Feed a Family of Four for Less Than $5 Per Meal

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Feeding a family is a growing challenge in a world where grocery prices rise nearly every week. But you can eat well and still stay within your budget by planning your meals in advance and choosing simple, low-cost options. Here are five frugal recipes that will let you feed a family of four for under $5 per meal. And you can’t beat a deal like that!

NOTE: Prices are estimates and will vary depending on region, available sales, etc.

Budget Crock Pot Swiss Steak & Rice

1 lb. beef cubed steak, $1.75 on sale (can use round steak or venison cutlets, whichever is cheapest)
1 can cream of mushroom soup, 49¢
8 oz. can tomato sauce, 69¢
cooking oil spray, minimal
2 cups regular cooked rice, 68¢

Cut meat into four equal pieces. Remove any excess fat. Spray crock pot with cooking oil spray. Place meat in bottom of crock pot. Mix soup and tomato sauce with a whisk or a fork until well blended. Pour over meat. Cover and cook on low 4-6 hours or until meat is tender. Prepare rice as directed on box. Serve meat over rice. Makes 4 servings.

TOTAL COST: $3.61

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Sloppy Joes

1 lb. ground turkey, $1.19 (can use ground beef)
1 can Manwich®, $1.19
8 hamburger buns, 99¢

Brown ground turkey, drain. Add Manwich®. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Serve on hamburger buns. Makes 8 sandwiches.

OPTIONAL: Serve with mustard, pickles, and potato chips, if desired.

TOTAL COST: $3.37

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TexMex Burritos

1 lb. ground turkey, $1.19 (can use ground beef)
1 pkg. taco seasoning mix, 79¢
1/4 c. water, minimal
1 can refried beans, 99¢
1 pkg 10 large flour tortillas, $1.89

Brown ground turkey, drain. Add taco seasoning, water and refried beans. Mix well. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Heat tortillas in oven or on stove top. Spoon mixture onto warm tortillas. Makes 10 burritos.

OPTIONAL: Serve with lettuce, tomatoes, and shredded cheese, if desired.

TOTAL COST: $4.86

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Quick & Easy Potato Soup

8 medium potatoes, coarsely diced, $1.20
1 medium onion, coarsely diced, 49¢
1 stalk celery, chopped fine, 10¢
water, minimal
Salt and Pepper to taste, 3¢
Oyster crackers or saltines, 99¢

Place potatoes, onion and celery in medium size saucepan and cover with water. Add salt and pepper to taste. Bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer about 30 minutes until soup thickens. Serve hot with oyster crackers or saltines. Makes about 4 cups.

TOTAL COST: $2.81

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Semi-Homemade Spaghetti

1 lb. ground turkey, $1.19 (can use ground beef)
1 lb. spaghetti, $1.19
1 jar, store brand spaghetti sauce, 99¢
1/2 medium onion, finely chopped, 25¢
water

Brown ground turkey, drain. Add spaghetti sauce and onion. Mix well. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes or until onion is very tender. Cook spaghetti as directed on package. Spoon sauce over spaghetti. Serves 4 or more.

OPTIONAL: Serve with a salad and oven toasted bread sprinkled with garlic powder.

TOTAL COST: $3.62

Tags: Being Frugal, Frugal Meals, frugal recipes