Moving, going to be broke, need healthy cheap meals

Megan - posted on 01/02/2009

This recipe has saved me a ton of money. It only costs me about $15 to make, and it lasts us a whole month. If your family likes tacos or nachos then I am sure they will like this. Even my 1yr old eats it!



TACO SOUP



Items needed:Large stock pot - Mine is a 10x10 and this recipe almost fills it.

4lb Ground Turkey (get 5/6lb if you want to have tacos the night before depending on your family size)

1 restruant size can of diced tomatoes (6lb 6oz)

2lb Corn

1/2lb large Red kidney beans

1/2lb black beans

1/2lb small red kidney beans

1 Large Onion diced

Taco Seasoning to taste (roughly 1/2C. - really saves money if you buy it in bulk!) Tortilla Chips (we buy them by the case at a restruant supply store for under $10, then they are always on hand when you decide to re-heat this)

Fat Free Sour Cream

Cheddar Cheese



Day before cooking - Soak beans in large stock pot. (this saves you from another dirty dish). Cook ground meat & have tacos for dinner. Save leftover meat for soup.



Morning of cooking - Cook beans until tender. Bag says this will only take an hour or two, but I've found it to take much longer!



To make soup:Drain beans. Add all other ingredients & mix together. Add enough liquid to cover all ingredients. Heat on med/high to boil and then turn to low to simmer. This could be eaten right away, but it does taste better if you give it a couple hours for the flavors to meld.

To Serve: crush Tortilla chips or corn chips in bottom of bowl. Pour soup on top & chips will soak up most liquid. Top with sour cream & cheese.



~I usually keep one container of leftovers in the fridge & freeze the rest. It's great to have around for nights when you won't be home to cook. Just take it out the night before to defrost. Sometimes there isn't enough liquid for all the servings, but just add a little more water when needed. It's easy to add, but you can't take it out so don't add too much in the beginning.



~Also tastes great with shredded chicken!

~To change it up a little, we have served leftovers on top of a baked potato. My whole family loved it!

Jill - posted on 01/02/2009

I have just purchased this amazing book (what you will save will definitely be worth it) called Table Tucker available in Australia. It gives you menus, shopping lists and even what to buy in bulk. Feeds a family of four I think for 1 and a half weeks and they say you will save around $100 Aussie dollars (if I have that right) a week. And you only have to cook two to three nights a week. Check it out on the website www.tabletucker.com.au. Good luck.

Gretchen - posted on 12/30/2008

Hi there, as the mom of four we always eat on a tight budget. I don't have any specific recipes to give you but here are some of the tips I've been given and utilize every month. We live on a $400 food budget and my kids are 12,9,5, and 2! First, I know it is a pain but if you can clip coupons and use them wisely, try to. I save about $40 a month which adds up over time. Also, stock up if something is on sale. If there is hamburger for a good price buy several pounds and freeze it. If it is a seasonal product, like sweet corn, buy it when it is in season and freeze bags for the middle of winter or at least plan meals around what is a locally grown food. I stretch our meals with little meat, a lot of veggies and a filling amount of carbs. Also look into a meatless meal once or twice a week. We do 'Breakfast for Supper' once a week and I serve omelets or scrambled eggs and waffles or french toast. The kids love it and my husband has gotten used to it. We also use beans in probably half our meals.You can find a large variety that are canned and the prices are usually great. They are an amazing filler for soup or stew. Use in salads or in casseroles. And of course in anything you can put in a tortilla. My other helpful hint is to find a day old bread store and buy bread in bulk at marked down prices and freeze, just thaw when you need a loaf. You can also freeze shredded hard cheeses, tortillas, blanched fresh veggies, nuts and leftovers! I often double a cheap recipe, (like chili) and freeze half so that I can take it out for a supper later in the month with almost no work involved. Hope this helps!!! Good luck, and it can be done!

Katie - posted on 12/30/2008

In stead of buying frozen items, make fresh. For example, chicken fingers or nuggets. Just purchase some boneless chicken and cut it into desired pieces. Make a milk/egg wash. Dip the pieces in there and then toss into bread crumbs. Place on a cookie sheet and bake. If your kids eat rice and vegetables, a simple stir-fry works also. Just buy some fresh veggies (peppers, onions, broccoli, zucchini...whatever they like), cut them up along with some chicken, pork, or beef and throw it all in a pan. Add whatever spices or herbs you and your kids like for flavor. Serve over cooked rice or pasta.