8 Meals That Saved me $100's!

[@MealsWithMaria]

Use code MARIA25 to get 25% off your first order at Bellway bit.ly/3s1vXyG

[@lissajedi]

A great trick for freezing the tomato paste is to open both ends of the can and push it out in a log. Slice into 6 equal parts and freeze slices on a tray. Once frozen, bag up and return to the freezer. Each slice is 1 tbsp of paste.

[@cookshackcuisinista]

I do something similar, I put the tomato paste log into a quart size sandwich bag. I divide it into sections through the plastic, with a butter knife or spoon handle and freeze. When you need a bit of tomato paste, you just have to snap off one of the fingers of tomato paste🎉!

[@MealsWithMaria]

I love both ideas!!!

[@lovemesomeslippers]

Good tip!

[@zooh8017]

Both ideas are game changers, the butter knife trick is perfect for when you’re low on freezer space!

[@mimiscountrycooking1607]

Great tips❤

[@murphy81775]

I am irrationally happy when I'm able to use up small bits from various bottles, jars, and containers in our pantry and fridge. :)

[@cookshackcuisinista]

My husband was not a coffee drinker but he insisted on going through the drive-thru every morning on his way to work. He had a beautiful thermos and a nice coffee maker, but that drive to spend every last cent just threw me over the edge. Single people, before you decide to partner up with someone, check their financials because you can feel sorry for someone who isn't as financially astute. Great work Maria!

[@MealsWithMaria]

Thank you! Sorry that happened to you ❤️

[@Purple0fairy0bunny]

I hubby likes to get a drink before work, we have everything at home but it was the treat factor for him. So we went with a subscription for him. Panera is always having sales so we dont actually pay the $13 a month. But can get a soda or coffee every 2 hours, also alot of gas stations have this now as well for $10 or less a month that gives you a drink a day. Maybe something to look into.

[@janetdowning1443]

Didn' t think about freezing tomato paste❤

[@lightgiver7311]

I haven't been to a restaurant or drive-thru in over five years. I took my coffee in a thermos, ate a couple of scrambled eggs and toast before I went to work, it was enough for me to have to pay for parking monthly since the company I worked for did not have free parking. As a retiree I certainly do not want to pay for fast food.

[@libbywish7123]

Thank you so much for sharing your recipes for meal prep and cost savings. Single income family. I work 12 hour shifts in medical and usually 3-4 days in a row so I get tired and have no time. The make ahead meals are incredibly helpful. The protein shakes are a miracle because sometimes we don’t have time for meals but I can slam down a shake and keep going.

[@MauraMarcus]

My favorite chili recipe is: 3-Bean Chili 1 onion, chopped 1 green or red bell pepper 2 cloves garlic ½ cup dry red wine 1 14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes 1 15 oz. can each black beans, dark red kidney beans, and great northern or pinto beans, drained and rinsed 4 teaspoons chili powder 1 teaspoon each cumin, oregano, and basil ½ teaspoon ground black pepper 2 teaspoons or more molasses green or red onions, chopped In a skillet with a little oil, sauté onion until golden, then add bell pepper and cook until caramelized. Add garlic and cook a little. Add spices and cook 1 min. Add tomatoes and cook 15 min. or more. Add remaining ingredients except green/red onions. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 30 minutes or longer, stirring occasionally. Serve with rice, topping with green/red onions, and optionally avocado and cilantro leaves.

[@mimiscountrycooking1607]

Sounds delicious! Thanks for sharing ❤

[@susantaulli6580]

That sounds great for a Meatless Monday meal!

[@Rhonda-x2k]

3:08

[@jillgott6567]

Great video when I start doing the math it is amazing what I come up with. I purchase coffee instant at Dollar Tree $1.25 / 30 cups = $.04. Add a splash of Vanilla, Soymilk or Cinnamon even 1/3 of a Hot Cocoa mix and not even $.50 !

[@charlottekearn5185]

Merry Christmas to all of your family. I know what you mean about the price of stuff when you eat out or get coffee all the time. This last year I saved so much money by NOT going to the drive thru coffee stands. I used to get my lattes almost every day, now I have my own latte maker and enjoy it in my robe😂😂. Also getting Italian sodas from the same drive thru, now I have a soda stream and flavorings to prevent that. Every once in a while I may still pop in but its rare. I am not really that interested in eating out anymore, for the same amount of money I can eat at home and have better food. I do love to cook so that helps and I know whats in the food I'm making so that's always a good thing.

[@MealsWithMaria]

Yes! You sound very similar to us ❤️

[@annswann1941]

Great video! I shared with my daughter so hopefully both of our families will be eating better and saving money. Love you Maria! I hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas and an even better new year

[@MealsWithMaria]

Awesome! Merry Christmas and happy new year to you too!!!

[@kkrall1056]

I've been watching your channel for a couple of years & this is the first time I've commented. I absolutely love your channel & you & your family as well. Please keep up the magnificent work that you do!! You Rock! Happy Christmas to you & your lovely family! God Bless You!

[@sharonfarnsworth3325]

Great idea. I just spoon out approximate spoonfuls & put each in a sandwich bag in a freezer bag. Also lemon juice, chilpoltes, leftover stock etc. For small bits of meat & veggies I do the same & add in pan with eggs, cheese & onions for frittatas. Egg bites sound great too!

[@MealsWithMaria]

Thank you so much!!! I’m so grateful for you! God bless you and your family ❤️❤️❤️and Merry Christmas!!!

[@Crochetlady3-l1o]

Thank you as always for your great ideas Maria The coffee is just ridiculous isn’t it? We would rather make ours at home anyway so we get it exactly how we like it The Walmart Donut Shop one is quite good too ! Fellow boy mom x 3 (although mine are grown now). Hello and Happy New Year from SC.💕😊🎉

[@wallashakalla]

Thanks for all your hard work and tips! I’m always on the hunt for different recipes or ways to make life easier. It’s greatly appreciated!!! Wishing you comfort and joy this holiday season

[@erinf4712]

This is perfect going into no-spend January. Love the protein shakes- making your own is much less expensive than buying the pre-packaged ones. Most people do not get enough protein in their diets. Chili is so versatile- over a salad, over tortillas, baked potatoes….Thank you!!

[@crescentcrab]

We don't need that much protein, actually. We only need a certain amount before it's converted into something else. I forget what exactly, but this is what I was taught way long ago

[@erinf4712]

@@crescentcrab Yes, it is true that that’s what was taught a long time ago. But the standards have changed and I can say that as a registered nurse. They have increased the amount and types of protein that we actually do need whether we are vegan, vegetarian, or those who follow standard eating plans. Trying to keep up with all of the information can make a person’s head spin.

[@rachelbee7921]

Thank you for this, Maria!! ❤ Merry Christmas to your family! ❤️✝️🎄🎁

[@allyrooh3628]

Do you can foods? Chili is great to can & make it shelf stable. So easy to pull it off the shelf & it’s your own delicious meals easy peasy! Merry Christmas 🎄🎁

[@MealsWithMaria]

Merry Christmas! I have not tried that! I usually freeze things because it’s less work up front but I should give canning a try.

[@AodhMacRaynall-dr1sf]

Great recipes! We're definitely going to make some of these!!!!

[@stephaniebriggs9346]

Love this video! Reminded me of some of my favorites to meal prep! i get mad/frusterated when i havent meal preped,, time and calories as well as the money!! Also you looked fabulous hair, makeup and outfit where on point!!!

[@christinedeakos4495]

Thanks for the recipes and tips. I've been on the lookout for an easy, freezable egg bite recipe. Your egg bite recipe will be tried this week! I added the egg roll bowl and chili recipes to my to make list. You are awesome!

[@hena1937]

I love thinking about how much you save. It makes my heart happy! I will get back to doing this myself.

[@Dit1160]

If you add the sugar while browsing the ground beef it caramelizes the beef a bit…kind of makes it quite like Wendy chili

[@mimiscountrycooking1607]

Never thought of this Thanks ❤

[@christeenprice5637]

Awesome recipes, thanks 🌲🌲🌲Merry Christmas 👍👍👍

[@LinzyW-oo6eq]

Great ideas Maria!😊

[@kimbwf629]

Great ideas! Do you and your husband share food prep duties?

[@RaeInTime]

I'm going to make those egg bites today!! Thanks for the recipe 🎉😊🌞👍

[@tammiepowell2818]

Love a number’s video (my degree is in math/statistics). It is always eye opening when you actually look at the cost breakdown of cooking at home. Merry Christmas to you and your family!

[@Purple0fairy0bunny]

We love to use sloppy joe sauce in our chili instead of tomato sauce. So yummy+!

[@dmmrad54]

Merry Christmas to you and your family ❤

[@MealsWithMaria]

Merry Christmas!!!

[@magicreign]

I found you by accident but I love this video. I'm going to look for some of your previous videos and give them a watch.

[@MealsWithMaria]

Awesome!!! I’m so glad you are here!!!

[@jennyrosewho417]

Great recipes. I love spinach but an actual serving is 2 cups fresh, less cooked. It is great to get veggies but spinach in an egg is for color and more like a condiment. Maybe it will get the family used to spinach but it isn't a veggie serving.

[@mimiscountrycooking1607]

Lovely video! Happy New Year!❤

[@couponingwithisa]

Thanks for sharing-MERRY CHRISTMAS ❤

[@katalinszabo8322]

Your right about that but I always think that using my own electric and gas stove and oven and your ingredients add up also! That’s how I feel but homemade is better! Thanks! And Merry Christmas to you and your family’👍🌲☃️🎁

[@MealsWithMaria]

Merry Christmas!!!

[@CJRewired]

It also costs money and time by that thinking to go through a fast food line. Cook things together, bake more than one item at a time. Cook larger batches and freeze for later. Do som math, I sincerely doubt you could spend $8 daily just to cook unless it's a faulty appliance.

[@danielintheantipodes6741]

Thank you for the video

[@MealsWithMaria]

You’re welcome!

[@darlenebrown3993]

I have got to make these egg roll in a bowls. I forget about them when thinking of ideas. I will try it. I have to take all 3 meals with me to work because I work a 14 to 15 hour day 3 days a week. I work in dialysis.

[@shrtstufusa1]

I make the egg bites and found a small chunk of cheese in the middle when reheated is gooey like a lava cake :)

[@mimiscountrycooking1607]

Sounds yummy ❤

[@imalrockme]

You got me at "mouthwatering and crustless": easy delish!

[@christyfobean4430]

Thank you❤

[@cynthiamueller6978]

Love this!

[@cathyeller5722]

Fresh vegetable in our area is just to expensive, it would also not keep us full enough. I do appreciate you trying to figure out what is best for your family it won't work for mine however.

[@webbsway]

Frozen veggies can work even better

[@wheatie83]

This past week I was living off of burrito bowls and the frozen gyro kits for my lunches.

[@MealsWithMaria]

Yum!!!

[@wallashakalla]

Egg roll in a bowl is good too

[@sarahdoanpeace3623]

You are absolutely beautiful and thank you for your hard work! Happy 2024!

[@dianasimplifies]

I'm like your hubby. I pooh pooh on the veggies too 😆

[@dawncarroll2K]

'crustless' quiche is a frittata, if I remember that correctly ... 💐

[@jillgott6567]

I call mine a mock quiche

[@CJRewired]

and so good.

[@hopeup2792]

Thanks 😊

[@Krisarooooo]

Great video! Also... you look so pretty today!! Just thought I'd say so...Happy Holidays!❤

[@MealsWithMaria]

Aw thank you so much! Same to you!!!

[@normacooper6377]

Not to mention the time saved by not detouring for the stop & w-a-I-T-I-n-g in the line.🙄

[@MealsWithMaria]

I know! It feels faster than cooking at home but is it 🤔

[@zooh8017]

Frittatas are amazing ways to use up leftovers, everyone should try making a leftover pasta frittata if you haven’t yet!

[@MMCat7732]

Since COVID, I cook most of the meals at home instead of eating out or take out. Save good amount of money and not worry about no paying enough tips.

[@autobotdiva9268]

been making my own small pizzas at home, no more $$ stouffers french pizza $6.69 for 2. season and brown the meat, put in indiviual freezer bags, golden crust pizza crust from dollar tree, jar of pizza sauce and add oregano and cheese. 7 minutes and done. much cheaper

[@CricketsBay]

Homemade pizza sounds delicious. Thanks for sharing how you make it.

[@pjcapps4304]

Use breakfast sausage for the egg rolls.

[@farvista]

If you spend $400 a month at bougie coffee places, get yourself a Technivorm, a good-quality burr grinder, and good quality beans. We switched to that 3 years ago, and my daughter heads straight for the coffee pot when she gets to our house. She says it's as good as any expensive coffee shop. In a single month, you'll have recouped your expense, and you ALSO don't have to drink that over-roasted Starbucks stuff. (I don't care for the burned quality the taste has so that they can ensure that all of their coffee, from a million sources, will have a consistent flavor. Meh.)

[@wandahall4435]

🐈 and Ben and Julian and Tommy and Maria and Dan Merry Christmas 🎅 🎄 to Everyone ❤❤❤😮😮😮😊😊😊

[@MealsWithMaria]

Merry Christmas Wanda!!

[@rclose23]

I know the beef and cabbage recipe as crack slaw.

[@emily--m]

Husband's....that says it all. God bless. 😅

[@MealsWithMaria]

🤣

[@ppw8716]

Husband and I eat out except for maybe 2-3x/month for dinner if there’s a restaurant we want to try. Never understood the obsession w Starbucks food and coffee.Starbucks is not very nutritious nor good in our opinion n the coffee is subpar. We do try occasionally going out to a coffee place if it has great reviews. But, it’s very rare.

[@BradKandyCroftFamily]

A quiche without a crust is called a frittata.

[@jeanettewilson4591]

Frittata is a different cooking process. She did a quiche.

[@donnalynn6348]

Does your husband nuke his own breakfast in the am and make his coffee before he heads out of the door?

[@MealsWithMaria]

He will microwave it as long as it’s ready in the fridge 😀 I’ve found the best way to ensure we have coffee is to set it up the night before. The timer coffee pots aren’t that expensive and only the cost of a few weeks of coffee so you’re still saving!

[@CJRewired]

I bought my expensive coffee maker at a thrift store. Timer so coffee is ready for me, sheet luxury

[@Intentional-frugality]

That’s awesome 👍🏾 especially since inflation is not getting any better 🎉 2924 the year of change

[@aiai-j7i]

I can see spending money on a great cappuccino at a local coffeeshop but Starbucks coffee is so mediocre, if not downright bad! I once asked for a cortado and they had no clue what it was even. You can make better coffee at home.

[@stschubs]

that crustless quiche sounds...fatty haha. if you want an even easier version, I do regular full fat (we have our own goat) milk, no mayo, 1 cup mix ins, 6 eggs, a bunch of whatever cheese baaaaaaam, its done lol

[@AodhMacRaynall-dr1sf]

15:03 Kitty beans????

[@cathkat3993]

Kidney

[@AodhMacRaynall-dr1sf]

3:08 Okay Okay! Don't get emotional about this!

[@jb6712]

I-refuse-to-ever-support-"Starbuck's,"-and-haven't-been-to-one-in-over-six-years.---I-don't-buy-their-hyper-expensive-bottled-sugar/candy-coffees-sold-in-grocery-stores.---They're-plenty-rich-enough,-they-don't-need-my-money!!

[@margaretpatton376]

Crust less quiche is an egg bite! Silly

[@VeronicaRonniDorval2638]

😋❤️👍

[@MealsWithMaria]

😀

[@chicky6three]

From MOTHER'S DAY? lol

[@MealsWithMaria]

Haha old clip from when I filmed it 😀

[@stevehartman1730]

I got a pizza cutter. I use it to make ham sandwiches n other things. Ill taake a slice of ham n put a lice of bread against it then use the pizza cutter to cut the ham exactly the size of the bread.

[@mimiscountrycooking1607]

Good idea ❤

[@donnalynn6348]

Protein shakes? Yuck!

[@MealsWithMaria]

I thought so too but I do really like that recipe!

[@nccrchurchunusual]

Double yuk

[@thenubalicious]

😷💚🎄🎉✨🎊

[@MealsWithMaria]

😀

[@thenubalicious]

🤗💚@@MealsWithMaria

[@christineewing3492]

I wondered why you have to do all the maths, and not your husband. Is your husband helping you with all the cooking? Hubby doesn't like spinach? Boo hoo! You are a servant, my dear.

[@MealsWithMaria]

I do what my specialty is and he does his. We are partners but we lean into our strengths.

[@christineewing3492]

Fair enough. I apologise. @@MealsWithMaria