22/01/2026
Day 4 of UPF-free meals
5 x meals for under £30
This one’s a proper family classic: chilli & rice, but made our way.
I used half of the 750g minced beef from the weekly shop (shopping list shared earlier 👀), skipped the kidney beans because my kids aren’t fans, and added frozen peas instead.
Peas might be small, but they’re mighty
They add:
Plant protein to help keep us fuller for longer
Fibre for happy digestion
Vitamin C to support immunity
Iron & folate, which are great for energy and growing kids
If you want to stretch this meal even further, you can easily stir in red lentils - budget-friendly, filling, and still UPF-free.
Simple ingredients, store-cupboard spices and a dinner everyone actually eats 🙌
Save this for later 📌
Chilli & Rice (No Kidney Beans)
Serves 4–5
Ingredients:
375g minced beef
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic (or garlic granules)
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp chilli powder
1 tsp dried herbs
1–2 tbsp tomato purée
1 tin chopped tomatoes
100g red lentils (optional, to bulk it out)
150–200g frozen peas
Rice, to serve
Method:
Cook the rice and set aside.
Fry the onion in a little oil until soft, add garlic and spices.
Add mince and brown.
Stir in tomato purée, chopped tomatoes and lentils (if using).
Simmer for 20–25 mins, adding a splash of water if needed.
Stir in peas for the final 5 mins, season and serve with rice.