Dinner is SERVED!
Many people tell me they just can’t afford to eat a gluten free or Paleo lifestyle.
As a single parent with Celiac Disease (I don’t really have much choice for my dietary lifestyle), here is one way to serve a delicious gluten, grain and soy free dinner on a tight budget, in just a few easy steps!
1) When good quality roasts are on BOGO sale…buy two of them and freeze!
Penny-pinching tip: If there aren’t any in the case that match in price – ask the butcher. Usually he or she will check their stock for another one to match the size you’re seeking (don’t fall for buying one for $15 and one for $9…you lose!)
Sirloin Tip Roast
2) Be sure you have crock-pot liners available on the day you want to have your roast.
Why, you ask? Two great reasons…a) If your crock pot isn’t brand new, you won’t have to worry about cross-contamination and b) Did someone say easy cleanup???
Crock Pot Liners
3. Dig out a bunch of great vegetables (that you bought on sale) from your refrigerator and get out the cutting board and a good knife.
Be sure to include an onion (even if you have to go searching in the basement because you know you put them in a cool, dark place).
Vegetables
4. Wash, peel, and cut the veggies into palatable pieces that will cook all the way through (maximum 2-3″ long) and layer them at the bottom of the crock pot liner, like this:
Layered Veggies
5. Remove and discard the packaging from the roast.
If there is netting included, be sure to remove it!
Roast without netting
6. Coat the roast by combining some of your favorite spices (be sure to check the labels for hidden gluten ingredients; I don’t recommend using any pre-combined spices).
Here, I’ve added a combination of dried basil, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper:
Gluten Free Seasoned Roast
7. The meat may dry out during cooking, so you can add 1/2 to one cup of water or vegetable broth (again, check the label or make your own), cover with the lid, and turn the crock pot to “high” for two hours, then turn down to “low” for 4-6 more hours OR just turn to low for 6-8 hours.
Remove the lid and have a fork ready…the meat is now tender, and a plate of delicious roast beef and vegetables is ready for your family’s enjoyment!
Total cost? About $5.75 to feed three people! (Beat THAT on the dollar menu!!!)
$6.50 (Roast)+ $4.00 (Veggies)+ $1.00 (Seasonings) = $11.50/2 days of meals = $5.75! (Tomorrow, I add home-made barbecue sauce to the beef, and suddenly it’s a new meal!)
~GGF Gourmet
Gluten Free Roast Beef
Gluten Free Roast Beef Dinner