Budget Meal

Tuna Noodle Casserole

February 7, 2021 by Sarah Leave a Comment

Tuna Noodle Casserole is a classic recipe made from pantry ingredients making it a budget-friendly dinner that’s delicious. Just like mom used to make! Less than $8 total for 6 servings or $1.33 per serving.

baking dish of tuna noodle casserole with serving on white plate with title text

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I'm pretty sure Tuna Casserole is the first thing people think of when they hear budget meals. Yes, canned tuna is incredibly frugal and shouldn't be overlooked. Used in the right way, it can add a great source of protein to a meal without costing much at all.

This Tuna Noodle Casserole takes the best parts of a budget-friendly dinner and really plays up the flavor!

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Whipped Shortbread Cookies

January 24, 2021 by Sarah 3 Comments

Whipped Shortbread Cookies melt in your mouth with rich buttery vanilla flavor. With just a few ingredients, this light dough comes together in minutes. Top with seasonal nonpareils for any occasion!

whipped shortbread cookies stacked on white platter with title text

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Whether you're baking cookies for a classroom holiday party or for a weekend treat, these whipped shortbread cookies are light and airy and literally melt in your mouth.

Compared to regular shortbread recipes, the butter and sugar in this recipe are whipped until extremely fluffy to create the airy texture. Using just a few simple ingredients, these cookies are delicious AND budget-friendly.

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Ingredients

Butter: For baking, I recommend using unsalted butter. This allows you to control the amount of salt in the recipe. If you only have salted, omit the salt from this recipe

Your butter will need to be room temperature for this recipe. Allow the butter to sit on the counter for a couple of hours before mixing, but do not soften it in the microwave.

The best way to tell if your butter is soft enough is by pressing your finger into the top. If you can make an indentation but the butter holds its shape, you are good.

Flour: You will need regular all-purpose flour. I have not tested this recipe using a gluten-free baking mix, but if you have a brand that you feel works well as a straight substitution, like Cup4Cup, feel free to try it.

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Crockpot Little Smokies

January 17, 2021 by Sarah 4 Comments

Crockpot Little Smokies are a tasty appetizer perfect for the Big Game or potlucks. Just 2 ingredients makes this easy to make and budget-friendly!

BBQ Little Smokies in crockpot with title text "Crock Pot Little Smokies"

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When it comes to making something something to take to a potluck, you want something really easy and bonus points if it is affordable and feeds a crowd. For less than $7 total, this crockpot little smokies recipe will feed up to 16 people!

It's sure to be a hit at your next Super Bowl party and you can even take your crockpot to keep it warm if you're headed to a friend's house.

Ingredients

Beef Cocktail Sausages: Also known as "little smokies," these are mini smoked sausages. They can be found next to the deli meat at your grocery store.

BBQ Sauce: Feel free to use your favorite BBQ sauce or make a batch of homemade BBQ sauce. If you need recommendations for store-bought, I love Sweet Baby Ray's flavors, but especially their Hickory Brown Sugar variety.

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Cheap Healthy Dinner Recipes

January 6, 2021 by Sarah Leave a Comment

Eating healthy doesn't have to be expensive. With some frugal tips, you can eat delicious, healthy food on a tight budget. These cheap, healthy dinner recipes are all under $1.50 per serving!

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Cheap Sources of Protein

I have a personal goal to not spend more than $2.00 per pound on meat. Obviously, your goal will be different depending on your budget or the grocery prices in your area.

I stick to this budget by buying whole chicken or leg quarters rather than boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, or by stocking up on meat that has been marked down for quick sale. I also keep an eye on sales as I can sometimes find ground beef for $2.49/lb or pork chops for $1.99/lb.

A bonus tip: Slice chicken breast in half to make cutlets or slices to help it stretch a little further. You don't need a whole chicken breast per person.

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