour creates wonderful browning on the chicken breasts and helps to thicken up the sauce.
  • Mushrooms: We highly suggest using baby bella mushrooms because they have a rich flavor and add earthiness to the dish.
  • White Onion: Cooked white onion adds a touch of sweetness. Yellow or sweet onion will also work, so use whatever you have on hand.
  • Chicken Broth: Forms the savory base of the sauce. We used bouillon because it’s super budget-friendly. Vegetable bouillon or broth is also fine.
  • Marsala Cooking Wine: This has unique sweet, rich, and smoky notes and gives this chicken its signature flavor. Cooking wine is much more budget-friendly than straight Marsala wine since it is shelf-stable so none will go to waste!
  • Butter: Salted butter enriches the sauce, making it glossy and rich.
  • Italian Parsley: Adds a pop of color and freshness to this dish.

What can you use instead of Marsala wine for chicken Marsala?

Can’t find Marsala cooking wine? Try using ¼ cup balsamic vinegar and ¼ cup white grape juice instead. There are red and white marsala varieties out there, but the red kind (sweeter) is what’s typically used in Chicken Marsala. You can also use straight Marsala wine instead of cooking wine.

Does the alcohol cook off in Chicken Marsala?

The process of reducing the sauce will evaporate the alcohol in Marsala wine, but if you’re serving this to kids, you may want to use the balsamic/grape juice alternative. Studies from the FDA show that wine simmered for 15 minutes may still contain up to 40% of its alcohol content. Designated “cooking wines” are not meant to be drunk but they are not alcohol-free. They contain salt and other preservatives which extend their shelf life.

What to Serve with Chicken Marsala

We served our chicken Marsala with cooked bowtie pasta, also known as Farfalle. Any kind of noodle will work, or try olive oil mashed potatoes for a different take. Add a side of lemon butter green beans or lemon garlic roasted asparagus for a well-rounded meal.

overhead view of chicken marsala in a white dish with bowtie pasta.
overhead view of chicken marsala in a pan.
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Chicken Marsala

This budget-friendly chicken Marsala recipe is so rich and flavorful, you won't believe it didn't come from your favorite Italian restaurant!
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Total Cost $12.52 recipe / $3.13 serving
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 407kcal
Author Jess Rice

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 3 Tbsp vegetable oil, divided $0.12
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts $5.69
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt, divided $0.05
  • 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper $0.05
  • 1 Tbsp dried Italian herb seasoning blend $0.30
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour $0.16
  • 8 oz. baby bella mushrooms, sliced (roughly 2 cups) $2.08
  • ½ white onion, julienned $0.39
  • 1 cup chicken broth $0.09
  • ½ cup Marsala cooking wine $3.20
  • 2 Tbsp salted butter $0.27
  • 2 Tbsp fresh Italian parsley, minced $0.12

Instructions

  • Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise. Place one chicken breast at a time in a heavy-duty freezer bag (unsealed) and use a tenderizing mallet (or a rolling pin… whatever is safe and sturdy that you have on hand) to hammer each one 1/4" thin, starting in the thicker middle part of the breasts and working your way to the ends. Repeat this process until all breast pieces are 1/4" thick and equally flat.
  • Combine ½ tsp salt, black pepper, dried Italian herb seasoning, and all-purpose flour in a shallow bowl, reserving 1 Tbsp of flour. Lightly coat the chicken breasts in the seasoning mixture and shake off excess flour. Transfer to a clean plate.
  • Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook on each side for 3-4 minutes. Try to not crowd your pan! You can do this in 2 batches if you need to. Once the chicken is cooked, transfer to a clean plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
  • Turn the heat down to medium. Add 1 tsp sea salt, sliced mushrooms and onions. Spread them out on the pan, flipping as needed so each mushroom piece browns, about 3 minutes. Scrape the bottom of your pan with a wooden spoon as you go; the browned bits on the bottom become a tasty part of your sauce!
  • Add the Marsala wine and broth to the pan, scraping the browned bits off the bottom again. Simmer until the liquid reduces by 1/3, about 4 minutes on medium-high heat.
  • Now, make a slurry with your reserved 1 Tbsp of flour; whisk the flour with a small amount of water or liquid from your cooking pan until there are no lumps. Then, whisk in the flour “slurry”, minced parsley, and butter until it has completely melted. Finally, add the chicken cutlets back, flipping them halfway, cooking for another 4 minutes total. Let the sauce thicken while the chicken finishes cooking in the sauce.
  • Garnish with additional minced parsley and adjust salt and pepper to your liking. Enjoy over any pasta you have on hand!

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 407kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 19g | Sodium: 1280mg | Fiber: 2g
overhead view of chicken marsala in a pan.

how to make Chicken Marsala – step by step photos

A rolling pin pounding chicken breasts to even thickness on an orange cutting board.

Cut 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts in half lengthwise. Place one chicken breast at a time in a heavy-duty freezer bag (unsealed) and use a tenderizing mallet (or a rolling pin… whatever is safe and sturdy that you have on hand) to hammer each one 1/4″ thin, starting in the thicker middle part of the breasts and working your way to the ends. Repeat this process until all breast pieces are 1/4″ thick and equally flat.

dredging chicken breasts in seasoned flour.

Combine ½ tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 1 Tbsp dried Italian herb seasoning, and 1/2 cup all-purpose flour in a shallow bowl, reserving 1 Tbsp of flour. Lightly coat the chicken breasts in the seasoning mixture and shake off excess flour. Transfer to a clean plate.

2 chicken breasts cooking in a pan.

Heat 3 Tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook on each side for 3-4 minutes. Try to not crowd your pan! You can do this in 2 batches if you need to.

sliced onions and mushrooms in a pan.

Turn the heat down to medium. Add 1 tsp sea salt, 8 oz. sliced mushrooms, and ½ julienned onion. Spread them out on the pan, flipping as needed so each side browns, about 3 minutes. Scrape the bottom of your pan with a wooden spoon as you go; the browned bits on the bottom become a tasty part of your sauce!

marsala wine poured over mushrooms and onions in a pan.

Add ½ cup Marsala wine and 1 cup broth to a cup. Pour it into the pan, scraping the browned bits off the bottom again. (I combined the broth and Marsala wine and added them at the same time.) Simmer until the liquid reduces by 1/3, about 4 minutes on medium-high heat.

butter added to marsala sauce in a pan.

Now, make a slurry with your reserved 1 Tbsp of flour; whisk the flour with a small amount of hot water or liquid from your cooking pan until there are no lumps. Then, whisk in the flour “slurry”, 2 Tbsp minced parsley, and 2 Tbsp salted butter until it has completely melted. Finally, add the chicken cutlets back, flipping them halfway, cooking for another 4 minutes total. Let the sauce thicken while the chicken finishes cooking in the sauce.

chicken marsala in a pan.

Garnish with additional minced parsley and adjust salt and pepper to your liking. Pour over your favorite pasta and enjoy!

a fork holding a piece of chicken marsala above a shallow dish.

This chicken Marsala recipe is even better than your favorite Italian restaurant!

More Chicken Dinner Recipes

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Creamy Mushroom Soup

This deliciously rich and creamy Mushroom soup is quick, easy, and perfect for cold winter nights or to pack in a thermos for an easy lunch!

The post Creamy Mushroom Soup appeared first on Budget Bytes.

I’m all about the creamy soups during the cold winter months, and this incredibly creamy Mushroom Soup is one of the best. This mushroom soup recipe is so easy to make and is as cozy as it gets. You’ll want to serve this soup with some crusty bread or crackers to soak up every drop of that savory creamy broth because it is just to die for. And the best part? Because this mushroom soup is so simple and uncomplicated, it’s also very inexpensive, even when the cost of mushrooms is on the higher side!

Side view of a bowl of creamy mushroom soup with a spoon lifting some out of the bowl.

Ingredients for Mushroom Soup

I love this Creamy Mushroom Soup for its simplicity. It’s just sautéed mushrooms, a creamy broth, and a few simple seasonings. Here’s what you’ll need to make this mushroom soup:

  • Mushrooms: I highly suggest using baby bella mushrooms for this soup because they have a nice deep color and rich flavor. White button mushrooms will not add as much color or flavor to the soup. You could also chop up some larger portobello mushroom caps to use in place of the Baby Bellas.
  • Olive Oil: Olive oil is used to sauté the mushrooms so they get a nice deep brown color, which adds both flavor and color to the soup.
  • Garlic: Garlic adds depth to the flavor and Pairs just perfectly with the flavor of the mushrooms.
  • Butter: Butter adds richness to the soup and combines with the flour to create a roux, which thickens the broth.
  • Flour: All-purpose flour combines with the butter to create a roux, which thickens the broth. Without the flour, the broth will be very thin.
  • Vegetable Broth: Vegetable broth is the base for this soup and it provides complexity to the flavor, as well as a nice brown color. You can use mushroom broth instead if you have it.
  • Heavy Cream: Heavy cream adds a deliciously rich and creamy flavor to the soup.
  • Seasonings: This mushroom soup is seasoned simply with salt, pepper, thyme, and soy sauce. The soy sauce adds a wonderfully earthy umami flavor that enhances the mushrooms.

What Else Can I Add?

If you want to put your own spin on this mushroom soup recipe, here are a few other ingredients you can add:

  • Paprika: Add sweet paprika to make it closer to a Hungarian Mushroom Soup.
  • Onion: If you want even more savory vegetable flavor, sauté a finely diced onion with the mushrooms.
  • Sour Cream: To make the soup even richer and to add a slight tang, stir a few dollops of sour cream into the broth at the end.
  • Homemade Croutons: Top your soup with homemade croutons for a delicious garlicky crunch!

Make it Vegan

It’s very easy to convert this recipe to a vegan mushroom soup. Simply use coconut oil in place of the butter to make the roux, and then use full-fat coconut milk in place of the heavy cream. Coconut milk tastes really good in savory recipes like this and actually pairs very well with mushrooms! Check out our Vegan Creamy Mushroom Ramen for another example of these flavors together.

What to Serve with mushroom Soup

The broth in this soup is extremely rich and creamy and you’re going to want to sop up every drop, so I highly suggest serving it with some crusty bread like our No-Knead Bread, Focaccia Rolls, or Soda Bread. Or, if you don’t want to make homemade bread, at least make sure you have some crackers on hand!

I’d also suggest adding some vegetables on the side to lighten things up, and I’d go for a wintery roasted vegetable like Roasted Brussels Sprouts or our Roasted Cauliflower Salad.

How to Make Mushroom Soup Taste Better

Using really good, full-flavored broth is key to making mushroom soup taste its best. We suggest using Better Than Bouillon to make the broth used in this soup because it has tons of flavor, is budget-friendly, and reduces waste compared to boxed and canned broths. We used their vegetable-flavored bouillon, but you could certainly use their mushroom flavor if you have it.

Overhead view of a bowl of creamy mushroom soup with a spoon in the center.
Side view of a bowl of creamy mushroom soup with a spoon lifting some out of the bowl.
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Creamy Mushroom Soup

This deliciously rich and creamy Mushroom soup is quick, easy, and perfect for cold winter nights or to pack in a thermos for an easy lunch!
Course Dinner, Lunch, Soup
Cuisine American
Total Cost $6.82 recipe / $1.71 serving
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4 (1 cup each)
Calories 299kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. baby bella mushrooms $4.59
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced $0.24
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil $0.16
  • 1 pinch salt & pepper $0.05
  • 4 Tbsp butter $0.47
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour $0.04
  • 3 cups vegetable broth $0.51
  • 1 tsp soy sauce $0.02
  • 1/8 tsp dried thyme $0.02
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream $0.75

Instructions

  • Wash the mushrooms to remove any dirt or debris. Slice the mushrooms and mince the garlic.
  • Add the olive oil, mushrooms, and a pinch of salt and pepper to a soup pot. Sauté the mushrooms over medium heat until they have released all of their moisture, all the liquid has evaporated from the bottom of the pot, and the mushrooms become very dark brown. Add the minced garlic and continue to sauté for one minute more.
  • Add the butter and flour to the pot. Stir and cook for about two minutes more, or until the butter coats the bottom of the pot and turns deep golden brown.
  • Once the flour mixture is a bit browned, add the vegetable broth, soy sauce, and thyme. Stir to dissolve all of the flour from the bottom of the pot. Allow the liquid to come up to a simmer, at which point the flour will slightly thicken the broth.
  • Finally, stir the cream into the soup. Give the soup a taste and adjust the salt or pepper to your liking. Serve with crusty bread and enjoy!

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Serving | Calories: 299kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 26g | Sodium: 904mg | Fiber: 1g
Overhead view of a ladle full of creamy mushroom soup held over the soup pot.

How to Make Creamy Mushroom Soup – Step by Step Photos

Sliced mushrooms on a cutting board.

Begin by rinsing and slicing one pound of baby Bella mushrooms.

Sautéed mushrooms in a soup pot.

Add the mushrooms to a soup pot with 1 Tbsp olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté the mushrooms over medium heat until they release all of their water, the water evaporates, and the mushrooms begin to brown. Add three cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about one minute more.

Flour and butter added to the soup pot with the mushrooms.

Add 3 Tbsp of salted butter and 4 Tbsp all-purpose flour to the pot. Continue to stir and cook over medium heat, allowing the butter to melt and create a paste with the flour that coats the mushrooms.

Browned roux showing on the bottom of the pot under the mushrooms.

The butter and flour will begin to coat the bottom of the pot. When it becomes medium brown, it’s time to add the liquid to the pot.

Vegetable broth being poured into the soup pot.

Add three cups of vegetable broth, ⅛ tsp thyme, and 1 tsp soy sauce to the soup pot and stir to dissolve all of the browned bits off the bottom of the pot. Allow the broth to come up to a boil, at which point it will thicken slightly from the flour and butter roux.

Heavy cream being poured into the soup.

Once the soup has reached a boil, turn the heat down to medium-low and add ½ cup heavy cream. Allow the soup to heat through and begin to simmer gently.

Finished soup being stirred.

Taste the soup and adjust the salt or other seasonings if desired. The soup may need additional salt depending on the salt content of the broth used. We used Better Than Bouillon, which tends to be on the salty side, so we did not need any additional salt.

Overhead view of two bowls of mushroom soup garnished with parsley.

Serve the creamy mushroom soup with your favorite crusty bread and enjoy!

More Easy Soup Recipes

The post Creamy Mushroom Soup appeared first on Budget Bytes.

crispy potatoes with mushrooms

I like to think that I made a smashing impression on my Russian in-laws when I met them — at the time, I didn’t eat meat or, more importantly, smoked fish. I remain staunch in my dislike of beets. And shortly after we got married I…

I like to think that I made a smashing impression on my Russian in-laws when I met them — at the time, I didn’t eat meat or, more importantly, smoked fish. I remain staunch in my dislike of beets. And shortly after we got married I started talking about quitting my day job to… blog full time. But I took a liking to pickles immediately. I make a pretty solid eggplant caviar, because I learned from the best. I’ve since figured out Honey Cake and Russian Napoleon. And although the vegetarian options were limited at the time when we first met at the Russian Vodka Room, I quickly discovered my favorite Russian comfort food, fried potatoes and mushrooms (kartoshka s’gribami).

russian-style mushrooms and potatoes-collage

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Chicken Cacciatore

Chicken Cacciatore is a wonderfully flavorful dish that’s ready to eat in just one hour. It’s wonderfully savory and succulent!

The post Chicken Cacciatore appeared first on Budget Bytes.

If you’re looking for a meal that feels like a splurge, look no further! Chicken Cacciatore is a wonderfully flavorful dish that’s ready to eat in just one hour. This one-pan chicken cacciatore recipe is savory and succulent thanks to juicy chicken thighs, budget-friendly canned tomatoes, earthy mushrooms, and briny capers. It’s a real weeknight hero.

WHat Is Chicken Cacciatore?

Chicken Cacciatore is an Italian dish made from chicken braised in a tomato-based sauce with onion, garlic, mushrooms, bell peppers, wine, and capers. It’s a classic and simple dish that’s hearty enough to fill your grumbling belly!

Ingredients for Chicken Cacciatore

Here’s what you’ll need to make Chicken Cacciatore:

  • Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs add a lot of extra flavor to this dish, but you can also use boneless, skinless thighs.
  • Salt and Pepper: Salt and pepper are classic seasonings that enhance the flavor of the chicken.
  • All-Purpose Flour: A little bit of flour helps to seal in moisture and creates a crispy crust on the chicken.
  • Olive Oil: Olive oil (or cooking oil of your choice– vegetable or canola can help cut costs) helps everything cook without burning.
  • Onion and Garlic: Alliums are classic flavor enhancers that create a savory base for this dish.
  • Baby Bella Mushrooms: These mushrooms have a mild flavor and a meaty texture that adds a wonderful earthy component to the dish.
  • Bell Pepper: Red bell pepper adds a delightful crunch and a fresh and vegetal flavor. You could also use a yellow or orange pepper.
  • Red Wine: Adds a touch of acidity that balances the flavor of the sauce.
  • Crushed Tomatoes: A 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes forms the base of the sauce.
  • Capers: Capers add a briny brightness to the dish. Chopped green olives make a great substitute in a pinch!
  • Chopped Fresh Herbs: Garnishing this dish with plenty of basil or parsley is a great way to freshen things up. A pinch or two of the dried stuff will also work.

What To Serve with Chicken Cacciatore

We love to serve chicken cacciatore with plain pasta, Pasta Primavera, Mushroom Rice, Balsamic Roasted Vegetables, or even Garlic Parmesan Polenta. It’s also great served with a crunchy salad and a side of No-Knead Bread for sopping up all of that delicious sauce!

Can I Omit the Wine?

You can absolutely omit the red wine to make this dish more budget-friendly or to suit your personal preferences. Red cooking wine is a great cheaper alternative that lasts for a long time in the pantry, or you can simply use chicken broth.

HOW TO USE LEFTOVER CAPERS

You’ll likely have leftover capers after making this chicken cacciatore. Leftover capers can be stored, submerged in their brine, in the refrigerator for several months as well. I highly suggest making a batch of Chicken Piccata or Pasta Puttanesca with your leftover capers, but they’re also great when added to pasta salads, tuna salad, deviled eggs, or potato salad.

How to Store Leftovers

Once cooked and cooled, this chicken cacciatore can be stored in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage. Reheat in a saucepan until warmed through and bubbling. It’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months and can be thawed overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

overhead view of chicken cacciatore in a white pan.
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Chicken Cacciatore

Chicken Cacciatore is a wonderfully flavorful dish that's ready to eat in just one hour. It's wonderfully savory and succulent!
Course Dinner
Cuisine Italian
Total Cost $15.17 recipe / $2.53 serving
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 6
Calories 690kcal
Author Krista – Budget Bytes

Ingredients

  • 6 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs $6.65
  • 1 tsp salt $0.04
  • 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper $0.02
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour $0.05
  • 3 Tbsp olive oil, divided $0.36
  • 1/2 onion, chopped $0.20
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced $0.32
  • 8 oz. baby bella mushrooms, sliced $2.69
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced $1.59
  • 1/2 cup red wine $0.94
  • 1 28oz. can crushed tomatoes $1.89
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp capers $0.42
  • Fresh basil or parsley (to garnish)

Instructions

  • Place the chicken thighs in a bowl. Toss with the salt, pepper, and flour until fully coated.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once heated, add in the chicken thighs, cooking on both sides until browned. Then, transfer to a plate.
  • Add in 1 tablespoon of olive oil, the onion, and a sprinkle of salt. Cook for a few minutes until softened.
  • Add in the garlic, mushrooms, and red bell pepper. Sprinkle with more salt and cook for 3-4 minutes until the mushrooms are tender.
  • Pour in the red wine and scrape up the brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
  • Add in the crushed tomatoes and capers.
  • Return the chicken thighs to the pan, bring the mixture to a simmer, and cover the pan, cooking for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is tender. Uncover the pan, and cook for another 5 minutes.
  • Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley.

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 690kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 40g | Fat: 47g | Sodium: 975mg | Fiber: 4g

how to make Chicken Cacciatore – step by step photos

Place 6 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs in a bowl. Toss with 1 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper, and 1/4 cup all-purpose flour until fully coated.

Heat 2 Tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once heated, add in the chicken thighs, cooking on both sides until browned. Then, transfer to a plate.

Add in 1 Tbsp of olive oil, 1/2 of a chopped onion, and a sprinkle of salt. Cook for a few minutes until softened.

Add in 4 minced cloves garlic, 8 oz. baby bella mushrooms, and 1 sliced red bell pepper. Sprinkle with more salt and cook for 3-4 minutes until the mushrooms are tender.

Pour in 1/2 cup red wine and scrape up the brown bits from the bottom of the pan.

Add in 1 28-oz can crushed tomatoes and 1 1/2 Tbsp capers.

Return the chicken thighs to the pan, bring the mixture to a simmer, and cover the pan, cooking for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is tender. Uncover the pan, and cook for another 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley, if desired.

This delectable chicken cacciatore is going to be a staple in your weekly rotation; I just know it!

close up view of chicken cacciatore in a pan.

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Green Bean Casserole

This Green Bean Casserole recipe is a Thanksgiving classic made with a creamy mushroom sauce, tender green beans, and crispy fried onions.

The post Green Bean Casserole appeared first on Budget Bytes.

What’s Thanksgiving without a homemade Green Bean Casserole?…a pretty sad turkey day if you ask me! That creamy mushroom sauce, tender green beans, and fried onion topping are a match made in heaven. But while I’m all for a good kitchen shortcut, I’m not a fan of casseroles made with canned soup. So, I’ve created a from-scratch version that’s just as easy (even for a novice cook!) and even more delicious. Although, I did make an exception for those crispy fried onions. They’re still my fave. ;)

Close up of green bean casserole from above with a spoon scooping it out.

What Is Green Bean Casserole?

Green bean casserole is a classic American side dish often served during Thanksgiving. It’s a seriously budget-friendly recipe made from green beans in a creamy sauce and topped with French-fried onions. But did you know it actually made its debut all the way back in the 1950s after being created by an employee at Campbell’s Soup Company?! However, there are many variations nowadays, and my from-scratch version skips the canned soup and uses simple, everyday pantry staples for an EVEN tastier result!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy green bean casserole recipe (with no canned condensed soup):

  • Mushrooms: I use fresh mushrooms to infuse the creamy, gravy-like sauce with flavor. Baby Bellas are my favorite mushrooms to use in this recipe, but button mushrooms are just as good.
  • Garlic Cloves & Garlic Powder: I double-dose the sauce in this recipe with fresh garlic and garlic powder! It tastes so good, not overpowering or too strong at all.
  • Flour & Salted Butter: I make a roux with equal parts butter and flour. A roux is a thickening agent used as the base for many sauces and gravies. It’s important to cook it long enough so there’s no “raw” flour taste left.
  • Vegetable Broth & Whole Milk: I almost always use Better Than Bouillon to make broth because it’s already well flavored and salted. Mixing it with milk also adds just the right amount of creaminess to the casserole.
  • Cream Cheese: Makes the sauce extra creamy and decadent.
  • Green Beans: I use frozen green beans for convenience, but you can use fresh if you prefer. If using fresh, I suggest steaming them first to make sure they cook through properly. I prefer French-cut green beans because I like how they combine with the sauce, so you get a nice bean-to-sauce ratio in every bite.
  • Fried Onions: I can’t get enough of these crispy little bites! So, I mix them into the casserole filling AND sprinkle them on top for that crispy finish.
  • Salt & Pepper: A little salt and pepper always helps make the flavors POP.
  • Olive Oil: For sautéing the mushrooms and minced garlic.

Can I Use Canned Green Beans?

For a really stellar green bean casserole, I suggest using either fresh or frozen green beans. Canned green beans tend to be too mushy, and their flavors are a bit muddy. I highly recommend steering away from the canned green beans just this once, but hey, it’s your kitchen and your preference! Just note the texture of the finished casserole won’t be nearly as nice if made with canned green beans.

The Secret to a Good Green Bean Casserole

Nope, it isn’t canned soup (sorry, Campbell’s). It’s CREAM CHEESE. I know this might seem unconventional, but this is one of those times you’ve got to trust me.

The cream cheese adds the most amazing creaminess and makes the sauce extra rich. It also helps to stabilize the casserole for baking so the sauce doesn’t separate or curdle. But if you’re still a little skeptical, just check out all the 5-star reviews from happy readers below! This secret ingredient is definitely not a secret anymore. ;)

Variations to Try

The classic version of this casserole is great, but if you want to make it a little more fancy, here are some fun toppings or add-ins I think you’ll love:

  • Bacon crumbles (mixed in or sprinkled on top)
  • Cheddar cheese or Parmesan (for topping or mixing into the sauce)
  • Buttered breadcrumbs or crushed potato chips (in place of the fried onion topping)

Make it Ahead!

You can prepare this creamy green bean casserole one day ahead of time (minus the onion topping), cover it in plastic or foil, and refrigerate it. I’d add the fried onion topping the next day and bake as directed, slightly extending the baking time to account for the casserole being cold.

Why it’s a great recipe for new cooks

Green Bean Casserole is an absolute staple of the holidays. If you’re attending a family function or potluck, you will be the star of the show when you show up carrying this dish! It was one of the first recipes that I mastered for the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons, and I’ve been making it ever since. It’s truly simple to make from scratch, and I never regret doing so.

Overhead view of baked green bean casserole in the baking dish.
Super close up overhead shot of green bean casserole being scooped out of the baking dish.
Print

Green Bean Casserole

This Green Bean Casserole recipe is a Thanksgiving classic made with a creamy mushroom sauce, tender green beans, and crispy fried onions.
Course Dinner, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Total Cost $8.85 recipe / $1.48 serving
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 6 (about ¾ cup each)
Calories 303kcal
Author Beth – Budget Bytes

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Roughly chop the mushrooms into small pieces. Mince the garlic.
  • Add the olive oil to a large skillet and heat over medium. Once hot, add the mushrooms and a pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté the mushrooms until soft, then add the minced garlic and continue to sauté until the liquid in the skillet evaporates.
  • Add the butter and flour to the skillet. Stir to melt the butter and allow the butter and flour to create a paste that coats the bottom of the skillet. Continue to stir and cook over medium for one to two minutes, or until the flour begins to turn golden on the bottom of the skillet.
  • Add the vegetable broth, milk, and garlic powder to the skillet. Whisk to combine and dissolve any browned flour off of the bottom of the skillet. Allow the liquid to come up to a simmer, at which point it will thicken.
  • Add the cream cheese to the skillet and whisk over medium heat until the cream cheese has fully melted into the sauce.
  • Add the frozen green beans to the sauce and stir to combine. Continue to heat over medium, stirring occasionally, until the green beans have heated through and the sauce comes up to a gentle simmer. Let the green beans simmer for a few minutes. Give them a taste and add salt and pepper to your liking (I added about ½ tsp salt and another ⅛ tsp pepper).
  • Stir ¼ cup of crispy fried onions into the green bean mixture. Pour the green beans into a 2-quart casserole dish and top with the remaining ¾ cup crispy fried onions.
  • Bake the casserole for 20-25 minutes, or until the fried onions have turned deep golden brown and the sauce is bubbling up around the edges.

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Notes

*Fresh green beans also taste amazing but do require a bit more prep. You’ll need to wash, snap off the stems, chop them, and boil or steam them before adding to the casserole. Boil or steam the green beans for 3-5 minutes just to take the raw edge off, then drain and add to the casserole.
**I originally published this recipe on 11/6/2017 but thought it deserved a refresh. I hope you enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 0.75cup | Calories: 303kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 23g | Sodium: 669mg | Fiber: 4g
Green bean casserole dished out into a bowl with a fork.

How to Make Green Bean Casserole – Step by Step Photos

Cooked mushrooms in a skillet.

Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Wash 8oz. button mushrooms and roughly chop them into small pieces. Mince two cloves of garlic. Heat a large skillet over medium, add 1 Tbsp olive oil, and swirl to coat the skillet. Pour in the mushrooms and a pinch of salt and pepper to the skillet and sauté until the mushrooms become soft. Add the minced garlic and continue to sautè until all of the moisture in the skillet evaporates.

Butter and flour added to the skillet with the mushrooms.

Add 4 Tbsp salted butter and ¼ cup all-purpose flour to the skillet. Continue to sauté the mushrooms with the butter and flour until the flour begins to coat the bottom of the skillet and turn golden brown. This toasts the flour and prevents that floury flavor.

Milk and broth being poured into the skillet.

Whisk 1 cup vegetable broth, 1 cup whole milk, and ⅛ tsp garlic powder into the skillet, making sure to dissolve all of the flour off the bottom of the skillet as you whisk. Allow the liquid to come up to a simmer while whisking, at which point it will thicken.

Cream cheese chunks added to the sauce in the skillet.

Cut 4 oz. cream cheese into chunks, add it to the sauce, and whisk until it has fully melted in.

Green beans being poured into the sauce.

Add 24oz. French-cut frozen green beans. Stir the green beans into the sauce and allow them to heat through and the sauce comes up to a gentle simmer. Allow them to simmer for 2-3 minutes. At this point, you want to taste the sauce and add more salt and pepper (I added about ½ tsp salt and ⅛ tsp pepper).

Friend onions added to the skillet.

Stir ¼ cup of crispy fried onions into the skillet.

Green bean casserole in transfered to a baking dish.

Transfer the green beans and sauce to a 2-quart casserole dish and top with ¾ cup of crispy fried onions.

Overhead view of baked green bean casserole in the baking dish.

Bake the casserole in the preheated 350ºF oven for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and the fried onions have become golden brown.

Super close up overhead shot of green bean casserole being scooped out of the baking dish.

Once you try this from-scratch green bean casserole with cream cheese, you’ll never go back to the canned soup version again!

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