$5 STRESS FREE Dinners - FIVE Fast, Easy & CHEAP Meal Ideas

[@muwgrad1987]

Back in the day, all we had was bone-in chicken. LOL The bone-in has more flavor, but as an empty-nester, I often get the frozen chicken thighs or tenders. Always appreciate your video content!

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

❤️❤️

[@ganstagranny312]

Love simple crock pot meals. I have A large whole chicken going to cook it my crockpot. Thanks for the idea of saving the juices

[@debimorsette1685]

My mom showed me how to cut up a whole chicken when I was 14 years old. I’m 70 yo now, still cutting whole chickens. Our family of three gets three supper meals from one chicken, along with several lunches plus I always make chicken broth in my Instant Pot. So easy and frugal.

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

It’s so important that we teach then younger generations how to do these kinds of things! ❤️

[@breezybre2670]

@@homemadesimplewithlori LOL..yes! I just rip that thing apart . My mom cooked at home every night but I never learned one thing from her. I don't know why. I am definitely enjoying teaching my children how to cook and bake.

[@tammyosborne4374]

I love the way you use the same ingredients for athe whole week. No food waste

[@rhondamartin8956]

Well Lori, I think you just meal planned for me next week :) All of those meals looked so delicious, and using your recipes has significantly made a difference on how much we spend on food. I so appreciate your channel!

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

Oh I’m so glad to hear that!!!

[@elizabetha.9808]

I admire your honesty, Lori. 😊 Love your videos!

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

Well, thanks. I figured everyone has done it and I wanted y’all to have the best recipe 🙃

[@vikihoover6632]

At the time of me writing this, I'm at the point in the video where you're admitting that you messed up with the second recipe. Honestly, this is my favorite part of the video. I love your humility and I can relate to you so much with this. It's a very common occurrence in my kitchen (when I'm cooking at least) for this type of thing to happen. Some of the more memorable meals have been chicken casserole a-la-surprise. The surprise was that I forgot to put the chicken in before baking. Another one was potato soup a-la-surprise (I forgot the potatoes) and sweet tea a-la-surprise (I forgot to add the sugar). You can just name this second recipe chicken stroganoff a-la-surprise. Thank you for all the work you do to put out these videos.

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

I love this so much!

[@deniceschlapia7486]

I appreciated your honesty about the forgotten ingredient. I can't tell you how many times I have made something, put it in the oven, and then turned around and saw the forgotten ingredient. Ugh..Its too bad we don't live closer. I think you would be a wonderful friend. 😊

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

@deniceschlapia7486 well, we can still be friends despite the distance. You sound like my kind of person ❤️

[@candyeolney30]

With rising grocery prices I’ve been buying 10 lb bags of leg quarters and deboning. I think I like it better than the boneless breasts in many recipes.

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

Those leg quarters are such a great deal!!

[@sassylassie7]

Plus, you know it is real meat.

[@samanthal562]

Great recipes thank you lovely. We’ve all had the slip ups and missed ingredients honey, it’s nice to see I’m not the only one that does it ❤

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

❤️

[@allyrooh3628]

I am one that doesn't like to debone chicken. I did start wearing gloves, and that makes all the difference. No longer gross, and it saves money. Everything looks yummy!

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

Good idea!

[@pandapoof8798]

I love that you left the chicken stroganoff in. We've all been there, and it's nice to see. We can all learn and have a good laugh,at least, that's what i do when I forget things❤

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

❤️❤️❤️

[@amykirby9607]

Lori, thankk you for talking about getting over using bone in meat! Not only is it cheaper but it also adds collagen, very healthy!!!

[@sassylassie7]

And it seems to add flavor too!

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

❤️❤️

[@amykirby9607]

Lori, thank you for talking about getting over using bone in meat! Not only is it cheaper but it also adds collagen, very healthy!!!

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

I was actually thinking about the collagen just this week when I was deboning because there was some very visible as I was working with the chicken. Such a good point-it is such a good, vital ingredient!

[@wesdonnabrown]

You go girl! It all looks delish!

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

❤️❤️❤️

[@GrandmaSandy]

Thanks so much for some great inspiration and some great meals. Thanks for sharing them with us.

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

Thanks for watching!

[@roxannejohnston3311]

Nicely done. I love the slow cooker liners. They make clean up so easy.

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

I do too!

[@angelafleming3328]

Yay its Lori! Call me crazy but I buy Sams club rotisserie chickens for $4.98 it is so easy to make lots of easy meals and then I collect a few chicken carcussesin the freezer and use it to make a huge pot of chicken stock to can. Lane is so stinking cute and he is a great little helper. All of these recipes look so good even the missing cheese one looks good. Thank you Lori for all you do take care and stay safe.

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

I have never even bought one of those. What is even wrong with me??? Next time!!! For sure!! Thanks about lane. We love him so much. He is a good helper ❤️

[@angelafleming3328]

@@homemadesimplewithlori The cheapest whole raw chicken is $8 at walmart for me or I can get a whole cooked chicken $4.98 and they are tasty in fact I am planing on getting a few pick the meat and canning it up. I highly recommend it!

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

@@angelafleming3328 oh wow. That’s a great deal! And it’s already cooked!

[@hello-vs4me]

Glad to see you again love your videos thanks ❤😊

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

Thanks!!

[@leahstewart6979]

Good recipes. I’ve made something like your chicken mixture with tortilla strips, but used regular tortilla chips and baked in the oven.

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

I’ll try that! Thanks!

[@breezybre2670]

Also....what a sweetie Lane is!!!

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

😍

[@edsuthoff]

These look delicious!

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

Thanks!

[@SmallTownSouthernWife]

Good meals for tough times ❤

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

❤️

[@sheliapeters2082]

Yes this are amazing and thank you! I canned chicken this tostidas recipe will be great for that. Keeping my pantry full. God bless you all.

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

Good for you!!!

[@sheliapeters2082]

@@homemadesimplewithlori thanks

[@gaynellparker3505]

You are amazing! And the most honest person I know (2nd recipe😊👍). Love love your videos❤️

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

Well, since you’re my mama you have to say stuff like that 😂. But thanks. Love you.

[@gaynellparker3505]

@@homemadesimplewithlori ❤️

[@janetgrigoratos9318]

Great ideas! Im going to try the enchiladas

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

Let me know what y’all think!

[@jennifercox2137]

Mix ups just make it real life 🥰

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

❤️❤️❤️

[@matthewmault1555]

I live in the U.K. and enchilada sauce is something I just can’t find. Your recipe has opened my eyes and recipe book to many new options 😊

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

Oh yay!!!! Let me know what you think!

[@margaretsmith8999]

I live in Australia and I was blown away one weekend when someone served corn on the cob for lunch. Just the corn, some butter and some salt. That was it. It was in season so the corn was delicious.Another thing we do here is Stir fried rice. Cold pre cooked rice, frozen mixed vegetables, oil, some crushed garlic and crushed ginger (optional) and some soy sauce. You can add a scrambled egg into the mixture or some cooked bacon or little chunks of ham. Another thing we do is a build your own pizza using large pita breads which are dirt cheap here , some pizza sauce in sachets or in a squeeze bottle, your favourite toppings and mozerella and I add a little bit of parmasean cheese (Kraft is fine) . I agree about being freaked out by bones. My children admitted to me that it was not until they were adults that they realised that meat came on bones. I hated dealing with bones (even the Christmas Ham) so my kids were served a lot of beef mince, sliced ham, bacon and chicken breast. Now Costco roasted chicken is cheaper than buying a fresh chicken and cooking it. So now I am dealing with the bones. It is funny because my two sons do most of the cooking in their households. Christmas Eve family dinner is an absolute blast because we talk about food and their food memories. One of the girlfriends actually said "What is it about this family and food?!"

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

Folks from the southern US love them some corn on the cob! It is just so simply delicious! And all those other tips are wonderful ideas too! Thanks!! (And, I so wish I could hear you speak your comment instead of having to read it. I could listen to your accent all day long 😍)

[@michellemiller1027]

Great video. The meals all look delicious. I understand why you are using the plain white plates. But I do miss your vintage plates you use to use. God bless and have a great week

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

I sort of miss them too ❤️

[@argeliaanchondo9907]

Hey don’t worry it happens to all at least it happen to me. Thank you for the recipes

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

❤️❤️

[@alidaroxana12]

Oh my goodness the soup, the enchiladas… everything ! I’m so going to make it! Thank you!

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@breezybre2670]

That soup is perfect in a pinch when you have no time. If you add a half a can of chickpeas or white beans it's just like a minestrone without noodles. Love it! Also throw in a bay leaf for good measure if you have one!

[@GrandmaSandy]

Thanks so much my dear friend for sharing what you did for five dollars or less. I just did a video today myself showing three different menus breakfast lunch and dinner cost me $12 for all three together and dinner I had leftovers.

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

That’s great!

[@sheilahanna7912]

Loving your menus you are a genius...thank you!!

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

Ha. Well, far from that but I appreciate very much the compliment 😘

[@vixxcottage]

One thing about frugal living adjustments must be made constantly. If we forget an item it is not the end of the world. Sometimes things happen. It looks amazing! I get about 5 meals from a whole chicken. Then the carcass makes soup.

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

That’s good to hear about the 5 meals. People had me doubting myself 😂

[@desertfamilyhomestead3127]

A tip for the enchiladas mix the sauce into your meat and cook some onions with your beef to add more flavor to the dish. It is easier to put it all in the crockpot that way. Doing it in the crockpot I call it enchilada casserole though. Great ideas.

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

Good idea!

[@cynthiamyers4265]

All of these look, delicious! I buy chicken from a local farmer and it's always whole chickens which are so good!

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

I get mine from a local farm too! We trade fresh milk for chickens and it works perfect for us both!

[@terrybard8688]

I really like your recipes, please make more videos , thank You ❤️

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

Oh thanks!! Sure thing!!

[@stephanienunley3869]

I KNEW the “creamy” was missing in the chicken stroganoff!! But so glad you came with it and was truthful about the mess up! The enchilada casserole? I got my recipe for enchilada sauce from my Hispanic friend and it’s two cups of lard but I used oil like you, two tablespoons of flour and then browning the flour like a roux! Adds a depth of flavor and all you need after that if chili powder to your taste and water. Your addition of chicken broth was amazing but if you don’t have that? Water is fine! Pour in the water until thicker and it tasted like enchilada sauce from Mexico! Amazing. So if those are the four ingredients you have? Oil, flour, chili powder and water? It still makes an amazing sauce! ALL of your meals looked amazing! Thank you for your contribution to helping people cook for their families as cheaply as possible! Thank you and God Bless!

[@sharonhall2277]

2 cups of Lard / oil?

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

Good tips!

[@diversekakes]

I think sourcream would be good in that chicken mushroom meal or a jar of Alfredo as well! No worries!

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

That’s so true! I’ll try it one day (if I can remember 🤣)

[@stacel1972]

We all get busy and miss something when cooking. The recipes look fantastic and I’m going to sub in different beans in place of chicken/beef. Thank you for the ideas😀

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

Thanks for the grace. Beans in place of meat is a great idea

[@1jmass]

Such simple, yet yummy looking meal ideas. I don’t have a sweet little helper, but I do enjoy watching him help you. You did not mention it, but do you also use the bones from the chicken to make stock? After I debone my chicken (I generally use frozen leg quarters since I prefer dark meat), I add the bones back into the slow cooker. I sprinkle in whatever seasonings sound good along with my saved bag of frozen veggie scraps and continue to cook it for several hours-sometimes even overnight on low to allow the bones to give up all of their nutrients and flavor. Don’t forget to include onion skins when you are saving veggie scraps since they impart the rich color our eyes love to see. If I remember to, I add a teaspoon or so of apple cider vinegar to aid in breaking down the bones.

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

That’s a really great tip! Thank you so much!

[@stephanienunley3869]

By the way? Deboning a chicken is something I LOVE to do! The reason is because I hate fat and grizzle and anything gross. I have been deboning my own chicken or even turkey after the holidays since my 18 year old was a baby. About the age of Lane? She would come in posing to help and say, “I want boned chicken!!” And she would get a few bites while I did the job! She still remembers wanting her “boned” chicken because she just didn’t say deboned!

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

That’s sweet

[@yvonnemantell7314]

Hi Lori, thanks for some new ideas. I was curious about the use of the plastic bag .. is it for ease of cleaning? Yvonne

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

Yes ma’am. It just pulls out and keeps the crock from needing scrubbed. It is so nice to not have to clean it when dinner is done! I also use it as the left over bag so I just take it out, tie the top and put it in the fridge!

[@breezybre2670]

These are all so yummy. I want to be clear; I am NOT saying that your servings are too small. The problem is that I think my kids eat too much. They are all thin, trim , and healthy, but they eat a lot more than what is in the videos. That said they don't get snacky foods other than fruit, veggies, and rice cakes and the odd homemade baking so I guess I shouldn't feel to bad. The good part of them eating quite a bit at dinner is that I used to give them bed time snacks of banana or yogurt and I've done away with that. Thanks for all of the ideas!

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

You are doing great if they eat a lot of meal food!! We have some definite work to do in that area with lane! 😬

[@breezybre2670]

@@homemadesimplewithlori i hear you! I have 3 that just don't "like" soups, chili, and most casseroles. Sigh. I keep making them and we keep trying. One day ......lol!

[@lmelior]

Great recipes, they look fantastic! There's so much more flavor and value in whole chickens and bone-in, skin-on thighs or leg quarters that those are my go-tos for most meat purchases. Anything else I pretty much only buy if it's on clearance. I've never even thought to make my own cream of chicken, that was cool! I use cream of mushroom way more often, but I imagine it works pretty much the same way, so I'll have to give it a shot. Mexican-inspired dishes are so great for frugal meals, it's so easy to stretch them with beans and rice. My wife doesn't like enchiladas (or at least claims she doesn't), but those looked so good! Thanks for sharing!

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

Great tips! And everyone should love enchiladas 😂😂😂

[@rebekahhansen1112]

Great ideas for frugal meals. Ive easily forgotten an ingredient or even a whole side. And sometimes its just not in the budget for that extra item. 😊

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

That’s true!

[@Candice-1970]

Great meals sweet friend. May God bless

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

Thank you! How are you doing??

[@Candice-1970]

@@homemadesimplewithlori I'm ok . Have a inner ear infection. How are you sis?

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

@@Candice-1970 eww!! I’ve never had one of those and it sounds awful! I’m good. ❤️❤️

[@brandiblair9398]

Check your store for 10lb bags of chicken leg quarters instead of a whole chicken. About 50 to 60 cents per lb vs over a dollar per lb in our area.

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

Such a great tip!! Thanks!!

[@hello-vs4me]

What meal would you make if you had left over potatoes salad we just finished up burgers tonight

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

I love ham and potato salad. With maybe some baked beans. Potato salad is so yummy!!!! 😍

[@cynthiajudkins2250]

👏👏👏❤

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

❤️

[@eforbes1977]

How much water did you use for the whole frozen chicken in the instant pot? That's a GREAT idea! I never thought about this before!

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

I filled it about half full before I put the chicken in. Not sure what that measurement is exactly, but mine has a mark on the insert telling me where half is. Hope that helps ❤️

[@eforbes1977]

Thank you SO much! :) I'm going to cook mine when I get home tonight. :)@@homemadesimplewithlori

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

Let me know how it goes!! ❤️❤️

[@eforbes1977]

I sure will! Thank you for sharing! :)@@homemadesimplewithlori

[@tanyaparker6296]

When turkey goes on sale you can do that too. Some places will saw your frozen turkey in half for you . I have also done a whole chicken/ turkey breast in the slow cooker with very little water (about a cup).

[@allenfamilyhomeschool2074]

Can all these recipes hold up ok to leave in the crockpot on low for 10 or so hours? P.S. Thank you for showing how to do meals from scratch on a budget.

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

I really think they should do just fine that long. The salsa one may need a bit of water added but I can’t think of why the others would have trouble. And, thanks for watching and commenting. It means a lot to me ❤️

[@sharonhall2277]

I think what I liked best was the baby-- umm, umm, umm. You just know it's going to be good.

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

❤️❤️

[@GrandmaSandy]

Think you made the right decision sometimes we forget ingredients. Sometimes we add too much of something it’s never heard so let us know. Be careful not to add too much or I left something else by mistake. We all make mistakes.

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

❤️❤️

[@suzanneharris7473]

Stroganoff is supposed to have sour cream,and egg noodles also

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

Well, when you’re on a budget…..🤷‍♀️

[@madelineeverritt8874]

I love your Southern accent. Where are you from?

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

Born and raised in central Alabama ❤️. What about you??

[@madelineeverritt8874]

@@homemadesimplewithlori Sweet! Have you heard of Enterprise, or Dothan? We're about 15 minutes from Enterprise, and about 45 minutes from Dothan. We live in a rural area called, chancellor. We're almost neighbors. Lol Nice to meet you my friend. ❤️

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

@madelineeverritt8874 well of course I have!! We drive through there on family vacations! Nice to meet you! Stay in touch! ❤️❤️

[@josephhoag2366]

I really enjoy your videos (and especially your honesty), Chicken is the most economical meat, but I don't like it (we're not vegetarians). I realize that you've done videos with other meats, and I'm asking if you'll do some more like that; maybe beans or tuna?....Carla H.

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

Yes, sure thing!

[@hello-vs4me]

Cook alot of your meals except soups family not into soups ❤😊 bone chicken is alot Cheaper got 2 10 pounds chicken leqq quarters 5 dollars each 10 dollars 20 pounds 50 cents a pound cheap cooking ❤😊

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

So great!

[@edsuthoff]

About how many people will these feed?

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

I feed 4 adults and 1 toddler.

[@berrypatch5583]

One can of kidney beans in the vege soup is extra mmmm....

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

Good idea! And the extra protein!

[@hello-vs4me]

I cook in instant pot alot faster

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

I love my instant pot!

[@hello-vs4me]

Yes indeed

[@sunniertimer598]

For being so close to the camera, everything is blurry and shifty looking.

[@homemadesimplewithlori]

Ooooh. Bummer. Sorry. I am working with an older computer (until I can fund a newer one) and it is hard to tell the quality when I’m editing. Maybe it was a setting on my camera, too. Sorry for the disappointing quality.