Bare Cupboards Quick Fix Meal

Because I've been working mostly nights, I really like recipes that I can make ahead and grab on the go, as well as ones that don't require me to spend a lot of money. Enter Baked Broccoli Cheddar Rice Cups, an easy side or snack that I bet you already have most of the ingredients to in the house.

To start, cook 2 cups of rice (we use brown) and thaw 10 ounces of frozen broccoli, according to package directions. While these are cooking, preheat your oven to 350. 

Once cooked, add your rice and broccoli plus 1 cup of chicken stock, 1/4 cup of Ranch dressing, 2 eggs lightly beaten, 3/4 cup of cheddar cheese, and 1/4 teaspoons of salt and pepper to a large bowl and mix well.

After mixing, grease an 8-12 cup muffin tin and form the mixture into balls. Top with cheddar cheese and bake for 25 minutes. 

Another easy recipe is one I made last night, a Caprese grilled cheese. All you need is 2 slices of bread (we use whole wheat), sliced mozzarella, sliced tomatoes, basil leaves, and balsamic glaze (we use Trader Joe's). 

Heat your griddle on the stove over medium high heat. You don't want it too hot because you'll burn your bread before melting your cheese. Chiffonade the basil (roll the leaves into a tube and slice. You'll get these nice little strips) and then layer the bread with the cheese and tomatoes. Top with the basil.

Once cooked, remove to a plate and drizzle with the balsamic glaze. So good!