Complete Dollar General Extreme Budget Meal Plan: Eat For $30 Per Week
Slow-Cook Dried Beans
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried beans (any type – I used pinto)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, halved
- 1.5 tablespoons Land herb & garlic blend
- 1 bay leaf
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 4 cups water
- sea salt & pepper to taste
Garnish/Finishers
- 2 teaspoons Citrus Pepper blend (to brighten)
Steps
Step 1
Rinse beans and soak overnight in water.
Alternatively, do a quick soak. Boil 2 minutes, let sit 1 hour in the pot. Works PERFECTLY!
Step 2
Drain soaked beans and set aside.
Place a pot on medium heat. Once hot, add olive oil and cook the onions until they have browned and turn semi-translucent. Add the beans and the spices and cook everything together for 1 – 2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 3
Cover with water or broth (about 2 inches above beans), then bring to a boil. Add bay leaf.
Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 1.5-2 hours until beans are tender.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Pro-tip: I like my beans extra creamy, so you can either cook them longer until they break down further, OR use an immersion blender to do a quick pulse blend which will help thicken the beans. Alternatively, you can use arrowroot or cornstarch.
White Rice (Bloomed in Herbs and Garlic)
Ingredients
- 2 cups white or brown rice (dry)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Land herb & garlic seasoning
- 4 cups water (or half broth, half water)
- generous pinch of salt
Garnish/Finishers
- fresh finely chopped herbs (if desired)
Steps
Step 1
Rinse rice under cold water until water runs clear. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Step 2
Add rinsed rice and toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently (this is called blooming).
Add Land herb & garlic seasoning while toasting.
Add 4 cups water and bring to boil.
Step 3
Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, until the water is absorbed.
Fluff with a fork and cool.
Seasoned Tomato Base
Ingredients
- 4 cans diced tomatoes (14.5 oz each)
- 1.5 tablespoons Land herb & garlic seasoning
- sea salt & pepper to taste
- OPTIONAL – 1 can of green chilies
Steps
Step 1
Pour all 4 cans of diced tomatoes (with juice) into a large pot. Add spices and stir well to combine.
Bring to simmer over medium heat.
Simmer for 10-15 minutes until much of the liquid has evaporated, stirring occasionally.
Step 2
Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
Pro-tip: to add extra flavor, I added the green chilies to these – amazing flavor!
Seasoned Frozen Veggies
Ingredients
- 4 cups (about 2 lbs) frozen mixed vegetables
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or use spray to reduce fat if desired)
- 1.5 tablespoons Land herb & garlic seasoning
- 2 teaspoons Taco Titan blend
- 1 teaspoon cracked pepper
- season to taste with salt
Steps
Step 1
Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add frozen mixed vegetables directly from freezer. As they sizzle, add the seasoning.
Step 2
Stir frequently for 8-10 minutes until cooked through.
Pasta (any type)
Ingredients
- 1 lb pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your choice)
- water for boiling (as per instructions on the box)
- pinches of sea salt to flavor water
- OPTIONAL – 1 tablespoon olive oil (to prevent sticking)
Steps
Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and stir immediately.
Cook according to package directions (usually 8-12 minutes) until al dente.
Step 2
Drain pasta in a colander.
*Optional: Toss with olive oil to prevent sticking. Cool slightly and divide into containers.