⭐️BEST EXTREME BUDGET FAMILY MEALS // $3 DINNERS // ALDI EDITION

I spent $10 at Aldi, and was able to create these budget meals for my family of 5! These were not only extremely budget friendly, but super tasty as well!
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[@SeeMindyMom]

This video is almost a year old, and I recently revisited it to discuss what the prices are today, and what I would change to stay on budget. If you enjoyed this video, go and check out the current recap: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y3upep5_bN98idE

[@youmakemehappy7]

Thank you!!😊

[@texbex9928]

I just came across this and was thinking "that $3 would be at least $5 now!" It's terrible.

[@megameg6038]

I love making whole chicken in my instant pot. I'm def going to make one this weekend. We are expecting storms next Monday and I'm thinking that chicken noodle soup would be delicious with some sourdough bread. Thank you! New subscriber!

[@jacquelinebalmas2153]

U

[@diannastanley4284]

Your videos are inspirational and so helpful for healthy ideas. I love the fact that you feed your family healthy! Keep on posting for us who really have become depending on your inspiration.

[@paletteandeasel5167]

I’m a case manager who works with very low income individuals. Our local food pantries here where I live almost always have most of these ingredients on hand to give to clients. I always tell my clients to use their food stamps to buy the things that are hard to get at food pantries like meat, eggs and dairy. I take my clients to pantries and then we sit down and look at what meals they can make with what they get at the pantries just by buying a few extra ingredients. Your channel is awesome! I have been watching your videos with my clients, and using them to plan meals on a very low budget. Most of my clients receive Social Security benefits and food stamps and have to plan meals for themselves and their children on as low as $16.00 a month ( before pandemic) for an individual person. Food insecurity is so prevalent these days...thank you for your wonderful content..it is so helpful to the people I work with, and even myself

[@stephanethewriter6998]

Its all about education...Im so glad you have the opportunity to teach families how to stretch their food supplies and make easy nutritious meals....Good Job!

[@aldralee]

I’ve worked in the nonprofit field for a couple of decades, and I’m always blown away by the lengths that social workers will go to in helping clients. Y’all are the real MVPs.

[@jessicayoung3709]

I used to make $100 in food stretch across the whole month with my 5 kids and two adults. We might not of had left overs but a cheap loaf of bread or rolls is a nice filler and rice. Rice is a great filler and cheap

[@reneematlock9657]

People don't really pay attention to what's around them either... for instance, in many places one can find all sorts of free fruits and vegetables growing on the streets around them (and in community gardens as well) - check out Falling Fruits for places in your area. If you have a state agricultural college in your area they often offer cooking classes to low income households. Someone (usually a dietician) will come to the client's home with all the ingredients to make a meal once a week for 8 weeks and when the 8 weeks is done the client has learned to cook many things and receives a cookbook from the dietician. The classes also help with meal planning, planned leftovers, budgeting and shopping.

[@marshamindu9696]

Amazing work you do; thank you

[@daniellen4086]

tip: when making broth with bones, add some apple cider vinegar to help release the collagen into the broth. Supper nutritious!

[@SeeMindyMom]

Thanks for the tip!

[@Mardon551]

How much would you say to use. I wanna try to make my own broth.

[@hoosierproud7718]

@@SeeMindyMom Had no clue how easy it was to make bone broth. New to your channel, very nice. Thank you.

[@Mardon551]

How much vinegar?

[@baharkhalili9779]

@@Mardon551 just 1 table spoon.

[@buffiecar]

We are on the poor side here and I do this all the time. Walmart in my area sells a 10 lb bag of leg quarters for $5.94. I boil them, split the meat into baggies, save the broth and that's at least 3 meals. Serve everything over rice to stretch it, lots of cooked beans, etc. Your meals looked great!

[@SeeMindyMom]

Carol, it sounds like you are very resourceful! I have seen those chicken leg quarters in my Walmart, but I haven't picked them up yet. I may need to try someday!

[@jlord2435]

I am from a family of 10. Every meal we had "salad". Iceberg lettuce, celery and carrots. Also, bread or muffins with butter. We never knew we were short on funds. Never hungry either.

[@buffiecar]

@@jlord2435 my mom could always make something out of nothing. I learned from her I guess.

[@jujube2407]

Thats awesome! I have ways wanted to buy them but wasn't sure what to do with 10 pounds of chicken frozen together all at once! Thanks for the pro tip...

[@micahsmom1883]

@@SeeMindyMom I also buy the chicken quarters all the time, they usually come out to about 60 cents a pound, I take my big bag home and split the thighs from the legs and freeze them in bags (only 2 adults here). These chicken pieces can be used for faux shake n bake, bbq chicken in the oven, soup, chicken salad, chicken w/pasta, and on and on. I would challenge you to come up with a dinner menu using these bags of chicken, they are so economical and a little different that what you generally do with a whole chicken. PS I do what you are doing with whole chicken also

[@sheashea4622]

These videos show me just how much food I waste. Also, you have such a beautiful attitude and please keep the videos coming 'cause I am learning so much.

[@Officially_Tatianna]

I agree with you these videos make me feel so bad with how much I over cook…. But nothing is wasted.

[@carolynmills513]

Me too. I hate how much I waste. So I stick it in the freezer and then throw it out in a few months.

[@jamibeckham4544]

I feel the same, she has a good outlook on life . As much as our food prices are going up we need some helpful food budget tips and recipes. God bless.

[@ec1582]

I am 70 years old and just discovered this video. I am thrilled to see a young person who is frugal, not existing on fast food, and not wasting food. I hope you are doing more of these!

[@MILCdiva]

I am an older adult looking for ways to live on social security when I retire and your videos make a huge difference for me! I can break up the servings, freeze them, and have weeks of healthy eating! thank you for all you do!

[@tracycourtney4001]

I would like to say how environmentally friendly it is to cook this way. No extra packaging, no food waste and no wasted money plus much more healthy than processed or restaurant food. Excellent video.

[@mariat3276]

My Grandparents lived through the Depression Era…my Mother was taught the same and therefore passed on to me. My Father grew up in war torn Europe during WWII. Daddy and his family had even less. I thank my Parents for all they taught me. I can stretch a dollar and make it taste great! Thank you for teaching others the old ways. Love your videos! 🤗

[@jakenda1978]

Boy, I loved the idea of blending the carrots, onion and garlic in the blender. GENUIS!!

[@SeeMindyMom]

A viewer gave me that idea months ago! Such a great tip!

[@Sonja...]

Definitely will try that with one kid who won't eat cooked carrot...

[@pattyadams2338]

I’ve done that but used it for dog biscuits 🙈

[@kellymcfalls1458]

@@SeeMindyMom what if you don’t have a blender?

[@yvonnepalmquist8676]

@@kellymcfalls1458 try a potato masher. If you can afford to budget for it, try to pick up a second-hand blender at a thrift store, or start with an inexpensive off-brand personal blender (Walmart has them for as low as $10-15)

[@StephanieCabriales]

I will say the cost of living in Oklahoma is ridiculously less compared to bigger cities but I live in LA and I can find deals like this in my grocery stores as well . You really have to know how to grocery shop, be familiar with pricing and go thru weekly ads . So I think it’s very realistic!

[@aldralee]

Agreed! I about passed out over the price of food when I first moved to SoCal from MO. Then I found the smaller chains like Superior and other independent grocers. You can get great deals out here if you know how to manage your kitchen/budget.

[@LA-py2iu]

When I live in SoCal, I took the time to drive to the closest Aldi. When I went shopping with my ex, he preferred Albertsons and Ralph’s. When we moved back to TN, he became much more willing to do Aldi.

[@maddieb.4282]

Yep I live in the Bay Area and it’s doable if you take your time and know where to look!

[@SkitSkat674]

Shopping around and knowing where the best deals are is the best, lol. Lucky for me we got a WinCo and they always have better prices than anywhere for the most part. It was a god send for me when they opened.

[@jeannehunter5344]

There are 3 different supermarkets in the area where I live, so I have access to various 'specials' and I stock up on those items I regularly use.

[@carolnewton496]

My personal choice is to add the skin to the crock pot as well, then refrigerate the broth overnight, the fat will rise to the top and be easy to remove in the morning. I use chicken fat to roast potatoes and vegetables, or sauté with it. Schmaltz is a great cooking tool.

[@SeeMindyMom]

Thanks for the tip, Carol. I was actually thinking about how I need to figure out what I can use the skin for (flavor wise).

[@SusanLynn656]

@@SeeMindyMom chicken skin makes for tasty dog treats!

[@jmatiasdelgado]

adding the bones again is useless.

[@karenroberton3290]

Yes on deed. Plus bacon fat which you may or may not use. Never buy things like this.

[@theresebizabishaka7605]

To take the chicken stroganoff to the next level add some sliced fresh or even canned mushrooms and a pinch of paprika.

[@bethanyg153]

A splash of Apple cider vinegar will pull more minerals from the bones and make your broth a little more nutritious.

[@SeeMindyMom]

Great tip! I will try that next time!

[@yvonnepalmquist8676]

I forgot about that tip. Does this help to make the bones "rubbery" too? I read that is how you know the nutrition has been fully pulled from the bones, but somehow I can never really get mine as "rubbery" as I've seen in other's videos.

[@ashlynpretzel5512]

Perfect for college students on a tight budget. I love that you use everything possible and limiting waste.

[@catladyallday5884]

This is the first budget me on video I’ve ever seen where I’m like I want to make every single one of these recipes

[@SeeMindyMom]

Thanks for the high compliment! These turned out even better than I imagined!

[@gelflingfay]

Right?!

[@kellymcfalls1458]

@@SeeMindyMom I love how you use leftovers but I don’t have a blender or use flour because I live alone but I do have a crockpot and will make a 2 or 3 person meal and freeze it and then I have leftovers for lunch

[@shellyreeves8954]

Yes! They all looked good!

[@katherinebishop9116]

I teach in a low income area in Los Angeles county. There’s a nutrition program at our school to inspire families to eat healthier. Thanks for showing people that can be done on a budget!

[@SRose-vp6ew]

A big thing to remember is some familes may not have tools or even heard of things like a slow cooker. Honestly a slow cooker is one of the best ways to save money and time in a safe way if you work but you need to have a few ways to explain how to cook knowning not everyone will have all the best tools. Exsample- blend in blender or chop up tiny or even mush with back of fork.

[@lindagarris1472]

A bag of carrots is cheaper than a bag of chips And 5# potatoes cheaper than a big bottle of soda We had home economics when i was a kid We could use that in the curriculum for boys and girls old enough to cook

[@grannygoes7882]

@@lindagarris1472 That's a really good point! A bag of carrots is really cheap! Chips and soda have no food value at all, in fact it's the opposite, they cause major health problems like diabetes!

[@BubblyViolin11]

@@SRose-vp6ew A 4 qt crockpot is like $40 at Walmart, and even less when on sale. If there’s a way to do a fundraiser to raise some money to get a crockpot out to low income families, that would be SUPREMELY helpful. Many low income families don’t have the time to make everything from scratch, so a slow cooker can help them cook healthy meals for their family. I’ve been on a budget for a few years now and work 6 days a week. My crockpot is an absolute lifesaver.

[@melissavazquez2953]

We are a family of 11 and our monthly grocery budget is$300..we are still eating different meals from our Easter ham..tmrw we will be having ham ,cheese and potato soup

[@CG-mj8tk]

Whaaaa? How?! So impressed

[@melissavazquez2953]

@@CG-mj8tk I only shop at Aldi.Cook from scratch.You know how many things you can make with a bag of flour?It is so possible.

[@rollandjoeseph]

@@melissavazquez2953 do tell, im interested!

[@melissavazquez2953]

@@rollandjoeseph with flour? waffles, pancakes, biscuits, dumplings,rolls,bread,buns,cakes, noodles

[@melissavazquez2953]

I forgot pizza crust..our lunches and dinners..with veggies from garden

[@msoda8516]

My mother used to cook whole chicken all the time to stretch the budget. One Roast chicken became chicken salad sandwiches, chicken soup and chicken and dumplings and the bones made the broth. Another great one is ham when it's on sale I have sliced ham one night, the next I make a ham fried rice, then split pea soup and ham sandwiches all from the one ham.

[@shellybean40]

I agree! A whole chicken and a ham can stretch really far! Also, a whole Turkey can be stretched really far and be economical if bought during after holiday sales.

[@msoda8516]

@@shellybean40 Very true, every thanksgiving I buy 2 turkeys one for the holiday and one to cook a few months later I do the same with ham around Christmas and Easter.

[@cynthiacrawford1573]

Love split pea soup

[@carolynmills513]

@@shellybean40 my niece brought over a 17# turkey she got after Christmas last year and it was ridiculously marked down then bogo. She didn't have room in her freezer, so I offered to pay her and she had gotten each for about $3.50. Now that's a bargain and it fed a lot of mouths, several meals. Dont find those deals often, but we all made the best of her fantastic deal.

[@kimberlybaker5133]

I'm not a good cook, but I can definitely appreciate all these unique and budget friendly recipes to use the WHOLE chicken

[@aimeec.7251]

I never thought to purée the veggies from the broth and adding it to soup. That’s a really good idea.

[@MyPassionFurPaws]

The day after Easter weekend I bought a marked down 13 pound fresh Turkey for $15 Canadian and out of that we've had multiple dinners and Turkey sandwiches. I made 10 cups of bone broth for the freezer plus a big pot of Turkey soup. It's amazing how far you can stretch a whole Turkey or whole chicken.

[@ravenbrown7053]

Thanks for this! I am a vegetarian but i think that chicken and stuffing casserole would work with sauteed mushrooms and cream of mushroom soup as substitutes- there is a vegetarian stuffing mix also- i love your channel- thanks!

[@deirdremartin5475]

I always keep a Ziploc bag of vegetable/fresh herb peelings and ends in the freezer until it’s full. Then I make a vegetable stock, and it’s so much better than anything you could ever buy! I use it for soup bases, to make rice, etc. I roast the veggies first so it gives them a nice flavor. There’s so much you can do with it.

[@sarahl.944]

For a quick dinner I take the boxed stuffing mix and start making it according to the directions. I then add leftover chicken to the cooking liquid and butter. Bring it to a boil, add the mix, cover and then it's ready to serve. Sometimes we add gravy but it is so moist it's really not necessary. Its inexpensive, fast, and it taste good. All of your recipes looked great too!

[@SeeMindyMom]

That's a great idea!

[@virginiablasi7109]

I do that an add veggies too and bake it for a bit

[@nicoleaseltine8816]

I did this with some really dried out pork chops over 30 yrs ago and my family loved it so much they had me making it all the time. stuffing mix over the meat and I added a cream of mushroom soup with half the milk over top.

[@gabriellebarbir7039]

Honestly amazed again, Mindy. I often think I’m creative in the kitchen but your ideas surprise me every time! Well done!

[@SeeMindyMom]

Thanks so much! 😊 I'm sure you have fabulous ideas, Gabrielle, and execute them beautifully!

[@kristasahlin]

WOW!! You recipes are my favorite!! Seriously. I love how you can take such few ingredients and make amazing meals for the week. I can't tell you how much my family loves them too!! So yummy. And... I appreciate how you teach us to be a little bit more thrifty. Our grocery bills have gone from $800/mo to about $350/mo since I've been implementable your recipes. That is HUGE savings I'm helping to make a emergency fund now!! Thank you thank you!! Please keep them coming.

[@SeeMindyMom]

Wow, Krista! That is amazing! Congrats!

[@shelzp7272]

Excellent and I like how you got a lot of vegetables in the menus

[@SeeMindyMom]

Thank you 😊

[@Sandiastef]

I love soup with homemade stock. I think the collagen from the bones adds a silky feel to it that you don’t get from premade broth. I need to buy whole chickens more often. 😁

[@barbaragallagher9972]

Chicken thighs with the bone and skin on are often cheaper than a whole chicken and make great soup ,etc

[@LetsFocusOnChrist]

I hadn’t thought of pureeing my stock veggies in the soup. Thanks!

[@kellydevries1878]

Wow this is such a great video! I work at ALDI & I love seeing new recipes to use with our products :)

[@bethenecampbell6463]

Garlic powder and dried minced onion are nice to have on hand and last quite a while. Fresh is always best, but when you're on a budget they're great flavor boosters.

[@pancakespandemonium]

You are 100% right about cost comparison. I think people forget perspective. I may not get these items for the same price especially since I’m cooking for more people and they’re mostly older. However, in the grand scheme of things I think I could get still get really cheap meals using these ingredients! Even without having an Aldo!

[@SeeMindyMom]

True! Or you might even find better or comparable sales at other stores. It all varies by region. :)

[@yvonnepalmquist8676]

@@SeeMindyMom yes, this is a very good reminder especially when mentioning very common stores like Walmart or Dollar Tree (although this would be more about selection than price). I sometimes comment on the difference, but only for such reminders when I see a lot of comments from others. Even at the same STORE price (or selection) will vary by REGION.

[@nmnativenurse6965]

I totally agree with you on the economics of your recipes. Planning menus around the items on sale that week helps tremendously! Thank you, Mindy, for your wonderful recipes and hints! Take care!❤️

[@SeeMindyMom]

So true about utilizing sales and specials for the week! Thanks, Jane!

[@momentsformoms9467]

I’ll have to try that once I learn to cook. It’s a struggle with bad memory,anxiety,& no time. I do search for and try out inexpensive,quick & easy meals especially since my son & his dad don’t eat leftovers if they even eat at all because they’re so picky. 😒😞 right now I meal plan for the month otherwise we’ll be eating random junk. I don’t cook on Saturdays and have 2-3 days a week labeled for my sons dad to cook (since he thinks it’s so easy to do while I also work & take care of the house & everyone but he doesn’t have that.-he works 1st shift so he gets to sleep when our kid sleeps while I don’t because I work 3rd. Also doesn’t help out with chores.More than likely these days will end up as takeout or find something on your own). When I cook it has to be simple & quick. I also include a couple ‘any’ days into the month which is either find something on your own or order something plus we might have a day that’s just freezer food. It’s a process but I’m trying.

[@maryt4603]

Be nice for summer instead of running the oven. Love this.

[@sharonlynn3358]

Talk about inspirational! I saw this and jumped out of bed to start the soup! Thank you!!

[@bennythebeast2994]

This single dad is taking the Mindy Mom Challenge. Whole chicken in the crockpot right now.

[@laceybanter5937]

How did it go?

[@bennythebeast2994]

@@laceybanter5937 It went well! I survived off of $15 for the week. That is a victory. I've been doing a lot more cooking lately... saving $ and eating healthier for sure. thx

[@laceybanter5937]

@@bennythebeast2994 good to hear. It's always cheaper and healthier to eat at home. Best of luck!

[@jenniferlorence1950]

@@bennythebeast2994 ; I am So Glad for you and the kids, Yes, you are probably eating a Lot Better now.

[@happycook6737]

I also like the cookbook from Dining on A Dime. She has sales and it can be an ebook. Her recipes are a hit at my house. I also like Mindy's mom channel too.

[@hollygrimes283]

I think these videos are a great resource for a family who may be struggling! I know we’ve stretched a whole chicken pretty darn far when we’ve had to in the past! So many great ideas here! Great job, Mindy!

[@SeeMindyMom]

Thank you so much, Holly, I really appreciate that! I try to think really hard with these challenges about how to make tasty meals that are also "outside the box" where budget cooking is concerned!

[@lisaleblanc9251]

I would’ve never ever thought to use the vegetable cut off’s for the broth. Never! That is genius. I am the grocery purchaser for the house. And I spend 1000+ a month easy! And I am about to take a pay cut to keep my mental sanity in a new job, and these little hacks will really really help me! I appreciate them. :)

[@ashleyashleyashleyyyy]

You can store bits in the freezer until you want to make a batch

[@danieldennison40]

All 3 were delicious! Hubby’s rankings: #1: chicken stroganoff #2 chicken noodle soup #3 Thanksgiving in a bowl!!

[@SeeMindyMom]

From the "expert", ya'll! Thanks, babe!

[@pancakespandemonium]

Chicken stroganoff!! 🤯 Brilliant!

[@yvonnepalmquist8676]

You're sweet and appreciative, Daniel. I suspect if it took Mindy well over a decade to discover you don't care for peas, that you are not much of a complainer.

[@melindabanning4497]

These all look so good. I grew up in Oklahoma. I am an Ironhead...

[@thepioneerhomestead]

May I ask where you got your turquoise Dutch oven and the brand? 💗 We have many friends in Oklahoma 😉 thank you for this and blessings!💗

[@TaraannBudgetsandSelf-Care]

I live in NJ which is a very high cost of living. And I could make these meals for about only $1 more than you paid. It is definitely doable. Coupons and sales help even out the higher costs. Love these videos!!!

[@SeeMindyMom]

Thanks, Tara!

[@cnb1243]

Hey Tara I live in New Jersey as well (the shore area) and it is ridiculously expensive here, so much so I will probably be leaving to go south in two months. I came looking for meals that will be inexpensive and tasty for my family and I while I save money.

[@kdkay4039]

I love that your showing how to use every part of all your ingredients. That to me is cost savings no matter where you are! I make my own bone broths as well and I can then for my shelves. It’s always worth the extra effort to me!

[@anakelly76512]

I have an Instant Pot. It can make broth in 40 minutes. Fresh or frozen chicken wings in 12 minutes.

[@FlipFlopRobot]

When I worked full time I would throw a chicken in my crock pot weekly. Just having that base let me make all sorts of bowls and pastas. I’m going to try your “thanksgiving” casserole. I LOVE stuffing.

[@SeeMindyMom]

Yes, that's a great convenience thing to have done ahead of time for easy meals throughout the week. Good idea!

[@greeneyedredhead61]

I'm going to try it too but I will use regular stuffing instead of cornbread stuffing.

[@mandlerparr1]

I usually use the 10 lb bags of chicken to do these type of meals. You don't get any white meat, but it is even cheaper per pound.

[@jennifersummerlot3819]

I love making my own broth. I keep a storage bag in my freezer where we keep vegetable peelings. When it’s full, I make broth. It’s a lot easier then most people think.

[@SeeMindyMom]

I used to do that. I need to get back in that habit.

[@allisonhartley6712]

Me too. You definitely don’t need the broth base to make stock with bones.

[@annamida685]

L❤ve it!!

[@deirdremartin5475]

I do the same thing. I roast the veggies first to give them a nice flavor. So delicious and easy to do! I hate to throw away anything.

[@OrlaQuirk]

I've noticed that even if I only have a little bit of homemade broth to add to something, and have to add bullion powder and water to make the amount of broth I need, that little cup or so of real, homemade broth changes the taste of the whole dish by adding its special goodness to the entire pot . Well worth saving. I love to open the freezer when I am throwing something together, and see a little cup marked "chik broth."

[@jobo8143]

There is a lady on youtube who is a yummly chef, she lives in NYC and spends 25 dollars a week for 2 ppl on dinners. It can be done everywhere!!

[@cylversprings]

I swear I make a version of Thanksgiving in a bowl. It is a take on a stuffed chicken breast recipe my mom created.. I gave the recipe to another Budget KZbinr. I don't do the vegetables in the bottom, but you just one upped my recipe. Thank you so much 💓!!!

[@amberfrombama]

You seem like your such a good example of what a good mom is. Your kids are gonna have amazing memories growing up of their mom making cost efficient meals for the whole family! ❤️

[@micahsmom1883]

I love how you make eating fit a budget and healthy. I cook most things from scratch and purpose leftovers to make into different things each night so that I am not doing it from scratch each night and with the goal of throwing nothing away. You have some great ideas that I have been able to use.

[@SeeMindyMom]

That’s a good strategy!

[@christinehoffman1825]

So cool! I’m not a natural cook. I never would have thought of cooking a whole chicken! Thank you for all the ideas 😃.

[@SeeMindyMom]

So glad it was helpful, Christine! My Nana used to say, "if you can read, you can cook!" I"m not sure that's entirely true, but I have just learned to do things by reading, perusing pinterest, and watching my friends and family!

[@cmcmahon8551]

I live alone, but I love baking a whole chicken, every month or two. I eat chicken as an entree 2-3 meals, chicken salad for sandwiches, chicken quesadillas (yum), and then chicken soup, using the carcass meat and whatever left over chicken I have left. Soup can be like 4-6 bowls for a single person. So that's a total of about 10 meals from one chicken! So yummy, healthy and economical!

[@amiegamble1678]

I remember that people learn by doing. It will take multiple times. Just think of that when you wonder if you'll ever be as good as someone. (Like grandma) It didn't happen overnight.😊

[@thecozycosm]

These all looked really tasty. You could take the same ingredients from the last meal, mix them in a casserole dish, top with some Parmesan and bake up a casserole too 😋

[@RachelB.BookReferences]

I've never thought to puree the veggies from stock to use them in soup - nice! And yeah, I always roll my eyes at the people who have to point out that they "could never get things at x price where *they* live." :)

[@edlane1883]

I’m a single guy here, on a very tight budget. I think and cook like you and am looking forward to trying all these recipes. I also buy the “mark down” meats when available and freeze them to save a few dollars. I grown some of my own veggies in pots (mostly greens and squash) to save more money.

[@purpledragondc7532]

Your ideas are awesome. Don’t stress on people complaining or counting price. It’s a generalized recipes to help families make healthy homemade low cost meal. Awesome video!!! ✨✨✨✨✨

[@marthadelvalle2397]

I never thought of blending the left over veggies from the stock. What a great idea! I hate waste and would always toss the the veggies just a side note I live in California (very high cost of living) I check the weekly adds and get good deals and could totally do these $10 meal. By the way i only buy what’s on the ad now thanks to one of your videos lol. It takes some work but I’m on a fixed income so if I want to eat tasty food I need to work at it. Have a blessed day and thank you for another great video

[@SeeMindyMom]

Martha, thanks for letting me know that! Yes, shopping the sales is really helpful, and "stocking up" on things we use often when the price hits rock bottom. It takes a while to build a pantry that way, but in the long run, it can save lots of money in my opinion.

[@loreneharrell2716]

I’ve now watched 3 of your videos and I’m in love with all of tips tips and recipes, the one thing I’ve learned from this particular video is how to make the cream of chicken soup, it looked delicious by itself! Thanks for sharing!! 😊

[@mrswhite645]

That soup looked delicious! It is warm today but, I really started to crave that comforting soup after watching this.

[@SeeMindyMom]

It was!

[@vickiescholl9453]

I love how you put together such simple meals that taste so amazing. Thank you

[@GreenGeeky]

I absolutely love Aldi. I can always spread $15 so far in there. They’ve raised they’re prices a little since you’ve made this but they are STILL better than Walmart when it comes to pricing. They’re brand taste good too!

[@feliciasaldana206]

I really believe that in today’s world this type of cooking is a true talent! Thanks for sharing.

[@ehzarrastatter6087]

I always struggle with coming up with dinner recipes that’s on budget so this was really helpful. Looking forward to trying all of these.

[@steppy3736]

The puree gives the soup such a nice color! I'm going to do this next time I make soup. Thanks for the idea!

[@theveganhomeeconomist1189]

This looks great. I think I am going to do a vegan version of this with tofu and mushroom on my channel!! Thanks for the inspiration

[@SeeMindyMom]

Go for it!

[@brittanybudgets3895]

I love that your meals are still flavorful and delicious while being super budget friendly

[@SeeMindyMom]

Thank you!

[@deannetemple6937]

Love how much you stretch simple ingredients...im a single mom all the way in BC, Canada. I cook very similarly to you in your vids and i honestly geek out when a new one is posted 😂. Also: thankyou for addressing the negativity and as always, being kind and classy.

[@SeeMindyMom]

Thanks so much, Deanne! I appreciate that! Blessings to you and yours!

[@sarahfuller5482]

I’m from Kamloops, BC and I literally just said to my boyfriend, “wow, it’s so amazing how she stretches her ingredients.” Unlike you, I haven’t the faintest clue how to cook like this but I want to start.

[@jenniferlorence1950]

My God 3 Meals for 3 with $10 Deliciously Affordable, and the Food looks Delicious.!!!

[@dianaperez6369]

Everything looked so good but the chicken noodle soup was calling me! 😋

[@grannygoes7882]

I love cooking like this! There are only two of left at home now and I've never been able to adjust my cooking from a family of 6 to us 2 so I give food away. I have several friends that have a lot of gifts but cooking isn't one of them. I surprise them with dinner all the time and it cheers us both up!

[@kimjones8388]

love the ideas that you and julie pacheco have given on a very tight budget. I normally spend about a $150 a week and that includes paper, bathroom, and cleaning supplies. I spent $80 this week. Excited for making my own cream of chicken soup

[@rowddyone3570]

you can never make every one happy, I appreciate you, keep doing what you are doing :)

[@jennherscap136]

Thank you! You did inspire me to try and do $3 meals. I buy a lot of cream of chicken soup for recipes but I am now going to try and make my own. Great video

[@ganstagranny312]

This is so helpful for people on a budget. Especially seniors! 3 meals from one 🐔 chicken. Amazing 👏

[@alishajennings2013]

That first dish does look like Thanksgiving in a bowl. It looks delicious.

[@thisorthat7626]

Bonus points for using the onion skins!! They are SO beneficial for us. Like spices, onion skins contain a lot of healthy flavonoids and micronutrients. Often we throw out parts of our food that are actually healthy because they taste sour or bitter. Eat the white part of watermelon rinds. Eat onion skins. Eat the white pith of citrus. They are extremely healthy. Blessings.

[@katiecrawford1790]

Our little family likes rotisserie chickens from Costco but we sometimes struggle to eat the whole thing before it goes bad. The soup was such a life saver!

[@malkay05]

Sometimes when I wanna use up the rotisserie chicken & not waste it -- I take a can of grands biscuits . Roll them out flat & put them in a muffin tin : making them kinda like a bowl . I mix the leftover chicken with bbq sauce or teriyaki . Put it in the biscuits cup & top with cheese . Bake for 10-20 min . Always a hit in my house 😀

[@jilliancarr2270]

@Katie Crawford You can also take the meat off the bones and freeze both. Chicken meat defrosts wonderfully, and also make chicken stock as and when it’s convenient for you.

[@kathykaplan497]

I always freeze the chicken I haven't eaten after 2 days. It tastes just as good when thawed.

[@danp7463]

I love my Crock-Pots. The idea of the food cooking while I'm at work is amazing.

[@TeawithTrishy]

Recently found your channel. Love your meal plan ideas. This video brought back memories of raising my babies while on welfare. At Thanksgiving I always saved the carcus from whomever was tossing it in the trash and made turkey and rice soup. We'd have meals for a month. That was 30 years ago. No longer have to struggle to feed my family. The funny thing is...my kids remember the good ole days and request my turkey rice soup to this day. Thank you for the inspiration and ideas. This may be a way for me to retire early by saving $.

[@cindyclark9534]

Wonderful video. I'm 74 and a widow, but I could make all of these and freeze half of each meal for a later date. Thank you for sharing this.

[@melsa0309]

Great content!! I could see you on a cooking show that only gives leftovers for ingredients and you winning the show! 😁 Your so resourceful and create such yummy meals. 🍲

[@SeeMindyMom]

haha! I'd prefer to stay in my own little corner of the internet, but I appreciate your confidence in me. I think there is a show on netflix right now with that premise. My daughter and I watched a couple episodes!

[@jillgott6567]

I love these challenges as they encourage me to be creative with what I have

[@SeeMindyMom]

What's your go-to economical family meal? These meals turned out fantastic for us! If I hadn't done the shopping myself, I don't think I would have guessed they only cost 3 bucks and some change!

[@corinnec.1918]

Fried rice and stir fry spaghetti is my go to do quick dinner. If I see lots of little leftovers (2-3 )containers in my frig ( veggies, meats,) , I used up all this in a fried rice or stir fry spaghetti (or any shaped pasta). Also, if I see the lettuce or any green veggie wilting, I’ll freeze it, then sink these green veggies into split pea soup & use hand-blender to purée the veggies into soup(green on green blending works!). Lettuces don’t work too well in fried rice or stir fry pasta

[@yvonnepalmquist8676]

@@corinnec.1918 I never thought to freeze lettuce. I imagine a puree is it's only use once frozen?

[@andreasidlar7942]

Veggie taco salad bowls with a small amount of beef for my husband and 7yo and refried beans for me and my 9yo

[@Lisawhatshersname]

@@corinnec.1918 really? I've never tried cooked lettuce and our refrigerator tends to freeze greens, this could come in really handy. So, in a soup?

[@corinnec.1918]

@@Lisawhatshersname save the leftover greens for a split pea soup; green on green & blend greens first in blender/ food processor or w/ hand blender. You’re adding vitamins, fiber & anti-oxidants to the pea soup. Greens can be so expensive depending on season. I always buy romaine lettuce in bulk but after 2-3 days of salad, we all get tired of it and it starts to wilt and turn brown, so toss them ( chop it up first for easier freezing) in freezer for another meal😀

[@deborahtaylor8972]

My granny and mom taught me to use what I have, my granny has been gone over 30 years and I still use the things she taught me. Thank you for sharing.

[@britmturner843]

We always cook the noodles separate from our soup to keep them from continuing to cook in the broth and get mushy. Store a container of cooked fresh noodles in the fridge and this way each person can add as much or as little as they want. Your soup looked great!

[@cathleensmith4717]

All these meals look "Yummcious". I just invented this word😉. I'll bet God smiles when you walk in a kitchen! Thanks for sooo much inspiration.

[@postalrican1]

You’re so amazing. I love all your videos. Love how real and humble you are. Watching you feels so real. God bless you and your family.

[@allisonbroome7348]

Great job!! Homemade broth makes alllll the difference !!

[@matticus6339]

This is excellent. Great job. Using everything for a purpose so nothing is waste.

[@auntyasil]

That strog looked pretty good. Definitely going to try that one

[@audrey9561]

I’ve never thought to use a crock pot to cook a whole chicken. What a great idea. Also smart to purée the leftover veggies for the soup! What a creative mama :)

[@traceycosta9196]

Hi, from Australia and stumbled across this video. You’re right about prices varying in different places and stores etc. This video however was so helpful to me in other ways so thankyou. I love the way you made use of every piece of food etc. sing this as I’d also love to make my own stock.

[@anica2822]

I like that you make your own broth and cream soup. Nice!

[@shirleylangton7967]

You cook the way I do, doing everything from scratch and using the bones. We need to go back to making casseroles, for more economy in food budgeting. Thank you for your great ideas!

[@deadmanfl8600]

I made the stroganoff and soup. Both were AMAZING! Not just budget friendly, but amazing homemade food. My husband loved them too. Thanks for sharing!

[@virginiacruz433]

Just found your videos, great presentation. Your meals look really good. I love that you address those that are going through heard times to go to food banks or church's for help. There is no shame in looking for help. When i see your videos i can feel your love for those in need. I pray that God will bless you and your family always stay safe. 🖒💖🙏

[@sondrajohnson2564]

I have bought whole chickens for years on end! Bake then, debone them, portion them out and freeze what I don't immediately cook.I can get 4 to 5 entres: ckn pot pie, ckn stew with biscuits, ckn enchiladas, ckn casserole.. goes on and on! One lb ham ($10-$14): scalloped potatoes and ham, fried rice with ham, pot of beans with ham, etc. For years I budgeted $50 or less a week for ALL food, AND cleaning, soaps, paper products - everything. You MUST learn to cook! Make a grocery list and hit every store's sales. Make menus from that, and stick to them! You don't buy frozen meals, snacks, sodas. The learning curve is a challenge, but you can do it!

[@sharonsomers4949]

I like the ideas of having a “roast” to use leftovers to make new meals!

[@SeeMindyMom]

Me, too! I actually did a video a while back using a pork roast, and I think I got 4-5 meals from it. So easy!

[@bethenecampbell6463]

My mom married a man who claimed he didn't eat leftovers. She never wasted food, but reasoned that if she made a completely different meal it wasn't leftovers. Pot roast on Sunday was transformed with canned tomatoes and a fresh round of potatoes into Italian beef stew on Tuesday. This became, as the pieces of beef grew smaller, a lovely hearty vegetable beef soup or sometimes "small stew" if cream of mushroom soup and the last of the gravy were added, by Friday. Served with fresh biscuits, of course. And any meal can be elevated by serving on the good dishes and/or with a glass of wine if you're so inclined! Never any complaints from "I don't eat leftovers"...

[@ericsgotlegs]

Yes! These videos are for inspiration not always literal interpretation! Get those gears spinning and apply the messages to your own experience

[@Sonja...]

The chicken noodle soup looks delicious

[@athsndwds9372]

I just found and am binge watching all of your videos and wanted to say YOU ARE AMAZING! 💛 I really appreciate how kind and thoughtful you are in sharing these creative recipes!

[@danijohnson1038]

Thank you for the chicken ideas! Please keep them coming. I'm taking my chicken out of the freezer now.

[@yvonnepalmquist8676]

I always forget how easy, affordable, flavorful and filling stuffing can be. It should be used for more than just holidays. Great reminder.

[@SeeMindyMom]

It really is!