Emmaria Approved, Won't Break Your Wallet: Budget Meals for the Whole Family
At Emmaria's Closet, we believe that taking care of your family shouldn't mean emptying your wallet. That's why Lindsay & Monica are sharing simple, delicious meals that kids love and budgets can handle. Because every family deserves a full belly and a little peace of mind. 💕
Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 2 to 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, chopped into pieces
- Baby carrots or 2 large carrots, cut into pieces
- Yellow onion
- Any canned beans (kidney beans, black beans, or chickpeas)
- Canned corn
- Cauliflower (chop it really small — kids think it's chicken! 😄)
- Tomatoes
- Bell peppers
- Peas or any other veggies you love
- Penne pasta (or your favorite)
- Olive oil
- Red wine vinegar (or Nakano Rice Vinegar for a sweeter touch)
- Salt, pepper, and your favorite seasonings (Lindsay loves Kinder's Garlic Butter!)
Instructions
- In a skillet (cast iron preferred), heat oil over medium heat. Add chicken, season however you like, and cook through. Remove and set aside in a bowl.
- Add a little more oil to the skillet. Cook the veggies until soft, seasoning with salt, pepper, and any other spices you enjoy. Add tomatoes cold. Remove and add to the chicken bowl.
- Place the bowl in the fridge to chill while you cook the pasta.
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and add to the chilled chicken and veggie bowl. Mix well.
- In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ to ½ cup olive oil and red wine vinegar. Season to taste — salt, pepper, Kinder's Garlic Butter, and Nakano Rice Vinegar if you want it a little sweeter.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta bowl and mix well. Taste and adjust as needed.
- Serve fresh or store leftovers — this makes a big batch! 🍝
🍲 Hamburger Soup in Homemade Bread Bowls
The soup makes a big batch, so make more bread bowls for bigger families
Soup Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 2 bell peppers, chopped
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- Baby carrots
- 1 (28oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (14oz) can peas or frozen peas
- 3-4 med/large red potatoes (or any you like), chopped
- 4 cups beef broth (more if needed)
- Pasta noodles (Penne is Lindsay's fav! 😄)
- Salt, pepper & your favorite seasonings
Instructions:
- Cook ground meat in a cast iron skillet or pan and season to taste
- Cook veggies in oil until soft — add butter for extra flavor, plus salt & pepper
- Add all ingredients including pasta to a Dutch oven or big pot
- Bring to a boil, then lower to a simmer — the longer the better, at least until potatoes and pasta are cooked!
🍞 Homemade Bread Bowls:
- 1½ cups warm water
- 2 tbsp yeast + 2 tbsp sugar — whisk and let sit 5 mins
- 1 tsp salt + 2 tbsp oil
- Gradually add 3½ cups flour (add ½ cup extra if still sticky)
- Grease bowl, let dough rest and double in size
- Divide into 4 balls, place on parchment-lined cookie sheet
- Rest 30 mins, preheat oven to 400°F
- Score tops, brush with egg wash
- Bake 15 mins at 400°F, let cool, cut out a lid and enjoy! 🍞