There is absolutely no need to increase your budget or take stress to feed a crowd. One-pot meals are a perfect option for a family gathering, a potluck of friends or for serving food to any group on a budget. These are the easiest and are also delicious and the highlight is that these can be done within the budget. You can make it by putting a few ingredients in just one pot, which will be cheaper for you and will also save time. Today we are going to share some simple and cheap one-pot meal ideas with you that you don’t have to worry about budget while feeding a crowd and you can try all this easily.
The recipes of these one-pot meals are customizable according to your or your guests’ taste and can be easily made by using leftover ingredients. Everyone likes such meals, be it chili or pasta or chicken. These meals will please your friends and family and at the same time they won’t cost you much either. Let’s learn about them.
1. One-Pot Chili: Hearty and Flavorful
Chili is a great one-pot meal for a large group that your friends and family can enjoy. It is very flavorful, and you can make it with many easily available ingredients like ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and spices. You can customize the recipe according to your taste, add ingredients as per your choice, and make it according to your taste.
Ingredients:
- Ground beef or turkey
- Canned beans (black beans, kidney beans, or pinto beans)
- Canned diced tomatoes
- Onion and garlic
- Chili powder, cumin, and paprika
- Broth or water
Instructions:
- Brown the ground meat in a large pot. Drain the excess fat.
- Add chopped onions and garlic, and sauté until softened.
- Stir in the canned tomatoes, beans, and seasonings.
- Add broth or water to achieve the desired consistency.
- Let the chili simmer for about 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Serve with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and cornbread on the side.
2. One-Pot Pasta Primavera: Fresh and Colorful
Pasta is considered a one-hit dish for gatherings, and a one-pot pasta primavera is quite colorful and nutritious, making it the perfect option for feeding a large group. This meal is loaded with fresh vegetables and simple pantry staples, and this dish is light on the wallet and full-on in flavor. You and your guests will enjoy it too.
Ingredients:
- Pasta (your choice : penne, spaghetti, or rotini)
- Mixed vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and spinach)
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Vegetable broth
- Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Now, add in the chopped vegetables and cook for about 5-7 minutes until they soften.
- Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.
- Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions, adding more broth or water as needed.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor (optional).
- Serve with a side of garlic bread for a complete meal.
3. One-Pot Chicken and Rice: Comfort Food Made Easy
Chicken and rice is one such dish that can easily be made in one pot for a large group. You can cook everything together, the flavors blend well, and the rice absorbs the savory goodness of the chicken, spices, and broth. This dish is filling, comforting, and super affordable. It is wonderful to eat and everyone loves it.
Ingredients:
- Chicken thighs or drumsticks (bone-in for a more budget-friendly option)
- Long-grain rice
- Onion and garlic
- Chicken broth
- Frozen peas and carrots
- Seasonings (paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper)
Instructions:
- Brown the chicken in a large pot and set it aside.
- In the same pot, sauté chopped onions and garlic until softened.
- Add the rice, chicken broth, and seasonings.
- Place the chicken back into the pot, skin side up.
- Cover and simmer for about 30-40 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
- Stir in frozen peas and carrots and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Serve hot, and enjoy the comforting, flavorful meal!
4. One-Pot Mexican Rice and Beans: A Flavorful Fiesta
If you want a vegetarian option in a one-pot meal that will appeal to the crowd and is also hearty and filling, Mexican rice and beans are a perfect choice. This dish is flavorful, packed with protein from the beans, and you can serve it as a main course or as a side dish.
Ingredients:
- Long-grain rice
- Canned black beans
- Diced tomatoes
- Onion, garlic, and bell peppers
- Taco seasoning (or a blend of cumin, chili powder, and paprika)
- Chicken or vegetable broth
Instructions:
- Sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers in a large pot until softened.
- Stir in rice, taco seasoning, and canned diced tomatoes.
- Add broth and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 20 minutes or until the rice is tender.
- Stir in the black beans and let them heat through.
- Serve with salsa, guacamole, and tortillas for a complete Mexican-inspired feast.
5. One-Pot Beef Stroganoff: Creamy Comfort
Beef stroganoff is a rich and creamy dish that is very easy to make in a pot. You can make it even more affordable by using less expensive cuts of beef, like ground beef or stew meat. This creamy sauce pairs perfectly with beef and is delicious when served over noodles or rice.
Ingredients:
- Ground beef or stew meat
- Onion and garlic
- Beef broth
- Egg noodles
- Sour cream
- Flour (for thickening)
- Worcestershire sauce
Instructions:
- Brown the beef in a large pot, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Add onions and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Stir in flour to create a roux, and cook for about 1 minute.
- Gradually add beef broth while stirring to prevent lumps.
- Bring to a simmer and add the egg noodles, cooking until they are tender.
- Stir in sour cream and Worcestershire sauce for a creamy finish.
- Serve the beef stroganoff with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and enjoy!
So these are some one-pot meals that are the solution to feeding a crowd without spending a lot. These are easy-to-make, budget-friendly recipes that prove that when you are cooking for a large group, you don’t have to sacrifice flavor or nutrition. Whether you are making chili, pasta, or a comforting chicken and rice dish, you will have enough food to serve everyone, and the costs will also be low. So next time, whenever you are hosting, try one of these cheap one-pot meals and see how happy your guests’ faces become and how much they enjoy these meals!
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You can customize your recipe as per your taste and with the ingredients available.
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