I ATE FOR $23 THIS WEEK| GROCERY BUDGET CHALLENGE

I'm planning a grocery budget challenge where I'll be eating for $23 for the week. I'm trying to save money on groceries and eat frugally by planning budget friendly meals. In this Walmart grocery haul I'll be reusing ingredients across meals. This meal plan can be doubled or tripled to feed a family on a budget for frugal living.
#budgetgroceryhaul
#budgetchallenge
#groceryhaul
#extremegrocerybudget
#extremegrocerybudgetchallenge
#walmartgroceryhaul
#budgetmealplan
#budgetmeals
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INGREDIENTS
2 cans tomato sauce on clearance 0.5
zucchini 0.75
eggs -6 1.36
spaghetti 0.92
BREAD-Walmart French Load 1.48
hashbrowns with onions and peppers-Great Value 2.24
ground turkey 3.17
refried beans Rosarita 1.24
tortillas 1.12
evaporated milk 1.08
Grape tomatoes 2.48 (or use Roma to save)
pizza shredded cheese mix 2.22
1 head iceburg lettuce 1.74
cream of chicken soup Great Value 0.5
extra sharp cheddar Great Value 2
canned tomato soup Great Value 0.5
TOTAL 23.3
1 lemon at .50 TOTAL =23.8
MENU
BREAKFAST
3 Zucchini bread
1 hashbrowns with scrambled eggs and toast
3 potato egg stir fry tacos 1 egg each
MARINARA - for pizza and spaghetti
LUNCH
1 FRENCH BREAD PIZZA
1 bean tacos with 3 tacos
2 servings ground turkey tacos with 4 each
1 potato soup
1 SPAGHETTI WITH cherry tomatoes with zucchini marinara breaded with 1 egg, breadcrumbs, marinara, and shredded pizza cheese
1 grilled cheese and tomato soup
DINNER
1 SPAGHETTI WITH lemon AND garlic bread
1 FRENCH BREAD PIZZA W/ 1/2 CHERRY TOMATOES
1 potato soup w/grilled cheese
1 ground turkey tacos with 4 each
1 spaghetti with meat sauce and garlic bread
1 serving bean tacos with 4 tacos
1 french bread pizza with small side salad and vinaigrette
MARINARA
• 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Pinch of sugar - or sugar to taste
Taco Seasoning - leave out the chili flakes for a milder seasoning mix
www.allrecipes...
Zucchini Bread
www.allrecipes...
Epidemic Sound
share.epidemic...
Lemon Spaghetti
www.foodnetwor...
*I use this recipe and cut down to 1/3 for one person. I add garlic, fresh if I have it, or I use garlic powder or garlic salt added to the oil.
For both the spaghetti with tomatoes and lemon spaghetti make sure that you cook your spaghetti in heavily salted water, otherwise it will taste like something is missing and be bland. RESERVE SOME PASTA WATER (this will be used to thicken your sauce so that it coats the noodle well).
Season olive oil in a pan with garlic powder and salt, or garlic salt and then add the lemon along with 1/2 cup of pasta water to start. Add more later if needed. Taste this and adjust seasonings as necessary. Obviously if you have butter, a pat of batter will add flavor to the dish and a little parmesan is nice too if you have it. I don't usually have basil so I don't add that in (like Giada has in her recipe).
You cook the spaghetti with tomatoes the same way except instead of adding lemon juice, you add the roasted or pan fried tomatoes. I like to make sure that the little tomatoes have garlic on them so that they are little flavor bombs.
Let me know if you guys need anything else

[@lesliekanengiser8482]

I think this is what a lot of budget meals videos are missing. Kid friendly meals are important to a lot of struggling families as well. You had some great ideas for the whole family.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Leslie 😁 Glad you liked my video!

[@skyiscrying]

My kids like making their own little pizzas using English muffins

[@bawlingchicken1]

To stretch your taco meat, try mashing a can of black beans with a potato masher... don't purree them. Then add them to your drained, cooked meat mince. Then add your taco seasoning. If too dry, loosen up with some salsa. The texture is a bit nicer and if you leave some of the beans whole it makes it seem like an ingredient instead of a stretcher. I use this tactic to cut back on meat and add more heart healthy beans in a manner to keep my husband satisfied without all the extra saturated fat. Love your channel. Lots of great ideas whether on an extreme budget or not.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Laurie 😁 Thank you. I'm glad you are enjoying my content. I like your idea to add the beans in. I'll try this next time and see if I like the texture better. 👍 thanks for the tip. 👩‍🍳

[@rettpanda6203]

Totally works! We do it all the time. Great protein and filler

[@Ms_AP_]

I do this but use pinto beans instead

[@cheriemonami]

I love how you share your thought process while you shop.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you cheriemonami 🥰

[@BrownEyedGirl331]

This is your particular brand of genius, the child I still have at home is severely disabled and tube fed BUT your creations are always versatile and adaptable and universal. I can make them work for me as an adult and a vegetarian, there is always, always something virtually anyone can take away and make it work for their particular set of circumstances . Thank you for doing what you do, you are phenomenal!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Lyla 🤗 This virtual hug is going out to you this evening! Thank YOU.

[@Purple0fairy0bunny]

I have a tubie as well. If you need a blender reach out to blendtec they habe a form your dr can fill out to get a low cost blender that allows you to blend feed as needed.

[@charinnatheirish1800]

That must be so difficult! I know that taking care of a child is a labor of love to begin with. I know a few families with children who have cognitive or physical differences. It's not an easy path. You sound so kind, and so dedicated to your child, it touches my heart. 🙂 I echo, huge virtual hugs to you, your family, and your youngster! 💖💖💖🙂🙂🙂💯

[@barbnauman705]

Great job!! Your slower pace of shopping and explaining is very helpful to people who are suddenly new to budget shopping/ cooking. There are so many people who now have to cook more at home, who never have before, and they’re just beginning the frugal journey. Thanks for a beautiful video!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Barb 😁 It's my pleasure! I'm glad you think my videos will be helpful for people. That has always been my hope. Thanks so much for the positive feedback.

[@gccheryl4038]

Couldn't agree more, well said.

[@ninajohnson6578]

Thank you for cooking for one. As a widow I struggle to cook for myself on a limited budget. You help me so much!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Nina 😁 Yay! I'm so glad my videos are helpful. Thank you for taking the time to comment and please let me know if you have any special requests for my content, such as types of foods, recipes, etc. Have a great day! 🥰

[@mdunn7719]

Love, love, love your budget meal ideas! And the meat free ones are helpful! Thank you for all your time you put into your videos!

[@farrenadellestudio]

I’m having “one of those days” and there is something so comforting, soothing and safe about your videos so thank you. I appreciate you. 🧡

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hello 😁 I'm so glad my videos are comforting to you 🤗 Thanks for letting me know. Hope your day is better tomorrow.

[@sarahritter2055]

Your creativity never ceases to amaze me!!! You make budget eating look gourmet!! I will be using these ideas in my next week's budget! Thank you!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Sarah 😁 Glad you liked this video. Thanks for the comment!

[@maryhull531]

You are doing a good service here . We know is dear . It’s dear everywhere including Australia where I live . I am 70 years old soon and both my mum and mum in law were frugal cooks . You are showing that you can cook frugally . It can be done . Some people just need to be shown how .

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks so much Mary 😁🥰 I appreciate the complement. Happy Holidays!

[@RevBTB]

all kinds of awesome ideas to help stretch that food budget. if folks decide to make that potato soup and have no corn starch for thickening they can either use a food processor or an immersion blender on a bit of the soup to release some of the potato starches or try a few instant potato flakes

[@ArdentMichelle]

Great tips 👍

[@RevBTB]

@TacoBelle I’m broke as a joke but I have an immersion blender because my sister got a new one as a gift and gave me her old one… also - if you’re unaware- there are cool second hand shops like the good will, Salvation Army as well as the random humane society or hospital auxiliary thrift store where these blenders can occasionally be found. Also, brand new ones are available on Amazon for under 15 bucks so it would make a GREAT Christmas gift suggestion to someone who DOES have the dolla dolla bills. Thanks for your input and have yourself a day..

[@gccheryl4038]

Same thoughts! 👍🏻

[@rachelhero3413]

I was thinking the same thing!!

[@rachelhero3413]

@TacoBelle I was gifted with both when I moved into my home. I don’t use cornstarch often so I don’t spend money on it, that way I can use that dollar on something else.

[@marcialane8235]

Great ideas. Your voice, music and mannerism is so calming.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Glad you think so! 😁🥰

[@motivatedmindful1976]

Watching you reminded me of the days when I had to make the eagle scream to feed my children. I used to make refried bean tostadas instead of tacos. Also, buying tomato paste instead of sauce is even cheaper. Another thing we did was buy the roll of biscuits and make little pizzas. The added benefit is the kids would make their own pizzas. You can do that with French bread too but it’s more fun to let them push the center of the biscuits out of a bit with the fingers to make a pizza pie.

[@ArdentMichelle]

hmmm.....interesting 🤔 I never thought of using biscuit dough. I'll have to try that!

[@allyrooh3628]

My kids have moved out, but my husband is like feeding a big kid. This would be great for him and I! Have you ever tried Nestle's media crema? I use it to thicken soup and make alfredo sauces. I like it because it is shelf stable so I never have waste. It's about $2, so it probably falls more in the $5 meal challenge kind of video. Really relaxing video to watch! Have a great week 😀

[@ArdentMichelle]

No I haven't heard of Nestles media cream. I'll look for it though. Thanks for watching!

[@susans9491]

Everything looks super delicious! I will definitely be making many of these, soon! My husband isn’t wild about eggplant parmigiana as it can be bitter, but he loves zucchini. Genius! Thank you for the idea, I never thought of trying that!❤️

[@ArdentMichelle]

Yay! So glad to hear you liked this video 😁👩‍🍳 I hope you and the hubby like the baked zucchini as much as I do. 🥰 Thanks for commenting!

[@NayNayL0820]

I truly enjoy your videos, and you have taught me so much. You have motivated me to be more frugal and save money. I hope your channel continues to grow and that you are able to continue to produce videos. You have given me a lot of ideas that I would have otherwise not thought to try.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Naomi 😁 Yay! I'm glad my channel has been helpful, and that you have been able to save money. We never know what life is going to throw at us, so it's important to have savings and it gives such peace of mind to know that you can handle emergencies that come up. Thank you so much for supporting my channel. It is greatly appreciated 🥰👩‍🍳

[@ColdInTheStudio]

Omg the bird 😂😂😂 I've commented this before, but I'm still just so obsessed with your voice. It's soooooo relaxing. Love your channel!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you ColdInTheStudio 😁

[@sharonfarnsworth3325]

I just love 💕 your videos! I like how you think out of the box when shopping like making spaghetti sauce out of tomato sauce looking at a jar for ingredients. Also you showed how little savings while shopping 🛒 can let you buy more groceries or save more money. I also like how you use ingredients sparingly to get more for your money. You are my new favorite!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Sharon 😁 Thank you so much. 🥰 I'm so glad you are enjoying my channel.

[@kathyclarke6327]

I have a gigantic zucchini left and that fried zucchini ideas is perfect 😘

[@ArdentMichelle]

Yay! 😁 Hope you like it as much as I did. I thought it was fabulous! 😂

[@BrowneyedGirlmjd]

Dear Food Network Can someone please explain to me why Michelle does not have a program on your channel, or even a web series yet? Tapping fingers impatiently waiting for an answer. There are a ton of us that would watch her content. #AttentionFoodNetwork 😁

[@ArdentMichelle]

😂 I love this! 🥰

[@gccheryl4038]

Awesome. Only stream on Prime and we left CTV behind years ago due to cost but if I still had it I'd definitely watch!

[@uttermil]

Ardent Michelle has such a calming presence, not flashy food network stuff. I prefer it so much to the showy stuff. It is full of substance and we don't have to wade through all the sales pitches and asks for support. AM is the real deal! And so creative about her budget cooking. It's not all ramen and processed nonsense.

[@ArdentMichelle]

@@uttermil Thank so much😁 Glad you are enjoying my content. I will be taking on sponsors now to help support my channel though. Hoping it can help me go full time with my channel and not have to work 2 jobs 😂

[@Hello-fs5fh]

I’d be interested to see what you come up with using only shelf stable items for an emergency meal plan for a short time (2-3 days). If anyone can be creative with that task it would be you

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Candy 😁 I'll think about adding this to the line up. Not a bad idea 👍

[@libertyg4402]

I would love to see this too! We live in a natural disaster prone area, so this would be so helpful for preparing emergency meals.

[@monicajohnston8364]

Another great way to extend your taco filling is to add finely minced mushrooms to the browning meat. I always have fresh crimini mushrooms in the fridge because they are inexpensive and add a ton of umami to a variety of dishes.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Monica 😁 Love the idea of using mushrooms to extend meat, plus it gets more veggies in.

[@DeterminedDIYer]

I have trouble with tomato acid, so sugar in tomato sauce helps me a lot. :) Also put your bread in the freezer. it thaws out nicely instead of drying out like it does in the fridge :) A plastic lettuce knife makes a huge difference in cutting lettuce also btw. :) Metal makes it oxidize faster and brown.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hello 😁 That makes sense about the sugar. Yes, I love how well that kind of bread freezes 👍 Looks like I need to invest in a plastic knife. Thanks for the suggestions.

[@joycef8443]

Try a pinch of baking soda to cut the acid. Just a pinch

[@canine6023]

I love you so much. My parents grew up in the great depression. You have nailed th meals. I am 62, and remember. Thankyou so much for your talent.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hello 😁 Yay! I'm so glad you are enjoying my content. Thank YOU for watching!

[@rachelhero3413]

Ohh my friend!! I remade the Starbucks margarita panini this weekend,with discount Walmart French bread instead of ciabatta, it was sooo soo easy! Dollar tree pesto, and italian blend cheese from Walmart, roasted Roma slices and a toaster oven! It gave me all the Starbucks feels so I had to make me an apple spice steamer to go with.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Rachel 😁 YUM!!! That sounds so good. 😋 I love this idea. I have a big jar of pesto from SamsClub. I'm definitely going to try this. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@rachelhero3413]

@@ArdentMichelle I am in love with it! I think it will be my breakfast for this whole week.

[@kristinpodgurski5674]

Great video! A damp towel under your cutting board prevents slippage!

[@debbiekoortzen1154]

Oh my goodness, you have great ideas, I am so inspired. Thank you. Lots of love from South Africa. ⚘

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Debbie. Yay 😁 So glad you like my videos! Thanks for watching!

[@debbiekoortzen1154]

@@ArdentMichelle You are so welcome. 🌻

[@roeileen2148]

Sharing your thought process in your videos is so helpful in adapting my own thought process in making better grocery shopping decisions. Thank you so much for your videos!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Robyn 😁 Thanks so much for sharing the positive feedback. I'm never sure what is most helpful, so I appreciate the comment. 🥰

[@kelley5796]

I love your channel, so glad it came up in my feed! You're a really good cook and I'm only 3 videos in and have learned so much from you already. Keep up the good work!

[@ArdentMichelle]

awe....thanks so much Kelley 😁🥰 and welcome to my channel! Glad you decided to join us!

[@codydoll7655]

I love keeping bagels on hand. They are great for breakfast but I also make personal pizzas with them too.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I also like lunch sandwiches made with them. Bagels are just all around good! 😂

[@toomanythings]

I haven't been inside a Walmart grocery store in two years, I'm shocked at the markup on delivery items. I knew they were doing it, but this was unbelievable. I am paying more than twice most of those prices. I had no idea how much more I was paying, just that my shrinking dollar meant that even shopping with a low budget in mind I am getting less and less food. It's getting scary. I wish that I weren't disabled and able to get inside the store. Just, wow.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi MsBlackheart 😁 That's terrible ☹ Are you using the Walmart delivery service? If so, I was not aware they were marking up the cost of individual items. You should be able to go online and click SHOP MY STORE, then select PICKUP to find the price of the item in the store to see how much more you are being charged. I understand they have to charge more to collect the items and deliver, but they should just have that as a delivery fee. ☹ If you are a senior you could sign up for the supplemental food box to help with the monthly cost of food. Let me know if you need more information or there is any other way I can help. 🥰👩‍🍳

[@magomago7819]

Mommas great frugal on the go recepie. White rice with tuna...sprinkle Tabasco or Tapatio on it and yummy yummy yumm.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Sounds like a good combination 👍

[@tinablair2206]

Your meals all looked great. The potato soup could be jazzed up by blending some of it and adding any vegetable you have on hand. (Corn n a sprinkle of bacon bits or bread crumbs for example) That zucchini parmesan was making me drool. Great use of your ingredients.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Tina 😁 That's a good idea for the soup! Glad you liked my video!

[@CathieG]

Yay another great video from our friend Michelle!! 🎉🤩🥳🥰

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you 🤗

[@sarahkellem4863]

I love your videos! You do a great job of elevating simple recipes. Your voice is very soothing too.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you so much! 😁🥰

[@geraldinelucas3143]

Since you had all of those tortilla's you could have used those and made sheet pan pizza. Never made it for myself it is so big and I cook only for myself but sounds so good.....saw it laid out on Tribe of Many.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Geraldine 😁 I think they used flour tortillas on Tribe of Many, but I could have tried with the corn. I might have discovered something delicious 👍

[@earlenebrown7181]

Great job on all the meals. Zucchini Parmesan Sounded really good.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you 😁 The zucchini dish was so good!

[@danasandlin2435]

pizzas: I would prep the tomato sauce in advance and put in the refrig for at least 2 days to let the flavors meld together before making the pizzas...also, you might be able to reheat easily in the microwave...also, if you are growing a small basil plant, the pizzas would be great with fresh basil on top of the pizza...(I would still use a can of chopped tomotoes, drained and dried--the tomatoes are usually under the cheese anyway)...dts/usa

[@ArdentMichelle]

I do need a basil plant 🌱 Great suggestions.

[@beckyw9000]

Jealous of the nice lettuce you can get at Walmart. And watching gave me a major spaghetti craving. Thank you for the thoughtful video!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Glad you liked it 😁

[@debbieyarsevich9486]

I sometimes use a small amount of cream cheese to make my soups creamy.

[@hmeerdink9606]

You come up with the best ideas!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you! 😊

[@rosacoria5629]

I like to make potato tacos, just boil the potatoes in salt water, let them cool and take the peel off. Smash potatoes a little add pepper/ salt if needed, mix some cheese. Make the tacos shells. I like to add sour cream potato mix, more cheese salsa and cabbage or lettuce. My kids really enjoy these tacos. I really enjoyed your videos 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Rosa 😁 Glad you are enjoying my videos. I like potato tacos too. I haven't tried them this way though, sounds yummy. I really enjoy cabbage on my tacos. Thanks for the recipe idea!

[@texasstardust6010]

This was really good, Michelle... I actually like the " beans with Taco meat ", every so often. The trick to getting them to blend together is the meat has to be ground up to a finer texture, I have a mini food processor and I put it in there and I don't grind it up super fine, just to where it's not huge pieces, but not ' super fine texture ". ( I don't like my meat big for spaghetti and all that stuff anyway) .. to mix with the beans with the tacos it needs to be fine, you want to take a spoonful of beans and you add it to the meat in the pan, and you add a little bit of chicken stock ( or something like that, whatever you have ) it really amps up the flavor and when you do it that way it's almost like a Jack In The Box taco - except they flash fry it- ( I know how they make them, they flash fry it AFTER the bean and meat mixture is in there) that's what makes it taste so good, lol. I absolutely love French Bread Pizza, and that looked delicious! Good to know it's Freezer Friendly, as well. I've had the Red Baron Pizzas and I don't really care for those because for me they never get cooked all the way through and I just don't really like their sauce anyway so I don't really buy those I've had them before , I just don't buy them anymore ... making your own would be way better, just like you said. Great job on the video, I like how you share your thought process as you're shopping!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi TexasStardust 😁 Glad you like my video. Thanks for sharing how you combine the meat and beans. I could totally picture the texture once you mentioned the Jack In the Box tacos. 😂 Thanks for taking the time to comment!

[@dianaobrien463]

Wow. What a different and amazing menu Thank u so much.

[@ArdentMichelle]

welcome 😁 thank for watching!

[@Rebelartist83]

Hey Michelle I've used that gv tomato soup you can turn it into so much 😊

[@catladyjai1113]

I took this idea and made some pizza with the crusty bread from Trader Joes and some smoky provolone from Walmart, I sprinked some fresh basil and omg it was soooo delicious. Great tip for toasting the bread first!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Yum. This sounds good with the smoky provolone! 😋 Yay! I'm glad this video was useful for you. 🥰 Thanks for sharing.

[@gaildawson5464]

Impressive and so tasty as always! I love these challenges and the way you make so many different meals out of the same ingredients.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Glad you like them! 😁🥰

[@marcwright4790]

Thank you for the video. You should good ways to stretch a dollar while still having a varied, easy menu. I think I would have bought the mushrooms instead of the grape tomatoes to go on the pizzas and add to the hash and potato soup. With all the tomato soup, spaghetti sauce and pizza sauce I would have enough tomatoes in my life.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Marc 😁 You're welcome. Glad you liked my video. Can you tell I really like tomatoes? 😂😂 I agree...mushrooms would have been great too. 👍. Happy Holidays!

[@FrugalPants]

You should try making pizza on the Stonefire Naan bread, if you haven't. I often find it in the clearance at Kroger/Smiths for a few dollars and it comes with 2-4 depending. It freezes great as well. But it makes THE best pizza!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Laura 😁 I haven't tried the Stonefire Naan yet, but I love Naan bread pizzas. Thanks for letting me know. I'll pick some up. I love that it freezes well for zero waste. Thanks for the tip!

[@carmenwheatley7316]

Yes I love the Stonefire Naan bread. I sometimes spread hummus on them with diced onion. Or spread avocado or guacamole on them. I will have to try them as small pizzas. FYI pizza sauce in the jar usually has 4 carbs and only 2g of sugar. But it is a little more expensive than the spaghetti sauce. That’s the great value brand.

[@colettemitchell3412]

Everything looked so good.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you Colette 🥰

[@kelleyrooks6735]

Wow. I just love your videos. So full of inspiration ❤

[@ArdentMichelle]

Glad you like them! 😁

[@Bren-mi3ry]

I used to make individual pizza on flour tortilla great thin crust pizza

[@ArdentMichelle]

I need to try that.

[@osoniye4209]

That all looks delicious. Thanks for sharing your ideas, Michelle. Blessings to you!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you! 🥰 You too!

[@danasandlin2435]

tomato soup would also be good with clipped fresh basil--I LOVE your videos--they are so SMART!!! dts/usa

[@ArdentMichelle]

Agreed 👍 herbs elevate the tomato soup so much. Fresh basil would be amazing!

[@danasandlin2435]

breaded zucchini with marinara and the zucchini bread looked fabulous--can't wait to try them...dts/usa

[@ArdentMichelle]

Yay! Glad you liked them 😁

[@sherlynpatterson4304]

Some people take about a half can of refried beans and mix it into the ground beef once the meat is almost completely browned. Makes more of of a video pitted meat style filling for burritos or tacos.

[@ArdentMichelle]

hmm....interesting approach 🤔

[@leem200]

Lentils are a good meat stretcher. Cook them and mash them. I am plant based due to health and it is a good meat replacer. Also, can make white sauce with flower and water or milk adding chicken or meat or veggies, stir fried. Less sodium. Great recipes and wide selection and it is cheap. Thank you for all the work and effort, gave me ideas too. Even though I do not eat Dairy, oil, or meat.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Lee 😁 Thank you so much 🥰 I LOVE lentils. I just ate them yesterday actually. You will probably see them in a video next week. I feel like I've kind of been craving them lately, so I'm planning to try this walnut- lentil recipe for tacos this weekend. I want to eat less sodium and less dairy as well - for better health. I love eating natural Whole Foods. I like your idea of using a milk gravy for veggies 👍 Thanks for taking the time to comment 🥰👩‍🍳

[@happychappyvanlife]

Oh my gosh you’re so talented!!!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you so much 🥰

[@Ms_AP_]

Also, canned mushrooms are cheaper than fresh for pizzas

[@thefallguy5615]

They have people come into the store tag the birds and catch release them outside of the store.

[@lindawilson290]

Hello, AM, and thank you for another outstanding video. Have you ever considered being a food stylist?! BTW, how did you feel about the hash browns in the potato soup? Best wishes.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Linda 😁 No I haven't considered being a food stylist. I'm working on finishing a video right now (releasing Sunday ) that I had the hardest time plating. 😂 I like food styling but I'm not very good at it. 😳 I thought that the hash browns in the soup turned out really well. I like the ease of use of having the pre chopped potatoes. The soup was very tasty. I would also like to try it with cream of celery soup.

[@aceofstace4456]

I always use tomato soup as the sauce for cheese-filled pastas. It's sweeter and not as acidic as regular tomato or marinara sauces. Really good as a sauce and usually cheaper!

[@ArdentMichelle]

GREAT idea 👍 I'm gonna try this! Thank you 😁

[@danasandlin2435]

some thoughts: I would buy all Great Value and skip the name brand items (evap milk and refried beans); I would always use small tortillas and cut up any remaining ones and fry them for chips; potatoes--go with whatever is on sale and stock up--hash browns, tater tots, sliced, mashed--whatever is cheapest at the time--I can sometimes find them for $1 a bag (right now, frozen is cheaper than fresh--which is unbelievable); beef: turkey is better for you than beef, and cheaper--also, a good cut of pork on sale is quite a value--put in a slow cooker and make tacos al pastor; (my husband only knows the difference if I tell him what he is actually eating)... ; try a cream cheese or a cottage cheese--cheap and often times, people don't know what they are eating and they actually LOVE it (I have given people cubed cream cheese with olive oil and herbs and called it Farmer's cheese and they raved over it)...lettuce: buy whatever is cheapest--then add in spinach or kale or arugula (whatever is on sale)--and put in add ins if possible: artichoke hearts, capers, garlic bulbs, olives, sardines, and a nice dressing--you can make for 3-4 days and can do it for cheap if you plan ahead--you won't even miss the romaine or spring mix)...tomato sauce: always buy cans, unless a sale makes glass bottles rock bottom cheap...grape tomatoes: skip them and buy a CAN of chopped tomatoes, drain and pat dry with a towel (save the juice and drink it)--much, much cheaper...dts/usa

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Dana 😁 Thanks for these great suggestions for frugal eating. You have some great ideas!

[@alternifeind15]

I regularly use tomato soup and canned tomatoes for sauces. I just use a thickening agent at the end if simmering down doesn't make it thick enough. Always comes out great and half the price of pre-made sauces

[@alternifeind15]

Also for my sauces, I always roast my spices first in some olive oil and a little bit of butter or shortening. It warms the pan up but also helps to open up the flavors of the spices more, especially when using onions and garlic 🥰

[@ArdentMichelle]

I knew someone had to be using tomato soup for a sauce. Thanks for sharing!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Good idea 👍

[@Rebelartist83]

If you can find v8 juice at the DT or a GV version of v8 its a great way to add veggies in a kids diet and a good veggie substitute in soup if you can't afford actual veggies..i use v8 in alot of my foods since veggies are almost as much as meat..as usual your video is very good and helpful

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks for sharing!

[@laridion7901]

I LOVE these. 👏👏

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you 😁

[@Koolala75]

Hi Mchelle!! Will you be sharing the 7 spaghetti recipes?

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Jules 😁 I would love to share the spaghetti recipes. Do you want a video or an email? Some of them have already been featured on my channel.

[@Koolala75]

@@ArdentMichelle thank you, am sure i speak for everyone else that we would like a video :-).i always feel happy when you post nrew content. Thank you so much!!

[@ArdentMichelle]

@@Koolala75 I'll plan to do this video, and you're welcome 😊

[@twilightshealy4152]

Wonderful creative recipes. I love the cream of chicken & Frozen diced potato for soup. I think for the pizza, I would slice that portion of bread into thirds lengthwise so it wouldn't be so thick. And toast the middle part for garlic croutons for soup or salad or filler for turkey burgers or cupcake sized meatloafs.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi 😁 I've definitely used that bread for croutons. Love the idea of using it in meatloafs💜 👍 Great tips.

[@Ms_AP_]

Sour cream or half & half might be a cheaper way to make your soups richer

[@hotamolly72]

Your ability to provide nourishment to your family on this budget is amazing 👏🏻 but I died when I saw bioengineered food on the canned tomato soup I kinda freaked out 😂

[@ArdentMichelle]

yep...genetically modified food is in pretty much all processed foods.

[@ArdentMichelle]

and thank you 🥰

[@vonlipi]

So many great ideas! Thank you

[@ArdentMichelle]

Glad you like them! 😁🥰

[@alternifeind15]

Another great meal I do on a budget is getting a bunch of boxed macaroni and cheese, but when I cook it I will add extra cheeses and spices. Maybe even some roasted frozen broccoli

[@ArdentMichelle]

yum. I love broccoli in pasta 👍

[@kickasses2121]

Those zucchini are gorgeous. You can make zucchini boats as pizzas

[@ArdentMichelle]

Oh I like that idea 👍 Definitely going to try that. Thanks for the tip!

[@Lala7777belle]

So many great ideas, thank you Michelle!!! I really love the music playing in the background… Can you share what it is?

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you 😁 There were 5 songs on this video from Epidemic Sound - Green Morning by Plain Strolls, So Kind by Spectacles Wallet and Watch, Our Secret Place by Daniel Kaede, Still in Bed by Isobelle Walton, As Lovely As You by Wanderers Trove, and Between Illusions by Rikard From. I believe there is a link to Epidemic Sound in my description area of the video. Hope this helps 😁

[@Lala7777belle]

@@ArdentMichelle thank you Michelle! Very thoughtful of you to include all of the titles and artists. Great choices.

[@ArdentMichelle]

@@Lala7777belle Welcome 😁

[@morganjobst1082]

I made the lemon spaghetti last night and everyone liked it

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Morgan 😁 Yay! I'm so glad your family liked the lemon spaghetti. That means you must have cooked it properly 😂 because if it isn't cooked right it's not as good. Once you learn the key to using the pasta water to thicken your sauce then you can make lots of variations on this. I make it the same way- al dente spaghetti in salted water, along with a garlic +olive oil seasoning with pasta water and mushrooms, zucchini, broccoli, and whatever else I feel like throwing in there. It's always delicious! Thanks for letting me know! 🥰👩‍🍳

[@mollygardens6646]

Toasted bread crumbs are the poor man’s Parmesan in Italy.

[@marynr2884]

I grew up eating French bread pizza, and I always felt like it was a treat. I also like to use that style of potatoes for tacos. Just sprinkle them with taco seasoning while cooking for a great vegetarian option.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Nice tip for the potato tacos 👍

[@brendarobertson7206]

Wow! great video

[@ArdentMichelle]

Glad you enjoyed it 😁

[@hello-vs4me]

Thanks for your videos thanks ❤️ 😊

[@ArdentMichelle]

You are so welcome! 😁 Thanks for letting me know that you like them 🥰

[@vonlipi]

That bird is very wise….he is not trying to get out! He has access to water, food and shelter! I work at Walmart in Canada and we have a bird that comes back year after year…..

[@ArdentMichelle]

I was wondering if he was about to have a meal on the broccoli 😂

[@christineencrypt3892]

I like that you put everything in the baby seat. I shop like that too and my family makes fun of me

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Christine 😁 That's prime real estate in my book. 😂

[@christineencrypt3892]

@@ArdentMichelle I sure think so!

[@VictoriaFerland-gu7rb]

❤another treasure. Different theme song 🎵. Evaporated milk in soups? Please don’t put sugar in my pasta sauce. I am doing English muffin pizza 🍕 later. With mushrooms, onions and breakfast sausage A treat for me Marinara. I like the name on the jar 😆 Victoria. Thanks for the great budget friendly ideas ❤

[@ArdentMichelle]

Great idea!!

[@VictoriaFerland-gu7rb]

@@ArdentMichelle the pizzas were delicious 😆. I had one muffin then later on I had another. I skipped the sausage.

[@gccheryl4038]

Love the simplicity of choices, really great!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Glad you like it! 😁

[@moonbeam85]

I hope that bird is able to find a way out. Thanks. I always love your budget grocery videos.

[@ArdentMichelle]

me too. Thanks so much 😁

[@saraherber1887]

I really like your videos. For my young children, I scoop out the middle of the bread to make it easier for them to bite into. I then use that middle part for bread crumbs for stuffed mushrooms.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Sara 😁 wow....that's a really great use of the bread! I haven't made stuffed mushrooms in so many years. Thanks for sharing this idea! 👍

[@allyrooh3628]

Rewatching with my coffee this morning. I’m sure I’ve said this before, but adding Worcestershire to the turkey gives it more of a beefy flavor. I like to buy the reduced French bread to make garlic bread & freeze it so I can toss it in the air fryer when I want it. Now that it’s been a year, do you still use the 5 compartment refrigerator prep thing?

[@ArdentMichelle]

yes, I love that 5 compartment thing. I use it a lot for taco night and also for a salad bar.

[@Bren-mi3ry]

A dollar tree sausage it's with the beef stick area fat..can be used many ways diced .only a 1.25.can of hash and half of sausage chili powder great taco meat

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks for the tip 👍

[@shayathalusaria]

I normally don't comment but I really like your content

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Anna 😁 Yay! I appreciate the positive feedback. Thank you so much!

[@MsTinyninja]

Placing a damp paper towel under your cutting board will keep it from slipping.

[@ArdentMichelle]

👍

[@pjp9383]

Got some great French Bread and an Olive Italian loaf on deep clearance yesterday, so thanks for the inspiration!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hello 😁 Glad you found a useful recipe from this video! Hope you like the French bread pizza as much as I liked mine. Thanks for commenting!

[@MyFavoriteColorIsBLUE]

Love your great meals Michelle 😋

[@ArdentMichelle]

Glad you like them! 😁

[@iskijay]

TY, love all these budget meals that you make Sending love from Ontario 🇨🇦

[@ArdentMichelle]

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

[@deborahelliott8460]

Nobody makes french toast, and I am curious as to why? Nice video. Did you know, that by adding just a little bit of chicken bullion or stock to tomato soup with a little bit of shredded cabbage will make a very nice soup?

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Deborah 😁 Probably because then you would need to add in the syrup cost to the budget. I rarely eat French toast or pancakes. They are a little heavy for me. I prefer a lighter breakfast, although I lOVE the smell and taste of McDonald's pancakes. 😂 I almost added bread pudding to this menu, but I ran out of time.

[@TXJan0057]

I love the Italian loaf. At our HEB they used to have it sliced for 1.00 until about 2 weeks ago. No longer have sliced and now 1.30 a loaf.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Still not a bad deal. It's just hard seeing the increases ☹️

[@soniahenney9827]

Excellent video. Thank you!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Glad you enjoyed it! 😁🥰

[@Sarahnitynow26]

I love your videos! I always get some great ideas for meals. I had a thought for a twist on the budget challenge for you. I know a great way to save money is to shop around for the best deal. But I was visiting a rural part of my state recently and the place we were staying just had just one small grocery store within a 30 minute drive. (Not like my usual Aldi, Dollar Tree, grocery store all in one plaza!) So what about a budget challenge where you can only shop at one small/mid-range grocery store?

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Sarah 😁 I've thought about doing this 🤔 but then I got scared. 😱 Let me think about it. 😂

[@trendanichols1554]

I just love ❤️ the way u cook!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Yay! 😁🥰

[@patriciah8377]

Really great job 🎃so creative and as someone else commented very realistic~ like we could all make, eat and most of all enjoy! Thank u❤

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Patricia 😁 Yay! That's exactly what I was hoping for! Glad you like my menu.

[@holly5791]

Oh, all of this looked so tempting. Now I'm craving Zucchini and I have already shopped for the week. The baked Zucchini looked especially good. I saw someone do that recently with eggplant. They had to 'sweat' it first, though. You know how much moisture it has. You wouldn't want that good cheese sliding right off, lol! Good video. 🙂

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Holly 😁 Glad you liked my video. You definitely should try the baked zucchini. I like it so much better than eggplant, and so easy too. Thanks for commenting!

[@hauskarras]

❤❤❤I adore watching you create! Hi from Aussie 🖖🥰

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hello 😊 Yay! So glad you like my videos!

[@bbscarbrough]

Love your channel so much and can’t wait to try your French bread pizza recipe so brilliant!🥰

[@ArdentMichelle]

Yay! So glad you liked my video 😁 Hope you love the pizza as much as I do!👩‍🍳