Payson Roundup | Payson, AZ

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.

For a new twist on two family favorites — macaroni and cheese and hamburgers — try Cheeseburger Pasta ’n Vegetables Dinner. Knorr Sides Plus Veggies is 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 children’s meals.

Cheeseburger Pasta ’n Vegetables Dinner

Makes 4 servings. Preparation time: 10 minutes; cooking 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 I Can’t Believe It’s Not 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.

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

Onion-Roasted Potatoes

Makes 4 servings. Preparation time: 5 minutes; cooking time: 35 minutes

1 envelope Lipton Recipe Secrets Onion Soup Mix

4 medium all-purpose potatoes, cut into large chunks (about 2 pounds)

1/3 cup vegetable oil

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Combine all ingredients in 13-inch-by-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.

It is easy to spice up chicken by simply adding Ragú 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 healthy, but at less than $2 per serving* it’s easy on the pocketbook.

1-2-3 Chicken Cacciatore

Makes 6 servings. Preparation time: 5 minutes; cooking time: 55 minutes

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 pounds chicken legs and thighs

1, 1-pound, 10-ounce jar Ragú Chunky Pasta Sauce

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.

For more tips and recipes, visit MakingLifeBetter.com.

All materials courtesy of: Unilever Brands

From Family Features