Welcome to our kitchen, where creativity meets budget-friendly deliciousness! we whipped up a comforting and affordable family favorite—our Cheddar Broccoli Sausage Skillet Meal. This hearty dish combines the rich flavors of cheddar broccoli pasta with savory beef smoked sausage, topped with a touch of extra broccoli and cheese. Paired perfectly with flaky crescent rolls, it’s a wholesome meal that won’t break the bank. Join us on this culinary journey as we explore the simple joys of cooking on a budget without compromising on taste. Let’s dig in and savor the warmth and flavor of this delightful creation!
How to Make Cheddar Broccoli Sausage Skillet
Ingredients:
- 2 packages Knorr’s cheddar broccoli (or similar)
- 1 package beef smoked sausage
- Additional broccoli and cheddar cheese
- 2 packages crescent rolls –
Instructions:
- Prepare Cheddar Broccoli Mix:
- Follow the instructions on the Knorr’s cheddar broccoli packages. Typically, you’ll mix the seasoning with water, milk, and butter and then add the pasta. Cook until the pasta is tender.
- Cook Beef Smoked Sausage:
- Slice the beef smoked sausage into bite-sized pieces.
- In a separate pan, cook the sliced sausage until browned and cooked through. This adds a savory and smoky flavor to the dish.
- Enhance the Dish:
- To make the meal heartier, add extra broccoli florets to the cheddar broccoli mix. This not only increases the vegetable content but also adds a nice crunch.
- Sprinkle additional cheddar cheese on top to enhance the cheesy goodness of the dish.
- Prepare Crescent Rolls:
- Preheat your oven and follow the instructions on the crescent roll packages to bake them to golden perfection. These will serve as a delicious and flaky side to complement the main dish.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Plate the cheddar broccoli sausage mixture alongside the warm crescent rolls.
- Your family can dig into a budget-friendly, flavorful, and satisfying meal!
This detailed breakdown ensures that each step is clear, making it easy for anyone to follow. Feel free to customize the recipe further based on your family’s preferences. Enjoy your tasty and affordable family dinner!
Here are some tips to consider when preparing your cheddar broccoli sausage skillet meal:
- Buy in Bulk: Purchase staple items, like pasta or rice, in bulk to save money in the long run. Look for deals and discounts at your local grocery store or warehouse club.
- Use Frozen Vegetables: Frozen vegetables are often more affordable than fresh ones and have a longer shelf life. They are also convenient to have on hand for quick and easy meal preparations.
- Explore Store Brands: Consider trying store brands or generic versions of certain ingredients. They are often less expensive than name brands and can be just as good in quality.
- Plan Ahead: Take advantage of sales and discounts by planning your meals for the week based on what’s on special at the grocery store. This can help you make the most of your budget.
- Utilize Leftovers: Be creative with leftovers. If you have extra cooked vegetables, meat, or grains from previous meals, incorporate them into new dishes to minimize waste and save money.
- DIY Seasoning: Create your own seasoning blends using basic spices rather than buying pre-packaged blends. This can save you money and allows you to customize the flavors to your liking.
- Buy Generic Staples: For items like flour, sugar, and other pantry staples, opt for generic or store-brand versions. The difference in quality is often minimal, but the savings can add up.
- Cook in Batches: Prepare larger quantities of meals and freeze individual portions for later. This can save time and money, as you can take advantage of bulk discounts when purchasing ingredients.
- Explore Affordable Proteins: Look for budget-friendly protein sources, such as beans, lentils, or less expensive cuts of meat. Sausages, like the beef smoked sausage in your recipe, can be a flavorful and economical choice.
- Meal Prep: Spend some time on meal prep during the week. Chop vegetables, marinate proteins, or cook grains in advance, making it easier and quicker to assemble meals on busy days.
Remember, cooking on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or quality. With a bit of planning and creativity, you can create delicious and satisfying meals for your family without breaking the bank. Enjoy your cooking!
How Long to Cook Cheddar Broccoli Sausage Skillet:
The cooking times for cheddar broccoli sausage skillet meal will depend on the specific instructions for each component. Here’s a general guideline based on common cooking methods:
- Cheddar Broccoli Mix:
- Follow the instructions on the Knorr’s cheddar broccoli packages. Cooking times for the pasta will usually be around 7-10 minutes, but refer to the package instructions for precise timing.
- Beef Smoked Sausage:
- Cooking times for sliced sausage can vary but are typically around 5-7 minutes over medium heat. Cook until the sausage pieces are browned and cooked through.
- Crescent Rolls:
- Preheat your oven according to the instructions on the crescent roll packages. Baking times are usually around 10-12 minutes, but check the specific package for accurate timing.
- Enhancing the Dish:
- When adding extra broccoli florets to the cheddar broccoli mix, cook them until they reach your desired tenderness. This might take an additional 3-5 minutes.
- Final Assembly:
- Once all components are ready, combine them in the skillet and heat over low to medium heat for a few minutes to ensure everything is heated through and flavors meld together.
Always check the package instructions for the specific products you’re using, as cooking times can vary based on brands and variations. Additionally, you can adjust cooking times based on your personal preferences, such as the level of tenderness you prefer for the broccoli or the browning of the sausage.
How to Store Cheddar Broccoli Sausage Skillet:
Storing cheddar broccoli sausage skillet meal properly is essential to maintain its freshness and safety. Here are some guidelines for storing different components :
- Cheddar Broccoli Mix:
- Allow any leftover cheddar broccoli mix to cool to room temperature.
- Transfer it to an airtight container or cover the skillet with plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate within two hours of cooking.
- Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
- Beef Smoked Sausage:
- If you have leftover cooked sausage, store it in a separate airtight container.
- Refrigerate within two hours of cooking.
- Consume within 3-4 days.
- Crescent Rolls:
- If you have leftover baked crescent rolls, store them in a sealed plastic bag or airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days.
- If you plan to keep them longer, refrigerate or freeze, following the instructions on the package.
- Enhancements (Extra Broccoli, Cheese):
- Store any uncooked extra broccoli in the refrigerator in a produce drawer or sealed plastic bag.
- Store extra cheese in its original packaging or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate.
- General Tips:
- Label containers with the date to track freshness.
- Avoid leaving the food at room temperature for an extended period.
- When reheating, ensure the internal temperature reaches a safe level (165°F or 74°C).
Freezing:
- If you want to freeze portions for later use, consider freezing the cheddar broccoli mix and sausage separately.
- Use freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, removing as much air as possible.
- Label with the contents and date.
- Consume within 2-3 months for the best quality.
Reheating:
- Reheat refrigerated leftovers in the microwave or on the stovetop until thoroughly hot.
- For frozen portions, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.