I have the perfectly easy recipe, if you are looking for options of how to repurpose brown rice! Brown rice. It's my preferred rice. We have white rice on occasion, usually when I'm running behind and forget to start the brown rice in time to cook (it takes at least 45 minutes to cook.) But I have found that I only like brown rice "fresh." Therefore, I typically … [Read more...]
Spicy Bean and Cheese Tacos
2 words. Taco Cabana. I sorta had a little Taco Cabana addiction when I was in high school. At lunch, we would race to see who could get off campus and down Nacogdoches to the closest T.C. and get their chips and queso order in first! First to the table won!!! Bean and Cheese Tacos were always a fave then too. Today, I prefer them a bit spicier. These will kick up the … [Read more...]
Three Bean Crispy Tacos
We've talked about adding beans to taco meat to stretch the protein out a little further. But now, it's time to take it even further. To "three bean" tacos. So my idea for "three bean tacos" turned into a "two bean" taco! If you look close enough, you'll notice that there are only 2 beans in these tacos. Only the black beans and pinto beans made the cut. I … [Read more...]
Chana Masala
Chana Masala is popular Indian vegetable dish, with a distinct sweet and sour flavor. Lisa tweaked a few recipes and came up with this one that she loves and wanted to share with us tonight! I liked the flavor as it was, but Steve thought it needed a little more heat. So he found the Tabasco sauce to give it a little extra umph! I'm pretty sure you won't find Tabasco … [Read more...]
Salsa, Black Bean and Beef Skillet Dinner
This totally qualifies as a Pantry Staples meal. Beef + Black Beans + Salsa + Rice = simple, crazy cheap, yet delicious meal. Hope you enjoy this super simple 'pantry staples' dinner that you might even be able to make tonight...without having to run to the store! Salsa, Black Bean and Beef Skillet Dinner The perfect "straight from the pantry" dinner! … [Read more...]
Stretching the Protein in your Dinner – Beef and Bean Tacos
This recipe is featured in our 20 Meals from Costco for $150 Meal Plan #1. Stretching those proteins! It's KEY! Proteins can be very expensive. So stretching them can help bring down the overall cost of your meal...and ultimately your grocery bill! (If you haven't checked out my How to Spot a Great Price on Meats, now would be a great time to do that!) What I love … [Read more...]
Black Bean Fajitas
My camera battery is still dead. ***Note to self: Make this quick, and go find that charger. We all really enjoyed this. Even the boys, who mentioned...several times...that their lips were on fire. {Forgive the iPhone photos} Black Bean Fajitas Fast and easy weeknight dinner! Kid approved! 4 cups cooked black beans 1 can Rotel diced tomatoes and green … [Read more...]
Rotel Beans and Rice
Impress. Impress. Is that what you think of when you think of a potluck dinner? That you have to impress everyone there with your creative meal or dish...made with the finest ingredients! Will they like it? Will everyone eat it? Will the dish be empty by the time the dinner is over? What if no one eats it and people figure out that it was me who made it? Been there. … [Read more...]
Ranchero Black and Pinto Beans
At this point, we're just throwing things together...a little of this from the freezer with a little of that from the pantry! But I must say...this is a WINNER!!! (You know it's a winner when you arrive at the dinner table half full because you've been sneaking bites from the skillet!) Video Disclaimers Please excuse the t-shirt and sweatpants (just keepin' it … [Read more...]
Black Bean Soup
We had the pleasure of eating at Panera a few times in December and through the holidays with family and friends. I kept ordering their Black Bean Soup. Perhaps because it warmed my tummy. Perhaps because it went great with a salad. But something was amiss. I loved the consistency, the warmth, but it lacked ZEST. I *big puffy heart* Panera. I do. But I prefer a … [Read more...]