Budget-Friendly One Pot Meals_ Delicious Recipes Using Cheap Cuts of Meat
One pot meals are the perfect solution for busy families on a budget. Not only are they easy to prepare, but they also use cheap cuts of meat that are delicious and nutritious. In this blog post, we will share some of our favorite one pot meal recipes that will help you save time and money!
One pot recipes
Casserole
A hearty casserole or stew is the perfect autumn/winter food. You can add just about any meat you like, as long as it’s great for slow cooking. This could be chicken thighs, beef shin or braising steak.
Ingredients
- 500g-1kg of your chosen meat
- 1 large onion
- 2 carrots
- 2 bay leaves/bouquet garni
- 2 tbsp tomato puree
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce/Hendersons relish
- 2 stock cubes (whichever you prefer with your chosen meat)
- Gravy granules to thicken
Add all your ingredients to a pan, except the gravy granules. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the meat is tender and the vegetables are cooked. Serve with mashed potato and even more vegetables if you enjoy them.
Tip: You can swap out any vegetables or add more if you wish to bulk out your casserole.
Pulled Pork
Pulled pork is great for feeding the whole family and even a few friends!! Its super tasty and easy to cook.
Ingredients
- Boneless shoulder of pork
- 500ml Cider
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2tsp cumin
- 2 tsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
Mix your dry ingredients and rub all over your pork joint. Place your joint into your slow cooker and cover with the cider. Cook on low until the meat is tender and pulls apart easily with 2 forks. If your liquid is drying up you can add some more cider, water or stock.
You can mix the meat back in with the juices when pulled or reduce them down into a thicker sauce. Serve with bread buns, coleslaw and a smokey bbq sauce.
Slow cooker coq au vin
A delicious meal that doesn’t cost a lot.
Ingredients
- 4-6 skinless & boneless chicken thighs
- 300g shallots or 1 large onion
- 2 celery sticks
- 100g smoked bacon, cut into chunks (you can fry these prior to adding if you wish)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp dried thyme (1 sprig of fresh if you prefer)
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp tomato puree
- 300ml red wine
- 100 ml chicken stock
- 200g button mushrooms
- 1 tbsp cornflour
Add all your ingredients, except for the cornflour, to the slow cooker and cook low for 6 hours or until your chicken is nice and tender. Once everything is cooked, add your cornflour and stir to thicken your sauce.
Tip: You can fry your bacon and your chicken before cooking to enhance the flavour. But if you are looking for a one pot wonder, then this will do it for you.