I have been going through my recipes trying to find new and different things to cook for dinner that are both easy and affordable. I am trying to incorporate more vegetables into dinner and I am working on adding more seafood options as well. When cooking for 4 adults and a toddler, there are a lot of different likes and dislikes to address and that is becoming a challenge. I don’t like spicy, my husband doesn’t eat seafood, and one roommate is trying to loose weight. Lucky for me, my toddler will pretty much try anything at least once. She loves food.
I would also like to note that while I cook for technically 5 people, we do eat smaller portions than most. In trying to eat well and maintain a healthy weight (or loose), we do not “count calories”. We practice portion control and eat what we enjoy in moderation. No one in my house goes hungry but it did take a few weeks for the guys to get used to smaller portion sizes, especially coming from a restaurant background when some entrees can feed 3 people. This may affect how many people you are able to feed or if you end up with leftovers.
This is my week.
(my average prices do not include spices, butter, oil, etc)
Monday
Baked Chicken (@$9.25)
- Chicken Breast $4.28 (2.99lb, Fresh Market)
- Marinade $1.99 (Kroger Brand, Herb & White Wine)
- Cauliflower Rice $2.29
- Carrots $0.69 (can)
I trimmed and split the two chicken breasts to make 4 pieces, still quite large. Marinated in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Then baked at 375 for 20 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Cook time will vary based on your chicken. The cauliflower rice went over well and is a great way to add more veggies. It is frozen at Trader Joes, so follow package instructions. Mondays are usually pretty quick and simple since it is my grocery day.
Tuesday
Kielbasa Hash (@$6.50)
- Polish Kielbasa $2.49
- Bell Peppers $1.28 (1 Green & ½ Red)
- Onion $0.55
- Potato $0.87 (10 potatoes for $2.18, I used 4)
- Crescent Rolls $1.25
This meal does not take a long time to cook but it can be heavy on the prep. If you have chopped vegetables ready then it is a snap. Dice 3 to 4 potatoes, cook in a skillet with salt, pepper, and olive oil until cooked through. I like mine a little crispy. Dice peppers and onions and saute with a little olive oil. Dice kielbasa or smoked sausage and add to peppers & onions. Season with salt and pepper. Add potatoes and mix well. Add more seasoning if needed. Cook for about 5 minutes on low. Can be topped with cheese or a fried egg as well.
Wednesday
Meatball Tortellini Soup (@$14)
- Ground Beef $4.08 (2.99 lb. Fresh Market)
- Cheese Tortellini $3.99
- Carrots $0.32 (¼, $1.28)
- Celery $0.32 (¼ , $1.28)
- Spinach $1.99
- Parmesan $0.86 ($3.45 total)
- Chicken Stock $1.79 (4 Cups)
- Egg $0.16
I got this recipe a few years ago. I make it quite often since it is fairly easy and creates a decent amount of leftovers. I use more meat so i do end up a few more meatballs and I use the whole bag of fresh spinach instead of half. I have not tried this with frozen pasta but I assume it would work well. Fresh pasta is yummy but that makes the recipe 10x harder and who has time for that? Usually served with crusty buttered french bread however we opted for cupcakes today instead.
Friday
Breakfast (@$6)
- Biscuits $1.47 (canned)
- Eggs $0.96 (6 eggs)
- Cheese $0.47 (leftover from another recipe, last week)
- Bacon $2.99 (sale, Kroger. Bought quite a few to freeze)
Gravy was homemade instead of store bought this time. 4Tbsp butter, 4 Tbsp Flour, 2 ½ cups milk, salt & pepper. Quick dinner for a busy day. Just a note, I cook my bacon in the oven. 375 for about 20 minutes or so. If the bacon is really thick, flip halfway through cooking. Way easier and less mess than stovetop cooking.
Saturday
Crockpot Chili (@$14)
- Ground Beef $4.01 (2.99 lb, Fresh Market)
- Green Chiles $0.89 (1 can)
- Onion $0.55
- Dark Kidney Beans $1.38 (2 cans)
- Light Kidney Beans $0.69 (1 can)
- Diced Tomatoes $1.46 (2 cans)
- Tomato Sauce $1.18 (2 cans)
- Beef Broth $1.24 (½ )
- Cheese $0.47
- Sour Cream $0.44
- Avocado $0.99
- Chipotle Pepper $0.29 (only use 1 pepper, freeze the rest of the can for later)
Crockpot! I love this recipe. Usually I cook the meat & onions the night before so I don’t have to do any actual cooking in the morning. Cheese, Sour cream, & avocado are for toppings so you can use other things if you choose. I have 6 or 7 quart crockpot (can’t remember) and this makes a good amount of leftovers. So…..Chili dogs for lunch on Sunday
5 meals for around $50.
As a bonus, I am going to share my favorite weekend drink. Sangria!!! It is easy to make in a pitcher and keep in the refrigerator all weekend to drink as needed.
1 bottle red wine, 1 cup orange juice, 1 lime (juice only), 1 can sprite or sparkling water, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1 oz Kahlua, 1 oz brandy or gin, 1/1 cup simple syrup (hot water & sugar). Mix together in a pitcher and keep cool until needed. I only add fruit if I am going to be drinking it within a few hours since the fruit gets mushy and the citrus peels can make the sangria bitter.
Always need a drink when cooking dinner!
