Super Easy Meal Ideas for Pennies

 We all eat differently and we all like different things.  I have never made meals complicated - even when cooking for two.  G was never real picky, and he didn't care if he had one thing or several - he just liked to eat.  Me too.  If I am full - that is what matters.  

There are many things that can be made for pennies.  We CAN stretch that grocery budget - it just takes a little thought.  Use up what you have and re-invent leftovers in new ways.  No waste.  

We all know the basics:

SOUPS

CHILI

These are pretty basic.  Soups can be anything.  Whatever you have - put it together with some broth or stock or tomato base - veggies, pastas, rice, meat pieces = SOUP!

Mac n Cheese - add some leftover taco meat, hamburger, tuna, chopped hotdog, sliced smoked sausage, maybe some peas or broccoli - whatever you got.  Add maybe a side of salad or veggie of any sort and you have a filling meal

Pancakes or waffles - serve as is or with a side of meat or eggs.

Biscuits and gravy or toast and gravy.  You can make toast from older buns, bread or even use English muffins or bagels - whatever you have.  Gravy is so inexpensive and easy to make

Cabbage or kraut and sausage or hotdogs.  Maybe add mashed, fried or smashed potato as a side.  Super tasty and little cost.  Above is a little baked and smashed potato that is fried.  Mmmmm 

Fried rice or lo-mein.  Throw in all the leftover veggies, bits and bobs of meat and a little seasoning and BOOM you can have a meal in a pan.  So super easy.  A little rice or a little cooked spaghetti (use for lo-mein) - easy - and so very frugal

Burritos are so easy and use up any leftovers or you can make breakfast ones as well.  Makes for a great meal.  Top with veggies, eat plain, or top with sauce

Same type of tortilla used as a roll-up.  A little fresh veg, maybe leftover meat, cheese and some dressing.  Roll it and eat it.  Less calories than a sandwich with bread.  Tortillas can be purchased pretty darn cheaply or you can make your own for just pennies.  They are so super easy to make!

Baked potatoes - top with just butter or use whatever you have.  Top with leftover stew, chili, cheese, taco meat, sour cream or dip, a little ranch dressing, cheesy veggies - you name it.  There is no limit to the toppings.  I can make a nice baked potato with toppings and maybe a side salad and I am more than full.

Spaghetti - some pasta (use what you have) and sauce.  Can add meat or not.  Can top with cheese or not.  Can add garden veggies.  Such an easy and versatile meal.

Tuna patties - use tuna instead of salmon.  I can of tuna will make one large patty or 2 smaller ones.  I add cracker, breadcrumbs, or crushed chips of any sort for a binder with an egg.  Fry.  Above is a sandwich made with the tuna patty and served with leftover corn & Brussel sprouts - sauteed together.

Goulash - in my area - that is macaroni, ground beef, tomato sauce and a little cheese.  I know different regions of the country call other things goulash.

Throw in some cut up bell peppers and use rice instead of pasta, and you have unstuffed pepper skillet!!!!!!

A bowl of rice or pasta - with any assortment of leftover veggies or meat or gravy or sauces on top.  

Homemade pizza - a favorite for me.  You can make a traditional pizza, use - tortillas, English muffins, French bread, hamburger or hotdog buns, whatever you have on hand.  Add a little sauce (spaghetti sauce is fine) or add some salsa - whatever.  Top with just veggies or just meat or combo.  Add anything your heart may desire.  Any type of cheese.  I make up French bread pizza (now a fav) and - this will make at least 4 meals - if not more (with added side salad).  I bake, cut and freeze leftovers for quick meals later.  

I get the bread when it is on clearance for $1 or less a loaf and use whatever I have in my frig.  It really is a cheap meal.  So easy.  There are NO rules.

Maybe this will give someone and idea or two for something different to make.  Meals do NOT need to be complicated - they need to fill you and nourish you.  They do not need to cost hardly any money.  There are so many ways to stretch those food budgets.  You can make these meals for one or more.

Use what you have - you will be amazed at how many choices you can have and how little money you will spend.

HAVE FUN!!!!!

Surround yourself with people who are good for your spirit