$20 Christmas Dinner | Ultra Budget-Friendly HOLIDAY Recipes | Julia Pacheco

[@macspace_]

I’m a 25 yo living by myself struggling with grocery prices and knowing what to buy at the grocery store, your channel has been super helpful in helping me think of meals and keep to my budget at the grocery store. I really appreciate your calm presence and all that you do for this channel!!

[@heidigartman6089]

Julia is amazing especially for low costs meals. Fit frugal mom is another person you should follow if you are wanting low cost healthy meals. I follow both for great grocery saving meals.

[@hollyritter9603]

Make sure you utilize pantries around you. Also, look in your area for free groups. Lots of those groups you can post along for food help. Rally around your fellow neighbors.

[@ierraG]

Ditto 🤍

[@kathyleighton9091]

Southern Frugal Mama is another person who does low cost meals.

[@Jwcounselor77]

Been where you have been you can do it.

[@Galahadthecat]

My husband and I are older and have just faced the worst financial crisis of our lives. I lost my job in June, my husband was in a horrific car accident in July (car totaled but he escaped with only minor injuries). He lost his job in August. The house we were renting was being sold so we were forced to move at the end of September. We have both found new jobs within the last month and are slowly recovering financially. Throughout this ordeal God has shown Himself to be so faithful. Your KZbin channel has been one of those blessings. We’ve enjoyed many of your recipes and have been able to stretch what little finances we had to keep us fed for four full months. Thank you for all you do. Merry Christmas to you and your family!!

[@jayndough68]

Stay close with God, He will bless you on this journey with the most amazing testimony. Prayers said for you and your husband.🙏🏻. Merry Christmas.

[@deeanna3335]

God bless you sister!

[@NikkiRN-CLC]

Hope your husband is feeling better. Hoping 2025 is a better year for your family❤

[@lisakrushinski9436]

Praying that you will continue to experience God’s faithful provision and restoration! 🙏✝️

[@userused3199]

Asking God to restore you financially, healthwise and in any other way you need. Julia has helped so many of us keep our families well fed during tight times.

[@Marydia]

Even adding the eggs, milk and butter you need to that would keep it still extremely affordable for the amount of food. Oh Julia, you definitely saved someone's Christmas with this video. You're an angel. 💕

[@MaryTheresa1986]

If you need to save money and don't have eggs, milk, and butter, you can mix the cornbread mix with cream corn. It's so good!

[@NikkiRN-CLC]

Yeah for sure. If you get those items at Aldi, it would be $2 for eggs, $2.75 for 4 sticks of butter and a quart of whole milk for $1.65. so under $30 total with those items

[@lindak7623]

As seniors, 72 and 73, with groceries as high as they are, we appreciate your low-cost meals. Youre really a pleasure to watch. Thank you.

[@JadeStrawberry]

Julia, you're one of the sweetest people on KZbin. You're a wonderful wife and mother, and very accomplished in publishing your cookbook. We're all so grateful we found your channel. God bless you and your family and have a wonderful Christmas. 🎄

[@Christine84080]

Thank you so much for your KZbin videos. My husband and I are retired and are on a limited budget, with your budget friendly recipes, I have cut my food budget in half. It has been such a blessing. The recipes are so easy to prepare and so flavorful. Thank you again and Merry Christmas 🎄🎁

[@renate.s.4765]

I agree with all the beautiful comments, so very well deserved! !! I cant wait until you reach a million subscribers!!

[@Gothlite-i1l]

I hope you know that you are immeasurably helpful to those who are struggling in so many ways. You are more than a mom, a cook, a YTer - you are an innovator who understands real life. The work struggle, the physical struggle, the mental struggle, the family struggle, the health struggle, etc. Your life is so much more than raising kids and cooking as you inspire all of us in all things. Thank you for all you understand and do.

[@ashleys4652]

Your appreciation for your subscribers is so sweet. We can really feel how grateful you are. Your hard work and dedication to your channel and career has really paid off. You deserve all the success! You are providing a wonderful life for your family and are a great example for your children. Merry Christmas and God Bless!❤️🎄

[@jillgott6567]

Great haul. As the Ham and Potatoes will be used for more meals than just the holiday dinner one option is to estimate the amount used add it to the $2 you were under and buy 2 more bags of Vegetables or in my case Squash, Turnip and Cranberry Sauce. Thank you for sharing your struggle. You deserve the success your channel has had. You are hard working, kind, and humble. Blessings to all❤ 0

[@tinashort9098]

I’m 59 and for the first time in my adult life I just had to apply for food stamps. Things have been a little bit tough for a while and I’m so tired of struggling!! Julia….you are a beautiful reflection of Gods whole heart❤

[@crystalstorms880]

You have to be the SWEETEST KZbinr I have ever seen ... I love seeing your videos and learning from you. I appreciate you. So much. The time and energy you put into each video I feel like it's with LOVE and caring and wanting to help. And I truly appreciate that. And my family appreciates you so much. Because you are teaching me to be a better cook and how to handle these trying times. With inflation. Is there a way I could get a sticker with your signature so I can stick it in my cookbook. Cause that would be the best Christmas gift ever! Thank you again. I appreciate you.

[@dawndecesare2177]

I rushed home from work when you first released your cookbook. Your recipes have saved my bacon (LOL). I am 65 years old and worked a very stressful job and your recipes are my go-to. You have worked so hard, and you deserve being in a better place. We love you and look forward to every video. Merry Christmas to you and your wonderful family.

[@sylviaseri4235]

Wow! What a menu for so little money! You did great! I have been with you for the entire 5 years and have watched you grow and grow! Merry Christmas to you and your family!

[@jenniferpandich8286]

Good morning! My birthday cook book arrived and I was thrilled. I wasn’t sad I didn’t get a gift card: I’m hopeful that someone needs it more than I do receives one. I’m so grateful we’ve had a good year. Happy holidays!

[@michellemullally9217]

We (My 2 teenagers and I) made the Thanksgiving dinner you posted and everyone ❤ it. We are going to do this dinner for Christmas as it takes out the guess work❤❤❤ 🙏🏼 thank you

[@SN-sz7kw]

This is brilliant. I bet you just eased a lot of hearts with this. You’re a treasure. 💗

[@Aubreyfieldsforever]

I really love your affordable recipes. I've had hard times when I wish you had been around when my kids were little, but you would have been a little girl yourself then 😊. It's so good that you are there for all the people who are struggling with the cost of living crisis we are in atm. I'd love to buy your cookbook but alas, I live in Cheshire, England so I have saved so many of your videos to my cooking playlist. God bless you and your lovely family ❤

[@erinf4712]

Julia, you are already helping every one of us out every day by sharing your menus and your story. I love this menu. For comparison, while you were shopping I was also building a shopping cart at my local Walmart (Upstate NY) and my total was close- $19.51 (my potatoes were $.92 higher). They did not have the same brand of ham but I found a comparable ham same weight. As a former public health nurse, I have worked with the elderly and with young struggling families. Channels like yours, Rebecca's Dollar Tree Dinners, and That Lisa Dawn, are changing lives one family at a time. You are removing the stigma and restoring dignity for those who live in food deserts and those on a tight budget.

[@heidigartman6089]

Awe Julia you are truly a child of God! A beautiful giving soul ❤ It has been such a blessing to have found your channel and to have been able to watch you grow! God bless you, and Merry Christmas 🙏❤️🌲🎁❄️

[@beckyw9000]

If you are on the fence about the cookbook, pull the trigger now! It is a great gift to put in your own stocking. I hand mine over to my kids and I tell them “pick something and cook it for us one day this week please” (they are older teens and young 20s). Thank you, Julia, for passing on all that you learned to another generation. What a gift to go out in the world with some meals for four under your belt!

[@leraewagner210]

Merry Christmas to you and your sweet family. We are blessed to have someone dedicated to helping families in these hard times. I'm definitely trying the ham recipe for Christmas. God bless you!

[@MamaGnomie]

Happy Sunday, Julia!! Amazing budget friendly meal!!! Thank you so much! 🥰

[@shelleylee8774]

Julia, you have the BIGGEST heart! Merry Christmas to you and your lovely little family!

[@daniellewheeler9188]

God bless you Julia, you are such a blessing to so many people in ways you will never know. Merry Christmas to you and your beautiful family. ❤

[@orangemarigold4594]

Love ALL your recipes and watching the many idea's you share.God Bless you and your beautiful little family!!!

[@kellyharriman8775]

Omg a signed book!? That’s so cool! Nobody takes the time to do that - it’s the little details that make you far superior. You take the time to thank us when we want to thank you! You are so sweet and humble and I think I speak for all when I say that we love your videos. Thanks for sharing your life and recipes with all of us, always looking forward to a new video it’s just so comforting and “homey” 😊 I hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday and new year! I ordered another book for Xmas to give to my cousin who lives in LA and it’s just her and her bf but so many meals they would absolutely love!! Thanks Julia ❤

[@kristinthornton2690]

I just can't believe how kind and generous you are. Thanks for being you.

[@patricemoore2825]

Hi Julia !!! These budget friendly recipes help me to be able to prepare delicious, affordable and flavorful meals for my family and I can’t thank you enough !!!! 💜

[@lisac4250]

Julia, you are such a lovely young lady. I have watched your channel for quite some time. I am whole-food-plant-based and I can always find something to make or tweak on your channel. Honestly, I watch it just for your cheery demeanor. I love the way you speak as if you are almost breathless, you are so excited about your recipes. A very Merry Christmas to you and your sweet family.🥰

[@shellydevous8089]

Add some ham pieces to the green beans and have great flavor. Also, add a can of cream corn to the corn casserole and a stick if butter and you don't need to add eggs

[@stacyrussell460]

Sweet Julia!! How very generous of you to give back to the KZbin community. I remember first watching one of your extreme budget videos when you had just over 100K subscribers. Your channel has continued to grow & thrive bc you are truly a wonderful person. I'm not financially able to buy your cookbook right now, but I'm sure whoever buys it will be super impressed.

[@bunniesandroses499]

great ideas, I luv ham! Bless you and your family

[@lauraruthruff4741]

I have your cookbook and use it often. You are super generous to add the gift cards to a lucky person. But i feel i for am grateful for your generosity. I look forward to your videos every week and love all your wonderful recipes. Merry Christmas to you and your family!! ❤

[@candygoddard5334]

Merry Christmas to you and your wonderful family and all good things in 2025. We are all blessed to see your videos. You have a huge heart and I look forward to seeing what you have in store for us each Sunday. Thank you.

[@renitawimberly740]

Julia we all love you I'm 65 and your like a granddaughter. I tell my cousin I watched my girl this morning. This meal is beautiful I would Sunday with this meal I have enjoyed cooking Sunday dinners. Your a special young lady to us all.❤

[@kellyharris4639]

I’m so happy your channel is doing so well. I started watching you during the first lockdown. All the best to your family!

[@lashortyislabonita623]

My local grocery store has ham on sale at .79 & . 99 cents per pound.. They had the same sale on Thanksgiving week. I bought two hams and two turkeys which were also on sale.. Buying two hams this week as well as two pork shoulders which are on sale for $ 1.29 per pound.. Always stock up when I find a good sale… Happy Holidays to everyone.❤❤❤

[@debc7341]

Me too! My 2 local stores have wonderful ham sales right now😊A blessing!

[@lashortyislabonita623]

@@debc7341 Yes indeed a blessing this days.. Have a very bless and happy holiday season.

[@NikkiRN-CLC]

We got a free ham! Many grocery stores do this

[@lashortyislabonita623]

@@NikkiRN-CLC Usually you have to spend a certain amount in order to get a ham or turkey free..

[@RVCampHer]

I always buy a Shank Ham. I cook it in a large pot, flat side down, bone out, and fill pot with water. Simmer on low for 2 hours. Water makes ham unbelievably moist and juicy, and removes much of the sodium content. I'd never make a ham any other way! Marie ❤️

[@lovesPaulRodriguez]

Aww, ty Julia for being you and bringing us all these budget friendly recipes. :D

[@amy-joliegibbons7034]

❤ everything and the time you spend to help us with our budget. It also helps with delicious flavors. I absolutely love your channel.

[@thatswhatshesaid14]

Your cookbook and videos have become a staple in my house. You make cooking fun! It's no longer laborious or a chore. I know my kids are gunna eat whatever recipe I pick of yours. Can't wait to try some of these for Christmas 💚💚

[@KatMayeux-fd5it]

Julia, your success is 100% yours! Your gratitude, talent and skills draw viewers to you. You’re filling a niche that so many people need right now given the high cost of living. YOU are a blessing❤

[@michellemarraffa6051]

You are so sweet Julia! You show kindness in just your sweet voice. I am so glad you choice to pay it forward. I have my mom hooked on you to now and she bought us both your cookbook for Christmas. I am so excited! May you and your sweet family have a Very Merry Christmas and a wonderful new year. Many many blessings to you. ❤

[@RachelKay-nd7wk]

Julia, I got married a little over 9 years ago and you taught me how to cook! Now, I'm cooking things that Ree Drummond makes, I never thought this was possible. I can make a Killer brisket, I still watch your channel all the time and make things from you. I'm so happy for your success, Happy Holiday's and Happy New Year! Thank you for everything.

[@rebeccamanuel5331]

I love your videos. The meals you make are simple and accessible, as well as tasty. The kindness in your attitude is refreshing. Hope you and your family have a merry Christmas.

[@jodidonaldson2923]

That is so kind and sweet to give to your followers. ❤

[@amygrosklos9260]

You really are amazing! Thank you so much for all you do! Merry Christmas!

[@LynneC44]

This is amazing! I am going to do this Christmas Eve. I always wall by the frozen green beans because I never thought to saute them!

[@christineceriani]

You are a gift to us, Julia!

[@RVCampHer]

Julia you are so PROFESSIONAL! For being a busy Mom and Wife, you are an INSPIRATION to so many people! Looking forward to receiving my Cookbook! Merry Christmas! Marie ❤️

[@SkyMiller-nw6sb]

Wonderful video not only budget friendly but easy step by step directions. Thanks so much

[@sherryliberto6749]

I've been watching you my sweet friend fir a long time. And you know how much I, we appreciate you. With 2 precious girls and a husband, you still make your subbies feel your love and appreciation. This dinner looks amazing. Thanks for sharing. Have a great day. Sending love and big hugs Sherry ❤ ❤❤

[@ShadyLemonade]

You are a ray of sunshine ☀️❤

[@christeenprice5637]

Julia you are a blessing to us, love you ❤️❤️❤️

[@marisajonassaint1871]

Julia, I love you! You are the absolute BEST on YT! Thank you more than I could ever say for all you do! Your spirit comes through so strong to me, you are an ANGEL!

[@shannonmccoy9103]

What a wonderful meal idea ❤ your channel is very inspiring for many people struggle with food prices today 😢

[@dee_mcgee11]

We're the ones who are teary-eyed, Julia! We love you so much!

[@pjperdue1293]

I already have your cookbook (I ordered it the first day) so some other deserving cooks can get the gift cards. What a generous gesture, Julia! And WE'RE grateful for YOU, in these tight times you always come through with delicious budget meals. Thank you, kitchen angel!

[@Prayeatlove24]

Julie, your food always looks so delicious. I absolutely love this video. I just love watching you every week. ❤ Hope you and your family have a very Merry Christmas 🎄🎅😘

[@susanc0306]

Oh, sweet Julia, God has blessed you with such a kind and generous heart! Thank you for sharing your special talents with us every week. I pray for your continued success and for your family's health and happiness. Praise to God! ❤

[@sheenalee7602]

I just discovered your videos this weekend and honestly you have been a godsend. I'm a single mother and living paycheck to paycheck and I love that the recipes on this channel is not only budget friendly but healthy and nutritious as well. Thank you so much and I wish you much success in the new year!

[@tracywishom9999]

Julie you have to be, one of the sweetest and sincere person on Utube. I can say without a doubt, that every word you're speaking is true. I still get emotional when you shared your story about not having enough milk for your baby. But I want you to know that I love you for your transparency and living in your truths. You have indeed taught me so much about cooking on a budget, while still being able to enjoy my meals. May God continue to bless and provide for you and your family. And as for everybody else, I pray that God continues to bless you all too❤

[@luciegallagher2710]

I think you’ll find you have already helped us with all of these recipes and ideas. So thank you! Happy Holidays to you and your lovely family xx

[@rebeccadejesus4190]

You are such a wonderful person, Julia! Thank you for always being so supportive to others! I love your recipes and so does my family. Happy Holidays!!

[@andreascoloring455]

Dear Julia, I love everything about your channel! I'm so happy I found it. I was always nervous about cooking and making meals but you make it look so easy and it really is! And the best part is you show us the ingredients and where to find great prices and make affordable meals. I also enjoy how you get right to the point and your videos are not too long. Your pretty kitchen setting and cookware along with your calm, encouraging voice are the little extras that make your channel extra special and so wonderful. Wishing you and yours a blessed holiday. P.S. thank you for the cake and cornbread ideas. Im planning to try them this holiday and bring them for my family garherings. 🌲

[@tiffanybenefield1980]

That's so awesome you're able to & willing to help those in need simply bc you know how if feels to struggle. It's hard to struggle & not to tell anyone.

[@lesliebabik3785]

I’ve watched this channel grow and I am happy for you ! You are a very humble young mommy! May God Bless you and your family it is well deserved!

[@kealyphillips3946]

I really appreciate your videos! With a 60.00 budget for the month and your videos, it really makes things for me a lot easier!

[@sanguinesoulful]

Julia, I have so much love in my heart for you and the way you help so many people with the talents you are blessed with. Happiest of holidays to you and your family and God bless in the year to come. ❤️

[@angieuvalle2685]

You are just the sweetest person. I've been here from the start I feel like and watching your family grow has been such a joy. You've changed lives with this channel and I don't think you get enough credit for that. Keep at it mama because you're an inspiration.

[@caroleilola7424]

Thank you for all you do! It really does help as prices continue to rise and times are tough. I enjoy watching your videos and find super great recipes and inspiration for ways to use what I find on clearance. Thanks and have a great Christmas!

[@AnnB1990]

You're one of the sweetest people I watch. So happy things are going great for you. Happy Holidays to you and your family.

[@realsteelmagnolia]

God bless you and your family ❤ You do such a great job and are so genuinely sincere. Praying for much success!

[@TeresaBell-k7p]

You are so sweet. I hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas. I really appreciate that you understand what it is to be in need . God Bless You 😇

[@Nef_254]

Your content is God-sent. Thank you, and God bless you 🙏🏾

[@evelynealfieri9396]

Good Morning ! Bless you and your Family 😇 Thank You

[@melissafitch9280]

I’m so happy that you’ve found success sharing your passion for cooking. You’ve helped me feel more confident in the kitchen. Thank you!

[@jillpounds2219]

Julia, you have such a giving and sweet spirit. I'm grateful for this channel and the success you have achieved. I know you are all about the people and not the numbers. May God continue to bless your family this Christmas and in the New Year! ❤️🎄🫶

[@rem2202]

Happy Sunday! Thank you for sharing 😊 Happy Holidays 🎄

[@Sarahserendipity5169]

Your videos are so awesome. Thank you for making cooking fun again for me🙂❤️

[@kellyharriman8775]

Right! Sometimes it just becomes a mundane task but seeing her videos on a Sunday before I go grocery shopping sets my mind up better for the week

[@ladyj.klmnop]

🎄 you certainly are Santa's little helper in a BIG way. Christmas blessing to you and your... God bless us, everyone!

[@lauraharlow1749]

I am so thankful for YOU, too, Julia! Thank you so much for the work you do! For me, personally, you have helped me be a little more enthusiastic about being in the kitchen than I had gotten. Getting older is driving me crazy and I am hoping to retire in the next year or so -- 40 years is a LONG time to work for the same entity! I am afraid to take plunge yet -- I need to get my mind right for it -- and that means I need to line up some hobbies and volunteering. You are helping with that! Think of all the little ripples you make with tons of us here on youtube ... and then think of all the ripples we all send from there ... Your world-wide appeal, help, and just kindness in general goes such a long way in touching lives and making them a little better. Keep doing what you're doing! Much love to all of you and the BEST of the holiday season!!! 😊❤🌲

[@sandramae1772]

May God continue to bless you and your family. ❤

[@sangebotelho3398]

Julia,your shopping hauls are just like how i have done mine on the Canadian side . I was a single mother for 15 years and with raising 2 kids on my own while working and paying for everything aint cheap and it was doing what you do that got me through it. My brother says give my sister a few things and she can make a meal out of anything. Thank you for you and your videos . Merry Christmas to you and yours

[@mississippigirl]

Hi Julia! It is always great to see you. When I started watching you two years ago, I had no idea how important you and your videos would become. Thank you for always sharing meals for average people with average budgets. You are a blessing! Merry Christmas to you and your beautiful family!

[@michelleday5045]

I am so proud and happy for you and your family.❤

[@TinaW-e4d]

This is so great for people on a budget and whose income is being squeezed with the holidays. Looks so good. I look forward to my Sundays mornings. I make myself some coffee and watch your videos while my family is sleeping in. I love seeing what you come up with. I make at least one of your recipes a week. Thanks for helping this busy Mom with some creative flavorful meals.

[@Momster1000]

I make the same corn bread casserole but I add a can of creamed corn along with the ingredients you use

[@donnaknowles-ni8fg]

julia you have such a good heart...i am sure those gift cards will bless whomever gets them..God bless you

[@LourdesBarajas-cn6vu]

Thank you Julia!!! All your videos really make a difference!!!

[@KeiferElliott]

Thankful for finding you on KZbin. We have been eating such tasty meals since! Thank you for all the hard work you put in to make our lives easier!

[@nancygriggs9714]

Thanks for another great budget friendly meal. Merry Christmas 🎄 and Happy New Year 🎇. God bless🙏

[@vickywray7285]

Julia, you are the queen of budget friendly tasty food! You are also very generous giving back to others.

[@angelamccullough37]

You are a beautiful person. Thank you .

[@davidtaberer3146]

I for one appreciate all the effort that you put into all your cooking thank you

[@melissamclaughlin4383]

You're amazing Julia 😍😍

[@yvettegon4403]

Julia thank you for bringing such yummy recipes. You’re appreciated more than you know!

[@angeline3194]

Hi Julia hope you and the family are well. Girls must be getting excited for 🎅 santa. Hope you all have a fabulous time ❤ Amazing holiday meal and brilliant cost. Thank you for sharing. Xxx

[@liss.11]

That corn casserole is my all-time holiday favorite! Happy holidays to you & your family!