5 FAB Meals for UNDER $4.82

Does your table seem less “welcoming” now that you’ve tightened your purse strings?

Never fear! We, at Family Foodies, are here to let you know that you can eat WELL even on a shoestring budget!

I spent some time this week going through some of my favorite recipes to see what I could do to “trim the fat” so to speak from the cost of the meal without sacrificing TASTE! I have two words for you: Mission accomplished.

Below you will find shopping lists and recipes for 5 FABULOUS meals (to feed 4-6)-all for an average of $5! And if you’d like to ADD to my list, by all means do! Let’s get started.

(1) One Pot Chili

You’ll need:

• 1 lb ground chuck (Turkey or chicken would do too!) $1.99 **on sale this week**
• 1 small yellow onion, chopped $.25
• I can Bush’s Chili Starter (Mild or HOT!) $1.49
• 1 16 oz can diced tomatoes, undrained (HEB store brand) $.79

Total Cost: $4.52

What you’ll do:

Brown ground meat with chopped onion and drain.

Add Chili Starter and Tomatoes, un-drained.

Stir, bring to a boil. Then cover and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

**You can add cheese, sour cream or even corn chips if you like. Just use what you have on hand.**

(2) Taco Pasta Bake

You’ll need:

1 Box Deluxe Shells and Cheese Dinner (HEB Store Brand) $1.29

¾ lb Ground Beef $1.77

Taco Seasoning Pack, Mild or Spicy (HEB store brand) $.22

Ready Mix Side Salad (HEB Store Brand) **Free with Ground Beef and Taco Seasoning Purchase**

Total Cost: $3.28

What you’ll do:

Cook pasta shells according to box directions.

While pasts is boiling, brown ground beef and add taco seasoning mix.

Add meat mixture to cheesy shells and mix well.

Serve with Side Salad!

(3) Chicken Pot Pie Bake

Youll Need:

• 1 Pack Shredded Chicken Breast $1.25
• 1 package of frozen mixed veggies $.89
• Salt/Pepper/Seasonings to taste (I use Tony’s for a KICK!)
• 1 can Cream of Chicken soup (or whatever you have on hand) $.49
• Small box Bisquick $2.19

Total Cost: $4.82 (though your cost will be less if you have Bisquick on hand already.)

What you’ll do:

Preheat oven to 400-425 degrees.

Combine chicken, veggies, soup and seasonings in a bowl. Utilize cooking spray in a casserole dish and transfer ingredients from bowl.

Mix the Bisquick to a “pourable” consistency, like pancake batter. (HOT TIP: Add in a bit of garlic powder, salt and pepper for extra flavor!) One cup was enough for me to cover the ingredients.

Pour the biscuit “batter” over the top and bake until the biscuit topping is nicely browned. Approximately 35-45 minutes

(4) “Fake Out” Potato Soup

You’ll need:

• 1 can Evaporated Milk $.49
• 2 cups Chicken Broth $.69 (Or 1 cup of Chicken Stock plus 1 cup water)
• 1 can Cheddar Soup $.59
• 1 can Cream of Chicken Soup $.49
• 1 large bag of frozen cauliflower $.89 (You could also use one fresh head of cauliflower)
• 1 cup cubed ham $1.50

Total Cost: $4.65

What you’ll do:

This is a crock pot classic! Mix all ingredients together; place in crock pot and simmer on low for 6-8 hours. You can ALSO do this “30 Minute Style” by steaming your cauliflower first prior to cooking all other ingredients on the stove.

(5) Spaghetti and Sausage

What you’ll need:

• 1 lb Italian Sausage (or meat of your choice) $1.99 **on sale this week**
• 1 Large Jar of Ready Made Spaghetti Sauce $1.89
• 1 package of Spaghetti Noodles $.59

Total Cost $4.47

What you’ll do:

Brown Sausage in skillet with EVOO (extra virgin olive oil) and drain.

Add jar of sauce, stir and simmer on low heat for 20 minutes.

Boil pasta and drain. (Don’t forget to salt your water before adding pasta. This is your ONLY chance to add flavor to your noodles.)

Cover pasta with meat sauce and enjoy!

I hope you all enjoy these meals with your family–as I know I will…since I’ve ALREADY planned these meals for the next 5 days! What are YOU having for dinner?