107 MEALS FOR $35 | EXTREME GROCERY BUDGET HAUL

In this extreme grocery budget challenge, I attempt to make as many delicious meals as possible with a budget of only $35. This time I'm shopping ONLY at Walmart and I'm trying to feed a family of 6 with a tight budget. Join me and discover how I made this money stretch to 107 filling and delicious meals in this grocery budget challenge.
Walmart Grocery List
Eggs 18 count $3.06
Bread white sliced Great Value .84
Great Value french bread from the bakery 1.00
Great Value evaporated milk quantity 2. @.94 $1.86
White potatoes 5 pound bag $2.47
White onion 1 @ .88 pound .49
Corn 1 can .49
Tomato soup Great Value family size $1.28
Pinto beans Great Value $1.00
Navy beans Great Value $1.14
Rice white 32 ounces $1.28
Extra sharp cheddar Great Value $1.68
American cheese slices $1.48
Mild Chili seasoning Great Value .48
Ground Turkey Festive brand 1 pound roll 2 @ 1.61 = $3.22
Diced tomatoes Great Value 2 @.98 =$1.96
Kale fresh .98
Carrots fresh 1 pound bag .82
Broccoli 1 pound frozen. $1.00
Roma tomatoes fresh quantity 4 .91
Spaghetti Great Value 2 pounds $1.54
Ziti Great Value 16 ounce .78
Tortillas flour Great Value quantity 8 $1.33
Imperial margarine box .98
Knorr bouillion .78
zucchini fresh .61
tomato sauce .28
turkey gravy Great Value .40 each quantity 2 = .80
bananas .33 per pound .82
Total = $35.36
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#budgetmealplan
#budgetmeals

[@BrainyRedheadedAngel]

Wow! I learned quite a few new things from you! Thank you, for showing us that it can be done.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Glad it was helpful! Happy New Year!

[@BrainyRedheadedAngel]

@@ArdentMichelle 🎊Happy New Year🎊

[@pattywinrod5424]

Could hardly hear you

[@erinnola-raised6543]

We can do much providing Good Meals for Our Family & Friends. All it takes is Love(& time, planning, dishes to wash…) ;)

[@brendamiranda3732]

That’s my name too!

[@autumnchandler9360]

Fresh garlic is a game changer. It's super affordable and elevates so many dishes with less added sodium then garlic salt. I have been loving your videos. Makes me wanna challenge myself to spend less on groceries.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I agree with your statement on the garlic. I just finished a dish with lots of fresh chopped garlic and it was so good! Sometimes I get a little lazy with the garlic salt. 😞 I'm so glad you are enjoying my videos. 😊I love doing these challenges because they help me put more in my savings. I could easily drop a couple hundred bucks a week on groceries. It adds up!

[@Amandahugginkizz]

@@ArdentMichelle Sam's club sells a HUGE bag of peeled fresh garlic for like 5 bucks it last forever you can freeze it and just grab a few for each meal

[@Kathy-zx5bu]

Fresh is always better!

[@varsharao86]

I think the only pain about garlic is chopping it 😂😂😂. I can't get myself to buy the pre minced garlic jar 😑 but I always get so annoyed when I have to chop the fresh ones though 😂😂😂. It's a double edged sword lol😅

[@RobynA11]

If you need to save time in the morning, using leftover baked potatoes in your scrambles cuts cooking down to almost nothing! Plus, the flavor of the potatoes is better; the outside doesn’t have to get as fried in order to cook the center, which ends up being super soft and almost creamy. Just something to try. 🤩

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks Robyn 😁 That's a great tip

[@gaylaroof612]

These grocery budget vids are really interesting. Im on a fxd income, & seriously thinking about trying these. Things are reeeeeealllllly tight rt now. Great job!!! 😊❤

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks so much! Hope my videos help out 😊 Thanks for watching 🥰

[@Nicole4771]

Just stumbled across this. It’s like cooking and ASMR together. 👏🏻

[@ArdentMichelle]

Haha! Thanks for watching and for taking the time to comment. Hope you stick around!

[@alejandraperez8176]

I'm currently watching just to enjoy the asmr. 👌

[@isabelled1130]

What is asmr??

[@Nicole4771]

ASMR stands for autonomous sensory meridian response. Basically for me it was the shivers or tingles o would get when my grandma would brush my hair. Now people feel tingles or relaxed when they hear a soothing voice a, soft gesture, a sound. Check it out. There’s a million and they are all over KZbin. It’s very relaxing.

[@fromthebay06]

I agree! I bet so many people who watch ASMR videos would love this channel.

[@kristenkerr7126]

I honestly find it amazing how many meals and the variety you can get out of what you purchased! Great job 🔥🔥🔥

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you so much for this very awesome comment and for joining me! 😊

[@LaLayla99]

The "silver thing" you used to pick up your chopped veggies is a bench scraper. It can also be used when making doughs- kneading/gathering the flour, cutting the dough into portions. 🙂

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks for letting me know 😁

[@marenwilliams2787]

I have the same thing- the label called it a “bash & chop”!

[@kellyhayden7715]

Thank you for sharing. I compared my prices to yours ( via Walmart online), and I came in 1.23 more-- some prices were a few cents less than yours, most the same. I live in Oregon, so thought our prices might be comparable, and as predicted most were. I couldn't find the ground turkey for the price you paid- but the eggs and the potatoes were less expensive than yours, so that helped offset the total a bit. Anyway- darn great video. Really enjoyed it. Thank you for your work.

[@ArdentMichelle]

It's interesting to hear the prices being compared. The Festive ground turkey rolls in my Walmart were in a separate freezer from the regular turkey, which is why I never discovered it before. You might have to ask where it's hidden. I also noticed that the online prices on a couple of the ingredients were slightly off from the in store prices. I think the actual prices were a little less though. Thanks so much for watching and for commenting on your experience!

[@stacyhanson1271]

Chilli is very good served over white rice. Makes it serve more folks.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I had another viewer say that too. Gonna have to try that 👍

[@DeterminedDIYer]

I got a POUND of serrano green chiles for 1.29 at my local grocery in the clearance section which is a little over half a gallon. I flash froze them on a cookie sheet and put them in a freezer bag. I finely diced one and put it in tacos I made last night and it added the perfect amount of spice. :)

[@ArdentMichelle]

That's a great idea. 👍I love being able to stock up when the price is right. I was just sitting here tonight thinking how I've missed a few great deals lately. I was so focused on my video (when in the store) that I missed stocking up on some good bargains ☹️

[@katharinesmith4633]

You were so soft spoken in this video, I had to strain to hear you! Great challenge!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Really? I listened to it back several times to make sure the audio was ok. That's disappointing. I'm so sorry.

[@samanthadodd8112]

I had to turn my volume all the way up too. I thought maybe u were trying to be quiet because of something that was going on at ur house, when u did the voice over.

[@sharonhall2277]

I was quite curious as to why you were whispering. Volume was fine in the store.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I wasn't whispering...that's just my little voice. Haha. I did voice overs for the entire video to try to make sure the audio was fine, but I think I'll have to try a microphone.

[@maryleneruiz9456]

I agree. I kept thinking, "why is she whispering"? I thought maybe you were going to say you had to be quiet bc done one was sleeping in the house or something.

[@katiehickman3492]

i have such a headache today but still need to look up videos like yours to get ideas for meals i just wanted to say i extremely appreciated how soft you talk in your videos :)

[@ArdentMichelle]

Awe thanks....I had to really work at speaking louder in my newer videos because I had people complaining that they weren't able to hear me. ☹️ Thanks for taking the time to comment.

[@deniseb7370]

I have enjoyed watching your videos over the holiday! Like you, I use my toaster oven all of the time. Thank you for including a shopping list, complete with prices. You are doing a great job with your channel. Happy New Year!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks so much! Happy New Year!

[@Suzy12678]

Best video yet! Thank you again and happy new year!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Oh my gosh!! Thank you so much!! I worked really hard on it. So glad you appreciate it! Happy New Year!

[@amysheffield9583]

Thank You I am loving your budget meals. Great Ideas.

[@ArdentMichelle]

So glad you like them 😁Thanks for watching!

[@chickenmarsala2367]

Recipes look really tasty!!!! Thank u! I will try them out this month!❤️

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hope you enjoy! Let me know what you think!

[@frugalcampermama]

You did a great job! I was so happy to see so many varieties of meals! I enjoyed watching your video!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks so much for the complement and for watching!

[@vanadee1618]

Those tomato seeds can be used to make tomato seed caviar. Seen a few recipes online. Of course you save all the peeling and stems to make vegetable stock.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I definitely need to look this up. Thanks for the tip 👍

[@LSantiago65]

Love your content, I’ve learned quite a bit! Thank you!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Awesome, thank you!

[@misswaffles2011]

I love these videos! Excellent menu! Happy new year!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks Lindsey. Happy New Year!!

[@nicoleriva6484]

You pooped up on my suggested list. So glad I started watching. I love grocery challenge videos and I like how your meals are different from ones I've seen. I also love how u incorporate things you've got, makes it more realistic for me since my spice cupboard is jam packed. We love flavor at our house

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks so much 😁 Glad you are enjoying my content. Yes....spices are one of the best keep secrets to budget cooking 😋👩‍🍳

[@emilyaranda8907]

You get such an amazing variety of food for your challenges! Great job!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Awe. Thanks so much for saying that and for taking the time to comment!

[@FairyRosee_]

I love fresh spinach, fresh tomato, and onion scramble. it's so simple but the fresh ingredients really add so much flavor. I add the spinach very last.

[@ArdentMichelle]

This sounds delicious! 😋 And I bet it looks amazing!

[@shaunaleessnackidies]

I love these kinds of videos, great job! It was hard to hear you and then ads are super loud but I too love that pastry scoop thing. Keep up the great work!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks for the feedback. It's so strange that some people can hear it ok and some people can't. I absolutely hate it when the commercials are louder than the video!!! Ugh! I did get a new microphone for my next video (releasing this weekend). Hopefully half of my subscribers won't tell me voice is too loud. I'll get this figured out. Hope you stick with me!

[@Blessedgal_3897]

Everything looks so delicious! I was super excited when my phone notified me of your vlog! 😌😌😌 Happy New Year! ❤❤❤

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks so much. Glad you're here. Welcome, and Happy New Year!

[@forgivenandredeemed9460]

You rock!!! I am a new subscriber and you were instantly one of my favorite KZbinrs!!!! Thank you for a your great videos!!!!!!!

[@ArdentMichelle]

So glad you like my videos 😁Welcome to my channel.

[@InSanesKitchen]

Great recipes. I love checking in on your channel. I do a baked spaghetti very similar but it used a can of tomato soup

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you 😁 Glad you like my recipes. Using tomato soup sounds interesting 🤔 I've never heard of using it that way. I'm very intrigued.

[@AClark777]

Thank you for posting! I'm an OC gal too and you're right...the cost is a lot more in OC than in other locations that other people post for budget meals. Thanks for the video...totally relatable! ❤

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks so much for watching and taking the time to comment. 😊

[@lisamagnan1974]

Ty you so much I would love the Broccoli soup recipe my daughter loves broccoli soup

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Lisa. Shoot me an email and I will send it to you. [e-mail]

[@LifePrepared]

You did great with this challenge! Thanks for taking me up on it. I think I'm going to have to give it a go too.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Yes!!! Thanks for the inspiration. Happy New Year!

[@LifePrepared]

@@ArdentMichelle you too. Can't wait too see more.

[@ameliastelmach148]

Your voice is so soothing. I watch your videos for the wonderful content but your voice is so nice.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you 😁

[@fourdayhomestead2839]

This is a great video. So many great recipes. Portioning out per serving is awesome. I tend to over serve, thus eating too much (or having 1/4 left to deal with as a snack later).

[@ArdentMichelle]

Glad you liked this 😁

[@impressedbydes991]

Cost me about $45 everything was a bit more here where I am. But alots happened in a year. Also got all great value brand and cheapest ones available. Still better then the 200$ I spend a week. Thanks for sharing!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Yay! Thanks so much for the feedback. 👍I love hearing this. Can i ask you what part of the country you are in?

[@danasandlin2435]

simple and brilliant recipes...you are one of my favorites...dts/usa

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you so much 😊

[@lisaremy4817]

Very resourceful! All your meals look very tasty.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@Lisawhatshersname]

Tfs! I really enjoy these budget challenges, and we have six adults in our family too.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you Lisa. These extreme budget challenge videos really take a long time to produce. Glad you liked it.

[@Saras_place]

I got family of 6 too..i just posted our weekly budget of 75 a week grocery haul.. We got specific dietary needs too...so its always great to see hauls like this so i know i can inprove.. Thanks for posting meals you making too and thanks for prices !

[@ArdentMichelle]

Of course!

[@katherineskaggs6739]

Damn! That’s a good variety of dishes you made for the price. I really enjoyed your video.

[@ArdentMichelle]

So glad you liked it 😁 Thanks for watching my video 🥰👩‍🍳

[@PaulMykytka]

New subscriber! I keep a ziplock bag in the freezer and toss in veggie scraps (onion peels, carrot peels, mushroom stems, ends of tomatoes, zucchini ends, garlic peels, fresh herb stems, ect) and when the bag is full I throw everything frozen in a big pot, fill with water and let it boil and then have fresh FREE veggie stock! Could add chicken or beef bouillon for chicken or beef stock. It’s super easy and eliminates waste. Enjoying your videos!

[@ArdentMichelle]

That's a great tip Paul 👍 I love that it's an efficient way to use every part of the food. 😁

[@Agent-jj4cc]

Love this video!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you so much 😁🥰

[@saraherber1887]

Great video. My favorite morning scramble starts with frying potato peels in a little oil. They get super crispy and taste delicious. I add salt, pepper, garlic granules and dried marjoram. I then add eggs and any cooked veggie leftover such as mixed vegetables or some spinach salad. Great idea adding some water to the eggs. I like to make tomato soup with rice. I always save any leftover tomato juice or tomato scraps in the freezer. When it is time to make tomato soup, I chop the tomatoes to add to canned soup, rice and a sprinkle of dried onion and a little dried marjoram for some green. The ziti looks great. Thanks for your hard work.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Sara 😁 I'm reading this in the morning and this breakfast sounds so good! 😂 Great tips 👍 Thanks for sharing!

[@christinearrand8208]

Cheap go to meal for my fam of 4 is "Italian bread bake" 2) Day old/reduced price Italian Baguettes cubed (you want the older crunchy bread!) 1) hunts canned pasta sauce (any style) + half can chicken broth/ water & bullion 1) 15oz can diced tomatoes (or 1lb diced fresh) 1/3 to 1/2 c grated parmesan 2TBS dried minced onion (~1/4c fresh) 3TBS Italian seasoning 1TBS minced garlic (more or less to taste) 1) 7oz can mushroom minced (1/2lb fresh) *Mix everything but the bread together in a bowl *In a 13×9 baking dish bread spread evenly on bottom, pour mix over top saturating all bread. Bake@325° for about an hour. Makes enough for 8 servings In

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks for sharing this recipe Christine! 😁I will definitely give this a try 👍

[@SimBits]

Really creative way to use discounted bread, I might try this myself!

[@kaitlynx1388]

You had some great ideas in this video. I especially liked the baked spaghetti dish with tomato and cheese. Im going to make that this weekend and I have some zucchini I will add to it as well. Looks so good. Thank you for sharing. Here's an example of something I like to do to maximize the use of potatoes. I scrub them really good before peeling and then peel them and I fry the potato peels and then sprinkle them with salt and any other seasonings I feel like using. They make a really tasty snack and they are like homemade potato chips. Then I dice up the potatoes and boil them and use them for casseroles or potato salads or even mashed potatoes. I keep the water from boiling the potatoes and use it for making bread. That potato water makes excellent bread and its great in cinnamon roll dough too :)

[@ArdentMichelle]

I've had one other viewer also mention using the potato peels that way. I haven't tried it yet, but your comment definitely makes me want to. I love the idea of using every part of the potato. Thanks for watching 😊

[@fourdayhomestead2839]

I'm learning so much from these videos.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Glad you like them!

[@karenmendes5867]

My favorite breakfast scramble right now is egg and cottage cheese scrambled together with hot sauce and black pepper for seasoning. I serve it with chopped tomato cucumber and some sliced avocado I think I might try it with some seasoned refried beans in the future. This is surprisingly tasty and quick. You had asked for ideas for. breakfast scrambles. Love the sun dried tomatoes idea. I did notice there was some lovely looking oil and tomato juice leftover in the glass dish you roasted the tomatoes in. That might be lovely to add to rice when you cook it. Just to add a little extra flavor.

[@ArdentMichelle]

You've got some nice ideas. 😊 I love the idea of a breakfast scramble with cottage cheese. I'm going to have to try this very soon! I eat a lot of cottage cheese and yogurt for the calcium. I also like the idea of using the roasted tomatoes oil to season rice. Very nice! 😋

[@sleepygirll]

Ground turkey, eggs with extra egg whites feta sun dried tomatoes or regular diced tomato avocado everything but the bagel seasoning hot sauce BOMB!!

[@ArdentMichelle]

yum!

[@richardschmidt2430]

It was really interesting seeing the prices from a year ago! Very interesting video! Good job! :) Dawn @ Rich & Dawn in MN :)

[@ArdentMichelle]

Kind of crazy to look back at those prices 😳

[@tamolynmckinzie8963]

Hey this is great! I will be doing this when my grandson finish college. The only thing is that I have to have real butter and real cheese. I also will substitute kale for some type of greens. Kale is too bitter for me. I will make sure I buy the substitutes when they are on sale. It will probably be a 6$ difference. Maybe cheaper if I catch a sale..You are so creative. Wow. Thank you.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks for the kind words 😁🥰 I agree with you on the cheese. I am a major cheese lover and I'm ok with spending a little more on a good one. Thanks for watching my video 😊

[@mariasinclair9718]

Scrambled eggs flavoured with mayonnaise and chili powder on toast. Found this recipe in a high end restaurant. Blessings Maria

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Maria 😁 Are you putting the mayo and chili powder on top of the toast or are you mixing in with the eggs?

[@susanjane4784]

Scrambled egg ideas. Since I'm lactose intolerant I can't do any of the usual. Instead, my "Magic" Rice recipe is taking leftover fried rice of any kind, adding a few vegetables, and heating them up; once hot I pour in the scrambled eggs stirring just enough to get them cooked. The other idea is using canned corned beef hash, extending it with up to half vegetables (onion, bell pepper, carrot shreds, frozen peas, etc), just before it gets crispy pouring the eggs -- it's great!

[@ArdentMichelle]

That does sound good. I foresee a corned beef hash recipe in my future 😁 maybe even this one. 😊 I love one dish meals.

[@HomeLifewithRebecca]

And I can’t see all of your sweater but it looks very cute, soft and warm ❤️🥰❄️

[@ArdentMichelle]

Awe thank you! Happy New Year to you and your family!

[@Mrsemptynester]

Hello, My favorite breakfast scramble is Tofu breakfast scramble, I use about one-forth of an onion diced,along with a little bit of red or green bell pepper or both. Then I put in whatever vegetable I have, shredded carrot or shredded zuchini or mushrooms ,I sautee that for a few minutes,then I add about a half a block of crumbled firm tofu and sautee that, I also add salt,pepper onion powder and a little bit of nutritional yeast.,I also put in just a tiny pinch of tumeric for a yellowish color. Finally I put in a little bit of frozen spinach for extra nutrition. It makes enough for 4 people. It is very delicious ,filling and very hearty. This video is awesome!!! All of the meals you made look very very delicious. xoxo

[@ArdentMichelle]

Awe... thanks for the complement. That sounds good, I'm gonna try it. Although, I'll have to substitute the tofu for eggs. I was a vegetarian for a VERY long time....but developed an intolerance to too much soy. I can do a small amount of soy sauce and that's it. I love nutritional yeast and absolutely love the idea of turmeric in the dish. And I love getting spinach in where I can. Thanks so much for this recipe. I may have to make a video on my viewers breakfast scrambles!! Happy New Year!

[@serenakoleno9338]

Tumeric is great on eggs.

[@tammymyer5347]

I love soups for budget meals and feel like they satisfy the tummy so much and you don’t feel hungry or like you’re eating on a budget. Even more so when you can serve them with some toasted bread on the side like the loaves you can buy from Walmart for a dollar especially the everything loaf they have which is a flavor fest!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Yes I love that bread ! 😋 👩‍🍳

[@rhiannonbernice9805]

Soup is life.

[@rosemariemichel7050]

Really enjoyed the variety of recipes. We would eat each dish. There is only the two of us,so we could freeze some or store some for later.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Great idea..you could have enough food for a few weeks. You could also have a lot of variety with the breakfasts, i.e. egg fried sandwiches, cheesy eggs, omelettes, etc. Thanks so much for watching!

[@devinrivers5808]

This is good video, I just stumbled on this channel. I'm definitely going to give this a try. Sometimes I get bored eating the same meals over and over again. A good scramble meal you could try is; combine some cooked ground turkey with pepper and onions...with the egg....cooked the ground turkey first along with the chopped onions and peppers, season for taste. Then add the eggs; stir the eggs until its cooked along with meat. This is one of my favorite ways to eat eggs, because plain scrambled eggs make me nauseous....I know that sounds weird, but...I love this dish....You can eat it for breakfast or dinner. I eat this as a post workout meal.💪🏾😀 Give it a try...you can even add some toasted bread as well, thanks for sharing

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks Devin. I will add this to my recipes to try 😁👩‍🍳

[@BrownEyedGirl331]

My family especially enjoy the chowder, the soup, the navy beans and the baked spaghetti, have you thought of a cookbook? Even an e type one? Simple, delicious, affordable ideas that's you!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Maybe one day in the future 🤔 Glad you are getting some use out of my recipes.

[@bellison2014]

These are great recipes!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Glad you like them! Thanks for watching!

[@jennielyonmackenzie9060]

I have never had luck with my navy beans coming out tender if I put the salt in when I cook them up. I don't know why. I usually soak them overnight and then cook them up tender before adding my seasonings and salt. Got lots of ideas from watching this. Thank-you

[@ArdentMichelle]

I love beans so much! I don't think I ever go a week without them. Thanks so much for watching!

[@wynnkidsnannylorivance4111]

When things were desperate a few years ago, I made tomato soup from a tiny can of tomato paste. It was delicious!

[@ArdentMichelle]

yes! I've done that with tomato sauce too! It sure beats that expensive soup and I bet it's better for you!

[@glasshalfsunny]

You have inspired me to get a toaster oven! After watching this I went on craigs list this morning and saw a Breville one someone is selling for $30!!! I am picking it up today! HOORAY! It's just me and the hubby, so this will come in handy. And, I've never made sundried tomatoes and I am going to TRY IT! :) Thanks!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Yay! 😁 I think you will be SO GLAD you purchased a toaster oven! I use mine for everything. So convenient. 👩‍🍳 Happy Holidays!

[@SummerSunset2207]

👍🏽 wow I’m really impressed with the amount of whole foods you were able purchase to round out the few processed items. As you said you were going for both taste and nutrition and I think given what you had to work with well done🙌🏽. I would have pulled back on the cheese slices, tried to either get another carton of eggs or real butter. But again, I would have been happy with the meals you made if placed in front of me🙂

[@ArdentMichelle]

Yay! Thanks so much.

[@yvonnepalmquist8676]

Melody, alternative discussions are great because it really shows how you can still have what you like while still budgeting... even if you have to up the budget by a couple of dollars (hey a $40 week is still pretty good right?) That's why these videos are so helpful. My substitution would have been to purchase a larger size of cheddar in lieu of skipping the cheese slices. If you do have a couple of extra dollars the best things to "bump up to the next size" would be the pastas, rice, potatoes or eggs... they're the items that will make your meals stretch the most.

[@SummerSunset2207]

@@yvonnepalmquist8676 Great substitutions....agree with the items you mention that would take your meals further. Good points all around.

[@annzamora6943]

Those mayocoba beans are outstanding. My house loves them. I always keep some form of dry beans in the fridge cooked all the time. We also always have tortillas, cheese, & salsa everyday in thefridge. We my husband & daughter daughter like making burtitos. So we swap between. I black beans, pinto, & mayocoba.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Ann 😁 Sounds like your family eats the way I do. I really want to start canning my own beans because I love being able to grab a can and throw together dinner in a matter of minutes. I can't remember if I tried the Mayocoba beans in this video or not, but I have definitely now tried them and agree that they are delicious. 😋 I love all beans. 💜 Tortillas, cheddar and salsa should be staples in every home. 😂

[@apriltackett9958]

We get that turkey, its great and they sell it seasoned, Italian and taco, as well as a breakfast sausage all of which are really good. I use the taco flavor for tacos and chili you don't need any extra seasoning.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks for the tip 👍

[@HomeLifewithRebecca]

Enjoyed immensely and just joined your channel!!!! We are a family of 8, 2 adults, 3 teens ( who eat SO MUCH) and 3 under 11. Very helpful!!!! Thank you. I try to be very frugal ❤️❄️🎉🥳

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks so much for the sub. Welcome. So glad you're here. Yes..I know what you mean...my sons eat a LOT!

[@annzamora6943]

The mayocoba beans remind me alot of dried butter beans. I cook them with a little onion, 1 clove of garlic whole but smashed & peaked, and about 3 Tbs of chicken bullion. Once almost done I add some salt. I like them with biscuits to dip in the broth. Soooo good.

[@annzamora6943]

I meant 3tsp not tablespoons of chicken bullion

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Ann 😊 Oh my goodness your comment is making my mouth water. Yum! I'm so ready for fall. Thanks for sharing how you prepare the mayocoba beans. I'll try this. 😁👩‍🍳

[@patriciawilliams3165]

I have the same oven you do and I also use it for everything, seldom use my stove oven. Keeps from heating up the house. The thermostat on it is very accurate.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Yes!! Honestly, I don't know why I waited to buy one for so long. I never knew how much I needed a toaster oven! I agree they keep the house so much cooler than the oven.

[@patriciawilliams3165]

@@ArdentMichelle if it ever goes out on you replace it with same brand and the easy reach door, I made the mistake of getting a larger mor expensive one another brand and it was not accurate and I missed the easy reach, so got rid of it and went back to the one that served me well for so many years.

[@apriltackett9958]

Also if you wash your potatos well before peeling you can keep your peels. Season them and bake them, then you have a nice crispy snack 😋

[@ArdentMichelle]

Great tip. That would have been a nice snack!

[@tamiweinert1007]

For a breakfast scramble...try subbing polenta for the potatoes. You can make your own or buy a tube.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I love polenta but for some reason have never thought about using it in my breakfast scramble. Thanks for the yummy idea! I'll be trying this as soon as I can get my hands on some polenta 😁

[@lorettanewton6442]

I like the sausage and biscuit breakfast casserole. I shop weekly and get whatever is on sale at that time if I like that item.

[@ArdentMichelle]

shopping the sales is the way to go to save money 👍 and you automatically have variety this way. 👩‍🍳

[@FlavorsandTextures]

Great challenge!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks so much!!

[@AishaMBudgets]

What did you do with the potato peels? You could have seasoned them and cooked them into chips. GREAT video! I'm binging your stuff.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I didn't save them. ☹️ I do want to try that sometime in the future though. I keep thinking about it. It's such a waste to toss them if I can make them into something delicious. Glad you are enjoying my content 😁

[@hello-vs4me]

You can also do chilly over rice last longer

[@kippytx]

When I make navy or great northern beans I love adding potatoes carrots and onions.

[@ArdentMichelle]

That would make a great meal!

[@serenakoleno9338]

Carrots, onions and celery go in most meals like that. I saute them first for extra flavor. To conserve space since I have a small fridge/freezer I often serve over potatoes. I mostly nuke baked potatoes but I enjoy pan fried potatoes, too.

[@cathyholt5215]

Great job!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks! Hope you like the video I just dropped today!

[@alishaparr577]

I made ham and bean soup with navy beans just this week. Its delicious. Ive been eating a lot of bean based meals lately actually.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Sounds good. 😋Good for you and cheap...a winning combination.

[@danasandlin2435]

alternative: if you are unhappy with the fresh potato prices--depending on what you are planning to use the potatoes for--you can sub in a couple of cans of slice potatoes (and chop up if necessary)--usually around .55 can (again, it depends on how many potatoes you need)...dts/usa

[@ArdentMichelle]

good point 👍

[@isabelled1130]

Good to know that I can make sundried tomatoes at home, with Roma Tomatoes!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Right? They are the best! I've been making these all the time now.

[@katherinewolf7765]

That utensils you asked about : things to lift a turkey out of a pan!

[@ArdentMichelle]

I thought it might be for something like that. 😊

[@jamiestrickland8386]

Hi I really enjoyed your video could I ask what you added to your retried beans to make them? Thank you, Jamie

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Jamie 😁 Glad to hear you liked this video. I usually just add some garlic salt and maybe a small amount of onion powder. You can also add a touch of olive oil if you want, but I usually don't. Thanks for watching 😊🥰

[@wynnkidsnannylorivance4111]

Michelle, try making senate bean soup. It's wonderful!

[@ArdentMichelle]

My grandma made something very similar! Great idea for a low cost meal 👍

[@susanredekopp2369]

I really enjoyed this video. Thanks for sharing, and for all your hard work! I plan to try some of the recipes. Your prices are similar to ours here in Canada, although still lower.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you Susan. I appreciate your comments. Hope you enjoy!

[@mjking9019]

I love breakfast scrambles and I get creative. It depends what I have on hand and any leftovers that I might have that needs to be used up. Onions, garlic, peppers, zucchini, eggplant, spinach, roasted or frozen cubed squash, mushrooms, black olives, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, leftover cooked vegetables, cheese.. any leftover meat or fish. I'll even do the same substituting some crumbled firm tofu for the eggs. Seasoning depends on what I feel like sometimes just a pinch of salt and pepper, sometimes a little turmeric, parsley, garlic powder, Mrs. Dash, Greek seasoning etc... I also save the peels and scraps from vegetables and bones from meat in freezer bags to later turn into broth. I'll make a big batch and freeze some for use later on. It doesn't cost extra since I ate the vegetables and meat and it gives the broth lots of flavor and nutrients since the peels are where most of the vitamins and such usually are

[@ArdentMichelle]

That's a great tip to keep the veggie scraps in the freezer for later use. Are you making your own roasted red peppers or are you buying the jarred ones? I love all the veggies you mentioned. I think I'll have to try some of these breakfast scrambles this weekend!

[@mjking9019]

@@ArdentMichelle I haven't made roasted red peppers myself but I don't buy them too often since they can be pricy, I just get them when I have a little extra to spend. Though if you store them in a jar with a little oil I should think that the roasted peppers made by yourself should last a little longer or just roast as you need them. I tend to buy bags of frozen sliced bell peppers because usually it's cheaper for me to get them that way, but I definitely compare with any sale price for fresh peppers.

[@michelledee9304]

I love myocoba beans. They do taste similar to pinto beans, but more buttery, as you were told.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I just tried them actually. I enjoyed them 😁 I love ALL beans.

[@makingithome8493]

Loved this! ❤️ gonna have to try the Turkey rice dish❤️ We have 5 kids but this would probably feed all of us since they are 11 and under:) We are used to buying groceries for $120 per week including wipes and diapers etc. not sure how much we spend on just food right now, but would be fun to do $35!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks so much! 😁 It's fun to budget and meal plan and set aside some of the money normally spent on groceries into savings. I can easily spend $200 at Trader Joes... 😂 Lately I've been doing budget hauls for one person but they can easily be scaled up. Thanks so much for watching! 😊🥰

[@karlalockard4870]

Thank you so much for these great ideas! They would be great to use on cold winter days! ❤️💃🏾🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@geminigem599]

U are a genius. Go girl…

[@ArdentMichelle]

Awe...thanks so much 😁 Glad you liked it.

[@momof2momof2]

I use canned creamed corn for chowder :) tfs 💐🍃🐤🌵🍀🐣🌷🌱🐇🥰🏜️💗💐🍃🐤🌵🍀🐣🌷🌱🐇🥰🏜️💗

[@ArdentMichelle]

Wow that sounds like a great idea and would add some thickness to the soup as well. Thanks for the idea!

[@Mystique753]

Thank you for another great video filled with good ideas .Be glad you so not live where i do potatoes are $6.00 a bag

[@ArdentMichelle]

Wow! Yes I am...since potatoes are a staple in my diet. That is a lot.

[@jamiecee4960]

Love Bean soup. My mom makes pinto bean soup a lot. Everything looks good. 💖☺️ Getting a lot of good recipes Ideas out of these. ☺️ Things are not much cheaper in a small town. I package of tortillas can be almost five bucks.

[@ArdentMichelle]

$5 bucks is a LOT! Wow 😳 I'm glad you are getting some good ideas from my videos.😁

[@robinholbrook8296]

Wow! $5. Try Dollar Tree they have them here in Kentucky for $1

[@BrownEyedGirl331]

I live in a very small town tortillas are not almost $5, that is unimaginable where is this place? And what store would charge that?

[@ericachitwood9303]

Excellent!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Many thanks! Happy New Year!

[@jayathome2898]

That’s quite a challenge. Definitely a balanced meal for kids needs more fresh fruit and veggies. You could add frozen spinach to the layered spaghetti, and a bag of apples for the week would have put you still below $40 I think. What about using the bean water and some of the mashed beans with potatoes for a soup? Just a thought

[@ArdentMichelle]

These are good ideas, and I agree with you about the fresh fruit and veggies.

[@wendoxia]

Joe special a little bit of ground beef onion mushrooms spinach and egg scrambled ….top it with a little Parmesan cheese that’s a great dinner as well as a great breakfast

[@ArdentMichelle]

That sounds like a good combination 😋 I'll have to try this.

[@alisummers7984]

I love budget challenges!! TFS:)

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks for watching and Happy New Year!

[@rajimac]

I find with anybtomatoe sauce or tomato in a dish if you add a pinch of sugar and a pinch of basil or a spoon of pesto you really add flavour to the dish.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Great tip!

[@annwilliams7808]

Great video. Thanks. You asked about breakfast options. My uncle was a merchant marine, and after WWII a lot of souvineers, furniture... and a recipe or two came back to the states from places in the Pacific. One breakfast he would make was "Japanese Breakfast." Basically fried rice. Just use leftover rice (or make some if need be), an egg or two, green onions, and a meat (he used cooked bacon). Chop and scramble it all together in a skillet and serve. So, good! Also, as I am older, my older relatives lived during the Great Depression, WWII, Korean War, and learned a lot of ways to save money. Oatmeal is one of the cheapest, healthiest foods you can eat. Personally, I love raw oats (preferably quick oats) as a cold cereal. Just serve in a bowl with milk and whatever you like on your cereal. I also discovered that I can just pour a little boiling water over raw quick oats in a bowl and they cook just like that. Malt-O-Meal or Cream of Wheat go a long way as you just use a couple of tablespoons for a pot. Add any toppings you prefer to either. Toast and .... is the easiest, quickest breakfast. Sit and write a list of everything you can eat on toast. Things you don't normally think of will be on that list when you need it. I can go on and on, but this is already too long. Keep up the great vids.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks so much for this comment Ann. I love this. I've never tried oats like that but I bet I would like it. I'll give it a try. I use oatmeal a lot because it's cheap so I'm always looking for new ways. The breakfast rice sounds very good also 👍 You've got lots of great ideas 👩‍🍳

[@qwaychou8561]

Your post about stuff to put on toast reminded me of my uncle who would make raw onion and goosefat sandwhiches when he went out woodcutting.

[@Kathy-zx5bu]

If you like Mexican dishes, use eggs, tortillas (I like corn), salsa and salt/pepper. Prep eggs as if for scrambling. Tear tortillas into bite sized pieces. Put in pan with eggs. Scramble. Put salsa and chilis on before serving. Season while cooking. I can't remember what this is called. A close friend used to make it for us often. Great any time of day.

[@Lala7777belle]

@@Kathy-zx5bu chilaquiles 😀

[@WhimsicallyDee]

Other ingredient breakfast scrambles: I use diced peppers, onions, mushrooms, and sausage or crumbled bacon. We buy the bacon ends & pieces at walmart for a variety of dishes and we use parts of it for our dogs. Anyway, back to my scramble. I use the above mentioned list. I diced up the veggie's beforehand and store them in a container for easy grab in the mornings. Ii also add milk, buttermilk, or even homemade creme fraiche to my eggs for added fluffiness and flavor. You can add or subtract any ingredients above. I don't always have those veggies and do exclude one or more at times. I also add cheese on the top occasionally and just lid steam the cheese for meltiness. I HATE my eggs brown and get violently I'll if the eggs arent fully cooked. If you don't have that issue then you can add the cheese in anytime you want. Changing up cheese flavors are a good way to play with your eggs too. Oh! Spinach is good in them to.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I didn't know you could buy bacon ends and pieces at Walmart. I'll have to check that out. Your breakfast scramble sounds delicious!

[@WhimsicallyDee]

@@ArdentMichelle aww.. Thank you. We eat it so much we plan on trying yours next weekend, once our current diced veggie's have been used up.

[@carlabales5187]

I know this video is older but I love chickpea scramble over grits. I soften a yellow onion, a can of petite diced tomatoes, a can or two cups of chickpeas cooked, a handful or two of spinach at the end. I use salt, garlic, pepper and a dash or two of worcestershire sauce. Serve it over grits with some green chiles.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I'm definitely going to try this. 😋 Maybe even on my channel. I've been craving some grits actually! Thanks for the recipe! 😁

[@carlabales5187]

@@ArdentMichelle did you try this put yet? Curious if you enjoyed it.

[@ms.m2054]

We love corned beef hash but can't always afford it and don't really like the preservatives in the canned stuff. We've experimented with frozen tator tots, spam, and onions. We've also tried ground beef, onion, garlic, and hash browns or a potato diced really small. Add whatever spices you like and it make a pan full of goodness.

[@ArdentMichelle]

hmm...those are lots of great options to try! Thanks for the tip! I definitely need to do something fun with spam! Happy New Yeawr!

[@ms.m2054]

@@ArdentMichelle And a very happy new year to you as well!

[@lyndagalitz3321]

I really like your style of cooking. Gourmet on a budget. I just wanted to say you could make your own gravy with the meat juices instead of buying packaged gravy. Also many times I use half the package of meat in a meal and find it works great.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Yes that is a good idea to make the meat stretch further. Sometimes I do make my own gravy. Not sure why I didn't in this video.

[@n.a.garciafamily]

0:12 😂😂😂❤ I think it's a multi hotdog or marshmallow roasting stick? 😊

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks for the input. I think you're right 😁

[@Berribunnyo]

Thank for including the shopping list ! You can sweeten the onions with a pinch of brown sugar in some water

[@ArdentMichelle]

Cold water, or are you cooking them?

[@Berribunnyo]

Yes cold water, it takes the bite out

[@ArdentMichelle]

@@Berribunnyo I love this. Never heard of doing that. I'm definitely going to try this. Thanks for the tip!

[@yvonnepalmquist8676]

Interesting.

[@yvonnepalmquist8676]

I love that the shopping list was added. I hate all the pausing and note taking that is sometimes required of the video. It was more enjoyable to watch this way and more informative.

[@hello-vs4me]

Navy beans are great