You all know I love to cook. I'm never gonna be on Top Chef. I'm no glamorous cook. My speciality is cooking comfort food for my family and friends. With the economy continuing to spiral out of control, I've been more mindful of how much we spend on just about everything. I've never been one to clip coupons, by only the generic brand, or really pay attention to how much I'm spending on groceries.
Just by taking a look at the sale ad from my local grocery chain (no coupon clipping required), I was able to save 50% on my grocery bill last week. That's right -- half of what I would normally pay. I stocked up on meat ($4 for a mega pack of drumsticks that will translate into 3 meals for my family), breads for $1, eggs, and much more.
So I bring you my new favorite meals under $10 (for my family of four, that's $2.25 a serving for each person. That even beats fast food).
1. Soup, bread, and salad
I used 2 cans of reduced sodium condensed soup, a big loaf of fresh french bread, and a prepackaged salad. I imagine if I had the time or the desire, I could make my own chicken soup from the left over chicken (see below) and fresh veggies and I'd still be under the $10. Total meal cost: $8.00
2. Breakfast for Dinner
Eggs to order, sliced bread thrown into the toaster, a package of thick-sliced organic bacon, and fresh orange juice (from our orange tree in the backyard). Have the kids get into their jammies and dress the part. Total meal cost: $5.00 Add a fruit salad and your total meal cost is still under 10 bucks.
3. Whole Roasted Chicken
Right now at Safeway, chicken is just 79cents a pound. I know lots of people love to buy the already cooked roasted chickens at Costco (another great deal), but I just couldn't pass on this price. With rice pilaf (brown 3tbsp butter with a minced onion, then add 1 tsp salt and 1.5 cups of rinsed rice with 2.5 cups chicken stock and you have the yummiest rice ever). I also bought organic veggies on sale. Total meal cost: $10.00
4. Turkey Tacos with homemade refried beans
Turkey tacos are easy to make (you can use the same pre-mixed spice packet or make your own). Taco shells or tortillas are almost always on sale. To make your own beans which taste one thousand times better than the canned stuff, you'll need 2 cans of red kindey beans, 1 jalapeno, 2 cloves of garlic, veg oil, cilantro, ground cumin, and an onion. In a food processor, pulse the kidney beans (drained and rinsed) with 1/4 cup water until thick and creamy. Into a large skillet on med-high heat, add 4 tbs oil and minced onion. Cook till soft (5 min). Add minced jalapeno, garlic, and 1 tbsp cumin. Then add beans. Cook 5 minutes and top with 1/4 cup chopped cilantro. Salt and pepper to taste. You'll never go back to canned beans again. Total meal cost: $10.00
What are your favorite meals to make on the cheap?
