Budget Recipes, Meal Plans, and Cooking Lessons - $5 Dinners (2024)

What’s Trending on Instagram

by Erin, The $5 Dinner Mom 1 Comment

Are you following me over on Instagram? I have a fun community over there where I share a lot of Reels demonstrating cooking hacks and cooking tips. Which insta are you following? I thought it would be fun to share what photos, reels, and videos are trending on our Instagram profiles once a month! These are your current favorites. Are you following all of our accounts? … [Read more...]

Erin’s “What I Like Right Now” List

by Erin, The $5 Dinner Mom Leave a Comment

Things I'm Crushing On (And Using All the Time) This MonthHoliday 2023 FAVES … [Read more...]

VIRAL: Beef Ravioli Bake

by Erin, The $5 Dinner Mom Leave a Comment

I think Ravioli Bakes might be my new favorite dinner. I don't know why...they just seem so easy. Well, they are easy. The ravioli doesn't take any pre-cooking. You just add it into the dish, pour the sauce (in this case a beefy-spaghetti sauce) over the top, then pile on as much cheese as your waistline can handle. ;) Then, bake. And you end up with this. Now, there … [Read more...]

CHALLENGE: 5-Ingredient Freezer Meal Plan

by Lauren Drawdy Leave a Comment

How to prepare SIX meals in LESS THAN 30 MINUTES with this 5-Ingredient Meal Plan! I don't know about you, but it makes my heart happy when a recipe only needs a handful of ingredients. And when they are "normal" ingredients, too! You know what I'm talking about. Ingredients you often have in your kitchen, and are commonly found at a typical grocery store. So I made a … [Read more...]

Guacamole with Street Corn

by Erin, The $5 Dinner Mom 1 Comment

If I started keeping track, I imagine I eat an avocado or guacamole at least 5 times a week. Sometimes I get guacamole at my fave tex-mex restaurant, sometimes I make my own, sometimes I get it on top of a Chipotle salad, sometimes I just scoop it right out of the skin with a little lemon juice and salt. I'm always looking to mix things up and keep the guacamole "fresh" and … [Read more...]

by Erin, The $5 Dinner Mom Leave a Comment

Holiday To-Do List Already Starting to Stress You Out?!What if you could prep SIX 5-Ingredient freezer meals in 30 minutes...before the holiday chaos begins?!?I'm Erin Chase and I'm here to show you how... Join me the week of NOVEMBER 1stfor a few days oftips and tricks that will help you breeze through this meal prep!Each day throughout the Deck … [Read more...]

Erin’s Recipes from Big Bad Budget Battle

by Erin, The $5 Dinner Mom Leave a Comment

Get the Recipes Erin Cooked on Food Network's Big Bad Budget Battle WELCOME to my Big Bad Budget Battle Besties! I'm so glad you're here and I can't wait to connect with you and further help you on your journey to spending less money on groceries and cooking well on a budget. I am beyond tickled by the concept of the show, the opportunity to compete on the show, and … [Read more...]

RE-DESIGNED for YOU: The “20 Meals for $150” Plans

by Erin, The $5 Dinner Mom Leave a Comment

Save TIME, MONEY, and MORE with these amazing 20 Meals for $150 Plans! ELATED. ECSTATIC. STOKED. That describes how I'm feeling this week, as I re-share this amazing grocery saving and sanity saving resource with you! Many moons ago, I decided to make some updates to the "20 meals for $150" plans. I started creating them in 2013, and it was just time for a … [Read more...]

The Best Ever Make-Ahead Freezer Meals Cookbooks!

by Erin, The $5 Dinner Mom Leave a Comment

If you love getting ahead with dinner prep, and you love cookbooks, these Make-Ahead Freezer Meal Cookbooks are the books for YOU! The Freezer Meal StereotypeOften times when people think of freezer meals, they think of mushy casseroles. Or slow-cooker-only recipes. Or bland, tasteless, freezer burned meals. It is also the assumption that these bland, mushy … [Read more...]

Best Grocery Savings Mobile Apps

by Erin, The $5 Dinner Mom 3 Comments

Check out the Best Grocery Savings Mobile Apps! These are also Erin's favorites. (She might be a bit biased about the first one!)MyFreezEasyWith MyFreezEasy, it really is as easy as 1-2-3. Get organized, choose your recipes, use the shopping list provided, and then follow the instructions to get your make ahead freezer meals into your freezer! You'll save on groceries … [Read more...]

Pumpkin Pie French Toast

by Erin, The $5 Dinner Mom 84 Comments

Oh my heavens - divine, divine, divine. This Pumpkin Pie French Toast recipe is a MUST TRY in the fall and winter months! I so wish I'd doubled this recipe for Pumpkin Pie French Toast while I was first making it. Tripled, or quadrupled even! These are so scrumptious...perfect for the fall season. It's really simple...you just add some pumpkin puree and spices to … [Read more...]

Mocha Brownies

by Erin, The $5 Dinner Mom 5 Comments

Before you say it, yes...brownies were dessert of the month in April...just a few short weeks ago. But Caramel Cashew Brownies and these Mocha Brownies are different. Very, very different. I know. I know. This is really an indication that I have a brownie problem. Please. Send help. Brownies anonymous, anyone?! So I served these to a group of ladies last week...and … [Read more...]

Melty Mashup Recipes

by Erin, The $5 Dinner Mom Leave a Comment

Must-Try Melty Mashup Recipes for the Ultimate Food Experience!Melty Mashups allow you to indulge in the mouthwatering delight of combining two beloved treats into one irresistible fusion. From "burger quesadillas" to "pizza pot pies," this trend ensures a double dose of ooey-gooey goodness that simply melts in your mouth. It's like extreme comfort food! … [Read more...]

ROUNDUP: Dump and Bake Recipes

by Erin, The $5 Dinner Mom Leave a Comment

You will love the ease and convenience of these "Dump and Bake" recipes for scrumptious and hearty casseroles! … [Read more...]

NEW COOKBOOK: Learn to Cook on a Budget

by Erin, The $5 Dinner Mom Leave a Comment

Learning to Cook is Easier than You Think! Your Wallet and Bank Account Will Thank You! Over the years, I've spoken with many people who get frustrated by their overspending on groceries because they don't know how to cook. So they overbuy, or sometimes underbuy, or they resort to dining out and dinner delivery 4-5 times a week. If you are tired of the dining … [Read more...]

by Erin, The $5 Dinner Mom Leave a Comment

This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole will soon be in your regular dinner rotation because it's so easy to prep to bake, and so scrumptious!I've got another "dump and bake recipe" for you! This Dump & Bake Meatball Casserole is a perfect hearty dish for a cozy family dinner on a super busy weeknight. This no-fuss recipe requires minimal preparation, making it an … [Read more...]

by Erin, The $5 Dinner Mom Leave a Comment

When Chicken and Rice Night collides with TACO TUESDAY you get to enjoy this scrumptious Dump & Bake Taco Chicken!Love the easy and convenience of dump and bake chicken and rice casserole. This variation calls for a can of cream of poblano soup, and if you can't find that at your store, you can swap it for cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup … [Read more...]

by Erin, The $5 Dinner Mom Leave a Comment

You Will Love this Cheesy Delight: The Ultimate Dump-and-Bake Macaroni and Cheese!It's the ultimate comfort AND EFFICIENT food! This Dump & Bake Macaroni and Cheese recipe is a cheesy masterpiece that's as easy to make as it is delicious. This no-boil, no-fuss recipe requires you to simply bake uncooked macaroni with a milk mixture. Once the pasta has cookd, … [Read more...]

by Erin, The $5 Dinner Mom Leave a Comment

The Most Effortless Weeknight Dinner: The Dump & Bake Chicken and Rice CasseroleThis Dump & Bake Chicken and Rice dish is the no-fuss, delicious meal that's perfect for your busy weeknights. All you have to is combine uncooked rice, chicken stock, chicken breasts/tenderloins, and your favorite seasonings in a casserole dish, then bake to fluffy perfection. It's … [Read more...]

Marry Me Ravioli

by Erin, The $5 Dinner Mom Leave a Comment

Say 'I Do' to Flavor: This Marry Me Ravioli That Will Do the Proposal Part For You!With this scrumptious recipe, I've taken the traditional "marry me" sauce with sun dried tomatoes, cream and Parmesan...and cooked ravioli in it. The result: a truly magical meal. Inspired by that once in a lifetime, magical moment. This Marry Me Ravioli is the ideal cozy … [Read more...]

Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookie Bars with Strawberry Frosting

by Erin, The $5 Dinner Mom Leave a Comment

These Valentine's Day Sugar Cookie Bars with Strawberry Frosting can be made with gluten free flour blend or all-purpose flour, and they are the perfect light and fluffy treat for your special day!These sugar cookie bars are inspired by the Drop Sugar Cookies with Strawberry Frosting that my boys LOVE. I saw some V-Day sprinkle at the store and immediately decided that … [Read more...]

Burger Quesadillas

by Erin, The $5 Dinner Mom Leave a Comment

A New Melty Mashup: Savor the Flavor Fusion of Your Favorite Cheeseburger with a Quesadilla!Enjoy! Burger Quesadillas A melty mashup of two cheese favorites - cheeseburgers and quesadillas! 1 lb. ground beef1 Tbsp minced onion1 tsp garlic powder1 tsp paprika3 Tbsp ketchup1 Tbsp yellow mustard1 cup chopped pickles4 large flour tortillas2 cups … [Read more...]

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Budget Recipes, Meal Plans, and Cooking Lessons - $5 Dinners (2024)

FAQs

How to make a budget meal plan? ›

10 tips to get you started on meal planning on a budget:
  1. Make a menu. ...
  2. Plan your meals around foods that are on sale. ...
  3. Plan some plant-based meals every week. ...
  4. Check your pantry, refrigerator and freezer. ...
  5. Enjoy grains more often. ...
  6. Avoid recipes that need a special ingredient. ...
  7. Look for seasonal recipes.
Feb 22, 2023

What's the key to a budget when planning meals? ›

Tips for Balanced Meal Planning on a Budget
  • Take Inventory of What You Already Have on Hand. ...
  • Make A Grocery List. ...
  • Whenever Possible, Buy in Bulk. ...
  • Watch Out for Sale Items. ...
  • Choose Budget-Friendly Meals. ...
  • Take Cash to The Grocery Store.

How do you plan a week's worth of dinners? ›

Here are six steps to making a meal plan:
  1. Give yourself time to plan. Set aside time each week to make a meal plan. ...
  2. Check what you have. Check what ingredients you already have in your cupboard, fridge or freezer. ...
  3. Include some of your favourite meals. ...
  4. Use up your leftovers. ...
  5. Cook in bulk. ...
  6. Make your ingredients work.

What are the three P's for eating on a budget? ›

Page 1
  • PLAN. ✓ Plan meals and snacks for the week according to an established budget. ✓ Find quick and easy recipes online. ...
  • PURCHASE. ✓ Buy groceries when you are not hungry and when you are not too rushed. ...
  • PREPARE. ✓ Some meal items can be prepared in advance; pre-cook on days when you have.

What foods are good for budget? ›

Cheapest Foods to Live On:
  • Oatmeal.
  • Eggs.
  • Bread.
  • Rice.
  • Bananas.
  • Beans.
  • Apples.
  • Pasta.

What is a normal food budget for 1? ›

Average grocery cost per month for 1 person in a household

Considering the Thrifty and Liberal plan averages, the monthly grocery cost for an adult male falls between $275.63 and $434.33, while the average for an adult female ranges from $238.46 to $384.93.

What 3 things should be considered when setting a budget? ›

Creating a budget
  • Step 1: Calculate your net income. The foundation of an effective budget is your net income. ...
  • Step 2: Track your spending. ...
  • Step 3: Set realistic goals. ...
  • Step 4: Make a plan. ...
  • Step 5: Adjust your spending to stay on budget. ...
  • Step 6: Review your budget regularly.

What is a realistic eating out budget? ›

Americans spend an average of $3,639 eating out each year—roughly $300 each month. And those fast-food meals and restaurant tabs continue to add up. In fact, Americans spent 20% more eating out in 2022 than they did in 2021.

What are the 5 rules in planning meals? ›

The 5 rules of meal prep
  • Rule #1: Get organized. ...
  • Rule #2: Establish a logical menu. ...
  • Rule #3: Cook efficiently. ...
  • Rule #4: Don't cook everything in advance. ...
  • Rule #5: Follow good food conservation practices.

What are the 5 basic steps of meal planning? ›

Meal Planning in 5 Easy Steps
  • Step 1: Determine your meal prepping technique. There are many different ways to prepare your meals and some may work better for you than others. ...
  • Step 2: Pick a day of the week for prep work. ...
  • Step 3: Find meals you enjoy. ...
  • Step 4: Make a shopping list. ...
  • Step 5: Start Small.
Oct 7, 2021

How do you set up a meal budget? ›

  1. 7 Steps to Meal Planning on a Budget. ...
  2. Step 1- Decide how many meals to plan. ...
  3. Step 2- Check the pantry and fridge. ...
  4. Step 3- Find the deals. ...
  5. Step 4- Pick your recipes. ...
  6. Step 5- Match your recipes to your schedule. ...
  7. Step 6- Fill in the gaps. ...
  8. Step 7- Make your grocery list.

How do I plan a month of meals on a budget? ›

The first step is to see what you have in your pantry and then go from there. Another hack to the meal planning game is to see what ingredients you have already and see if you can make a meal out of them to add into the mix! It saves you money to either put back into your budget, or to put in savings. A win-win.

How do I create a food budget? ›

  1. Track current spending. Before you figure out what you should be spending on food, it's important to figure out what you are spending on food. ...
  2. Allocate a percentage of your income. ...
  3. Avoid eating out. ...
  4. Plan your meals. ...
  5. Keep a fridge grocery list. ...
  6. Eat before you go to the store. ...
  7. Be careful with coupons. ...
  8. Embrace the bulk section.
Feb 22, 2024

What should I budget for eating out per month? ›

Budget $100 a month per person:

While this is a good starting point, there are two exceptions to this rule in general. First, for a single-person household, consider budgeting $200 per month. Second, for a two-person household, consider $300 per month.

How do I start a monthly meal plan? ›

Meal Planning For Beginners In 6 Steps
  1. Step One: Look At Your Calendar. ...
  2. Step Two: Check Your Pantry/Freezer. ...
  3. Step Three: Choose Recipes. ...
  4. Step Four: Plug Recipes/Meals Into Your Planner. ...
  5. Step Five: Make A Grocery List. ...
  6. Step Six: Go Shopping!

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