If I were to be starting out today...
Interface- there are half a dozen good entry level interfaces in the $400 - $500 range. I'd look for something that will do 8 simultaneous tracks. Check out a Presonus Firepod or a MOTU 8pre. They have decent built in preamps. They're very easy to use. . If you get tired of it, sell it and upgrade. By the time you get tired of any of those, you should have some recording time under your belt, and a very good idea of your upgrade options.
You'll need a good firewire card for your computer if you dont already have it onboard (and beware, when alot of the firewire interfaces came out, they were picky about what chipset your firewire card used- I'd like to think they fixed that by now)
Monitors- I'd allocate at least $500 for monitors. Check offerings from Mackie, Yorkville (if they're still around?) Event.... Personally, I'd go with an 8" driver. Skip the separate external subwoofer that some have.
Mics- Just to get the ball rolling an sm57 (or my preference an Audix I5), and an inexpensive large diaphragm condenser- I have an Octava 319 I like alot (about $250 today- $100 bucks when I got it 7 years ago). Also check offerings from AudioTechnica or MXL. These are budget mics, but a decent starting point. You'll definitely add to your mic locker as you grow and learn.
Once you buy the cable you'll need, you'll be right around the $1200 mark. If you have extra cash, look into making some acoustic treatments.
I havent bought any of those things lately, so I'm sure you'll find people with strong feelings one way or the other on those things listed above. Do some research, check online reviews. Put together a list of things you are liking and post it up for people to critique. HR has LOTS of opinions.