This week could be considered my southern week. Buttered steak, chowder, meatloaf, chicken and gravy. Comfort food heaven. I do tend to cook a little heavier in the fall and winter but that shouldn’t be a bad thing. Just different flavors than summer. This is my weekly meal plan on $60 or less! (my average prices do not include common spices, butter, oil, etc)
Monday
Steak Bites (@$9.25)
- Bottom Round Steak $6.65
- Mac & Cheese $1.00 (Annie’s)
- Green Beans $0.59
- Crescent Rolls $1.00
I have made this dish before. Yummy. Yummy. Buttered and peppered steaks tastes amazing and is ready in just a few minutes. (recipe)
Tuesday
Autumn Chowder (@$7.25)
- Potato $0.74
- Bacon $0.99
- Onion $0.59
- Carrots $0.69
- Corn $0.59
- Milk $1.00
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese $1.67
- French Baguette $0.99
(recipe) I doubled the recipe but did need to add a little cornstarch to thicken soup. There was just a little too much liquid but that might be because I used chicken broth instead of water and boullion granules. The recipe did not list any seasonings but I added salt and pepper.
Wednesday
Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf (@$19.25)
- Ground Beef $6.48
- Bacon $3.00
- Bread $0.59
- Milk $0.49
- Parmesan $1.29
- Eggs $0.08
- Ketchup $1.99
- Potatoes $1.75
- Spaghetti Squash $2.00
- Tomato Sauce $1.59
(recipe) I have never made meatloaf before so this was a fun experience. I did not change this recipe at all other than the cooktime. Maybe I covered my meatloaf with too much bacon (if there is such a thing) but my cook time was 1 hour and 45 minutes. A little annoying to be be waiting on dinner but it was definitely worth it. Served with mashed potatoes & spaghetti squash.
Friday
Cajun Baked Tilapia (@$5.50)
- Tilapia Filets $3.83
- Rice $0.40
- Green Beans $0.59
- Bread $0.45
Served with steamed white rice, green beans and garlic bread. I add a little butter,salt, and pepper to my steamed rice. Sprinkled filets with cajun seasoning and baked at 425 for 20 minutes, less if you use smaller pieces. Make sure fish flakes easily with a fork.
Saturday
Crockpot Whole Chicken (@$6.75)
- Whole Frozen Chicken $4.21
- Stuffing $1.00
- Green Beans $0.59
- Gravy $0.88
This was kind of an experiment to see if I could cook a frozen whole chicken in the crockpot. And yes it worked. 9 hour on low. I added butter, garlic, bay leave, and a little season salt. Fall off the bone tender.
5 meals for under $50
**Bonus**
Since I love fall and all things pumpkin, this week I have a delicious and easy Pumpkin Pie dip. Great for parties or eating alone. 1 can pumpkin puree, 1 packages softened cream cheese, pumpkin pie spice to taste. Served with sliced fruit and vanilla wafers.
