1-Pot Pumpkin Turkey Chili (Freezer-Friendly!)

If you don’t already keep homemade freezer meals stashed for those nights when you don’t feel like cooking, consider this your (cost-saving…thank yourself later) invitation! This 1-POT pumpkin turkey chili is a freezer meal we never go without.
N…

1-Pot Pumpkin Turkey Chili (Freezer-Friendly!)

If you don’t already keep homemade freezer meals stashed for those nights when you don’t feel like cooking, consider this your (cost-saving…thank yourself later) invitation! This 1-POT pumpkin turkey chili is a freezer meal we never go without.

Not only is it everything you want in a chili (hearty, thick, smoky, and spicy), but it’s nutrient-packed and a great way to use up almost any veggie you have around.

1-Pot Pumpkin Turkey Chili (Freezer-Friendly!) from Minimalist Baker →

The BEST Homemade Taco Seasoning

We’ve searched far and wide for a taco seasoning that’s perfectly smoky, savory, flavorful, and made with recognizable ingredients. In this search, we’ve felt like Goldilocks! Some were too sweet, some too salty, until we gave up and decided to make a …

The BEST Homemade Taco Seasoning

We’ve searched far and wide for a taco seasoning that’s perfectly smoky, savory, flavorful, and made with recognizable ingredients. In this search, we’ve felt like Goldilocks! Some were too sweet, some too salty, until we gave up and decided to make a homemade version. And it was just right!

Here she is, our new favorite DIY taco seasoning, ready to be the star of your next taco Tuesday (or spice up your favorite protein or potatoes)!

The BEST Homemade Taco Seasoning from Minimalist Baker →

Homemade Burger Seasoning

Make the best hamburgers ever with this easy homemade burger seasoning recipe that will add flavor and depth to your burgers.

The post Homemade Burger Seasoning appeared first on Budget Bytes.

I know Memorial Day is still a couple of weeks away, but if you ask me, grilling season has BEGUN! And whether you’re cooking homemade burgers outside on a grill or inside on a griddle, the first step to making a knock-it-out-of-the-park burger is to season it properly. This super simple homemade burger seasoning takes seconds to make, uses spices that you probably already have on hand, and really does take a ground beef patty to the next level. Try it on your next burger and let me know what you think! (I think you’ll be going back for seconds.)

Overhead view of a bowl full of burger seasoning surrounded by burger toppings.

What’s in Burger Seasoning

Burger seasoning doesn’t have to be fancy to really add a lot of depth of flavor to your homemade hamburgers. For our simple burger seasoning mix we use paprika (smoked and sweet), onion powder, garlic powder, freshly cracked pepper, salt, and just a tiny pinch of cayenne. They’re all pretty basic spices but when they come together they elevate the flavor of the beef without overshadowing it, making the perfect homemade hamburger.

How to Season Burgers

The best way to use this burger seasoning is to sprinkle a light layer on the outside of your already-formed burger patties. When making hamburgers you want to avoid overworking the meat, which can make your burger dense and tough. So gently shape your burgers then lightly coat them in your burger seasoning for the ultimate juicy and flavorful burger!

How Much Burger Seasoning to Use

I suggest using about ¼ to ½ tsp of burger seasoning per side of a ¼ lb. burger patty, but you can add more or less to taste. The recipe below makes about 1 Tbsp of burger seasoning, so that should be enough for about four burger patties.

If you want to make more burger seasoning at a time, simply adjust the number of servings listed in the servings box in the recipe card below and the rest of the ingredients will auto adjust for you.

burger seasoning being sprinkled over hamburger patties.

P.S. This really basic seasoning blend is great on just about everything. Try it on steak fries, pork or beef roasts, or grilled steaks!

A bowl of burger seasoning surrounded by cooked burger patties and toppings.
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Burger Seasoning

Make the best hamburgers ever with this easy homemade burger seasoning recipe that will add flavor and depth to your burgers.
Course Seasoning
Cuisine American
Total Cost $0.33 recipe / $0.08 serving
Prep Time 3 minutes
Total Time 3 minutes
Servings 4 (about ¾ tsp per burger)
Calories 5kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl. Use immediately or store in a an air-tight container, away from light and heat, until ready to use.
  • To use the burger seasoning, sprinkle about ¼ to ½ tsp of seasoning over each side of a burger patty before cooking.

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 5kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 0.2g | Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 292mg | Fiber: 0.4g

How to Make burger seasoning – Step by Step Photos

Individual spices in a bowl before stirring.

In a small bowl, combine 1 tsp sweet paprika, ½ tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, ¼ tsp freshly cracked pepper, ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper, and ½ tsp salt.

Stirred burger seasoning in the bowl.

Stir the spices together and then they’re ready to use! Get ready for the juiciest, most flavorful burger ever!

You can also make this in larger batches and store it as you would any spice or seasoning blend – in an air-tight container, away from heat and light.

What’s your favorite burger add-in? Let us know in the comments below!

The post Homemade Burger Seasoning appeared first on Budget Bytes.

BBQ Sweet Potato Chickpea Tacos

If you’ve ever felt left out by the lack of quality vegan options at a BBQ, consider those days over! Introducing the smoky, sweet, spicy flavors of BBQ in a sweet potato chickpea taco with cabbage, lime, and chipotle crema. It’s a plant-based wi…

BBQ Sweet Potato Chickpea Tacos

If you’ve ever felt left out by the lack of quality vegan options at a BBQ, consider those days over! Introducing the smoky, sweet, spicy flavors of BBQ in a sweet potato chickpea taco with cabbage, lime, and chipotle crema. It’s a plant-based winner worthy of sharing with friends!

Satisfying, nourishing, and ready in just 30 minutes! Grab your tortillas — let’s make tacos!

These tacos begin with roasting chickpeas and cubed sweet potatoes in a BBQ-inspired spice mixture of smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, maple syrup, salt, pepper, and optional cayenne!

BBQ Sweet Potato Chickpea Tacos from Minimalist Baker →

Creamy Vegan White Bean Queso

What can’t you turn into queso!? We’ve made cashews and eggplant into “cheesy” queso-like dips, so why not try a protein- and fiber-packed twist with white beans? Spoiler alert: Success! Friends, meet our new favorite creamy dip: white bean queso!
It’s…

Creamy Vegan White Bean Queso

What can’t you turn into queso!? We’ve made cashews and eggplant into “cheesy” queso-like dips, so why not try a protein- and fiber-packed twist with white beans? Spoiler alert: Success! Friends, meet our new favorite creamy dip: white bean queso!

It’s vegan, gluten-free, SO satisfying + snack-able, and easy to make, too! Just 9 ingredients and 30 minutes required. Grab your favorite chips and let’s do this!

Creamy Vegan White Bean Queso from Minimalist Baker →

Vegan White Bean Chile Relleno (Baked!)

One bite into the chile relleno at Nick’s in San Clemente and we wanted to move in next door. We’d had dozens of fried chile rellenos before, but this baked version stole our hearts. A plant-based version of this show-stopping dish had to make it on th…

Vegan White Bean Chile Relleno (Baked!)

One bite into the chile relleno at Nick’s in San Clemente and we wanted to move in next door. We’d had dozens of fried chile rellenos before, but this baked version stole our hearts. A plant-based version of this show-stopping dish had to make it on the blog!

Equally satisfying, our inspired, 10-ingredient version is HERE (cue cartwheels): a creamy white bean vegetable filling nestled into smoky poblano peppers smothered in red enchilada sauce and a garlicky cashew cream.

Vegan White Bean Chile Relleno (Baked!) from Minimalist Baker →

30-Minute Smashed Chickpea Taco Bowls

Welcome to another EASY, nourishing, flavorful plant-based meal (we know you love them!). This EPIC bowl combines limey, salty, spicy smashed chickpeas with fluffy quinoa, caramelized roasted veggies, and an aji verde sauce so good you’ll want to lick …

30-Minute Smashed Chickpea Taco Bowls

Welcome to another EASY, nourishing, flavorful plant-based meal (we know you love them!). This EPIC bowl combines limey, salty, spicy smashed chickpeas with fluffy quinoa, caramelized roasted veggies, and an aji verde sauce so good you’ll want to lick the blender!

Ready in just 30 minutes, this nourishing meal is our new weeknight go-to and soon to be yours, too. Let’s get cooking!

How to Make Chickpea “Taco” Bowls

These vegan taco bowls get their name thanks to the smashed chickpea taco “meat” made by mashing chickpeas with olive oil, lime juice, aji amarillo paste (or sriracha), salt, and dried herbs and spices.

30-Minute Smashed Chickpea Taco Bowls from Minimalist Baker →

Creamy Chicken And Orzo Skillet

When you think you don’t have time to cook, try this easy and super tasty Creamy Chicken and Orzo Skillet! Bonus: It cooks in one pan!

The post Creamy Chicken And Orzo Skillet appeared first on Budget Bytes.

When you’re having one of those days when you think you don’t have time to cook anything, try this easy, buttery, and super tasty Creamy Chicken and Orzo Skillet! It’s hearty, rich, comforting, and a perfect dinner for when you want to do anything but spend time in the kitchen. Bonus: it cooks in one pan! Can you ask for anything more?

Overhead shot of Creamy Chicken and Orzo in a silver skillet.

What is Orzo?

Orzo is a tiny football-shaped pasta that looks like rice but cooks much faster. Like rice, it soaks up all the water it’s cooked in, so you don’t have to worry about draining. That makes it an excellent choice for a speedy one-pan meal.

What You’ll Need

You are just a few spices and a handful of ingredients away from an incredible dinner! Here’s what you’ll need to make this Creamy Chicken And Orzo Skillet.

  • Seasoning Blend– We’re making our own with paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper. In a pinch, you can also use a heaping tablespoon of your favorite seasoning blend, though you should steer clear of anything super salty.
  • Boneless Chicken Thighs– These cook much faster than bone-in chicken thighs and their juices help flavor the orzo.
  • Yellow Onion– Adds depth and a subtle sweetness to the dish.
  • Garlic– Also adds depth and lends a slight nuttiness when cooked.
  • Orzo– This pasta cooks quickly and adds bulk. If you don’t have access to orzo, substitute it with a quick-cooking pasta like ditalini or pearl couscous. You can also use rice, but you’ll have to adjust the cooking time so it has enough time to cook.
  • Vegetable Broth– You need a liquid to cook the orzo and this broth does the trick without overpowering the dish. You can substitute it with water or chicken broth.
  • Cream– Creates a velvety, creamy sauce.
  • Butter– Helps pull the sauce together.
  • Parmesan– Adds depth and a touch of saltiness to the sauce. It also helps give it texture.

What Can You Serve With Creamy Chicken And Orzo?

This creamy Chicken and Orzo Skillet pairs well with a fresh side salad or roasted veggies. Some great options include:

How To Store Leftovers

The orzo will absorb much of the creamy sauce it’s cooked in, but the leftovers are still tasty. Store in the fridge for 3 to 4 days in an airtight container. However, do this within two hours of cooking the dish. Chicken left at room temperature any longer than that can contain enough harmful bacteria to give you food poisoning. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 2 months in an airtight container. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on a stovetop or in the microwave until the chicken is steaming.

Close up shot of Creamy Chicken And Orzo.
Print

Creamy Chicken And Orzo Skillet

When you think you don't have time to cook, try this easy, buttery, and super tasty Creamy Chicken and Orzo Skillet! Bonus: It cooks in onepan!
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Total Cost ($7.18 recipe / $1.80 serving)
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 779kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 tsp paprika $0.10
  • 1 tsp dried oregano $0.10
  • 1 tsp dried thyme $0.10
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder $0.05
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder $0.05
  • 1/2 tsp salt $0.02
  • 1/4 tsp pepper $0.02
  • 1.25 lbs boneless chicken thighs (4-5 thighs) $4.23
  • 2 Tbsp cooking oil $0.08
  • 1 yellow onion, diced $0.32
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced $0.11
  • 1 1/2 cups orzo $0.32
  • 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth $0.23
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream $0.71
  • 2 Tbsp salted butter $0.30
  • 1/4 cup parmesan $0.44

Instructions

  • Add the paprika, dried oregano, dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to a small bowl. Mix until combined.
  • Blot the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel, then season both sides liberally with the seasoning blend.
  • Heat a large deep skillet over medium and add the cooking oil. Add the seasoned chicken thighs and cook undisturbed until well browned, about 5 minutes. Flip and repeat on the other side. Remove the chicken from the pan.
  • Turn the heat down to low, and add the onion and garlic. Saute until the onions are translucent, about 3 minutes.
  • Add the orzo and chicken broth to the skillet and stir well to help dissolve the crispy browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Return the chicken to the pan and nestle it down into the orzo.
  • Place a lid on the skillet, turn the heat up to medium-high, and let the broth come to a full boil. Then turn the heat down to low. Let the skillet simmer for about 15 minutes or until most of the broth is absorbed.
  • After about 15 minutes, the orzo should be tender and most of the broth absorbed, but there will still be a little sauce in the skillet. Remove the chicken from the skillet.
  • Add the cream and the butter to the skillet. Stir and heat over low until the butter melts and the cream is hot.
  • Add the Parmesan and stir to combine.
  • Finally, return the chicken to the skillet. If desired, garnish with parsley.

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 779kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 50g | Sodium: 911mg | Fiber: 3g

How to Make Creamy Chicken And Orzo Skillet – Step by Step Photos

Add 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper to a small bowl. Mix until combined.

Blot the 1.25 pounds of chicken thighs dry with a paper towel, then season both sides liberally with the seasoning blend.

Heat a large deep skillet over medium. Once hot, add 2 tablespoons of cooking oil. Add the seasoned chicken thighs and cook undisturbed until well browned, about 5 minutes. Flip and repeat on the other side. Remove the chicken from the pan and place it on a clean plate. The chicken will finish cooking when simmered with the orzo.

Turn the heat down to low and add the diced onion and 2 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet. Saute until the onions are translucent, about 3 minutes.

Add the 1/2 cup orzo and the 1 1/2 cups of chicken broth to the skillet and stir well to help dissolve the crispy browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Then return the chicken to the pan and nestle it down into the orzo.

Place a lid on the skillet, turn the heat up to medium-high, and let the broth come to a full boil. Then turn the heat down to low. Let the skillet simmer for about 15 minutes or until most of the broth is absorbed. If at any point it stops simmering, increase the heat slightly until it starts to simmer again.

After about 15 minutes, the orzo should be tender and most of the broth absorbed, but there will still be a little sauce in the skillet. Remove the chicken from the skillet.

Then add the 1/2 cup of cream and the 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Stir and heat over low until the butter melts and the cream is hot.

Next, add the 1/4 cup parmesan and stir to combine.

Finally, return the chicken to the skillet. If you’d like, garnish with chopped Italian parsley and serve. Pair with a side salad or roasted veggies for an incredibly filling meal! Wasn’t that easy?

The post Creamy Chicken And Orzo Skillet appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Vegan Italian Sausage Crumbles (15 Minutes!)

A plant-based dish that’s full of protein, takes just 15 minutes, and is perfect for everything from breakfast burritos to pizza, tacos, and pasta?! Count us in. These easy vegan sausage crumbles combine protein-rich tempeh with classic Italian sausage…

Vegan Italian Sausage Crumbles (15 Minutes!)

A plant-based dish that’s full of protein, takes just 15 minutes, and is perfect for everything from breakfast burritos to pizza, tacos, and pasta?! Count us in. These easy vegan sausage crumbles combine protein-rich tempeh with classic Italian sausage spices like fennel and paprika for a flavorful addition to any meal.

Just 10 ingredients required, friends. Let’s get cooking!

The protein-packed base for these vegan sausage crumbles?

Vegan Italian Sausage Crumbles (15 Minutes!) from Minimalist Baker →

Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs (Mediterranean-Inspired)

These baked, Mediterranean-inspired chicken thighs are the BEST: smoky, satisfying, and SO quick and easy! Tender, crispy skin chicken is surrounded by roasted onions, olives, and (optional) dates. It’s the ultimate sweet and savory party and everyone’…

Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs (Mediterranean-Inspired)

These baked, Mediterranean-inspired chicken thighs are the BEST: smoky, satisfying, and SO quick and easy! Tender, crispy skin chicken is surrounded by roasted onions, olives, and (optional) dates. It’s the ultimate sweet and savory party and everyone’s invited! 

Just 10 ingredients and 30 minutes required, friends. Send that RSVP!

How to Make Crispy Mediterranean Baked Chicken Thighs

These Mediterranean-inspired chicken thighs begin with a FLAVOR-PACKED spice combo: cumin, coriander, cinnamon, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, and sea salt.

Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs (Mediterranean-Inspired) from Minimalist Baker →