7 MEALS | $25 BUDGET

In this video my challenge was to create dinners for a family of 4 for a week on a $25 Walmart grocery haul. I chose meals that are easy to prepare. See what I was able to come up with and then customize this grocery haul for your own family.
#frugalmeals
#extremegrocerybudgetchallenge
#ardentmichelle
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SHOPPING LIST
tomato sauce 3 small cans Great Value 1.32
spaghetti 0.93
tuna 0.88
macaroni and cheese 2 boxes Great Value thick and creamy 1.06
cream of mushroom soup Great Value 0.72
peas and carrots -small can Great Value 0.66
5 lb bag potatoes 3.82
tortillas Guerrero 18 ct 1.88
sour cream small tub Great Value 1.16
hotdogs 8 ct BarS 1.18
hot dog chili sauce Great Value 0.74
hot dog buns Great Value 1.46
Nalley chili 1.66
cannelini beans canned Great Value 0.87
ground beef -frozen 3.97
cheddar cheese block Great Value 2
1 carrot 0.11
1 can corn Great Value 0.64
TOTAL 25.06
Spaghetti Marinara
2 small cans tomato sauce
Ground beef
Brown ground beef, add in tomato sauce, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning, 1/2 tsp onion powder, salt and pepper to taste. If you like a sweeter marinara add sugar to taste. Let simmer until ready.
Hot Dog Chili Sauce
I added garlic powder and smoked paprika to it to make it better.
Potato Tacos
Add cumin and garlic to taste to mashed potatoes. Fry shells until crispy but still pliable. Fill with potato mixture and top with sour cream. Serve 4 tacos per family member
to make the fried cheese taco just add a little of the shredded sharp cheddar to the pan and fry for a few seconds before laying one side of the taco on the cheese. Once its cooked for a bit then remove from the pan.
Baked potatoes with Chili
clean potatoes and then roll them in oil and heavily salt the skins. Bake at 400 until done. Top with chili and cheese.
Tuna One Pot Meal
1 1/2 boxes of thick and creamy Great Value Mac and cheese
1 can mushroom soup
1 can tuna or chicken
1 small can peas and carrots - or can use frozen
Mix together. If you want to make a casserole then only cook macaroni halfway through, then fill a casserole dish and bake for 15-20 minutes or until done. I cooked mine at 400 because I already had the oven on for the potatoes. Top the casserole with small amount of cheese.
Pasta Fagioli
1 can cannellini beans -you can use almost any type of bean here
1/2 can corn Great Value
1 carrot diced
1/2 cup hamburger - left over from spaghetti dish
1/2 cup macaroni - left over from tuna dish
1 small can tomato sauce
vegetable bouillon to taste - or your preferred bouillon
Another meal idea
chop up a hot dog or whatever is remaining of the hotdogs and stir fry with potatoes and 1/2 can of corn.
MENU SUGGESTION
Spaghetti with meat sauce
Chili cheese dogs - I would serve one chili cheese dog with fries to get 2 meals out of this.
Tuna One Pot Meal
Chili cheese dogs - serve one chili cheese dog with fries
Pasta Fagioli
Potato Tacos - serve 4 tacos each and you will have 2 shells leftover
Baked Potato night with Chili
*Fried potatoes with corn and hot dogs - If you didn't make the 2 nights of chili dogs
Let me know if you need anything else.
To contact me, send emails to:
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Irvine, CA 92604

[@lynnchristensen4439]

As usual everything looks delicious❤ I have actually cut the ground beef in half for 2 meals. Spagetti and tacos. I add refried beans or lentils to the meat.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Lynn 😁 Thanks so much. That's a great suggestion 👍

[@rudolphsaiz8386]

Maderna pastas are more designed for Mexican "sopitas" which are a browned pasta in tomatoes sauce soup so that brand is somewhat more starchy than a regular pasta and smaller in size

[@ArdentMichelle]

ok got it 👍 I've made that fideo soup before with the browned pasta but I guess since it was packaged like spaghetti I was thinking differently 😂 Thanks for pointing this out.

[@kelleyhoppock6171]

I've made potato tacos for years. I mix in jalapenos, cheese and sour cream. Sometimes I add chorizo. So good. I just mix everything together and fill the tortillas before frying. Then I add cilantro and salsa or Pico de gallo.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Kelley 😁 I love your additions. Sounds yummy!

[@flightlessphoenix77]

You can get baked potatoes that are really fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside faster by microwaving them for 5 minutes before putting them in the oven. Make sure to prick the skins so they don't explode!! Saves energy costs too.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Good point 👍 I frequently help my potatoes out by microwaving first.

[@cristea9429]

This is now how I eat, but I watched the entire video cuz your voice is relaxing and I love your creativity.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Cristea 😁 Awe...thank you 🥰 This isn't how I eat either (except for the pasta fagioli and baked potato). Thanks for watching anyway.

[@misstishwyo]

We like to do our potato tacos with chorizo, the inexpensive Cacique chorizo adds a TON of flavor

[@ArdentMichelle]

Great idea 👍

[@Back-handedLuck-ul7ms]

Never thought of slicing into the hot dog to increase surface area. What a great idea!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Glad you like this tip 😁

[@michelle10261]

Great recipes , I must try do an Australian budget vlog myself as our grocerys are a lot more expensive. Thank you.

[@ArdentMichelle]

yes you should 👍 I'm sure it would be very popular.

[@lindawilson290]

I am not brand-loyal to many grocery items, but the one brand I prefer for my "cream of" soup is Campbell's.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Linda 😁 yeah I think they're the best too. I rarely use cream soups in any of my cooking though.

[@Hotmessbudgets]

My mom makes potato tacos. But you out the mash potato inside the tortilla and then fry it. They are so good.

[@ArdentMichelle]

yum 😋

[@kristyh982]

I make baked potatoes in the slow cooker during the summer. Avoids heating up the house!

[@ArdentMichelle]

True 👍

[@MyFavoriteColorIsBLUE]

More! Please Michelle! I love your creativity and these types of recipes are very useful. Thanks

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks Empty Nester X5 😁 Glad you like this video!

[@Suebearish]

You might consider a Trader Joe's brand on a budget video. We find the prices to be good for healthy basic foods like bread and pasta, milk, yogurt. Lots of pricey snacks and prepared frozen foods but if stick to basics. Some things like frozen fruits are less than Aldis.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Cathy 😁 Since TJ's is my favorite store, that would be a lot of fun for me. I'll have to write this on my bucket list.

[@Suebearish]

@@ArdentMichelle would love to see what you come up with

[@nancyculp6968]

Forgot to tell you, you can cut your price for spaghetti by using a little bacon drippings, tomato paste, onion, garlic and a couple of tablespoons of dry wine…if you have it…if not leave it out. A can of tomato soup can be used to make spaghetti sauce too.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Those are great options for anyone that buys bacon or wine. 👍

[@nancyculp6968]

Yes, the bacon gives almost anything a great flavor. Plus, you can make BLTs, a potato, bacon and cheese pie, twice baked potatoes, potato soup, pork & Beans with cornbread, etc. By saving the bacon drippings you can add extra layers of flavor to casseroles, soups, homemade refried beans, sautéed cabbage, kraut, stuffed bell peppers, Jambalaya and so much more! I take the smaller tip pieces off of the strips of bacon to use them for all of this…save the bigger pieces for other things. When I make baked potatoes I rub outside with oil, salt them and poke holes in the top where I will count them into. When done, scoop out the inside meat of the potatoes into a bowl. Mash then with butter and milk with a little garlic salt and pepper. Beat them like the are creamed potatoes. Then add in little sour cream, chopped green onions, cheddar cheese and cooked diced bacon. Mix all together and put into a freezer/ oven safe casserole dish sprayed with Pam spray. Top with slices of cold butter about two inches apart( I push one end of butter slice a little way in so they are angled…this way butter goes into potatoes when baked instead of just running on top). Cover with foil and now you have a side dish ready when you are running low on time. You can bake from frozen state or defrost in fridge night before. Then I take the potato skins cut them in half. Lay them on a sheet and freeze them separately. Then place them in a freezer bag to make potato skins out of them. You use basically same ingredients you did with the twice baked potatoes you just froze, when you just want a snack, appetizer or light lunch, with a side salad and couple of boiled eggs.I always seem to save money if I plan my meals around one main ingredient and what I already have.

[@neverwares]

For your gluten free viewers: spaghetti squash is a great spaghetti substitute!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you for sharing 👍 Great idea!

[@neverwares]

@@ArdentMichelle You’re welcome! It’s one of my faves

[@codydoll7655]

When it’s in season it’s so inexpensive. Sadly for me it’s out of season right now.

[@mollygardens6646]

I made sardine fish tacos last week for my grandchildren. First we made corn tortillas from maseca but you could buy them. Sauce was a small can chipotle in adobo, peppers diced, add mayo and or plain yogurt to your level of hotness. Warming tortillas on a griddle lay out 2-3 sardines on each, some fine slivers of kale or cabbage, and sauce. They loved it, ages two to ten.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hello 😁Thanks for sharing this.

[@Jean_in_Stillness]

Thanks for another GREAT video, Michelle. Your ideas are so helpful, and you even cook with such grace. . . you had me smiling at how you gently placed the noodles into the pot, "patience is a virtue." 😀 Wishing you a lovely weekend!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Jean 😁 It's my pleasure. 🥰 Happy Memorial Day. 🇺🇸🥳 Have a great rest of your weekend.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Unless your not in the U.S. 😂 then just have a great rest of your weekend 😂

[@Jean_in_Stillness]

@@ArdentMichelle Thanks so much, Michelle. Celebrating Memorial Day and feeling grateful. 🙏❤

[@christinejunk8184]

I love the "eggroll in a bowl" as a budget recipe when the ready made coleslaw goes on sale. You can google it as it is a recipe that is popular if you haven't heard of it. My family loves this dish.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Christine 😁 No I haven't heard of that. Thanks for the heads up. I'll try it. I love egg rolls, so that sounds good. 👩‍🍳 Thanks for sharing this!

[@im7mommy]

This is really good. I tried it first in the instant pot, but prefer in a Dutch oven because it’s easier to make it flavorful. I use half cabbage and half broccoli slaw and add peas.

[@janicecrosby6649]

Your videos are always pleasant and exciting. Thank you.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Janice 😁 Glad you like my videos! Thanks for letting me know 🥰

[@janicecrosby6649]

Michelle, I so look forward to your postings. You are gifted in providing for us. It must take a lot of careful consideration. Your efforts are appreciated, friend.

[@ArdentMichelle]

@@janicecrosby6649 awe...thanks so much. I appreciate that. 💜

[@user-id7tq1ge8x]

You can also make potato cakes with a bit of flour, diced onions and eggs. Fry them like a pancake and eat them with sandwich bread or biscuits.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Great tip 👍 thanks for sharing.

[@shettikkawoods3248]

Good blessings 😊and thank you ❤

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Shettikka 😁 It's my pleasure. Thank YOU for watching! 🥰

[@spicycopper2436]

I love the tip on cutting the hot dogs. I will be doing it. Many Thanks

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hello 😁 Glad you like it. Thanks for letting me know!

[@Mamaisawake]

For those that can’t eat garlic and onion, it’s a life saver to make your own marinara! I sub garlic infused olive oil (that’s low fodmap!) and dried green onion (that’s also low fodmap) and use bay leaf, paprika and Italian seasoning. Can’t tell it’s low fodmap after!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Angie 😁 Thanks for sharing this super helpful info!

[@pennylynch913]

Hi thankyou. You're gonna laugh but i've been getting too much gas and found out that garlic and onion are gassy so your comment helps.

[@teresacarnes2271]

Another great video! Happy memorial day

[@ArdentMichelle]

@@pennylynch913 😂 We should probably all moderate our garlic usage since it's in EVERYTHING.

[@ArdentMichelle]

@@teresacarnes2271 Happy Memorial Day! 🇺🇸🥳

[@KKsW842]

Thx for another fun and creative video🌸🌸

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Kelli 😁 You're welcome. Thanks for watching and your continued support. 🥰

[@nancyculp6968]

Try using the cheese seasoning packet from the box of Mac and cheese to season popcorn! A lot cheaper than those bottled seasoning s for popcorn. Plus, I use chili powder sprinkled over popcorn with a little salt. Popcorn is also a great snack for something sweet too. Homemade caramel popcorn is great for family movie night, along with the seasoned popcorn. Plus, a homemade pizza for dinner is great as a family pleaser.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Nancy 😁Yes, the final shot in my video is me seasoning my popcorn with that cheese packet. So good 😋 Love homemade caramel popcorn too. I made this on my channel awhile back . Love popcorn.

[@sharonfarnsworth3325]

I appreciate all of your research & trial & error products & recipes & your sense of humor!🥂

[@WilletteB]

I enjoy your videos, even if I don't comment. Your choices this week were very kid friendly. It seems I struggled as a young mom to find something each child would eat. My oldest now, age 43, is still a picky eater. She is even worse since she had covid. Hope you have a great weekend. Your channel is one of my favorites. 🥰

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hello 😁 I'm so glad you enjoy my content. Yeah, that was definitely the goal here, it usually is when I'm making family style videos. I'm honored to be one of your favorite channels 💜 Thank you so much.

[@mauramarcus152]

Vegan Pasta e Fagioli EVOO 1 medium onion, chopped 3 stalks or so of celery, chopped, plus any celery leaves, chopped 2 medium carrots, cut in quarter dice a few shakes red pepper flakes s & p 1 T garlic 1 or 2 t veg stock concentrate water 1 small bay leaf Italian seasoning smoked paprika 1 24 to 25 oz. jar pasta sauce (I have used Tomato Basil sauce and Mushroom Tomato sauce.) 2 15 oz. cans canellini beans, rinsed and drained 6 oz. bag baby spinach, roughly chopped some chopped parsley 1 large Tablespoonful of nutritional yeast 1 lb. ditalini pasta, cooked 1 min. less than pkg. directions and pasta water reserved In a flat bottomed wok, saute onion in generous amount of EVOO with s & p and red pepper flakes. Add celery. Add carrot. Saute until tender or even browned. Saute garlic. Add Italian seasoning, bay leaf, and smoked paprika and stir all together. Add pasta sauce and cook a while. Add beans and some water, stirring to combine. When beans have softened a bit, add spinach and parsley and veg stock concentrate, stirring to combine. Add some of the pasta water to thin the tomato based soup. Add nutritional yeast. Serve some pasta and tomato based soup in a large bowl and stir to combine. Top with more freshly ground black and nutritional yeast. Serve with bread, if possible.

[@christinejunk8184]

Pasta e Fajioli is such a delicious and hearty soup!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Maura 😁 Drooling over this recipe. This sounds like one that I would love. I'll save this to try. Thanks for sharing this with us.

[@CathieG]

Yum 😋 now I’m craving spaghetti 🍝 Happy Memorial Day weekend Michelle & everyone! 🇺🇸🥰♥️🤍💙

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Cathie 😁 Yes, happy Memorial Day 🇺🇸 🥳

[@nancyculp6968]

Try using mustard on your hot dog bun, then add some finely sliced-shredded cabbage, then add the chili, chopped onion and cheese. Fills bellies up and they are still having a veggie. Plus, the cool, crispy, plain cabbage with the hot chili is a good contrast. Hot dogs are great on buns with sauerkraut that has been rinsed, drained and cooked in a little bacon drippings. Add a little spicy mustard and you have another inexpensive meal. Also, You can make hotdog and potato soup. I learned about this in one of Emeril Lagasse cookbooks. I make my own chili using Emeril’s recipe and freeze it in medium size containers…then when I want to make nachos, chili dogs, chili cheese fries, etc, I have it. I sometimes wait for my favorite brand “wolf Brand Chili” to go on sale and buy it.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks for sharing these ideas 👍

[@missyporter1643]

Great video as always! We make plant based chili cheese dogs with carrots as the dogs, vegan cheese sauce with potatoes and carrots as base, and a homemade vegan chili- so yummy! We also put the “cheese” and chili on air fried potato wedges or baked potatoes.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hello 😁 Your meal sounds delicious! I like to use the Nalley vegetarian chili on top of veggie dogs. That's so creative to use a carrot as the hot dog. I just purchased some cashews to try making my first vegan cheese sauce.

[@claudiamello7684]

Do you marinate your carrotdogs? I wanna try, what do you use for flavoring. Brilliant idea- hotdogs can just be the vehicle for condiments we love, lol.😂

[@patpeters6331]

I have been making the tuna casserole for years. My family asks for it regularly. My sister says hers never turns out like mine. Lol The secret is the cream of mushroom soup. It's best using either peas or corn. No other veggies work in this casserole. I also like to add chopped onions. It enhances the flavor too.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Pat 😁 Thanks for sharing this info.

[@patpeters6331]

@@ArdentMichelle My pleasure. I can tell you that the casserole tastes best when using all more expensive name brand ingredients like Campbell Mushroom soup and Kraft Mac and Cheese. I only do that for special occasions or company. Lol.

[@ArdentMichelle]

@@patpeters6331 Thanks for pointing this out, because I was wondering about that actually 🤔 Although...I thought this style of macaroni and cheese was really tasty!

[@barbnauman705]

I make the tuna noodle casserole with just mushroom soup and 1/2 can of milk. My grandma always topped hers with crushed potato chips! Yum!!❤

[@joellenvohlken4924]

With the GF spaghetti recipe. People should check the spices they use for gluten containing items. Especially, if they are using powdered spaghetti sauce mixes you can buy. Just a warning in case someone is new to going GF.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Great point! 👍 Thanks for sharing this!

[@sharonfarnsworth3325]

I use a lot of sautéed carrots, celery & onions in recipes (even beans) they are inexpensive, last a long time in the refrigerator & are healthy. The scraps can be saved in freezer for soup stock!

[@im7mommy]

When I made the Mac and cheese for my kids, I added shredded cheese, frozen peas and tuna, chicken of ham. Then some breadcrumbs and baked into hot. No soup. It was good. Also, my mom used to make a soup with clear broth, hot dogs and potatoes and it was surprisingly tasty. My dad was a pastor and we often had it during times when they were fundraising for missions to countries with famines.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I don't care for the soup in it myself. Thanks for sharing the budget soup.

[@shannonpeck5954]

I would like to see more budget grocery hauls like this one. ❤️

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Shannon 😁 Glad you like this.

[@charlottekearn5185]

Another great video. I love that Trader Joe's Italian spice in the jar, I think I am on the 5th jar of it. It's memorial day weekend and that hotdog looks really good. My memory is not that great but I think it was you that recently had a recipe for quinoa and chickpea salad, I made it and it was delicious. If it wasn't you then I have just complimented someone else 😂 I wish I lived nextdoor to you, I would be over every other day, your recipes always look good.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Charlotte 😁 Yes that was me with the quinoa salad. I'm so glad you liked it 😁 Yay! Thanks for letting me know! Yeah I thought the hot dogs were appropriate for a Memorial week video release. That Trader Joes spice mix is so good with the little flakes of sun dried tomatoes.

[@Little_farmhouse]

Thank you so much for all of your videos. We have been struggling so much lately and I’m so glad I’m now able to afford to feed my family thanks to your videos

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Tabitha 😁 You're welcome. I'm so sorry that you've been struggling but I'm glad my videos have been helpful. Thanks so much for letting me know 🥰 I'm hoping that you'll have better days ahead friend. ☀️

[@Kimberley_Black_White_TV]

I used to get a pound of ground beef, and divide it up into 1/3 pound portions, that usually called for a pound. Obviously this would not work for something like hamburgers or meatloaf, but in a casserole or one pan meal, you barely noticed the difference.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Love this 👍

[@jessicathompson236]

Two full cans of the cream of mushroom soup to one full can of cream of chicken soup. (Don't add any extra salt at all) plus the veggies, noodles and your chosen seasonings.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Jessica 😁 Thanks for sharing how you make this.

[@cassandrapatterson7338]

We make potato tacos but we spread the mash potatoes in the tortilla then fry it. We add queso cremosa, onions, cilantro, and a salsa, usually a salsa roja or verde, and with crema oaxaquena. They are sooooo darn good! I also just made the enfrijoladas you had made in a previous video and topped with the same toppings as my potato tacos. There was NONE left! Delicious!!!!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Cassandra 😁 I'm so glad you liked the enfrijoladas! I thought they were delicious too. It's interesting that you mention how you make your potato tacos because I kind of had that idea in the back of my head that maybe you could get them a little crispier that way. Thanks for sharing this. I'm definitely going to try this.

[@codydoll7655]

That sounds so yummy.

[@veronicamorrison3144]

when i budget shop i also look at discount stores and dollar tree

[@claudinepotvin-giordano1154]

I love the George Foreman grill. Took a beating and keeps on going

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Claudine 😁 My George Foreman has REALLY taken a beating 😂 Hey, it still works so I'm going to keep using it 😂

[@isabelleg.5842]

My favorite way to do baked potatoes is with butter, cheese, and baked beans (tomato base, not sweet brown ones). Also, baked beans on toast is filling and cheap (the tomato based ones). Ate that many a day back when I was in university!

[@ArdentMichelle]

thanks for sharing your food tips!

[@rebeccahengen]

I find that whole potatoes baked in a Crockpot have the same result as oven baked. It's my favorite way to cook them. I just use a small amount of olive oil and turn them over once to evenly coat them.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Rebecca 😁 I haven't tried this yet, but now I want to. Thanks for sharing.

[@annzamora6943]

If u want to.malke authentic Mexican potato tacos. Cook the mashed potatoes add in some onions, & garlic powder. Then add the Corn tortillas to damp paper towels. Then heat in microwave 30 sec. Add the potato mix to the tortillas & then roll like when u make enchiladas only tighter & use a toothpick to hold it shut. Then shallow fry golden all the way around. Then enjoy. It's great to dip in salsa & Sour cream. Yum yum

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks for sharing this. Does it look like taquitos then?

[@annzamora6943]

As long as you roll them up tight they will look like taquitos. I am a south Georgia white woman married to a Hispanic man from Taxco Mexico. We have been married 20 years. When we first got married his sister taught me authentic dishes that are his favorite so I do know what I'm talking about. I hope this helps.

[@betsyjohnson9213]

Could you please do budget meal series, using coupons and almost no money? Plus showing us how to use extras like making veggie or meat broth or even using grease from hamburger meat. Starting from scratch meals(your spices oils etc u needs to buy too) ty 😊

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Betsy 😁 Unfortunately, I'm not a couponer. That's a special skill all it's own. Have you seen my videos where I ate for a week on $5 and then also one that was $7 ? I'm planning on doing another one of those shortly. Those are great for highlighting how to eat from almost nothing.

[@ksacosta69]

I'm always sad when your videos end. Lol. You are very creative and I love watching your vids! Great job on this one!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Kristi 😁 Awe...thanks so much. I appreciate the positive feedback 🥰

[@denisebd1000]

I did like this video. And thanks for your honesty on one of the products used. Even though Aldi is cost efficient, I don’t like a lot of their products.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Denise 😁 Glad you like this. Thanks for letting me know. Yeah, I probably should have mentioned that maybe that cream of chicken would have tasted fine if it was Campbells brand 😂 but since posting this video, I've had some viewers say that the mushroom soup is the way to go.

[@tmdavidson1478]

My MILs tuna mac melt casserole is good and uses a roux flavoured with diced onion, a bit of garlic powder and a good amount of thyme. She layered the mac, tuna and shredded cheddar like a lasagna. Then you pour the flavoured roux over the casserole, top with some more cheese and herbed croutons and bake til bubbling. Remember to grease the baking dish. Also, if you have some bakers chocolate you might try making skyline chili aka Cincinnati chili. It's served over spaghetti but leftovers make an amazing chili dog.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi TM 😁 Thanks for sharing this. Cincinnati chili is on my bucket list 👩‍🍳

[@roxannapaula8751]

I love this. Can you please do another video like this? It’s helping me so much. I’m recently separated from by husband and I have three kids with me. So the family of four budget meals are perfect.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Glad these are helpful. 😁 I'll try to do another one soon. Remember you can always take the other ones and adjust them to suit your family.

[@ameliastelmach148]

I absolutely love the beautiful music in this video. These are wonderful recipes

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Amelia 😁 Glad you like the recipes in this video.

[@vegemitegirl1971]

I save all my leftovers in the freezer as single serves. When money has been really tight a fast food dinner has been to bake 1 large white or 1 small sweet potato, split it down the middle and stuff with heated up leftovers.

[@ArdentMichelle]

That's a great budget tip. Thanks for sharing!

[@richardschmidt2430]

I used to LOVE LOVE LOVE Pinks! :) Dawn @ Rich & Dawn in MN :)

[@ArdentMichelle]

They have a location in Vegas now too. I was able to eat there once, but I never got into the one in LA.

[@sheilas.6170]

You have some really great ideas! I love that you show other options for some of the ingredients. Thank you so much for making the lives of others easier

[@ArdentMichelle]

You're welcome. 😁 Glad you like them! Thanks for watching my video!

[@amysheffield9583]

FYI everyone! Weigh your potatos, etc... to see what you can get more of. I weigh the bags of 5 lb potatoes sometimes there is 6 pounds in a 5 pound bag do that with most items. It may look wierd one day shopping I found someone doing the same thing I was doing.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Great advice 👍

[@paulabroadway1697]

Oh Michelle, here, have some sweet tea darlin'... we have to talk... about this, um, chili situation.... With beans dear? LOL Seriously though, ALL those meals look delicious. :-) I absolutely love seeing your ideas on how to save money in the kitchen while creating beautiful, filling food for our families!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Paula 😁 Yes, just pass that sweet tea over here. Don't mind if I do 😂 As for the chili, in my opinion the best part of the chili is the beans 😂 Glad you like this video. 🥰

[@pek5117]

Looked great.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you 😁

[@vinnydabarber]

Yummy! I grew up on most of those dishes. So good! Thank you for sharing them! 💥😊❤

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Vinny 😁 You're welcome. Have a great rest of your week

[@r.k.2823]

That was a great idea to put the cheese powder packet on the popcorn. I am going to have to try that one day. Very nice video.

[@ArdentMichelle]

So far I've eaten 2 big bowls of popcorn off of that seasoning and I think I can get 2 more out of it 😂

[@shirleyclarke4867]

Just fyi, I purchased some hearts of palm noodles in package form from the Dollar Tree and they are delicious at only $1.25!!! I used them with tuna. I didn't think about using them with spaghetti sauce though, what a wonderful idea! Thank you Michelle for all of your wonderful ideas, I love your channel ❤

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Shirley 😁 Yay! I'm so glad you are enjoying my channel. Thanks for letting me know 🥰 And THANK YOU for letting me know about the hearts of palm noodles. I will check that out as soon as I can get to Dollar Tree. Thank you for sharing this!

[@barbarawalker3366]

Thank you Michelle! I always enjoy seeing you try new foods that I may like also. I love hearts of palm a lot. So, I'll be on the lookout for that next time I'm in the store.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Barbara 😁 You're welcome. A viewer just mentioned that she purchased hearts of palm noodles in a package from Dollar Tree, so I'm going to check that out as soon as I can. Glad you like it when I try new things, because that's one of my favorite things to do. 👩‍🍳

[@hello-vs4me]

Thanks for your videos have everything to make these Meals thanks ❤😊

[@ArdentMichelle]

You're welcome 😁 Glad you like it.

[@nancyculp6968]

Try adding in a little bit of sour cream or yogurt to the pasta dish you did not like and see if it helps it any. That or add in a can of cream of mushroom soup with more cooked noodles. Leave out the peas and carrots. Add these ingredients in to make a chicken noodle pasta dish: chicken- cooked is best but can substitute canned, celery, bell pepper, onion chopped, cup of chicken broth, S&P to taste, 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese mix altogether place in a casserole dish that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Top with foil and bake for 35 minutes at 350 degrees. Take out uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes. Ingredients and amounts: 2 cups of cooked, diced chicken, 2 cups of spaghetti broken into , 1 cup of sliced celery, 1 cup of diced bell pepper, 1 cup of diced onion, 1 cup chicken broth( you have cooked chicken in), S&P, 2 cans of cream of mushroom soup, 1 cup of cheese. This makes two small casseroles or one large. One small can be covered with tin foil and frozen for later. To bake from frozen state for 55 - 60 minutes, then remove foil and bake additional 10 minutes if it needs it. Can be devised between two 8” or 2 quart…to make the two small casseroles. This is from an old Cooking Light cookbook. Might be a way to salvage you pasta and make use of the pasta you did not like. Plus, have two more meals for the next week and later. I hope this works! 😊

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks for sharing this Nancy 😁

[@lisablack9634]

Thank you so much for this video.

[@ArdentMichelle]

You're welcome 😁 I'm glad you like this video. Thanks for letting me know!

[@hello-vs4me]

Great video thanks ❤😊

[@ArdentMichelle]

It's my pleasure. 😁 Thanks for sharing!

[@allyrooh3628]

My Walmart has chicken pieces 10 lbs for $6.72 right now & 60 eggs for $5.42. Those two things can go a long way in feeding a family. You can have chicken multiple times a week & still have great variety of dishes…bbq pulled chicken, chicken white chili w white beans, fajitas, chicken parmigiana, chicken stir fry. The bag has 9-10 huge pieces usually. And don’t even get me started on the egg recipes 😀. When I make chili dogs, I cook my dogs wrapped in biscuits instead of the bun. I wonder how good loaded baked potato quesadillas would be? Good video as usual!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Yes indeed 👍 I was thinking about doing another week based on the chicken. What is the brand you're getting? Is it the Walmart brand?

[@allyrooh3628]

@@ArdentMichelle I don’t know the brand. It’s in a clear bag w red trim. Normal price is $9.98, but it’s been at the $6.50 range for at least a month. When they go on sale I buy 50-60lbs & vac seal & freeze them. I would love a chicken video.

[@ArdentMichelle]

@@allyrooh3628 I did the video on April 21st that included the ValBest 10 lbs of chicken for $6.72. That bag has red trim. I'll definitely do another video featuring that chicken soon.

[@wolchfam]

I love this video. Just rewatched to refresh my memory. These are all meals I think most families would really like - easy, affordable, and quick to fix. This is one of my favorite budget meal videos. My family wouldn’t even know they were eating budget because they’d enjoy the meals so much!

[@geminigem599]

Well done n thanks 😊

[@ArdentMichelle]

Well hello there 😁 It's been awhile. Glad you like this video! Thanks for letting me know. 🥰

[@gailcroslin1647]

These were meal ideas that my family will eat. They are familiar and warming. Thank you!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Welcome 😁 I've got 2 more meals that they might like on Sundays video!

[@annethompson2212]

great video 😊

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Anne 😁 Thank you so much!

[@comamiday462]

woww, thanks for making this video. As a college student with a limited budget this is so helpful!

[@ArdentMichelle]

You're welcome. 😁 Make sure to check out my newest video also. It might be helpful. CHALLENGE: TO EAT FOR $5 A WEEK kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJmwpJaFbLagrK8

[@janiegoodman6301]

Wonderful video

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Janie 😁 Thank you so much. I'm glad you like this video!

[@hello-vs4me]

Thanks for the meals have everything to make them thanks ❤😊

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hope you enjoy 😁

[@jujumama5825]

Thank you for another awesome video. In my house, that macaroni and cheese meal is one of our favs. I just prepare it per the box direction and add a can of drained tuna and some cut up blanched broccoli, served with salad.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks for sharing. I was thinking that it would still work without the cream of mushroom soup.

[@debbies.3109]

🌱🌷🌱 Hi, Michelle! This video is a favorite. I like and eat all of these meals except the Pasta Fagioli, I’ve never had that. I’m glad you liked the tuna casserole with the mushroom soup. :) 🌱🌷🌱

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Debbie 😁 Glad you like the meals in this recipe!

[@msoda8516]

Zucchini is a great spaghetti replacement with meat sauce

[@tiedyekris]

I like your trick of cutting the hot dog between shopsticks

[@ArdentMichelle]

Glad you like it 😁

[@rachelhero3413]

I love this very realistic menu! This is a menu that everyone can viably use all over the country no matter location. My area fresh vegetables are usually very expensive and not very flavorful so that makes it hard sometimes to manage the budget meals that include lots of veggies.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Rachel 😁 Yay! I'm glad you like this video.

[@rachelhero3413]

@@ArdentMichelle your videos are always great!

[@stephaniemazzon8308]

Cheese packet tastes great sprinkled over popcorn when you have random bits left.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Agreed 👍 That's what I was showing at the end of the video! So good 😋

[@richardschmidt2430]

It was so nice to see someone else cook...I just cooked for a 2-day event...my time to have "toast" for supper...:) and watch your videos....Dawn @ Rich & Dawn in MN :)

[@ArdentMichelle]

I'm honored that you chose to spend your down time with me 🥰

[@tenlamps6183]

The chilli dogs looked good

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you 😁

[@sheilas.6170]

Walmart also sells gluten free and low carb Miracle Noodles. I believe they are in the gluten free section. We use this in our house.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Yes I love those. I recently featured them in a video 😁

[@stacel1972]

I’m so glad you tried the mash potato tacos🤩 I had no idea.

[@ArdentMichelle]

yeah...same! Who knew?!?!? 😂

[@MsGeorgetteheyer]

One option to add more veggies for cheap is to try a frozen bag of mixed veggies which you can get for a dollar or so for a small bag, which you can swap for one of the canned items, like the soup

[@MsGeorgetteheyer]

Another hack is to get the great value pizza sauce instead of canned tomatoes, because you get more for nearly the same price

[@ArdentMichelle]

I just did an online search for Great Value pizza sauce and nothing came up. I'll look for it next time I'm at Walmart. Thanks for the tip 👍

[@angelika_munkastrap4634]

I’ve never heard of the lemon spaghetti/ can you please make it for us?

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Angelika 😁 I'm pretty sure I've made it before, but that's a good recipe for me to do on an upcoming short. It's delicious!

[@turniptater1002]

We use Kraft spaghetti mix.just add meat n tomato paste.its delicious n saves money.i sub 2 cans tomato sauce

[@ArdentMichelle]

Love this idea 👍 Thanks for sharing!

[@pennylynch913]

Hi darling just what i need waking up here in Australia. Your new video! I'm not a chilli woman but i lurve hot dogs! But....i had vegetarian the other day so maybe i'll be changing to that. You save money not buying meat. Meat here in Australia is very expensive!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Penny 😁 Glad you look forward to my videos. I enjoyed the veggie hot dog I made. It was yummy

[@TheNotoriousPIG1]

The price difference in the same state is crazy. I’m in the Bay Area and potatoes are close to $5, pasta is $1.18, cheese is $2.44, macaroni and cheese $0.62 each, etc. in total it comes out to about $7 more. Eggs are $3.67 for a dozen as well.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Cindee 😁 That's terrible 😳 $1.18 is the price for the Great Value brand pasta at my Walmart, but I can find the little bags of pasta in the international food section. The rest of those prices are a lot higher than here.

[@wolchfam]

Our families favorite chili is also Nalley’s.

[@ArdentMichelle]

It really does have great flavor 😋 I was thinking that someone could also make their own chili with the ground beef and then just make a spaghetti marinara, but I forgot to mention that. I was trying to make the meals as convenient as possible.

[@samanthadodd8112]

Cream of celery would be good with the casserole. I use cream of mushroom. I put frozen California veggies instead of the can veggies. I make it about once a month. Also, I made it this week with Annie's cheesy rice instead of Mac and cheese. I like it better. Added extra frozen broccoli. I love rice and broccoli.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Samantha 😁 Thanks for sharing this. I couldn't find Annies cheesy rice online at Walmart. Do they have that?

[@shirleylangton7967]

Excellent frugal meals! If you need to make baked potatoes in less time, partially cook in the microwave and then brown the outside in your toaster oven on broil.

[@ArdentMichelle]

that's a great tip and one that I frequently use. 👍

[@garlicbreathandfarts]

Hi Michelle. Carbs are always cheap and delicious, buuuuuut not optimal for health. I would love to take you shopping in Albania. Real meat and veg is plentiful and super cheap here!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hello 😁 Poverty is not a choice. Many people have to feed their families on this budget 😞 and I would love to go to Albania one day.

[@garlicbreathandfarts]

@@ArdentMichelle I am sauteing chicken gizzards from Greece right now. They are about a buck a pound, super delicious, and healthy. My budget is also super tight here. We have way different circumstances, but we both agree that clever frugal is not only logical, but a fun puzzle.

[@ArdentMichelle]

@@garlicbreathandfarts Yes I can definitely agree with you on that 👍 Happy Cooking!

[@aikanae1]

Cream of celery is a sub for cream of mushroom. That's basically my ol' tuna noodles casserole. I'd use it as a base for everything else, swap out noodles for rice. Hot dogs for tuna. Add halved grape tomatoes. Even broccoli. Whatever goes with cheese. The good ol' days... My problem now is insulin resistance (pre-diabetic). 40% under age 45 are resistant. Much worse over 45. That's been a nightmare to figure out on a low budget.

[@ArdentMichelle]

@@aikanae1 Understood 👍 That's why I've been trying to include more low carb budget meals on my channel!

[@sharonfarnsworth3325]

We have been using 1/2 meat for most recipes & don’t notice or miss it. My son adds garbanzo beans to our meatless spaghetti recipe with pesto for more protein. It is yummy!

[@cathyeller5722]

I use half the meat also and have started adding 1/2 cup of cooked lentils.

[@briannagarrett5022]

My best simple go to budget meal is brown a pound of meat of your choice I use turkey sausage then set to the side take a box of rice a Roni brown it add back in the meat , seasoning packet and some frozen mixed veggies and water and cook according to the box. Feeds 4 comfortably. Where I live this meal cost me about $6.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Briana 😁 thanks for sharing this meal idea.

[@connieblack5276]

I like eating savory oats and anything goes onion and garlic powder hot sauce leftover vegetables or meat or and American cheese if you can't afford block cheese but. Very filling and will take on any flavor profile you want and easy on the pocket. Thanks love your channel.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Great budget recipe 👍 Savory oats is on my bucket list!

[@doddnejadfard3251]

I like using one can of mushrooms from Aldi and diced tomatoes,,with cheese on top instead of meat for four

[@ArdentMichelle]

I bet that's good 👍 Thanks for sharing.

[@erinf4712]

Great video. If you added some mashed white beans (or any mashed beans) to the potatoes, that would add some protein to your tacos.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Erin 😁 Oh I love that idea 👍 Great suggestion!

[@jeannereddig5080]

Hi Michelle, great ideas! I love the hearts of palm pasta. They also sell it at Trader Joe’s. I think it has an artichoke taste and I love veggies. ❤

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Jeanne 😁 Thanks for sharing this info, because I didn't know Trader Joes sells it too. Wondering what their price is. I love veggies too. 😋 Glad you like this video!

[@jeannereddig5080]

@@ArdentMichelle I’m not sure what the price was but I know it was cheaper than the palmini brand. Trader Joe’s is about an hour from me. I don’t get to go often. I usually end up getting it from Amazon. ❤️😊

[@ArdentMichelle]

@@jeannereddig5080 I figured it might be cheaper. Thanks for giving me another reason to go to Trader Joes 😂 It's my favorite grocery store 😁

[@jeannereddig5080]

@@ArdentMichelle I wish I had one in my town. I get so much stuff when I do get to shop there. I love that store. 😂❤️

[@susans9491]

Oh, the memories! I miss the Nalley brand here so much! We used to drive by ‘Nalley Valley’ near Tacoma whenever we went to visit my Mom - the whole area smelled like pickles! Here in New England everyone seems to be crazy for Cabot and Hood brands…sure do miss Tillamook cheese! Last visit ‘home’ I brought 3 -3lb. loaves of cheddar in my suitcase, I think TSA was sure I was nuts. I’ve never had a potato taco, so those will be on this weeks menu for sure! Our youngest son and I have been on a baked potato binge lately so we’re going to have to try them with chili and cheese. Jon has requested hot dogs for lunch, so I’ll try your cross cut method. Thank you for all the great, creative, fun and interesting touches you add to your meals!❤️❤️❤️

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Susan 😁 Thank you for your support 💜 You are such a blessing to me and this channel! Wow that Nalley Valley info is so interesting. It's funny how we have different brands across the East and West of the U.S. I've never even heard of the brands Cabot and Hood. I don't think I could handle a life without Tillamook extra sharp cheddar. 😂 I would have to have it shipped to me 😂 Glad you like this video and found something useful in it. And by the way, thanks for the suggestion on the tuna meal. It's such a great and easy budget recipe!

[@susans9491]

@@ArdentMichelle I think my friend Norm must have had that meal (we called it ‘Norm’s Tuna Glop’) at least once a week! I made it once for my boyfriend, he didn’t like it but I never knew if he was biased because he didn’t understand that Norm was just my best friend. High school politics and drama! My Mom never wanted me in her kitchen possibly making a mess, so when I moved out simple recipes like that were invaluable! My friend Patti and I made Mac and cheese from the box and actually took a photo of it, we were so proud of our accomplishment! And this was back when film had to be developed! If there had been KZbin and someone like you back then I’m sure we would have eaten much better meals.❤️

[@ArdentMichelle]

@@susans9491 Awe...thank you for the nice complement. That's so funny about the boyfriend not liking it. I bet it WAS a territorial thing 😂 I almost mentioned Norms Tuna Glop in this video. 😂 I love that title. I'm currently editing a short, because KZbin is forcing me to start doing them 😂

[@susans9491]

@@ArdentMichelle so nice of KZbin to dictate what you must do, isn’t it? Ah well, our community will welcome any of your videos. Take care and Happy Memorial Day!❤️🇺🇸

[@ArdentMichelle]

@@susans9491 You too. Happy Memorial Day 🇺🇸🥳

[@nicolette6327]

I may have to try to find the Nalley’s chili. I don’t think they have it here in the southeast.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Nicolette 😁 We can't always find it in every store here either. Not sure what the deal is with that.