Meals Under $3: Bacon-y Monterey Beans & Cheese

It's been a while since we've had a meal under $3, so... here ya go.

This one is another MWL, and one of our favorites for many years.  The kids will all eat it, and it comes together in 15-20 minutes.

Bacon-y Monterey Beans & Cheese

2 slices bacon

1/2 green pepper, chopped

1/2 medium-sized onion, chopped

2 cups cooked kidney beans (I use a little more... up to a 28-ounce can)

4-8 oz shredded cheddar cheese

2 ripe tomatoes chopped, 3/4 cup tomato sauce, or 1 15-oz can diced tomatoes

1/4 cup beef broth or 1/4 cup tomato juice

1 teaspoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

dash of pepper

Slice the bacon into small pieces and fry it up over medium heat in a large skillet.  Once the bacon is crispy, remove it from the pan and set it aside on a paper towel.  Throw your chopped onion and green pepper into the pan with the bacon grease and cook until soft, about 3-4 minutes.  Add the remaining ingredients, plus the reserved bacon bits.  Stir for about 2-3 more minutes or until cheese is melted and well combined.  Serve hot over rice or quinoa.

Total cost of this meal: $3.17  (Okay, so it's slightly over $3... but not by much! :)  You could omit the bacon to save 60 cents, or cut back on the cheese a bit to get this meal back under $3.  But I mean... ya gotta love that cheesy goodness.

Even at the extravagant price of $3.17, this meal serves 8 adults at a cost of about 40 cents per serving.

Happy beans and rice, everybody!