Simple Meatless Rice Recipes Your Family Will Love (MM#20)
More and more families are trying out meatless meals as a way to save money on groceries. Some make it fun with a weekly “Meatless Monday,” while others are stretching their budget by adding two or three meat-free nights into their routine.
To make it easy, I put together three delicious rice-based dinners that you can cook all in the same week or spread out whenever you need a budget break.
Even better, all three meals together came to just $26.67 for 15 items at Walmart, keeping this mini meal plan well under $30!
Grocery List Needed for the Mini Menu
If you want to see the full shopping list on Walmart in your area, all you have to do is click my Walmart Grocery list and change the zip code to your area. *This is an affiliate link, and I do make a small commission on any purchases, but at no additional cost to you!*
**** Please note, that every once in a while, an item that I pick turns out to be regional. This means that it may be a much higher price in some areas. Always double check the list and if you see an item that is much higher than normal, just adjust as needed.
Mushroom & Spinach Rice Risotto (Shortcut)
This creamy risotto-style dish comes together with pantry basics, mushrooms, and spinach for a cozy dinner that feels fancy without the price tag. You can swap spinach for kale, peas, or even frozen mixed veggies to keep it flexible.
Rice & Eggplant Parmesan Bake
Layers of roasted eggplant, rice, marinara, and melted cheese make this hearty bake a budget-friendly twist on the Italian classic. Zucchini, yellow squash, or even frozen eggplant cutlets can be used if fresh eggplant isn’t available.
Stuffed Bell Peppers with Rice & Beans
Crisp bell peppers are filled with rice, beans, corn, and salsa, then topped with cheese for a colorful, protein-packed dinner. You can swap black beans for kidney beans or chickpeas, and use any type of shredded cheese you already have.
Possible Variations
While we rarely do meatless meals on purpose in my house, I know this becoming a much asked for menu option. If you are not going meatless, you can easily add meats to these dishes.
The Risotto style rice would be great with chicken or pork. The Eggplant Bake and Stuffed Peppers would work well with any ground meat like beef, pork, or turkey.
Just remember, you are only limited by your imagination!
Free Printable Grocery List & Recipes
Here is a 1-page cheat sheet that includes the grocery list as well as all the recipes you need to make this budget mini menu work!
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