During busy weeknights, one-skillet meals become our dinner saviors. This family-friendly, quick recipe is one of our go-to when we need a satisfying dinner on the table in under an hour. Featuring ground beef, flavorful rice, hearty beans, and lots of cheese, this Mexican beef and rice skillet all comes together in just 30 minutes with minimal prep. It’s a total weeknight dinner win—we won’t blame you if it becomes a staple on your weeknight rotation. Tip: We cook rice at least twice a week, so I always fill the rice cooker and freeze the extra.
Category: Recipes
Discover budget-friendly recipes from The Frugal Ones. Enjoy personal stories, helpful tips, and expert advice for simple, healthy meals that really work.
How to Make Tender Crockpot Steak for First-Time Cooks
Rich with tangy notes and draped in silky gravy, this crockpot steak turns modest round cuts into slow-simmered comfort—fork-tender bites that melt alongside dreamy mashed potatoes. Even if it’s your first try, that pillow-soft texture and robust flavor will make you look like a pro, no steakhouse secrets required. Ready to make tender crockpot steak?
The Best Money-Saving Chili Recipe Using Your Slow Cooker
Chili powder and Rotel tomatoes add most of the flavor here, doing what decades of chili recipes get right: building comfort with heat and tang. Slow-cooked dry beans pick up beefy richness and, when you toss in a few fresh tomatoes at the end, you get a bright lift that keeps things fresh and balanced. Ready to try this money-saving chili recipe with dried beans?
How to Make Authentic Shrimp Creole at Home [Step-by-Step]
This Shrimp Creole recipe nails that spicy-sweet balance with plump shrimp tucked into a rich tomato sauce, and every bite feels like a warm hug (honestly, you’ll want another helping). The best part is how fast it comes together, delivering bold flavors and real comfort without a lot of fuss.
How to Make Authentic Red Beans and Rice [Step-by-Step]
This authentic Cajun red beans and rice recipe packs rich Louisiana flavor into every bite, using dried red beans, smoky sausage, and simple pantry spices (soak or no-soak both work here). I’ll walk you through creamy results from scratch, with advice on seasoning, cook time, and the best ways to store leftovers—just like locals do it.
How to Make Southern Apple Tuna Salad [Step-By-Step Guide]
The sweet crunch of apples mixed with tangy relish gives this southern apple tuna salad sandwich a lively bite that feels light yet satisfying. I love it on toasted sourdough — the flavors pop and the texture stays fresh (honestly, it’s hard not to go back for seconds).
How to Make Flavorful Crock Pot Cashew Chicken at Home
Sweet and salty, this crock pot cashew chicken makes dinner both simple and satisfying, with a glossy sauce that clings to every tender bite and a hefty sprinkle of roasted nuts for crunch (I find the leftover sauce is perfect for spooning over rice). The best part—it all comes together in less than ten minutes of hands-on prep, so even on busy nights you can still have something that tastes like real takeout.
How to Make Slow Cooker Mexican Shredded Chicken [Step-by-Step Guide]
Slow Cooker Mexican Shredded Chicken bursts with bold spices, tender texture and a whisper of heat—think juicy pulled chicken ready to star in crisp salads, loaded burritos, cheesy quesadillas or quick weeknight tacos. This recipe is all about low effort, high flavor, and endless style possibilities—just like finding a classic trench you can wear three ways.
How to Make Slow-Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken That’s Always Tender
This creamy slow-cooker lemon herb chicken is soft, fragrant, and deeply satisfying, with chicken breast that gives in at the touch of a fork. Lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs fill the rich sauce with brightness, while a final pour of cream smooths every bite into pure comfort.
How to Make Crock Pot Crack Chicken [Easy Step-by-Step Guide]
Crock Pot Crack chicken gives you a creamy, cheesy mix of tender chicken and rich flavors that tends to wow even picky eaters. It’s a popular weeknight pick at my place (seriously, you’ll want seconds), and I’ve found it pairs just as well with rice or slider buns for easy leftovers.