My Favorite One Pot Meal

So, this is my first post on this new blog. I have had a surprising amount of requests to explain how I feed my family of four on a reasonable budget and how I make such amazing looking, and tasting, food. I figured I would start off with one of my best one pot meals. It is fast, easy, and cost effective. I use it as a catch-all for frozen and fresh veggies and whatever meat or beans I have on hand. We always have leftovers for my the hubby to take to school the next day which is way better than him eating out (I'm looking at you, Chipotle!). It isn't a very pretty meal, but it sure tastes delicious! Feel free to skip straight to the recipe at the bottom of the post. I won't judge you. I do that all the time! Here is how I made it today.

One Pot Rice Skillet

What's in it tonight?
1 small onion
1 lb ground beef
4 small carrots
leftover smoky black beans and corn
1 box of Beef Rice-a-Roni
2.5 cups water
a handful of frozen broccoli
a handful of frozen cauliflower

1 clove of garlic

First, brown your meat. 

Then you throw in your fresh veggies and let them cook for 3-5 minutes

Toss in your frozen veggies, if you are using them, the water, and the seasoning for the Rice-a-Roni. 

Bring it to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and stick a lid on it. Let it cook for 15-20 minutes. The veggies and rice should be cooked nicely and the liquid will be gone.

Ingredients

• 1 small onion
• 4 small carrots
• 1 clove of garlic, minced
• 1 lb ground beef (you can easily sub chicken, pork, sausage, beans, mushrooms, etc)
• 1 cup frozen veggies (use whatever your family will eat, we like cauliflower and broccoli)
• 1 box Rice-a-Roni (I usually buy store brand or make my own)
• 2.5 cups water
• Optional toppings: fresh herbs, cheese, fried egg, hot sauce, or whatever you like

How to cook it

1. Brown the meat over medium high heat
2. Add the onions, garlic, and carrots and cook for 3-5 minutes
3. Pour in the water and add the frozen veggies and the seasoning packet if you are using a boxed mix.
4. Bring the liquid to a boil
5. Reduce to a simmer and cover the pan
6. Cook for 15-20 minutes until rice and veggies are cooked through
7. Eat the delicious, filling goodness!