Good food for you, your pocketbook

A recent Nielsen study found 93 percent of shoppers are worried about rising food prices. Here’s the good news: a little creativity and a few fresh ideas can make family favorites nutritious and delicious without breaking the bank or sacrificing quality.

“With some super-simple recipes that use just a few ingredients paired with America’s favorite pantry staples, it can be easy to prepare a dinner for four for less than $3 a serving*,” said Lauren Dellabella, Co-Manager, The Unilever Consumer Kitchens.

Cheeseburger Pasta ‘n Vegetables Dinner

For a new twist on two family favorites — macaroni and cheese and hamburgers — try Cheeseburger Pasta ‘n Vegetables Dinner. It’s a great side dish or you can easily add your favorite protein for a great casserole or easy one-pot dinner — in only 20 minutes! It’s also a great and easy way to add veggies into your kids’ meals.

4 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

1 pound ground beef

1 small onion, chopped

1 small tomato, chopped

1  3/4 cups water

1/2 cup milk

1 tablespoon butter/butter spread

1 package Knorr Sides Plus Veggies

— Cheddar Cheese Pasta with

Broccoli & Carrots

Brown ground beef with onion in 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat; drain. Remove ground beef and set aside.

Bring tomato, water, milk and spread to a boil over high heat in same skillet. Stir in Knorr Sides Plus Veggies and continue boiling over medium heat, stirring occasionally, 9 minutes or until pasta is tender. Stir in ground beef mixture; heat through.

Onion-Roasted Potatoes

Potatoes are a great, hearty staple for any meal. Instead of greasy french fries, moms can jazz up this popular side with a better-for-you recipe, such as Onion-Roasted Potatoes, that impresses every palate from the kids to the dinner guests.

4 servings

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

1 envelope onion soup mix

4 medium all-purpose potatoes,

cut into large chunks

(about 2 pounds)

1/3 cup vegetable oil

Preheat oven to 425°F. Combine all ingredients in 13 x 9-inch baking or roasting pan.

Bake, stirring occasionally, 35 minutes or until potatoes are tender and golden brown.

Variations: Try substituting 2 sweet potatoes for 2 all-purpose potatoes. Or stir in 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder and soy sauce.

1-2-3 Chicken Cacciatore

It is easy to spice up chicken by simply adding pasta sauce. This chicken cacciatore recipe also packs a nutrition punch as a half cup of the pasta sauce provides a full serving of vegetables. Not only is it good for your kids (and you, too), but at less than $2 per serving* — it’s easy on the pocketbook.

6 servings

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 pounds chicken legs and

thighs

1 jar (1 pound 10 ounces) pasta sauce (chunky if available)

Heat oil in 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat and brown chicken. Stir in pasta sauce. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer covered 45 minutes or until chicken is thoroughly cooked.

*Based on average retail prices at national supermarkets.

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