Week 1 Three Rivers Challenge 2024! No Spend Meal Ideas

Week ONE of the ‪@threerivershomestead‬ January pantry challenge has begun! I'm so happy to be sharing with you what we had this week just using what we had in our freezers, pantry, refrigerator and canning pantry! I hope you will follow along and let me know if you are participating and your rules for the challenge! Also let me know your tips and tricks! I hope you enjoy this weeks meals!

Jessica’s channel
https://youtube.com/@threerivershomes...

Homemade taco seasoning
https://www.food.com/recipe/taco-seas...
2 1⁄2 tablespoons chili powder
1 1⁄2 tablespoons paprika
2 tablespoons cumin, we love cumin- feel free to adjust to your taste
2 teaspoons oregano, preferably Mexican oregano
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 1⁄2 tablespoons onion flakes (minced dried onion) or onion powder
1⁄2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, omit if you like it mild
1 teaspoon salt, adjust for your taste

Steak and potato bake
1 cup or more of steak
4 cooked potatoes
1 cup cheese grated (reserve some for the top)
1/2 block softened cream cheese
1/4 cup sour cream
Salt pepper to taste
Onion and garlic powder to taste
Mix together reserving some of the cheese
Add shredded cheese to the top and bake at 350 until cheese is melted

Hibachi chicken
https://thegirlonbloor.com/hibachi-ch...

Yum Yum sauce
1 cup mayonnaise: full-fat mayonnaise
1/4 cup water
1 teaspoon ketchup or tomato paste
1 Tbsp. melted butter
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon paprika

Mix and refrigerate for 6-8 hours

Bacon ranch pasta
Ingredients
6 slices bacon, chopped
16 ounces boneless, skinless, chicken breasts, cubed
18 ounces water
8 ounces penne pasta, uncooked
1 tablespoon ranch seasoning
4 ounces heavy cream
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
In a sauté pan over medium heat, add chopped bacon and cook until crispy. Remove from pan and set aside. Drain all but 2 tablespoons of bacon grease. If needed, add olive oil to equal 2 tablespoons of total oil/grease in your pan.
Add cubed chicken and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, or until cooked through. Remove from pan, set aside, and cover to keep warm.
Add water, penne pasta, and ranch seasoning to pan, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook to al dente according to pasta's package directions. Most of the liquid should be absorbed. If pan starts to look dry, add another 1-2 ounces of water.
Add cooked chicken, bacon, heavy cream, and shredded cheese to pan. Stir until cheese has melted. Remove from heat and allow to set for 5 minutes, or until sauce has thickened. Top with fresh parsley and serve.
I used home canned chicken instead and I used a 1/2 block of softened cream cheese instead of heavy cream.