Chicago Winter Comfort Foods on a Budget

When the temperature drops and the snow starts to fall, there’s nothing better than a warm and comforting meal. But you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy delicious and satisfying comfort food. Here are a few of our favorite budget-friendly recipes to get you through a Chicago winter.

1. Hearty Beef Stew

This classic winter warmer is the perfect way to use up inexpensive cuts of meat and root vegetables. It’s a one-pot meal that’s both filling and flavorful.

• Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup red wine (optional)
  • 1 lb potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste

• Instructions:

  1. Toss the beef with the flour, salt, and pepper.
  2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches and set aside.
  3. Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until softened.
  4. Stir in the beef broth and wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
  5. Return the beef to the pot, along with the potatoes and thyme. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat and cook for 2-3 hours, or until the beef is tender.

2. Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons

This nostalgic meal is a classic for a reason. It’s easy, affordable, and incredibly satisfying.

• Ingredients:

  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 slices bread
  • 4 slices cheddar cheese

• Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened.
  2. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
  3. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes.
  4. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper.
  5. To make the grilled cheese croutons, make two grilled cheese sandwiches and cut them into 1-inch cubes.
  6. Serve the soup hot, topped with the grilled cheese croutons.

3. Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

This versatile dish is perfect for a weeknight meal. You can use it for sandwiches, tacos, or serve it over rice.

• Ingredients:

  • 4-5 lb pork shoulder
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

• Instructions:

  1. Place the onion in the bottom of a slow cooker.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Place the pork shoulder on top of the onions and pour the sauce over it.
  4. Cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours.
  5. Shred the pork with two forks and serve.

4. One-Pot Chili Mac

This cheesy and satisfying dish is the ultimate comfort food. It’s a one-pot meal, which means less cleanup for you.

• Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
  • 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 cup elbow macaroni
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste

• Instructions:

  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
  2. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened.
  3. Stir in the kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, chili powder, and cumin. Bring to a simmer.
  4. Stir in the macaroni and cook until tender, about 10-12 minutes.
  5. Remove from the heat and stir in the cheddar cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.