This $1.79 Dinner In A Box Is Always In My Pantry

I believe everyone should have a few “emergency” dinners that can be assembled even when the kitchen’s bare and time is short. These meals (like my favorite Trader Joe’s fried rice), should require next to no effort or thought. Bonus points if they cost less than $2 and are ready in less than 30 minutes, like Zatarain’s Red Beans and Rice Mix.

Why I Love Zatarain’s Red Beans and Rice Mix

This little box may not look like much, but it’s packed with flavor and actually does make a hot, complete meal you can feel good about eating on a busy weeknight. The combination of long grain rice, red beans, vegetables, and seasonings is hearty and filling, even without the serving suggestion of adding sausage.

The package says the mix makes three servings, but that’s if you’re serving it as a side. I find that it is enough for two people to have as a vegetarian main dish. If you use it as the base of a grain bowl, and add some substantial toppings (like sliced sausage, grilled meat, shredded rotisserie chicken, and/or sauteed shrimp), it can stretch to four servings.

Easy Ways To Jazz It Up

Beyond stirring in your meat or seafood of choice, there are lots of ways to upgrade this Red Beans and Rice Mix. Here are a few ideas:

Start With The “Trinity”

Although the product contains dried bell peppers, adding sauteed fresh peppers along with celery and onion (considered the “Holy Trinity” in Louisiana) will add a depth of flavor and an extra serving of vegetables. 

Make A Riff On Jambalaya

While this classic Louisiana dish doesn’t contain beans, you can make a similar dish by adding sauteed sausage and shrimp, a small can of drained tomatoes, and the Trinity. 

Bake It In A Casserole

Use it as the base for a casserole that calls for rice. (Be sure to dial back the other seasonings in the recipe, as the mix has a decent amount of salt and spices.)