Some days you don’t need another recipe.
You need something that is
cheap,
hot,
filling,
forgiving,
and actually possible.
This is one of those meals.
Not fancy.
Not Pinterest pretty.
Just… food.
And in hard seasons, food is survival.
🍲 $5 Pantry Chili (The Real-Life Version)
This chili is built from whatever you already have — not from a grocery fantasy list.
It is not a meal prep miracle.
It is a make-it-work pot.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground meat (beef, turkey, chicken—or skip for meatless)
- 1 can of beans (pinto, kidney, black—whatever you have)
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 small onion (or onion powder)
- 1–2 teaspoons chili powder
- Salt & pepper
Optional if you have it:
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Frozen corn
- A spoon of ketchup
- A splash of vinegar
- A pinch of sugar (if acidic)
You are not cooking for a magazine.
You are cooking for real life.
🔥 Directions (No Stress Edition)
- Brown your meat if using.
- Add beans (liquid and all), tomatoes, and seasonings.
- Stir.
- Simmer 15–25 minutes.
- Taste.
- Adjust.
- Eat.
That’s it.
No masterpiece required.
🧮 How Far Does This Actually Go?
Let’s be honest.
- 2–3 servings as-is
- 1 person = leftovers
- 2 people = full dinner
- Family = stretch it (see below)
Honesty matters.
No exaggeration.
No pretending.
🧱 Make It Feed More People (Stretch It When You Need To)
Add cheap volume to make it go further:
- Cooked rice
- Macaroni
- Lentils
- Frozen vegetables
- Crushed crackers
- Dry beans
- Cornmeal
- Tortillas
Each addition stretches servings, creates leftovers, and protects tomorrow.
🍞 What to Serve It With (Cheap & Filling)
- Rice
- Toast
- Cornbread
- Crackers
- Tortillas
- Potatoes
- A fried egg on top
- Day-old bread
Carbs = comfort
Comfort = sanity
❤️ From Lynne’s Kitchen
If you fed your body today, you’re doing something right.
If your meal was simple but warm, you are winning.
Dinner doesn’t have to look like someone else’s life to be good enough for yours.
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