Frugal Dinner Planning

[PinkLincoln]

So, for the time being I haven't had any income and have been living off my stockpile figuring out what I can make, and what are my options for things to buy that are in my $0 budget. While preparing dinner today, I sat there thinking.. "Wow, most of this cost me nothing" so! I thought I would share, so it'll be a half brag, half inspirational thread if you're stuck one night on what to make and have some things laying around your stockpile. Obviously, alot of these things are stuff I stocked up on, and everyone finds different things and have different coupons for items, so feel free to add.

Pulled BBQ Chicken Wrap

Servings = 3-4

1 Tray Prime Boneless/Skinless Chicken = Free
Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ Sauce = Free
Greek Pitas = $0.99

Total Cost = $0.99

Shepperd's Pie

Servings 4-5

1lb Ground Beef = Free
InCusine Mashed Potatoes = $0.49 (half of package)
NN Frozen Corn = $0.99 (1cup, approximately $0.20)
1 can Mushroom Soup = Free
Shepperd's Pie Seasoning = $0.77 (half package)

Total Cost: $0.83

Pizza

Servings: 4

PC Pizza Crust = $1.25 (pink sticker)
Spinich = $0.99 (1/4 bushel)
Mozerella = $1 (half package)
Hunt's Tomato Sauce = $0.50 (1/4 can)

Total Cost : $2.13

Cheeseless Chicken Parm?

Servings= 3-4

D'Italino Frozen Baguette = $1 (tasted like crap, dried out, put through food processor and turned into bread crumbs, mixed with Italian spices)
1 egg
Penne = $0.50 (1/4 package)
1 tray Prime Boneless Skinless Chicken = Free
Hunt's Tomato Sauce = $0.50 (3/4 can)

Total: $1.50


Chicken or Fish in Mushroom/Dill sauce
*this is my fav! nom nom nom*

1 tray prime chicken = Free, or 1 pkg Alaskan Pollock = $2.00
2 cans mushroom soup = Free (added 1 cup water, 1 cup milk)
InCusin Mashed Potatos = $0.49 (half package)
1tbl spoon dill, pinch of pepper

Total: $2.25-$0.25

Also tastes decent with instant rice! Bake in a casserole dish at 350 for 30-40 min.

[lmartin65018]

All sound yummy and great inspiration for us all. You even beat Rachel Ray and her $10.00 meals. Awesome

[Mystic]

Nice job! See look how strong you are - you'll make it and you will have many new opportunities soon!

I've been using this site alot:

www.allrecipes.com

They have budget recipes that are very easy to make!

[PinkLincoln]

I can never go by recipes, as I always seem to be missing 1-3 things for it, so I make due with whatever I have laying around the house.

[freefreefree]

I can never go by recipes, as I always seem to be missing 1-3 things for it, so I make due with whatever I have laying around the house.

same here

[avoncallingu]

That's terrific! I'm inspired!

[ssbean]

WTG!! All meals sound yummy!

[Debvictoria]

WTG!!! It sounds like you have a great stockpile!! With an imagination like that you inspire us all!!! Things always look darkest before the dawn. Its a new year and it will get better. Believe.

[MamasitaDonna]

I'm sure things will turn around for you soon because with brains like you have to make meals for that little money---you'll find a way! Thanks for bringing a smile to my face for the inspirational post.

[sonyamary]

I like what you accomplished for your menu plan A+++, You have inspired me to do this also.

[macabby'smom]

I have been bored with cooking the same things over and over. Great ideas on the cheap cheap too. This week I have been looking through my recipe books for ideas for suppers. I have had to substitute ingredients, but all 4 meals were a success and quick and easy. WTG.