The "~$5 Meal Ideas~" thread...

[smashncakes]

Taco Seasoning

1 TBSP chili powder--if you don't like taco seasoning really spicy, start with 2 tsps and add more to taste
1 tsp each salt & pepper
1/4 tsp each garlic powder, onion powder (or dried minced onion/onion flakes), red pepper flakes (omit if you don't like spicy), and oregano...you can also add 1/4 tsp cumin *I don't use cumin but its great if you like spicy stuff*

Add seasoning with 1 cup water to 1 lb cooked ground turkey, ground beef, chicken...really whatever you like with taco seasoning. Simmer down to consistency you like, I usually do about 15 minutes.

[smashncakes]

Originally Posted by musicmom2x Oh I forgot about a really fun recipe my mom used to do with me when I was little. You need english muffins, spaghetti/pizza/marinara sauce, cheese (mozzerella or cheddar work best) and toppings of choice. You half the muffins spread a bit of sauce and sprinkle cheese and/or topping- kids can help with this its fun for them to make their own you can throw these in the toaster oven until the edges brown and the cheese melts. Easy and fun and definitely cheap

This is really good with bagels too You can get a big bag of mini-bagels at Aldis for less than $2 and it makes a LOT of these.

[Rybread]

Subbing!

[Samanthavv]

You guys are making me HUNGRY

[mama0609]

Grilled Cheese Pizzas sandwiches
( I make these in the toaster oven and microwave, you could use the stove if you wanted )
bread (wheat is heartier but I made them with white) ($1.00 for one loaf)
Pizza Sauce ($1.00/jar from WM, a jar lasts us FOREVER)
Sliced Cheese (I dunno how much this is anymore, we get WIC LOL)

Toast the bread (over toast it a bit as the sauce softens it)
Spread as much sauce on each slice as you'd like
Add 1-2 slices of cheese to your personal tastes
Place the slices side by side and micro for 15 seconds, then put the plain side on top of the cheese side and turn it over, micro on medium power for 15 seconds, cool and slice

You can probably add 'toppings' but I haven't tried it... You can make A LOT of these with a cheapy loaf of bread. Serve along side fresh veggies like carrots.

Sliced Bread Pizza (alternare of above)
light toast bread slices, top with sauce, cheese and toppings, toast until melted and bubbly.
This comes out cheaper than dioing it on english muffins and if you get WIC you can make it for pennies.

[Numommy]

will be back w mine later...gotta get to grocery store. Thanks Mamas!!

[Our5boys]

subbing

[Ang711]

Not sure if this idea has been posted.

We make crust-less quiches often. They freeze easy, and are pretty cheap. Crack eggs in a bowl. I usually do 6 eggs to fill 2 mini muffin tins (makes 12 quiches). Whisk eggs, I usually add a splash of milk and salt and pepper. Pour egg mixture into VERY WELL greased/sprayed muffin tin. Then you can add whatever you want! I usually do salsa and cheese, you can also add sausage (i brown sausage before adding). Cook at 350, until done. I usually set timer for about 8-10min for the mini ones. Just pop them out of the tin when they are done. I serve with fruit or toast/biscuits.

[neatokimmo]

We make crust-less quiches often.

I really like this idea!

[neatokimmo]

I tried to copy Fatz Baja Chicken today. It was under $5 with our grocery prices.

1/2 pd chicken breast (.85)
1 jar of raju garlic alfredo (.99 - if you just have plain, add some garlic powder)
1 red bell pepper (I get these at the farmers market and freeze them for winter - .50)
1 onion (.50)
1 can of corn (they don't use corn, we like corn, .39)
2/3 pd of rice (.50 - they use noodles, we were in a rice mood)
chili powder
they also use mushrooms but I'm out.
add in a bag of frozen peas as a side and you are right at $5.

They puree their bell pepper, I left mine chunky. If you want to get fancy, add diced tomatoes or tomato paste. The chili powder is to taste. I would have put a little tabasco in it too but we were out. It was pretty close and def not $11.99 plus tax and tip!