Weekly Meal Plan: Gumbo and Loaded Barbecue Bowls
Video Stats
Recipe Overview
Overview
This week’s meal plan is all about using what you have on hand while still creating delicious and satisfying meals. Starting off with a classic gumbo, I used chicken thighs and smoked sausage, seasoned with a blend of spices that really brings the dish to life. The roux, which I made from scratch, added a beautiful color and depth of flavor to the gumbo, making it a comforting dish for any night of the week.
To accompany the gumbo, I decided to whip up some cornbread, which is a perfect pairing. The sweetness of the cornbread complements the savory notes of the gumbo beautifully. I also made loaded barbecue bowls with mashed potatoes, corn, and barbecue chicken, which turned out to be a hit with the family. It’s a great way to use up leftovers while still keeping meals exciting.
Throughout the week, I focused on using up ingredients I already had, like the frozen vegetables and leftover rice, which helped minimize waste and save money. This approach not only makes meal prep easier but also encourages creativity in the kitchen. I love how these meals turned out, and I hope they inspire you to make the most of what you have at home!
Recipe Details
Steps & Tips
Peel and cut potatoes into 1-inch pieces.
Boil potatoes until tender.
Mash potatoes with butter and milk.
Brown bacon and add onions and flour for the soup base.
Add chicken stock and diced potatoes to the soup.
Cover and simmer soup until potatoes are cooked.
Serve soup in bowls and add toppings.
Form burger patties from ground beef.
Cook burger patties in a skillet.
Toast hamburger buns in the skillet.
Assemble burgers with toppings and serve.
Tip: Peel potatoes and place them in water to clean them before cooking.
Tip: Use an immersion blender for creamy mashed potatoes if you don't have a potato masher.
Tip: Always season mashed potatoes with salt and pepper for flavor.
Tip: Simmer potatoes in the soup until tender for the best texture.
Tip: Blend some of the potatoes in the soup for a thicker consistency.
Tip: Add toppings like cheese, bacon, and sour cream to enhance your potato soup.
Tip: Toast hamburger buns in butter for added flavor.
Tip: If making smashed potatoes, consider doing a small batch to avoid disappointment.
Plan meals for the week, including gumbo.
Debone and skin chicken thighs for gumbo.
Season chicken thighs with Cajun seasoning.
Sear chicken thighs in a pan for a few minutes on each side.
Fry smoked sausage in the same pan.
Add frozen seasoning blend to the pan to deglaze.
Mix oil and flour to create a roux on medium heat.
Stir roux constantly until it reaches a chocolate brown color.
Tip: It's better to make the roux on lower heat to avoid burning.
Tip: Set a timer for 30 minutes to monitor the roux cooking process.
Add sautéed vegetables and minced garlic to the roux.
Slowly add chicken stock to the roux mixture.
Tip: Use homemade chicken stock for better flavor in your gumbo.
Add Cajun seasoning to the gumbo base.
Add back in the seared chicken and sausage to the gumbo.
Tip: You can make gumbo using ingredients from Dollar Tree for a budget-friendly meal.
Let the gumbo simmer for about 5 minutes.
Prep burrito filling using leftover rice and other ingredients.
Cook rice in a rice cooker.
Tip: Use leftover rice to make burrito filling for a quick meal.
Tip: Add taco seasoning to enhance the flavor of your burrito filling.
Tip: To wrap burritos, fold in the sides and tuck them under for a secure seal.
Ingredients
Ingredient: Dairy
→ Substitution: Coconut Cream
Ingredient: Gluten
→ Substitution: Gluten-Free Flour Blend
Nutrition
Skill Level
Frequently asked questions
Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.
Got a Recipe Question? Ask Away!
Interesting Tidbits
- •Gumbo is a traditional dish from Louisiana, often made with a variety of meats and vegetables.
- •The roux is a crucial component in gumbo, providing depth of flavor and a rich color.
- •Using frozen vegetables can save time and reduce waste in meal prep.
- •Cornbread is a popular side dish that pairs well with gumbo, adding a sweet contrast to the savory stew.
