Need some ideas for budget friendly meals, that aren't horrible.?!
I'm trying to cut back on weekly spending (mainly at the grocery), but I don't want to cut back on flavor!Www@FoodAQ@Com
Answers:
If you buy a boston pork butt and cook in the crock pot!. eat it that way the 1st day, next day put some bbq sauce for sandwiches and finally make this recipe!. 3 meals from 1 piece of meat !!
Mexican Roll Ups
This is something I made up its a great way to use left over meat!.
Use one of your choice
Shredded Chicken, shredded beef or shredded pork
Put in skillet with 1 pkg of taco seasoning
Add enough water so that you may simmer it, not to much
After simmering like 20 min
Place small amount in to soft burrito shell, I like to use the large ones!.
Roll them up and secure with toothpicks
In deep fryer or skillet, brown til golden brown
They will be crunchy
Serve with sour cream, salsa or gucamole
Dont forget to remove toothpicks !!!!
BBQ Cups
3/4 lb!. hamburger meat (I buy the lean - $1!.75)
1/2 cup BBQ sauce ($!.30 - if even that)
2 tlbs!. brown sugar (pennies)
1 tlbs!. minced onions (pennies)
1 can Pillsbury biscuits ($!.75)
3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Brown beef, drain!. Add bbq sauce, brown sugar and onion!. Place individual biscuits into muffin pan - ungreased, press them out all around each muffin pocket!. Put meat mixture into the biscuits and topwith cheese!. Bake at 400 degrees for 10-15 minut
Speedy Chili
Here's a recipe my family loves for a speedy chili!.
1 lb!. ground beef ($!.99)
1 can diced tomato with chilis (store brand $!.50)
1 8 oz!. can regular tomato sauce (store brand $!.39)
1 c!. water
1/2-1 onion, chopped (pennies)
1 green pepper, chopped (as little as $!.30/however, when on sale I chop a bunch & keep in freezer so I don't have to pay the higher prices when I need one)
2-3 cloves garlic, chopped or minced (pennies)
3-5 tbsp chili powder
salt, pepper, onion & garlic powder, and cumin to taste!.
In a dutch oven brown ground beef with onion, green pepper & garlic!. Drain!. Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, water & seasonings!. Bring to a boil & then simmer approximately 20 minutes!. While simmering I shred cheese to go on top!. If in a hurry I warm flour tortillas; if more time I bake a quick cornbread recipe!. Add a salad & you've got a quick meal!. Leftovers are great
as "Frito" pie or chili dogs
Chicken & Dumplin's
Serves 6-8
1 1/2 pound of chicken legs and or thighs $1!.50
5 cups chicken broth from boiled chicken $!.0
21 1/2 ounces cream of chicken soup (2 cans) $2!.00 (or make your own, then it's pennies)
1/2 - 1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
16 pieces biscuit, canned (2 cans) $!.50 (4 for a $1!.)
Boil the chicken in 8 cups of water!. Boil!. Skin and tear chicken into bite size pieces, save 5 cups of broth!. Keep torn chicken and chicken broth in pot!.
Add cream of chicken soup to chicken broth, bring to a boil!. Keep stirring, or the chicken will settle on bottom and burn!. Add salt and pepper to taste!.
Reduce heat to low, tear biscuits into quarter pieces, drop in biscuits (dumplins)!.
Cook uncovered over low heat for 10 minutes, then cook cover for an additional 10 minutes!. Test the dumplins with a toothpick, dumplins are done when toothpick comes out clean!.
Scrambled Noodles
Ingredients: 3 pkg Ramen Noodles ($!.60)
4-6 eggs ($!.25-$!.50)
1 c cooked peas, broccoli, or other leftover veggies ($!.50 maximum)(can also use uncooked summer squash)
1 c cooked chicken or other meat (I use one chicken breast from a package of IQF breast from Aldi's,
could cost as much as $1!.25)
Break up and cook Ramen noodles according to package directions, but do not add seasoning!. When noodles
are done, drain and put into large nonstick skillet!. Scramble eggs and add to skillet with seasoning packet (one is
enough for my family, less salt that way), veggies and meat!. Cook, stirring, until eggs are done!. This recipe feeds
my family of 5, including a hungry 15-year-old for about $3!.00!. Add a fruit or vegetable salad!.
Pasta Bake (serves 6 generously)
One 16 oz bag chunky dry pasta (rigatoni, penne, etc)!. ($!.50-1!.00)
One 28 oz jar pasta sauce of your choice (sale, typically $1!.00-1!.50)
Water
1/2 lb package Brown and Serve sausage, crumbled by hand ($1!.25 on sale)
2 cups shredded mozzarella (whole milk works best) ($1!.00)
In a 13 x 9 inch baking pan mix the pasta, sauce, one sauce jar full of water and the sausage!.
Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake in a 425 degree oven for 30 minutes!. Stir well, recover
and bake 10 minutes!. Remove foil, sprinkle with cheese and bake until cheese melts!.
Great for getting rid of assorted leftovers!. You can add whatever you like to this and it
Tuna Patties: !. I would say they cost about $1!.25 to make the whole batch!. I usually whip them up when I've forgotten to set something out to thaw or am in a hurry!. I also find tuna a great alternative to other fish and meats when money is low!. It's healthy and cheap!
2 cans tuna, drained
1 egg
8 crackers, crushed
1 tsp Worcestershire or soy sauce
dash garlic powder, salt & pepper
Mix all ingredients until combined!. This should be just sturdy enough to make a patty-they will be a bit moist, but not falling apart!. If too wet to hold a patty, add a couple more crackers!. If too dry, add a dash of soy or w!. sauce!. This should make 4-6 patties!. In a large skillet, heat enough oil to cover bottom of pan!. (I don't substitute the oil with cooking spray because it takes the outer crunch away) When oil is hot, place patties in skillet and cook on each side until golden!. Just a couple of minutes on each side!. Drain on paper towels!. You can eat this on a bun like a burger, or just as you would a meat entre'!. I like mine best without the bun with a little ketchup on the side for dipping!. YUMMY!
Taco Squares
Ingredients:
1-1!.5 c Bisquick ( recipe for bisquick under Make it Yourself )
1 lb ground beef
1 c sour cream
1/2 to 1 c mayo
shredded cheddar -amount variable, I use about 1 cup
ketchup
garlic and onion powder to taste
preheat oven to 350
1!. Mix Bisquick with water to the consistancy of chewed bubble gum!.
2!. Spread (with wet hands) over bottom and sides of a casserole dish!. The size of dish is pretty flexable, usually something pretty deap!.
3!. Season meat with the garlic and onion powder, brown and drain!.
4!. Spread meat over bottom of dish!.
5!. Drizzle ketchup over meat (some people use chopped tomatoes instead)
6!. Mix sour cream, mayo and a little shredded cheddar!.
7!. Spread over meat and cover generouly with shredded cheddar!.
8!. Bake at 350 for 30-45 minutes, or until crust is brown!.
*Allow five minutes to cool before serving!.
Fiesta casserole
This is a big family favorite and easy to prepare!. I use a 13x9 inch casserole dish!. It's under 5!.00 to make and virtually free if you use up leftovers instead of starting from scratch!.
4 cups cooked rice
2 cups cooked pinto beans-including a small amount of the liquid
2 bunches diced green onions
1 diced tomato
1 can of kernel corn
1 batch of biscuit or cornbread batter (or sprinkle some cheese on top)
Layer in order given, adding any seasonings you like!. Bake at 350 for 25-35 minutes!. Serve with salsa and sour cream!.
Pizza Burgers
1 lb gr!. beef ($1!.49)
1 jar any kind pizza sauce (!.89 cents)
1 pkg!. mozzarella cheese ($1!.89)
1 8 count hamburger buns (!.69 cents)
1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees!.
2) Separate buns in half and place on baking pan, heat for 5 minutes!.
3) Brown gr!. beef and drain, add pizza sauce!.
4) Spoon gr!. beef onto buns, and top with mozzarella cheese!.
5) Bake for 10 minute or until cheese is melted!.
Makes 16 pizza burgers!.
This is a great last minute meal that the kids will love!.
NOODLE JUNK
!.
1 lb lean ground beef, cooked and drained (1!.79)
1 can tomato sauce (!.25 to !.33, depending)
1 lb wide noodles, boiled until al dente (!.69 at Sav a Lot)
Spices (depends on whether you want it to be American, Italian or Mexican) Salt, pepper and paprika, or Italian seasoning, or Chili powder!. You could probably come up with your own format, as well!. Sav A Lot or Big Lots sells all kinds of spices really cheap!
Cheese (again, depends on the spices you use)!. My family loves the Italian and Mexican the best!. I use American cheese on the American version, Mozzarella or Pizza cheese with some Parmesan stirred in on the Italian, and Colby Jack or white soft cheese on top of the Mexican!. You CAN stir in either ricotta or cottage cheese into the mix instead of so much meat, if you prefer!. (cost depends on the type of cheese you choose)!.
Stir the tomato sauce and spices into the cooked meat in a large skillet with a tight-fitting lid!. Fold in the cooked noodles!. Cover the top with whatever cheese you chose and cover the skillet with the lid while it's hot, but turn the burner off!. Let sit for at least 10 minutes to let the cheese melt in a little!. It should chop into wedges much like lasagna!. If you like it sloppier, you can add more tomato sauce!. (Tomato soup works well, but it has more suger!) I serve this with left-over hamburger or hot dog buns that I butter and sprinkle a little Parmesan cheese on, then toast in the toaster over!.
CHEAP BEEF STROGANOFF
2 tbsp!. butter
1/2 c!. diced onions
Garlic
2 tbsp!. flour
2 tbsp!. salt
1 can sliced mushrooms
1/4 tsp!. pepper
1 lb!. ground beef
1 can consomme
1 tbsp!. vinegar
1 (6 oz!.) can tomato paste
1 bag egg noodles
1 pt!. sour cream
In a heavy skillet over medium heat, melt butter, saute onion and garlic until soft!. Sprinkle mixed flour, salt and pepper over meat!. Add meat and mushrooms to skillet and cool!. Stir often for 6 minutes!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
Mexican Roll Ups
This is something I made up its a great way to use left over meat!.
Use one of your choice
Shredded Chicken, shredded beef or shredded pork
Put in skillet with 1 pkg of taco seasoning
Add enough water so that you may simmer it, not to much
After simmering like 20 min
Place small amount in to soft burrito shell, I like to use the large ones!.
Roll them up and secure with toothpicks
In deep fryer or skillet, brown til golden brown
They will be crunchy
Serve with sour cream, salsa or gucamole
Dont forget to remove toothpicks !!!!
BBQ Cups
3/4 lb!. hamburger meat (I buy the lean - $1!.75)
1/2 cup BBQ sauce ($!.30 - if even that)
2 tlbs!. brown sugar (pennies)
1 tlbs!. minced onions (pennies)
1 can Pillsbury biscuits ($!.75)
3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Brown beef, drain!. Add bbq sauce, brown sugar and onion!. Place individual biscuits into muffin pan - ungreased, press them out all around each muffin pocket!. Put meat mixture into the biscuits and topwith cheese!. Bake at 400 degrees for 10-15 minut
Speedy Chili
Here's a recipe my family loves for a speedy chili!.
1 lb!. ground beef ($!.99)
1 can diced tomato with chilis (store brand $!.50)
1 8 oz!. can regular tomato sauce (store brand $!.39)
1 c!. water
1/2-1 onion, chopped (pennies)
1 green pepper, chopped (as little as $!.30/however, when on sale I chop a bunch & keep in freezer so I don't have to pay the higher prices when I need one)
2-3 cloves garlic, chopped or minced (pennies)
3-5 tbsp chili powder
salt, pepper, onion & garlic powder, and cumin to taste!.
In a dutch oven brown ground beef with onion, green pepper & garlic!. Drain!. Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, water & seasonings!. Bring to a boil & then simmer approximately 20 minutes!. While simmering I shred cheese to go on top!. If in a hurry I warm flour tortillas; if more time I bake a quick cornbread recipe!. Add a salad & you've got a quick meal!. Leftovers are great
as "Frito" pie or chili dogs
Chicken & Dumplin's
Serves 6-8
1 1/2 pound of chicken legs and or thighs $1!.50
5 cups chicken broth from boiled chicken $!.0
21 1/2 ounces cream of chicken soup (2 cans) $2!.00 (or make your own, then it's pennies)
1/2 - 1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
16 pieces biscuit, canned (2 cans) $!.50 (4 for a $1!.)
Boil the chicken in 8 cups of water!. Boil!. Skin and tear chicken into bite size pieces, save 5 cups of broth!. Keep torn chicken and chicken broth in pot!.
Add cream of chicken soup to chicken broth, bring to a boil!. Keep stirring, or the chicken will settle on bottom and burn!. Add salt and pepper to taste!.
Reduce heat to low, tear biscuits into quarter pieces, drop in biscuits (dumplins)!.
Cook uncovered over low heat for 10 minutes, then cook cover for an additional 10 minutes!. Test the dumplins with a toothpick, dumplins are done when toothpick comes out clean!.
Scrambled Noodles
Ingredients: 3 pkg Ramen Noodles ($!.60)
4-6 eggs ($!.25-$!.50)
1 c cooked peas, broccoli, or other leftover veggies ($!.50 maximum)(can also use uncooked summer squash)
1 c cooked chicken or other meat (I use one chicken breast from a package of IQF breast from Aldi's,
could cost as much as $1!.25)
Break up and cook Ramen noodles according to package directions, but do not add seasoning!. When noodles
are done, drain and put into large nonstick skillet!. Scramble eggs and add to skillet with seasoning packet (one is
enough for my family, less salt that way), veggies and meat!. Cook, stirring, until eggs are done!. This recipe feeds
my family of 5, including a hungry 15-year-old for about $3!.00!. Add a fruit or vegetable salad!.
Pasta Bake (serves 6 generously)
One 16 oz bag chunky dry pasta (rigatoni, penne, etc)!. ($!.50-1!.00)
One 28 oz jar pasta sauce of your choice (sale, typically $1!.00-1!.50)
Water
1/2 lb package Brown and Serve sausage, crumbled by hand ($1!.25 on sale)
2 cups shredded mozzarella (whole milk works best) ($1!.00)
In a 13 x 9 inch baking pan mix the pasta, sauce, one sauce jar full of water and the sausage!.
Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake in a 425 degree oven for 30 minutes!. Stir well, recover
and bake 10 minutes!. Remove foil, sprinkle with cheese and bake until cheese melts!.
Great for getting rid of assorted leftovers!. You can add whatever you like to this and it
Tuna Patties: !. I would say they cost about $1!.25 to make the whole batch!. I usually whip them up when I've forgotten to set something out to thaw or am in a hurry!. I also find tuna a great alternative to other fish and meats when money is low!. It's healthy and cheap!
2 cans tuna, drained
1 egg
8 crackers, crushed
1 tsp Worcestershire or soy sauce
dash garlic powder, salt & pepper
Mix all ingredients until combined!. This should be just sturdy enough to make a patty-they will be a bit moist, but not falling apart!. If too wet to hold a patty, add a couple more crackers!. If too dry, add a dash of soy or w!. sauce!. This should make 4-6 patties!. In a large skillet, heat enough oil to cover bottom of pan!. (I don't substitute the oil with cooking spray because it takes the outer crunch away) When oil is hot, place patties in skillet and cook on each side until golden!. Just a couple of minutes on each side!. Drain on paper towels!. You can eat this on a bun like a burger, or just as you would a meat entre'!. I like mine best without the bun with a little ketchup on the side for dipping!. YUMMY!
Taco Squares
Ingredients:
1-1!.5 c Bisquick ( recipe for bisquick under Make it Yourself )
1 lb ground beef
1 c sour cream
1/2 to 1 c mayo
shredded cheddar -amount variable, I use about 1 cup
ketchup
garlic and onion powder to taste
preheat oven to 350
1!. Mix Bisquick with water to the consistancy of chewed bubble gum!.
2!. Spread (with wet hands) over bottom and sides of a casserole dish!. The size of dish is pretty flexable, usually something pretty deap!.
3!. Season meat with the garlic and onion powder, brown and drain!.
4!. Spread meat over bottom of dish!.
5!. Drizzle ketchup over meat (some people use chopped tomatoes instead)
6!. Mix sour cream, mayo and a little shredded cheddar!.
7!. Spread over meat and cover generouly with shredded cheddar!.
8!. Bake at 350 for 30-45 minutes, or until crust is brown!.
*Allow five minutes to cool before serving!.
Fiesta casserole
This is a big family favorite and easy to prepare!. I use a 13x9 inch casserole dish!. It's under 5!.00 to make and virtually free if you use up leftovers instead of starting from scratch!.
4 cups cooked rice
2 cups cooked pinto beans-including a small amount of the liquid
2 bunches diced green onions
1 diced tomato
1 can of kernel corn
1 batch of biscuit or cornbread batter (or sprinkle some cheese on top)
Layer in order given, adding any seasonings you like!. Bake at 350 for 25-35 minutes!. Serve with salsa and sour cream!.
Pizza Burgers
1 lb gr!. beef ($1!.49)
1 jar any kind pizza sauce (!.89 cents)
1 pkg!. mozzarella cheese ($1!.89)
1 8 count hamburger buns (!.69 cents)
1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees!.
2) Separate buns in half and place on baking pan, heat for 5 minutes!.
3) Brown gr!. beef and drain, add pizza sauce!.
4) Spoon gr!. beef onto buns, and top with mozzarella cheese!.
5) Bake for 10 minute or until cheese is melted!.
Makes 16 pizza burgers!.
This is a great last minute meal that the kids will love!.
NOODLE JUNK
!.
1 lb lean ground beef, cooked and drained (1!.79)
1 can tomato sauce (!.25 to !.33, depending)
1 lb wide noodles, boiled until al dente (!.69 at Sav a Lot)
Spices (depends on whether you want it to be American, Italian or Mexican) Salt, pepper and paprika, or Italian seasoning, or Chili powder!. You could probably come up with your own format, as well!. Sav A Lot or Big Lots sells all kinds of spices really cheap!
Cheese (again, depends on the spices you use)!. My family loves the Italian and Mexican the best!. I use American cheese on the American version, Mozzarella or Pizza cheese with some Parmesan stirred in on the Italian, and Colby Jack or white soft cheese on top of the Mexican!. You CAN stir in either ricotta or cottage cheese into the mix instead of so much meat, if you prefer!. (cost depends on the type of cheese you choose)!.
Stir the tomato sauce and spices into the cooked meat in a large skillet with a tight-fitting lid!. Fold in the cooked noodles!. Cover the top with whatever cheese you chose and cover the skillet with the lid while it's hot, but turn the burner off!. Let sit for at least 10 minutes to let the cheese melt in a little!. It should chop into wedges much like lasagna!. If you like it sloppier, you can add more tomato sauce!. (Tomato soup works well, but it has more suger!) I serve this with left-over hamburger or hot dog buns that I butter and sprinkle a little Parmesan cheese on, then toast in the toaster over!.
CHEAP BEEF STROGANOFF
2 tbsp!. butter
1/2 c!. diced onions
Garlic
2 tbsp!. flour
2 tbsp!. salt
1 can sliced mushrooms
1/4 tsp!. pepper
1 lb!. ground beef
1 can consomme
1 tbsp!. vinegar
1 (6 oz!.) can tomato paste
1 bag egg noodles
1 pt!. sour cream
In a heavy skillet over medium heat, melt butter, saute onion and garlic until soft!. Sprinkle mixed flour, salt and pepper over meat!. Add meat and mushrooms to skillet and cool!. Stir often for 6 minutes!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
Cut back on money, not flavor with LOADED BAKED POTATO SALAD!
5 lbs small unpeeled red potatoes, cubed
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
8 hard-cooked eggs, chopped
1 lb sliced bacon cooked and crumbled
2 cups (8 0z) shredded cheddar cheese
1 sweet onion, chopped
3 dill pickles, chopped
1-1/2 cups (12 oz) sour cream
1 cup mayonnaise
2 to 3 tsp yellow mustard
Bake potatoes with salt and pepper uncovered at 425 for 45-50 mins, or until tender!. Cool in pan!.
In large bowl, combine the potatoes, eggs, bacon, onion, cheese and pickles!. In a small bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise and mustard; pour over the potato mixture and toss to coat!. Serve immediately!. Yield+20 servings!.
If this makes too much for you, just cut everything in half, that's what I do!. This recipe is wonderful, tastes good, and calls for ingredients that you mostlikely have already on hand!. Good cookin!Www@FoodAQ@Com
5 lbs small unpeeled red potatoes, cubed
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
8 hard-cooked eggs, chopped
1 lb sliced bacon cooked and crumbled
2 cups (8 0z) shredded cheddar cheese
1 sweet onion, chopped
3 dill pickles, chopped
1-1/2 cups (12 oz) sour cream
1 cup mayonnaise
2 to 3 tsp yellow mustard
Bake potatoes with salt and pepper uncovered at 425 for 45-50 mins, or until tender!. Cool in pan!.
In large bowl, combine the potatoes, eggs, bacon, onion, cheese and pickles!. In a small bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise and mustard; pour over the potato mixture and toss to coat!. Serve immediately!. Yield+20 servings!.
If this makes too much for you, just cut everything in half, that's what I do!. This recipe is wonderful, tastes good, and calls for ingredients that you mostlikely have already on hand!. Good cookin!Www@FoodAQ@Com
Turkey burger 2!.39 a pound (seriously it tastes better than hamburger and is so good for you, once you go turkey burger hamburger will look and tast like vomit to you!.) Buy a couple packs as you can freeze them!.
1!. Taco salad!. brown turkey burger in skillet, add taco seasoning, in side bowl mix salad, tomatoes, cheese topping, onion, crouton, bacon bits!. (take out what you don't like) Add turkey burger to salad, pour in half a bottle thousand island, mix around, crunch up Sun Chips garden salsa and add as topping!. (whole fam will love it!)
2!. Brown turkey burger in skillet, add packet of sazon, add 2 scoops sofrito, (buck each at local grocery store) add mixed frozen peppers and onions (buck l!.g!.s frozen section) add 1 can or 1 cup frozen corn!. continue cooking!. in seperate pot make pasta of choice (5 for 5 dollars at L!.G!.S!.) 3 minu before pasta is finished add hot sauce, and chili powder to your turkey burger!. cook to desired texture!. (mmm fam wont give it up)
3!. Turkey burger and any hamburger helper packet plus a salad or other healthy side!.
4!. Frozen salmon packages 2!.89 for 4 4oz!. Sear on either side in pan 5 minutes max add adobo!. Add frozen pack of brocoli and cheddar side and pasta of your choice!.
5!. Ramen noodles and a salad!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
1!. Taco salad!. brown turkey burger in skillet, add taco seasoning, in side bowl mix salad, tomatoes, cheese topping, onion, crouton, bacon bits!. (take out what you don't like) Add turkey burger to salad, pour in half a bottle thousand island, mix around, crunch up Sun Chips garden salsa and add as topping!. (whole fam will love it!)
2!. Brown turkey burger in skillet, add packet of sazon, add 2 scoops sofrito, (buck each at local grocery store) add mixed frozen peppers and onions (buck l!.g!.s frozen section) add 1 can or 1 cup frozen corn!. continue cooking!. in seperate pot make pasta of choice (5 for 5 dollars at L!.G!.S!.) 3 minu before pasta is finished add hot sauce, and chili powder to your turkey burger!. cook to desired texture!. (mmm fam wont give it up)
3!. Turkey burger and any hamburger helper packet plus a salad or other healthy side!.
4!. Frozen salmon packages 2!.89 for 4 4oz!. Sear on either side in pan 5 minutes max add adobo!. Add frozen pack of brocoli and cheddar side and pasta of your choice!.
5!. Ramen noodles and a salad!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
Make a batch of home made tomato gravy and you will have it for at least four meals!. You can use meatballs, sausage, chicken, add salad olives to change it up and give it pizazz, you also can make calzones, manicotta, stuffed shells, pizza, raviolis, lasagna, gnocchi, and just pasta with some regiano Parmesan!. and a nice salad with Balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
This depends on your tastes, but a few hints could help you!.
I keep stocked with lots of basics:
- chicken thighs (on sale, in bulk, less expensive)
- canned goods (beans, veggies, potatoes, sauce, broth)
- frozen mixed veggies
- rice
- bread
Add to that your spices
- salt
- black pepper
- lemon pepper
- cajun seasoning
- herbs (to your taste)
- crushed red pepper
- crushed dried onion
Then buy other stuff as is convenient / inexpensive
- onions
- garlic
- fresh veggies
- fish, beef, etc
- eggs
I also use:
- veg!. oil
- butter
- milk
- cheese
- wine
Get it when on sale
Then just use the right technique to boil, bake, broil and blend for inexpensive meals that beat Ramen Noodles and frozen pizza!Www@FoodAQ@Com
I keep stocked with lots of basics:
- chicken thighs (on sale, in bulk, less expensive)
- canned goods (beans, veggies, potatoes, sauce, broth)
- frozen mixed veggies
- rice
- bread
Add to that your spices
- salt
- black pepper
- lemon pepper
- cajun seasoning
- herbs (to your taste)
- crushed red pepper
- crushed dried onion
Then buy other stuff as is convenient / inexpensive
- onions
- garlic
- fresh veggies
- fish, beef, etc
- eggs
I also use:
- veg!. oil
- butter
- milk
- cheese
- wine
Get it when on sale
Then just use the right technique to boil, bake, broil and blend for inexpensive meals that beat Ramen Noodles and frozen pizza!Www@FoodAQ@Com
I agree with cookingkay1955!. The key is planned leftovers: cook once / eat twice!. Make meals slightly larger than normal because you will be using the leftovers creatively!. Leftover roasted chicken becomes enchiladas!. Grilled salmon becomes salmon patties later in the week!. Make casseroles and freeze them for later!. This might not work with families that have picky eaters but it works for us!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
Hmmm!.!.!.I feel your pain!.!.!.I would suggest getting potato buds(imitation potatoes!.!.!.lol) these are quick to make and last forever!.!.!.just add butter, milk, and a little salt and pepper and you have a great side meal!.!.!.!.For meat, buy in bulk if possible!.!.!.!.For everything else spend your money on fresh veggies, pepper, pinapple(which goes great in food) because these are now the cheapest things in the market and COUPON CLIP for the stuff that you love but are a little pricey !.!.!.!.!.!.good luckWww@FoodAQ@Com
Beef Stroganoff
1 lb ground beef
1 bag wide egg noodles
2 cans cream of mushroom soup
1 (8 oz) canister of sour cream
brown beef, drain!. boil pasta, drain!. mix all ingredients together and simmer until hot!.
Makes 4-6 servings!. I always serve with buttered bread and salad!! Its so good!.!.!. Its my favorite low cost meal!! Plus its EASY!!!
Hope the family enjoys it!!! =)Www@FoodAQ@Com
1 lb ground beef
1 bag wide egg noodles
2 cans cream of mushroom soup
1 (8 oz) canister of sour cream
brown beef, drain!. boil pasta, drain!. mix all ingredients together and simmer until hot!.
Makes 4-6 servings!. I always serve with buttered bread and salad!! Its so good!.!.!. Its my favorite low cost meal!! Plus its EASY!!!
Hope the family enjoys it!!! =)Www@FoodAQ@Com
Budget Minded Recipes
COLA CHICKEN
(And more variations of recipe)
(My favorite: Wings or Ribs)
4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
1 cup catsup
1 12oz!. can cola (pepsi, coke, etc!.)
Put chicken in a non-stick pan!.
Mix together catsup and cola, pour over chicken!.
Bring to a boil!. Cover, reduce heat and cook 45 minutes!.
(turning chicken a few times, while cooking!.!.!.to prevent from
sticking to pan)
Uncover, turn up the heat and continue to cook until the sauce
becomes thick and adheres to the chicken!.
It turns into the most incredible BBQ sauce!. Yummmm!
You can double the recipe and use more pieces of
chicken!.!.!.!.wings!.!.!.would be ideal!.!.!.add some hot
sauce!.!.!.!.presto "Hot
Wings"!
I have used Ribs, just as good!.
I tried this recipe with 'meatballs'!.!.!.!.was equally
as good!.!.!.served over rice!.
I found another variation!.!.!.!.!.omit the catsup and add a small
jar of Salsa (any variety)!.
I have tried using Salsa (omitting the catsup!.!.!.!.not)!.
You'd think a recipe with only '3' ingredients couldn't be
messed up!.!.!.!.wouldn't you!?!?
Well!.!.!.while I was preparing to fix the 'Cola Chicken' recipe
using Salsa!.!.!.!.!.I was also trying to carry on a conversation with my
husband!.!.!.(just proves!.!.!.I can't do two things at once)!.!.!.!.mixed
Salsa & Catsup (before I realized I was supposed to leave out
the catsup) & Cola!.!.!.!.!.!.!.!.still turned out really tasty (to me)!.!.!.might
be a little sweeter than some of you like!.
I fixed chicken wings, (using the above recipe)
but!.!.!.I added the spices from a MILD (I don't care for "HOT") Buffalo Wings packet!.!.!.(the kind you get to bake in the oven)!.!.!.!.!.I thought it was really good!.!.!.!.!.(but you/I can't find a 'bad' way to fix chicken)!.
Finally!.!.!.!.!! I fixed the 'SALSA' chicken!.!.!.!.!.!.that's good , too!.
Another (bright)idea!.!.!.!.!.I thought of trying!.!.!.!.!.!.replace the
catsup with a bottle of Shrimp Cocktail Sauce!.!.!.and add a bag of (pop corn) shrimp!.!.!.!.!.!
Fixed the shrimp with cocktail sauce!.!.!.!.!.!.eh!.!.!.wasn't all that
great!.!.!.was OK!.!.!.probably won't be fixing it again!.
also tried beef stew cuts!.!.!.!.!.!.that was pretty good!.!.!.!.!.I can see
myself making this again!.
Served both over rice!.!.!.!.!.think the stew cuts would have been just as
good over noodles!.
How about using the little cocktail weiners/sausages!?
CRUNCHY ONION CHICKEN
1 1/3 cups French’s Original French Fried Onions
4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves
1 egg, beaten
LIGHTLY CRUSH:
Onions in a plastic bag!.
DIP:
Chicken in egg
COVER:
With onion crumbs, press firmly to adhere to chicken!.
BAKE:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees!.
Place chicken on lightly greased baking pan!.
Sprinkle with additional onion crumbs, if desired!.
Bake for 20 minutes or until no longer pink in center!.
Mushroom Chicken
4 boneless/skinless chicken breast (or any pieces you like)
1 can cream of mushroom soup!.
1 can water
Place chicken in crock pot (or sauce pan for stove top cooking)
mix soup & 1 can of water together
pour over chicken
cook on medium heat until boiling then reduce heat and cook until chicken is really tender & falling apart!.
Serve over noodles or rice or dressing!.!.!.!.or!?!?!?
CHILLI DOG CASSEROLE
1 pkg!. (8) hot dog buns
1 pkg!. (8) hot dogs (use more if you like)
1 can Chilli (15 oz!. without beans, use more if you want)
1 small onion (chopped)
2 cups shredded cheese
mustard
DIRECTIONS: Pre-heat oven 350 degrees
In a 9" x 13" baking pan, break up hot dog buns (bite size) and spread in pan!.
Cut up hot dogs (about 1/2" size) spread over buns!.
Spoon/spread chilli over hot dog/buns!.
Sprinkle onions over all!.
Squirt mustard over entire mixture (don't spread!.!.!.just make a few lines both ways across mixture)
Cover with shredded cheese!.
Bake until cheese is melted and bubbly!.
(Hint: If using extra hot dogs & chilli, don't add extra buns!.)
"Canned Soup"!.
(My Way!)
Whatever cans of veggies I have, that I like, in cabinet it goes in the pot!.!.!.!.!.along with all the juices in the cans!.
Cook on stove top or Crock pot!.
Enjoy!
Canned:
corn
peas
carrots
gr!.beans (any variety)
lima beans
wax beans
tomato (any variety)
potatoes (whole or sliced!.!.!.or both whatever you like)
You get the idea!.!.!.!.lol!.
also add a package of shredded cabbage (cole slaw mix)!.
You can even add a package of onion soup mix!.
If it gets to dry and needs more liquids!.!.!.!.add tomato juice!.!.!.V-8!.!.!.etc!.
(I’ve not made this one yet)
EASY BEEF STROGANOFF
Ingredients:
3/4 lb lean ground beef
1 jar Heinz HomeStyle Savory Beef Gravy (12 oz Jar)
1 can mushrooms, drained (7 oz can)
1/2 cup sour cream
4-6 cups hot cooked noodles
salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions:
In a medium skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned and thoroughly cooked!. Carefully drain liquids and return to stovetop!. Stir in Gravy and mushrooms, and bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally!. Remove from heat and stir in sour cream, until thoroughly combined!. Add salt and pepper, to taste, and serve immediately over hot noodles!.
Preparation Time: 1-15 minutes
Cook Time: 25+ minutes
"Corny Beanie Weenies!."
(from a country preacher in Mississippi…wife & 2 teenage sons)
Mix one can of good baked beans
We use a good sized can of beans (14-16 ounces, I think) and
get a kind that we like (maybe with brown sugar, onion, and bacon)!.
There are several kinds of good baked beans!.
and a package of Oscar Meier Weiners (all sliced up)!.
with a can of whole kernel corn (drained)
Any way, heat up these three ingredients, and serve with brown bread
(maybe toasted !?) and a glass of milk!.
It doesn't get any easier than this, and is suprisingly good!
P!.S…!.!.Might put ingredients in a casserole dish and top with corn muffin mix!.
POT ROAST
Your choice of beef (to fit crock-pot)
1 pkg!. dry Ranch dressing mix
1 pkg!. dry Italian dressing mix
1 pkg!. dry Brown Gravy mix
1 cup water
Put beef in pot!.
Mix together all the dry mixes…!.then add water …pour over meat and cover & cook on high 4-6 hours!.
Until meat is tender!.
The first time I mad it I didn’t have the Italian Dressing mix…!.so I added a pkg!. of Onion Soup Mix…!.I have to say I liked that better!.
If you use more water you might want to add more Brown Gravy mix…!.to make a thicker sauce!. Was gonna add
potatoes and carrots…but never got around to it!.
E-Z Cake Recipes
NO EGGS, NO OIL, NO WATER !.!.!.!.!.!.!.JUST 1 12oz!.SODA AND MIX!.
WHITE CAKE MIX………………………………!.!.7-UP OR STRAWBERRY SODA
CHOCOLATE CAKE MIX!.!.!.!.!.!.!.CHERRY SODA (BLACK FOREST)
ORANGE CAKE MIX…!.ORANGE SODA
PINEAPPLE MIX…!.PINEAPPLE SODA
SPICE MIX…!.!.ROOT BEER SODA ETC
POUR CAKE MIX IN BOWL
ADD SODA USE LOAF CAKE PAN
BAKE 350 DEGREES AS BOX SAYS!.
(PREPARE PAN WITH SPRAY)
Your choice of frostings or use cool whip!.
E-Z Candy
(All recipes are mixed the same!.)
Melt ingredients, seperately in microwave until runny!.
Mix together and pour into serving dish!.
Chill until firm, cut & serve!.
Chocolate Fudge:
16 oz!. container of Fudge Frosting
1 bag of Chocolate Chips (any flavor you like)
Peanut Butter Fudge #1:
1 small jar Peanut Butter (18 oz!.)
2 bags of Peanut Butter Chips
Peanut Butter Fudge #2:
1 small jar Peanut Butter (18oz!.)
16 oz!. container of White Frosting
Marshmallow Nougat:
1 small jr Marshmallow Creme
1 bag White Chocolate Chips
1 tsp!. Almond Flavoring
1 small bag Chopped Nuts
(I've made this without the flavoring & nuts!.!.!.!.I want to try
rolling
into balls and dipping in a chocolate coating!.!.!.!.sounds good to
me!.)
I've doubled all the above recipes!. The Marshmallow Nougat
recipe!.!.!.doubled and added a container of white frosting (had an
extra one!.!.!.!.so thought!.!.!.!.why not!)
I use a double boiler!.!.(prefer the double
boiler)!.!.!.add chips in first !.!.!.then rest of
ingredients!.!.!.!.!.saving
nuts and flavorings for last!.
CAKE MIX COOKIES
White Cake Mix
2 Tablespoons water
2 eggs
1/2 cup cooking oil
1 teaspoon almond extract
1/2 cup chopped nuts
powdered sugar
Mix all ingredients, except powdered sugar!.
Drop batter (about a teaspoon per cookie) into a bowl of powdered sugar!.
Roll in sugar until it is an approximate shape of a ball!.
Place ion a lightly greased cookie sheet!.
Bake at 350 degrees about 18 minutes, until lightly browned!.
Cool on wire racks!. Makes about 4 dozen cookies!.
(Use any flavoring or cake mix you desire!.)
Kreamy Kool-Aid Pie
1-(6 g) package un sweetened Kool-Aid powdered drink mix
1-(14 oz!.)can sweetened condensed milk
1-(8 oz)container Cool Whip frozen whipped topping, thawed!.
1-(9 inch) Graham Cracker Pie Crust (or Cookie crust)
Cool Whip for top (optional)
1!. In a medium bowl mix Kool-Aid and condensed milk, thoroughly!.
2!. Fold in Cool Whip!.
4!. If desired, spread more Cool Whip on top!.
5!. Chill for a minimum of 4 hours!.
I’ve used: Strawberry…Cherry…Lemon-lime (Key-Lime Pie)…!.Lemonade (Lemon Pie…might add some yellow food coloring for a more lemony look!.)
Find more quick – simple – E-Z – few ingredient…!.recipes…at E-Z Cookin’ group:
http://groups!.yahoo!.com/group/e-zcookin/
Lots of interesting ‘stuff’ in files & links…come join & check it out!.
Pat in Indiana…!.
pmsbar2@att!.netWww@FoodAQ@Com
COLA CHICKEN
(And more variations of recipe)
(My favorite: Wings or Ribs)
4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
1 cup catsup
1 12oz!. can cola (pepsi, coke, etc!.)
Put chicken in a non-stick pan!.
Mix together catsup and cola, pour over chicken!.
Bring to a boil!. Cover, reduce heat and cook 45 minutes!.
(turning chicken a few times, while cooking!.!.!.to prevent from
sticking to pan)
Uncover, turn up the heat and continue to cook until the sauce
becomes thick and adheres to the chicken!.
It turns into the most incredible BBQ sauce!. Yummmm!
You can double the recipe and use more pieces of
chicken!.!.!.!.wings!.!.!.would be ideal!.!.!.add some hot
sauce!.!.!.!.presto "Hot
Wings"!
I have used Ribs, just as good!.
I tried this recipe with 'meatballs'!.!.!.!.was equally
as good!.!.!.served over rice!.
I found another variation!.!.!.!.!.omit the catsup and add a small
jar of Salsa (any variety)!.
I have tried using Salsa (omitting the catsup!.!.!.!.not)!.
You'd think a recipe with only '3' ingredients couldn't be
messed up!.!.!.!.wouldn't you!?!?
Well!.!.!.while I was preparing to fix the 'Cola Chicken' recipe
using Salsa!.!.!.!.!.I was also trying to carry on a conversation with my
husband!.!.!.(just proves!.!.!.I can't do two things at once)!.!.!.!.mixed
Salsa & Catsup (before I realized I was supposed to leave out
the catsup) & Cola!.!.!.!.!.!.!.!.still turned out really tasty (to me)!.!.!.might
be a little sweeter than some of you like!.
I fixed chicken wings, (using the above recipe)
but!.!.!.I added the spices from a MILD (I don't care for "HOT") Buffalo Wings packet!.!.!.(the kind you get to bake in the oven)!.!.!.!.!.I thought it was really good!.!.!.!.!.(but you/I can't find a 'bad' way to fix chicken)!.
Finally!.!.!.!.!! I fixed the 'SALSA' chicken!.!.!.!.!.!.that's good , too!.
Another (bright)idea!.!.!.!.!.I thought of trying!.!.!.!.!.!.replace the
catsup with a bottle of Shrimp Cocktail Sauce!.!.!.and add a bag of (pop corn) shrimp!.!.!.!.!.!
Fixed the shrimp with cocktail sauce!.!.!.!.!.!.eh!.!.!.wasn't all that
great!.!.!.was OK!.!.!.probably won't be fixing it again!.
also tried beef stew cuts!.!.!.!.!.!.that was pretty good!.!.!.!.!.I can see
myself making this again!.
Served both over rice!.!.!.!.!.think the stew cuts would have been just as
good over noodles!.
How about using the little cocktail weiners/sausages!?
CRUNCHY ONION CHICKEN
1 1/3 cups French’s Original French Fried Onions
4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves
1 egg, beaten
LIGHTLY CRUSH:
Onions in a plastic bag!.
DIP:
Chicken in egg
COVER:
With onion crumbs, press firmly to adhere to chicken!.
BAKE:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees!.
Place chicken on lightly greased baking pan!.
Sprinkle with additional onion crumbs, if desired!.
Bake for 20 minutes or until no longer pink in center!.
Mushroom Chicken
4 boneless/skinless chicken breast (or any pieces you like)
1 can cream of mushroom soup!.
1 can water
Place chicken in crock pot (or sauce pan for stove top cooking)
mix soup & 1 can of water together
pour over chicken
cook on medium heat until boiling then reduce heat and cook until chicken is really tender & falling apart!.
Serve over noodles or rice or dressing!.!.!.!.or!?!?!?
CHILLI DOG CASSEROLE
1 pkg!. (8) hot dog buns
1 pkg!. (8) hot dogs (use more if you like)
1 can Chilli (15 oz!. without beans, use more if you want)
1 small onion (chopped)
2 cups shredded cheese
mustard
DIRECTIONS: Pre-heat oven 350 degrees
In a 9" x 13" baking pan, break up hot dog buns (bite size) and spread in pan!.
Cut up hot dogs (about 1/2" size) spread over buns!.
Spoon/spread chilli over hot dog/buns!.
Sprinkle onions over all!.
Squirt mustard over entire mixture (don't spread!.!.!.just make a few lines both ways across mixture)
Cover with shredded cheese!.
Bake until cheese is melted and bubbly!.
(Hint: If using extra hot dogs & chilli, don't add extra buns!.)
"Canned Soup"!.
(My Way!)
Whatever cans of veggies I have, that I like, in cabinet it goes in the pot!.!.!.!.!.along with all the juices in the cans!.
Cook on stove top or Crock pot!.
Enjoy!
Canned:
corn
peas
carrots
gr!.beans (any variety)
lima beans
wax beans
tomato (any variety)
potatoes (whole or sliced!.!.!.or both whatever you like)
You get the idea!.!.!.!.lol!.
also add a package of shredded cabbage (cole slaw mix)!.
You can even add a package of onion soup mix!.
If it gets to dry and needs more liquids!.!.!.!.add tomato juice!.!.!.V-8!.!.!.etc!.
(I’ve not made this one yet)
EASY BEEF STROGANOFF
Ingredients:
3/4 lb lean ground beef
1 jar Heinz HomeStyle Savory Beef Gravy (12 oz Jar)
1 can mushrooms, drained (7 oz can)
1/2 cup sour cream
4-6 cups hot cooked noodles
salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions:
In a medium skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned and thoroughly cooked!. Carefully drain liquids and return to stovetop!. Stir in Gravy and mushrooms, and bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally!. Remove from heat and stir in sour cream, until thoroughly combined!. Add salt and pepper, to taste, and serve immediately over hot noodles!.
Preparation Time: 1-15 minutes
Cook Time: 25+ minutes
"Corny Beanie Weenies!."
(from a country preacher in Mississippi…wife & 2 teenage sons)
Mix one can of good baked beans
We use a good sized can of beans (14-16 ounces, I think) and
get a kind that we like (maybe with brown sugar, onion, and bacon)!.
There are several kinds of good baked beans!.
and a package of Oscar Meier Weiners (all sliced up)!.
with a can of whole kernel corn (drained)
Any way, heat up these three ingredients, and serve with brown bread
(maybe toasted !?) and a glass of milk!.
It doesn't get any easier than this, and is suprisingly good!
P!.S…!.!.Might put ingredients in a casserole dish and top with corn muffin mix!.
POT ROAST
Your choice of beef (to fit crock-pot)
1 pkg!. dry Ranch dressing mix
1 pkg!. dry Italian dressing mix
1 pkg!. dry Brown Gravy mix
1 cup water
Put beef in pot!.
Mix together all the dry mixes…!.then add water …pour over meat and cover & cook on high 4-6 hours!.
Until meat is tender!.
The first time I mad it I didn’t have the Italian Dressing mix…!.so I added a pkg!. of Onion Soup Mix…!.I have to say I liked that better!.
If you use more water you might want to add more Brown Gravy mix…!.to make a thicker sauce!. Was gonna add
potatoes and carrots…but never got around to it!.
E-Z Cake Recipes
NO EGGS, NO OIL, NO WATER !.!.!.!.!.!.!.JUST 1 12oz!.SODA AND MIX!.
WHITE CAKE MIX………………………………!.!.7-UP OR STRAWBERRY SODA
CHOCOLATE CAKE MIX!.!.!.!.!.!.!.CHERRY SODA (BLACK FOREST)
ORANGE CAKE MIX…!.ORANGE SODA
PINEAPPLE MIX…!.PINEAPPLE SODA
SPICE MIX…!.!.ROOT BEER SODA ETC
POUR CAKE MIX IN BOWL
ADD SODA USE LOAF CAKE PAN
BAKE 350 DEGREES AS BOX SAYS!.
(PREPARE PAN WITH SPRAY)
Your choice of frostings or use cool whip!.
E-Z Candy
(All recipes are mixed the same!.)
Melt ingredients, seperately in microwave until runny!.
Mix together and pour into serving dish!.
Chill until firm, cut & serve!.
Chocolate Fudge:
16 oz!. container of Fudge Frosting
1 bag of Chocolate Chips (any flavor you like)
Peanut Butter Fudge #1:
1 small jar Peanut Butter (18 oz!.)
2 bags of Peanut Butter Chips
Peanut Butter Fudge #2:
1 small jar Peanut Butter (18oz!.)
16 oz!. container of White Frosting
Marshmallow Nougat:
1 small jr Marshmallow Creme
1 bag White Chocolate Chips
1 tsp!. Almond Flavoring
1 small bag Chopped Nuts
(I've made this without the flavoring & nuts!.!.!.!.I want to try
rolling
into balls and dipping in a chocolate coating!.!.!.!.sounds good to
me!.)
I've doubled all the above recipes!. The Marshmallow Nougat
recipe!.!.!.doubled and added a container of white frosting (had an
extra one!.!.!.!.so thought!.!.!.!.why not!)
I use a double boiler!.!.(prefer the double
boiler)!.!.!.add chips in first !.!.!.then rest of
ingredients!.!.!.!.!.saving
nuts and flavorings for last!.
CAKE MIX COOKIES
White Cake Mix
2 Tablespoons water
2 eggs
1/2 cup cooking oil
1 teaspoon almond extract
1/2 cup chopped nuts
powdered sugar
Mix all ingredients, except powdered sugar!.
Drop batter (about a teaspoon per cookie) into a bowl of powdered sugar!.
Roll in sugar until it is an approximate shape of a ball!.
Place ion a lightly greased cookie sheet!.
Bake at 350 degrees about 18 minutes, until lightly browned!.
Cool on wire racks!. Makes about 4 dozen cookies!.
(Use any flavoring or cake mix you desire!.)
Kreamy Kool-Aid Pie
1-(6 g) package un sweetened Kool-Aid powdered drink mix
1-(14 oz!.)can sweetened condensed milk
1-(8 oz)container Cool Whip frozen whipped topping, thawed!.
1-(9 inch) Graham Cracker Pie Crust (or Cookie crust)
Cool Whip for top (optional)
1!. In a medium bowl mix Kool-Aid and condensed milk, thoroughly!.
2!. Fold in Cool Whip!.
4!. If desired, spread more Cool Whip on top!.
5!. Chill for a minimum of 4 hours!.
I’ve used: Strawberry…Cherry…Lemon-lime (Key-Lime Pie)…!.Lemonade (Lemon Pie…might add some yellow food coloring for a more lemony look!.)
Find more quick – simple – E-Z – few ingredient…!.recipes…at E-Z Cookin’ group:
http://groups!.yahoo!.com/group/e-zcookin/
Lots of interesting ‘stuff’ in files & links…come join & check it out!.
Pat in Indiana…!.
pmsbar2@att!.netWww@FoodAQ@Com
You're in luck, I'm actually working on this myself!. I'm basically doing a "semi home made" back of the box deal!. Try these easy ideas:
Country fried chicken/pork/veal in white country gravy
One package frozen veal, chicken, or beef breaded patties (usually had 4 patties, costs about 1!.50-2!.00)
One package white gravy mix (costs about 80 cents to 1!.00)
OR
make your own white gravy (see directions below)
Directions:
Cook meat patties according to package!. Keep warm!. If making white gravy from a package, just follow the directions, then add plenty of black pepper!. If making your own, melt about 1/2 cup butter in a pan (if you fried your meat patties in oil, just add some butter into the pan after removing the meat) and about 1/4 cup (or an equal amount to the butter) of flour!. Whisk well for a couple of minutes to thicken and remove the starchy flour taste!. Then whisk in 2 cups of milk!. Bring to a simmer!. Simmer and stir until thickened!. Season with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you like!. Serve over the meat patties!.
Mock shredded BBQ beef
3 cans tuna in water, drained
minced onion, dried onion, or onion powder (all optional)
1 1/2 bbq sauce (home made or store bought)
Directions:
Combine all ingredients in skillet!. Heat through, about 10-15 minutes!. Serve on toasted buns!. Try topping with cheese!.
I know this one sounds odd, but you aren't supposed to be able to taste the tuna, and it passes off as very tender roast!.
Savory meatloaf and gravy
1 pound ground beef, chicken, or turkey (turkey is really cheap and better if you- it's about 1!.79 at places like Kroger, but if you have an Aldis's store, they have it for 79 cents a pound!)
1 box stuffing mix for pork, chicken or turkey
1 egg
2 cups beef or chicken broth
Flour
Directions:
Mix meat, stuffing, and egg until well combined!. I really suggest adding extra seasonings if you have them!. Salt, pepper, a little sage or poultry or grill seasoning, or garlic or onion powder!. Add in 1/2 cup of broth to the meat, and mix again!. Shape into a loaf and place in glass baking pan!. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes, then pour another 1/2 cup of broth over the loaf!. Bake for an additional 45 minutes or until cooked through, basting with pan juices every 15 minutes or so!. Reserve the pan juices when done!. Add in the remaining cup of broth to the pan drippings!. Whisk in enough flour to make a smooth gravy!.
Potatoes Au Gratin
One to two boxes of cheesy scalloped potatoes
Diced ham
OR make your potatoes from scratch: Thinly slice potatoes!. Make a cheese sauce (make a roux from butter and flour, add milk, bring to a simmer, then slowly add chunks of Velveeta or shredded cheddar, remove from heat and stir until cheese had melted and sauce is creamy!. Season with salt, pepper, hot sauce, or whatever you like) on the stove top!. Place potatoes in glass baking sheet, pour over cheese sauce, top with seasoned bread crumbs or crushed crackers, add in ham, and bake until potatoes are cooked through!. If using the boxed kind, just prepare according to package and add in ham!.
There are a few ideas to get you started!. also let me point out that buying in bulk can help save!. Work on really utilizing your left overs (I turn my leftover meat loaf into sloppy joes)!. Hearty soups and stews are affordable and filling!. Incorporate eggs into your dinner meals as well!. They're good, good for you, cheap, and filling!. also let me point you in the direction of a great site, where I get ideas:
http://www!.miserlymoms!.com/MOMfrecipes2!.!.!.!.
Hope this helps!.
Happy cooking :)Www@FoodAQ@Com
Country fried chicken/pork/veal in white country gravy
One package frozen veal, chicken, or beef breaded patties (usually had 4 patties, costs about 1!.50-2!.00)
One package white gravy mix (costs about 80 cents to 1!.00)
OR
make your own white gravy (see directions below)
Directions:
Cook meat patties according to package!. Keep warm!. If making white gravy from a package, just follow the directions, then add plenty of black pepper!. If making your own, melt about 1/2 cup butter in a pan (if you fried your meat patties in oil, just add some butter into the pan after removing the meat) and about 1/4 cup (or an equal amount to the butter) of flour!. Whisk well for a couple of minutes to thicken and remove the starchy flour taste!. Then whisk in 2 cups of milk!. Bring to a simmer!. Simmer and stir until thickened!. Season with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you like!. Serve over the meat patties!.
Mock shredded BBQ beef
3 cans tuna in water, drained
minced onion, dried onion, or onion powder (all optional)
1 1/2 bbq sauce (home made or store bought)
Directions:
Combine all ingredients in skillet!. Heat through, about 10-15 minutes!. Serve on toasted buns!. Try topping with cheese!.
I know this one sounds odd, but you aren't supposed to be able to taste the tuna, and it passes off as very tender roast!.
Savory meatloaf and gravy
1 pound ground beef, chicken, or turkey (turkey is really cheap and better if you- it's about 1!.79 at places like Kroger, but if you have an Aldis's store, they have it for 79 cents a pound!)
1 box stuffing mix for pork, chicken or turkey
1 egg
2 cups beef or chicken broth
Flour
Directions:
Mix meat, stuffing, and egg until well combined!. I really suggest adding extra seasonings if you have them!. Salt, pepper, a little sage or poultry or grill seasoning, or garlic or onion powder!. Add in 1/2 cup of broth to the meat, and mix again!. Shape into a loaf and place in glass baking pan!. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes, then pour another 1/2 cup of broth over the loaf!. Bake for an additional 45 minutes or until cooked through, basting with pan juices every 15 minutes or so!. Reserve the pan juices when done!. Add in the remaining cup of broth to the pan drippings!. Whisk in enough flour to make a smooth gravy!.
Potatoes Au Gratin
One to two boxes of cheesy scalloped potatoes
Diced ham
OR make your potatoes from scratch: Thinly slice potatoes!. Make a cheese sauce (make a roux from butter and flour, add milk, bring to a simmer, then slowly add chunks of Velveeta or shredded cheddar, remove from heat and stir until cheese had melted and sauce is creamy!. Season with salt, pepper, hot sauce, or whatever you like) on the stove top!. Place potatoes in glass baking sheet, pour over cheese sauce, top with seasoned bread crumbs or crushed crackers, add in ham, and bake until potatoes are cooked through!. If using the boxed kind, just prepare according to package and add in ham!.
There are a few ideas to get you started!. also let me point out that buying in bulk can help save!. Work on really utilizing your left overs (I turn my leftover meat loaf into sloppy joes)!. Hearty soups and stews are affordable and filling!. Incorporate eggs into your dinner meals as well!. They're good, good for you, cheap, and filling!. also let me point you in the direction of a great site, where I get ideas:
http://www!.miserlymoms!.com/MOMfrecipes2!.!.!.!.
Hope this helps!.
Happy cooking :)Www@FoodAQ@Com