Mountain Root Wellness

Easy, Budget-Friendly, Well-Balanced Meals for the Family

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1. One-Pan Chicken & Veggie Skillet

This hearty one-pan meal is filled with protein and fresh, seasonal veggies. It’s simple, quick, and perfect for busy families.

Estimated Cost: $18.55
Ingredients for a family of 5—adjust lean protein and veggie choices based on your family’s preferences and needs—adjust as needed for your family size

Ingredients:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced ($6.48)
• 3 medium russet potatoes, diced ($2.34)
• 1 zucchini, sliced ($1.68)
• 1 yellow squash, sliced ($1.68)
• 1 bell pepper, chopped ($0.78)
• 1 onion, chopped ($0.62)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced ($0.50)
• 2 tbsp olive oil ($0.47)
• Salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika ($4.00 total)

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook until browned.
2. Add the diced potatoes and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Add the vegetables, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Stir everything together, cover, and cook for another 10-15 minutes until everything’s tender.
4. Serve hot and enjoy!

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2. Beef & Rice Stuffed Peppers

Stuffed peppers are a great way to pack in nutrients and flavor. Ground beef, rice, and veggies come together in this easy-to-make dish.

Estimated Cost: $15.91
Ingredients for a family of 5—adjust lean protein and veggie choices based on your family’s preferences and needs—adjust as needed for your family size

Ingredients:

• 1 lb lean ground beef (85/15) ($4.68)
• 5 large bell peppers ($3.90)
• 1 cup cooked brown rice or quinoa ($0.69)
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, drained ($0.72)
• 1/2 onion, finely chopped ($0.31)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced ($0.50)
• Salt, pepper, oregano ($3.00 total)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional) ($1.11)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds.
2. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain any excess fat, then add the onion, garlic, tomatoes, rice, salt, pepper, and oregano. Let it simmer for a few minutes.
3. Stuff the peppers with the beef mixture and place them in a baking dish.
4. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. If you’re adding cheese, remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes.
5. Serve and enjoy a meal that’s both simple and satisfying!

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3. Lemon Herb Chicken with Roasted Asparagus & Rice

This fresh, light meal is full of vibrant flavors and is a great way to enjoy spring’s best produce. It’s quick, healthy, and well-balanced!

Estimated Cost: $17.50
Ingredients for a family of 5—adjust lean protein and veggie choices based on your family’s preferences and needs—adjust as needed for your family size

Ingredients:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts ($6.48)
• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed ($2.98)
• 1 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice ($0.69)
• 1 lemon, juiced ($0.72)
• 2 tbsp olive oil ($0.47)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced ($0.50)
• 1 tsp dried oregano ($0.99)
• Salt, pepper ($1.86 total)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Toss the asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 12-15 minutes.
2. In a bowl, mix the lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken breasts with this mixture.
3. Cook the chicken in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes per side, until fully cooked.
4. Cook the rice or quinoa according to package instructions.
5. Serve the chicken with roasted asparagus and rice for a simple, seasonal meal.

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4. Spring Veggie Pasta with Grilled Chicken

A light, fresh pasta dish with grilled chicken and seasonal vegetables. It’s a perfect, balanced meal for busy weeknights!

Estimated Cost: $16.80
Ingredients for a family of 5—adjust as needed for your family size

Ingredients:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts ($6.48)
• 12 oz whole wheat pasta ($1.68)
• 1 zucchini, sliced ($1.68)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved ($2.48)
• 1 bell pepper, chopped ($0.78)
• 1/2 onion, diced ($0.31)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced ($0.50)
• 1 tbsp olive oil ($0.47)
• Salt, pepper ($1.93 total)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional) ($1.50)

Instructions:

1. Cook the whole wheat pasta according to the package instructions.
2. Grill or pan-cook the chicken breasts until fully cooked, then slice into strips.
3. In a skillet, heat olive oil and cook the onion, garlic, zucchini, bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Toss the pasta with the sautéed veggies and grilled chicken. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Top with Parmesan cheese if desired and serve!

These meals are fresh, well-balanced, and packed with the flavors of the season. They’re perfect for busy families who want to eat healthy without spending too much time or money in the kitchen. Enjoy eating with the season—budget-friendly and family-approved!

We’d love to hear what you think! Drop a comment below and share your thoughts. Be sure to check back for more simple and wholesome ideas in our next post. And if there’s something you’d like to see, feel free to let us know!

Disclaimer: The information shared on Mountain Root Wellness is intended to inspire and inform. It’s not meant to replace medical or otherwise professional advice. While we do our best to provide accurate and up-to-date content, we always recommend consulting with a trusted professional when making any changes to your health or lifestyle. Mountain Root Wellness is built on faith, health, and holistic living, but remember, everyone’s journey is different. We’re here to share what works for us, but results may vary. By using this site, you’re agreeing to these terms, and we’re so glad to have you along for the ride!