Rainy days do hit differently when it comes to dinner. There’s something special about the mood that comes with gray skies and the pitter-patter of raindrops.
I get it, rainy days can bring on all sorts of feelings and cravings. Sometimes you want something cheesy and gooey, other times you’re in the mood for a steaming bowl of soup. That’s why I’ve put together this awesome collection of 25 cozy rainy-day dinner recipes.
1. Classic Beef Stew
Ingredients (with estimated costs):
- Beef chuck, cut into cubes (2 lbs) – $12
- Potatoes, peeled and chopped (3 medium) – $2
- Carrots, sliced (3 large) – $1
- Onion, diced (1 large) – $0.50
- Celery, sliced (2 stalks) – $0.50
- Garlic, minced (3 cloves) – $0.25
- Beef broth (4 cups) – $3
- Tomato paste (2 tbsp) – $0.50
- Flour (1/4 cup) – $0.25
- Vegetable oil (2 tbsp) – $0.25
- Bay leaves (2) – $0.10
- Thyme (1 tsp) – $0.10
- Salt and pepper to taste – $0.10
Step-by-step Instructions
Cook time: about 2.5 hours
- First things first, grab a large pot and heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. We’re talking hot but not smoking, you feel me?
- While that’s heating up, toss your beef cubes in some flour. Just enough to coat ’em, not like you’re breading chicken nuggets or anything.
- Once the oil’s hot, throw in those floured beef cubes. You wanna brown them on all sides. It’ll take like 5-7 minutes. Don’t crowd the pot, girl! Do it in batches if necessary.
- Take the beef out and set it aside. Now, lower the heat to medium and toss in those diced onions. Let them get all soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for another minute. It’ll smell amazing, trust.
- Now, put the beef back in the pot along with any juices that collected on the plate. Pour in that beef broth and add the tomato paste. Stir it all up.
- Toss in those bay leaves and thyme, then bring it all to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, turn the heat down low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for like an hour and a half.
- After that time’s up, add your potatoes, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cover it back up and let it cook for another 30-40 minutes, or until the veggies are tender.
- Give it a taste and add salt and pepper as needed. If you want it thicker, you can mix a little flour with cold water and stir it in.
- And that’s it! Serve it up in big bowls and get ready for the ultimate comfort food experience.
2. Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Ingredients (with estimated costs):
- Canned whole tomatoes (28 oz) – $2
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup) – $1
- Onion, diced (1 medium) – $0.50
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves) – $0.20
- Butter (2 tbsp) – $0.50
- Chicken broth (2 cups) – $1
- Sugar (1 tsp) – $0.05
- Bread (8 slices) – $2
- cheese (8 oz) – $3
- Salt and pepper to taste – $0.10
Step-by-step Instructions
Cook time: about 40 minutes
- Melt some butter in a pot and sauté those onions until they’re soft and translucent.
- Toss in the garlic and cook for another minute. The smell will be insane!
- Pour in the tomatoes with their juice, add the broth, and bring it to a simmer.
- Let it cook for like 15 minutes, then blend it up until it’s smooth AF.
- Stir in the cream and sugar, then season with salt and pepper.
- For the grilled cheese, butter one side of each bread slice.
- Place cheese between two slices (butter side out) and grill until golden and melty.
- Serve the soup hot with the grilled cheese on the side for dipping.
- Prepare for a flavor explosion in your mouth!
3. Chicken Pot Pie
Ingredients (with estimated costs):
- Chicken breast, diced (2 cups) – $5
- Frozen mixed vegetables (2 cups) – $2
- Cream of chicken soup (1 can) – $1.50
- Milk (1/2 cup) – $0.50
- Onion, diced (1/2 cup) – $0.30
- Butter (1/4 cup) – $0.75
- Flour (1/3 cup) – $0.20
- Refrigerated pie crusts (2) – $3
- Salt and pepper to taste – $0.10
Step-by-step Instructions
Cook time: about 1 hour
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). We’re getting toasty!
- Cook the chicken in a pan until it’s no longer pink. Set it aside.
- In the same pan, melt the butter and cook the onions until soft.
- Stir in the flour to make a roux, then slowly add milk and soup.
- Toss in the chicken and veggies, and let it simmer until thick.
- Line a pie dish with one crust, pour in the filling, and top with the other crust.
- Cut some cute little slits in the top crust to let steam escape.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
4. Lasagna
Ingredients (with estimated costs):
- Lasagna noodles (1 box) – $2
- Ground beef (1 lb) – $5
- Ricotta cheese (15 oz) – $3
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded (2 cups) – $3
- Parmesan cheese, grated (1/2 cup) – $2
- Marinara sauce (24 oz) – $2
- Egg (1) – $0.20
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves) – $0.20
- Italian seasoning (1 tbsp) – $0.15
- Salt and pepper to taste – $0.10
Step-by-step Instructions
Cook time: about 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Cook those noodles according to the package. Don’t overcook ’em!
- Brown the beef in a pan, drain the fat, then mix in the marinara sauce.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, half the mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and seasonings.
- Layer in a baking dish: sauce, noodles, ricotta mix. Repeat until you run out.
- Top with remaining sauce and mozzarella. It should look Instagram-worthy!
- Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes.
- Uncover and bake for another 25 minutes until it’s all bubbly and golden.
- Let it rest for 15 minutes before cutting. I know it’s hard, but it’s worth it!
5. Shepherd’s Pie
Ingredients (with estimated costs):
- Ground lamb (1 lb) – $8 (or use beef for $5)
- Potatoes (2 lbs) – $2
- Carrots, diced (1 cup) – $0.75
- Peas (1 cup) – $1
- Onion, diced (1) – $0.50
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves) – $0.20
- Tomato paste (2 tbsp) – $0.30
- Beef broth (1 cup) – $0.75
- Butter (1/4 cup) – $0.75
- Milk (1/4 cup) – $0.25
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tbsp) – $0.15
- Rosemary and thyme (1 tsp each) – $0.20
- Salt and pepper to taste – $0.10
Step-by-step Instructions
Cook time: about 1 hour
- Boil those potatoes until they’re super soft, then mash ’em with butter and milk.
- While that’s happening, brown the meat in a pan and drain any excess fat.
- Add onions, carrots, and garlic to the meat. Cook until the veggies are soft.
- Stir in tomato paste, broth, Worcestershire, and herbs. Let it simmer and thicken.
- Mix in the peas and season everything to taste.
- Pour the meat mixture into a baking dish and top with the mashed potatoes.
- Use a fork to make some cute little peaks in the potatoes.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 25 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
- Let it cool for a few minutes, then dig in and experience pure comfort!
6. Mac and Cheese
Ingredients (with estimated costs):
- Elbow macaroni (1 lb) – $1.50
- Cheddar cheese, shredded (3 cups) – $4
- Milk (2 cups) – $1
- Butter (1/4 cup) – $0.75
- Flour (1/4 cup) – $0.15
- Mustard powder (1 tsp) – $0.10
- Paprika (1/2 tsp) – $0.05
- Salt and pepper to taste – $0.10
Step-by-step Instructions
Cook time: about 30 minutes
- Cook the pasta until it’s al dente. You want it with a little bite, not mushy!
- In a saucepan, melt the butter and whisk in the flour to make a roux.
- Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
- Add mustard powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Keep whisking!
- Once it’s thick, remove from heat and stir in most of the cheese.
- Mix in the cooked pasta, pour into a baking dish, and top with remaining cheese.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes until it’s bubbly and golden.
- Let it cool for a few minutes, then dive in and experience cheesy nirvana!
7. Slow Cooker Chili
Ingredients (with estimated costs):
- Ground beef (2 lbs) – $10
- Canned kidney beans (2 cans) – $2
- Canned diced tomatoes (2 cans) – $2
- Onion, diced (1 large) – $0.50
- Bell pepper, diced (1) – $1
- Garlic, minced (3 cloves) – $0.30
- Chili powder (2 tbsp) – $0.30
- Cumin (1 tbsp) – $0.20
- Beef broth (1 cup) – $0.75
- Salt and pepper to taste – $0.10
Step-by-step Instructions
Cook time: 6-8 hours on low, 3-4 hours on high
- Brown the beef in a pan and drain the excess fat.
- Toss everything into the slow cooker. Yes, it’s that easy!
- Give it a good stir to mix all those yummy flavors.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Stir occasionally if you’re around, but no stress if you’re not.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot with your fave toppings like cheese, sour cream, or avocado.
8. French Onion Soup
Ingredients (with estimated costs):
- Onions, thinly sliced (4 large) – $2
- Beef broth (6 cups) – $4
- Butter (1/4 cup) – $0.75
- Flour (2 tbsp) – $0.10
- White wine (1/2 cup) – $1
- Baguette slices (6) – $1
- Gruyère cheese, shredded (1 cup) – $3
- Thyme (1 tsp) – $0.10
- Bay leaf (1) – $0.05
- Salt and pepper to taste – $0.10
Step-by-step Instructions
Cook time: about 1.5 hours
- Melt the butter in a pot and add the sliced onions. Cook them low and slow until they’re caramelized and golden brown. This takes patience, girl!
- Sprinkle in the flour and cook for a minute.
- Pour in the wine and let it bubble away for a few minutes.
- Add the broth, thyme, and bay leaf. Let it simmer for about 30 minutes.
- Toast those baguette slices until they’re nice and crispy.
- Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls, top with a baguette slice and plenty of cheese.
- Broil until the cheese is melty and bubbly.
- Careful, it’s hot! Let it cool a bit before you dive in.
9. Beef Stroganoff
Ingredients (with estimated costs):
- Beef sirloin, sliced (1.5 lbs) – $12
- Mushrooms, sliced (8 oz) – $2
- Onion, diced (1) – $0.50
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves) – $0.20
- Sour cream (1 cup) – $1.50
- Beef broth (1 cup) – $0.75
- Egg noodles (12 oz) – $2
- Flour (2 tbsp) – $0.10
- Butter (2 tbsp) – $0.50
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tbsp) – $0.15
- Dijon mustard (1 tsp) – $0.10
- Salt and pepper to taste – $0.10
Step-by-step Instructions
Cook time: about 40 minutes
- Cook those egg noodles according to the package. Keep ’em al dente!
- While that’s happening, season the beef with salt and pepper, then brown it in a pan. Set it aside.
- In the same pan, sauté the onions and mushrooms until they’re golden and delicious.
- Add garlic and cook for another minute. The smell will be insane!
- Sprinkle in the flour and cook for a minute, then slowly stir in the broth.
- Add Worcestershire and mustard, then let it simmer until it thickens.
- Stir in the sour cream and beef. Heat it through but don’t let it boil.
- Serve over those egg noodles and prepare for a flavor explosion!
10. Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients (with estimated costs):
- Chicken breast (2) – $5
- Egg noodles (8 oz) – $1.50
- Carrots, sliced (2) – $0.50
- Celery, sliced (2 stalks) – $0.50
- Onion, diced (1) – $0.50
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves) – $0.20
- Chicken broth (8 cups) – $3
- Bay leaf (1) – $0.05
- Thyme (1 tsp) – $0.10
- Parsley, chopped (2 tbsp) – $0.25
- Salt and pepper to taste – $0.10
Step-by-step Instructions
Cook time: about 1 hour
- In a large pot, bring the broth to a boil and add the whole chicken breasts.
- Reduce heat and simmer until the chicken is cooked through, about 20 minutes.
- Take out the chicken, shred it with two forks, and set it aside.
- In the same pot, add carrots, celery, onion, garlic, bay leaf, and thyme.
- Simmer until the veggies are tender, about 15 minutes.
- Toss in those egg noodles and cook until they’re al dente.
- Add the shredded chicken back in and season with salt and pepper.
- Stir in the fresh parsley right before serving.
- Ladle into bowls and feel the comfort wash over you!
11. Baked Ziti
Ingredients (with estimated costs):
- Ziti pasta (1 lb) – $1.50
- Ground beef (1 lb) – $5
- Ricotta cheese (15 oz) – $3
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded (2 cups) – $3
- Marinara sauce (24 oz) – $2
- Onion, diced (1) – $0.50
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves) – $0.20
- Italian seasoning (1 tbsp) – $0.15
- Salt and pepper to taste – $0.10
Step-by-step Instructions
Cook time: about 1 hour
- Cook the ziti until it’s al dente. Don’t overcook, it’ll keep cooking in the oven!
- Brown the beef with onions and garlic, then mix in the marinara and seasonings.
- In a bowl, mix the ricotta with half the mozzarella.
- Layer in a baking dish: half the pasta, all the ricotta mix, half the meat sauce.
- Top with remaining pasta, meat sauce, and mozzarella.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 30 minutes until it’s bubbly and the cheese is melty.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. I know it’s hard, but it’s worth it!
12. Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients (with estimated costs):
- Ground beef (2 lbs) – $10
- Breadcrumbs (1 cup) – $0.50
- Egg (2) – $0.40
- Onion, finely chopped (1) – $0.50
- Milk (1/2 cup) – $0.25
- Ketchup (1/2 cup) – $0.50
- Potatoes (2 lbs) – $2
- Butter (1/4 cup) – $0.75
- Heavy cream (1/4 cup) – $0.50
- Garlic powder (1 tsp) – $0.10
- Salt and pepper to taste – $0.10
Step-by-step Instructions
Cook time: about 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Mix beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, milk, and seasonings in a bowl.
- Shape into a loaf in a baking dish and top with ketchup.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about an hour or until cooked through.
- While that’s happening, boil the potatoes until they’re super soft.
- Mash ’em up with butter, cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve slices of meatloaf alongside a big scoop of those creamy mashed potatoes.
13. Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Ingredients (with estimated costs):
- Broccoli florets (4 cups) – $2
- Cheddar cheese, shredded (2 cups) – $3
- Onion, diced (1) – $0.50
- Carrot, grated (1) – $0.25
- Chicken broth (3 cups) – $1.50
- Heavy cream (1 cup) – $2
- Butter (1/4 cup) – $0.75
- Flour (1/4 cup) – $0.15
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves) – $0.20
- Nutmeg (pinch) – $0.05
- Salt and pepper to taste – $0.10
Step-by-step Instructions
Cook time: about 40 minutes
- Melt butter in a pot and sauté onions and carrots until soft.
- Add garlic and cook for another minute. The smell will be amazing!
- Stir in the flour and cook for a couple of minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste.
- Slowly whisk in the broth and cream, then add broccoli and simmer until tender.
- Blend about half the soup (careful, it’s hot) and return it to the pot.
- Stir in the cheese until it’s all melty and delicious.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot and prepare for a flavor explosion in your mouth!
14. Pot Roast
Ingredients (with estimated costs):
- Chuck roast (3 lbs) – $15
- Potatoes, quartered (4 medium) – $2
- Carrots, chunked (4 large) – $1
- Onion, quartered (1 large) – $0.50
- Beef broth (2 cups) – $1.50
- Red wine (1 cup) – $2
- Garlic, minced (3 cloves) – $0.30
- Rosemary and thyme (1 sprig each) – $0.50
- Flour (2 tbsp) – $0.10
- Salt and pepper to taste – $0.10
Step-by-step Instructions
Cook time: about 3-4 hours
- Season the roast with salt and pepper, then brown it in a hot pan on all sides.
- Transfer to a slow cooker or Dutch oven and surround with veggies.
- Mix broth, wine, garlic, and herbs, then pour over the meat and veggies.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours in a slow cooker or 3-4 hours in the oven at 325°F (165°C).
- When the meat is fall-apart tender, take it out and let it rest.
- Strain the cooking liquid and thicken with a flour-water mixture for gravy.
- Slice the meat and serve with veggies and gravy. It’s comfort food heaven!
15. Stuffed Peppers
Ingredients (with estimated costs):
- Bell peppers (6 large) – $3
- Ground beef (1 lb) – $5
- Rice, cooked (1 cup) – $0.50
- Onion, diced (1) – $0.50
- Tomato sauce (15 oz can) – $1
- Cheddar cheese, shredded (1 cup) – $1.50
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves) – $0.20
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tbsp) – $0.15
- Italian seasoning (1 tsp) – $0.10
- Salt and pepper to taste – $0.10
Step-by-step Instructions
Cook time: about 1 hour
- Cut the tops off the peppers and remove the seeds. Blanch in boiling water for 5 minutes.
- Brown the beef with onions and garlic, then mix in rice, half the tomato sauce, and seasonings.
- Stuff the peppers with the meat mixture and stand them up in a baking dish.
- Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the peppers and top with cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35 minutes.
- Uncover and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
16. Minestrone Soup
Ingredients (with estimated costs):
- Mixed vegetables (2 cups) – $2
- Canned kidney beans (1 can) – $1
- Canned diced tomatoes (1 can) – $1
- Small pasta shells (1 cup) – $0.50
- Onion, diced (1) – $0.50
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves) – $0.20
- Vegetable broth (6 cups) – $2
- Spinach (2 cups) – $1
- Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup) – $1
- Olive oil (2 tbsp) – $0.30
- Italian seasoning (1 tbsp) – $0.15
- Salt and pepper to taste – $0.10
Step-by-step Instructions
Cook time: about 40 minutes
- Heat oil in a pot and sauté onions and garlic until soft.
- Add veggies, tomatoes, beans, broth, and seasonings. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes until veggies are tender.
- Toss in the pasta and cook until al dente.
- Stir in the spinach and let it wilt.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot with a sprinkle of Parmesan on top. It’s veggie heaven!
17. Chicken and Dumplings
The tender chicken and fluffy dumplings in creamy broth are pure Southern comfort.
Ingredients (with estimated costs):
- Chicken thighs (2 lbs) – $6
- Carrots, sliced (2) – $0.50
- Celery, sliced (2 stalks) – $0.50
- Onion, diced (1) – $0.50
- Chicken broth (6 cups) – $2
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup) – $1
- Flour (2 cups) – $0.50
- Baking powder (1 tbsp) – $0.10
- Milk (3/4 cup) – $0.50
- Butter (1/4 cup) – $0.75
- Thyme (1 tsp) – $0.10
- Salt and pepper to taste – $0.10
Step-by-step Instructions
Cook time: about 1 hour
- Cook chicken in broth with veggies and seasonings until tender.
- Remove chicken, shred it, then return it to the pot.
- Mix flour, baking powder, and salt for dumplings.
- Cut in butter, then stir in milk to make a sticky dough.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough into the simmering broth.
- Cover and cook for 15 minutes until dumplings are fluffy.
- Stir in the cream and heat through.
- Serve hot and prepare for ultimate comfort food bliss!
18. Beef and Vegetable Casserole
It’s hearty, it’s comforting, and it’s gonna make your kitchen smell amazing.
Ingredients (with estimated costs):
- Beef chuck, cubed (2 lbs) – $10
- Mixed vegetables (2 cups) – $2
- Potatoes, cubed (2 cups) – $1
- Onion, diced (1) – $0.50
- Beef broth (2 cups) – $1.50
- Tomato paste (2 tbsp) – $0.30
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tbsp) – $0.15
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves) – $0.20
- Flour (1/4 cup) – $0.15
- Olive oil (2 tbsp) – $0.30
- Rosemary and thyme (1 tsp each) – $0.20
- Salt and pepper to taste – $0.10
Step-by-step Instructions
Cook time: about 2 hours
- Brown the beef in oil, then set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté onions and garlic.
- Stir in flour, then slowly add broth, tomato paste, and Worcestershire.
- Add beef, veggies, potatoes, and herbs to a casserole dish.
- Pour the sauce over everything and mix well.
- Cover and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 1.5 hours until meat is tender.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. It’ll be piping hot!
19. Spaghetti and Meatballs
Ingredients (with estimated costs):
- Spaghetti (1 lb) – $1.50
- Ground beef (1 lb) – $5
- Breadcrumbs (1/2 cup) – $0.25
- Egg (1) – $0.20
- Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup) – $1
- Marinara sauce (24 oz) – $2
- Onion, finely chopped (1/2) – $0.25
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves) – $0.20
- Italian seasoning (1 tbsp) – $0.15
- Salt and pepper to taste – $0.10
Step-by-step Instructions
Cook time: about 40 minutes
- Mix beef, breadcrumbs, egg, cheese, and seasonings for meatballs.
- Form into balls and brown in a pan.
- Add marinara sauce to the pan and simmer the meatballs for 15-20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook spaghetti until al dente.
- Drain pasta and toss with a bit of the sauce.
- Serve spaghetti topped with meatballs and extra sauce.
- Sprinkle with more Parmesan and get ready for a flavor explosion
20. Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Ingredients (with estimated costs)
- Potatoes, peeled and cubed (4 large) – $2
- Bacon, diced (6 slices) – $2
- Cheddar cheese, shredded (1 cup) – $1.50
- Sour cream (1/2 cup) – $1
- Green onions, chopped (1/4 cup) – $0.50
- Chicken broth (4 cups) – $2
- Heavy cream (1 cup) – $2
- Butter (1/4 cup) – $0.75
- Flour (1/4 cup) – $0.15
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves) – $0.20
- Salt and pepper to taste – $0.10
Step-by-step Instructions
Cook time: about 45 minutes
- Cook bacon until crispy, then set aside.
- In the same pot, melt butter and sauté garlic.
- Stir in flour and cook for a minute.
- Slowly whisk in broth and cream, then add potatoes.
- Simmer until potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes.
- Mash some of the potatoes to thicken the soup.
- Stir in most of the cheese, sour cream, and half the bacon.
- Serve hot, topped with remaining bacon, cheese, and green onions.
21. Tuna Noodle Casserole
Ingredients (with estimated costs):
- Egg noodles (12 oz) – $2
- Canned tuna, drained (2 cans) – $2
- Frozen peas (1 cup) – $1
- Cream of mushroom soup (1 can) – $1.50
- Milk (1/2 cup) – $0.25
- Cheddar cheese, shredded (1 cup) – $1.50
- Potato chips, crushed (1 cup) – $1
- Onion, diced (1/2) – $0.25
- Salt and pepper to taste – $0.10
Step-by-step Instructions
Cook time: about 40 minutes
- Cook noodles until al dente, then drain.
- Mix soup, milk, tuna, peas, onion, and half the cheese in a bowl.
- Fold in the noodles and pour into a baking dish.
- Top with remaining cheese and crushed chips.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. It’ll be piping hot!
22. Vegetable Curry
Ingredients (with estimated costs):
- Mixed vegetables (4 cups) – $3
- Coconut milk (1 can) – $2
- Diced tomatoes (1 can) – $1
- Onion, diced (1) – $0.50
- Garlic, minced (3 cloves) – $0.30
- Ginger, grated (1 tbsp) – $0.20
- Curry powder (2 tbsp) – $0.50
- Garam masala (1 tsp) – $0.20
- Vegetable broth (1 cup) – $0.50
- Oil (2 tbsp) – $0.20
- Salt to taste – $0.05
Step-by-step Instructions
Cook time: about 40 minutes
- Heat oil and sauté onions, garlic, and ginger until fragrant.
- Add curry powder and garam masala, cook for a minute.
- Toss in vegetables and cook for 5 minutes.
- Add tomatoes, coconut milk, and broth. Simmer until veggies are tender.
- Season with salt to taste.
- Serve hot over rice or with naan bread.
23. Cornbread-Topped Chili
Ingredients (with estimated costs):
- Ground beef (1 lb) – $5
- Kidney beans (1 can) – $1
- Diced tomatoes (1 can) – $1
- Corn kernels (1 cup) – $1
- Onion, diced (1) – $0.50
- Bell pepper, diced (1) – $1
- Chili powder (2 tbsp) – $0.30
- Cornmeal (1 cup) – $0.50
- Flour (1 cup) – $0.25
- Milk (1 cup) – $0.50
- Egg (1) – $0.20
- Baking powder (1 tbsp) – $0.10
- Salt and pepper to taste – $0.10
Step-by-step Instructions
Cook time: about 1 hour
- Brown beef with onions and peppers in a skillet.
- Add beans, tomatoes, corn, and seasonings. Simmer for 20 minutes.
- Mix cornmeal, flour, milk, egg, and baking powder for cornbread topping.
- Pour chili into a baking dish and top with cornbread batter.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 25 minutes until cornbread is golden.
- Let it cool slightly before serving. It’ll be super hot!
24. Mushroom Risotto
Ingredients (with estimated costs):
- Arborio rice (1.5 cups) – $2
- Mushrooms, sliced (8 oz) – $2
- Onion, finely chopped (1) – $0.50
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves) – $0.20
- White wine (1/2 cup) – $1
- Chicken broth (6 cups) – $3
- Parmesan cheese, grated (1/2 cup) – $2
- Butter (2 tbsp) – $0.50
- Olive oil (2 tbsp) – $0.30
- Thyme (1 tsp) – $0.10
- Salt and pepper to taste – $0.10
Step-by-step Instructions
Cook time: about 40 minutes
- Sauté mushrooms in butter until golden, then set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté onions and garlic in oil.
- Add rice and cook until slightly toasted.
- Pour in wine and stir until absorbed.
- Add broth one ladleful at a time, stirring constantly.
- When rice is creamy and al dente, stir in mushrooms, Parmesan, and thyme.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot and prepare for creamy, mushroomy bliss!
25. Beef and Barley Soup
Ingredients (with estimated costs)
- Beef chuck, cubed (1 lb) – $5
- Pearl barley (1 cup) – $1
- Carrots, diced (2) – $0.50
- Celery, diced (2 stalks) – $0.50
- Onion, diced (1) – $0.50
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves) – $0.20
- Beef broth (8 cups) – $4
- Tomato paste (2 tbsp) – $0.30
- Bay leaf (1) – $0.05
- Thyme (1 tsp) – $0.10
- Oil (2 tbsp) – $0.20
- Salt and pepper to taste – $0.10
Step-by-step Instructions
Cook time: about 2 hours
- Brown beef in oil, then set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté onions, carrots, celery, and garlic.
- Add beef back in, along with broth, tomato paste, barley, and herbs.
- Bring to a boil, then simmer for about 1.5 hours until beef is tender.
- Remove bay leaf and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot and get ready to feel all warm and cozy inside!
Conclusion
Even if you’re feeling a bit down or just want to embrace the cozy vibes, these recipes have got you covered.
From classic comfort foods to some fun twists on old favorites, there’s something here for every rainy day mood.
