Emergency Grocery Budget Meals | How to Make 9 Meals for $10 | Dollar Tree Dinners

Full cost breakdown and recipes:
1 dozen eggs $1.25
1 loaf of bread $1.25
Smoked sausage $1.25
Broccoli $1.25
Cheddar Broccoli Rice Side $1.25
Refried beans (or a can of chili) $1.25
Spanish rice side $1.25
Flour Tortillas $1.25
Total cost $10
Optional hot sauce $1.25
Omelette breakfast sandwich:
Scramble 3 eggs with a splash of water, salt and pepper to taste. Oil a skillet lightly and preheat on medium low. Pour in eggs and add 2 slices of bread on top. Flip bread so it’s coated in egg on both sides. Cover and Cook on medium low until eggs are set. Flip entire thing at once, fold over extra eggs onto bread slices and then fold bread onto itself to make a sandwich. Toast on both sides until golden brown.
A testimony of how good these were despite their simplicity: Michael came upstairs after I had finished cooking and said “what is that? That looks so good” I told him and omelette sandwich and he immediately devoured one with ketchup.
Smoked sausage cheddar broccoli rice
Dice sausage and chop broccoli into small pieces. Season with black pepper to taste and sautee both in skillet with oil on medium to medium high until browned. Add in 2 cups of water and cheddar broccoli rice. Bring to a boil then cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Makes 3 portions, can be served with bread.
Bean and rice burritos
In skillet fry Spanish rice for 3 to 5 minutes until fragrant. Add 2 cups of water, Bring to a boil then cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Once done stir in refried beans and split between 12 tortillas. Prepared burritos can be microwaved, fried, or grilled. I recommend serving with hot sauce or salsa if possible.

[@laurenzieger9617]

I love your dedication to being thoughtful and realistic. I never think you’re doing something for views- you display genuineness and intentionality all the time. Thank you for being wonderful ❤

[@DollarTreeDinners]

Thank you so much 🥰 that means so much! This isn’t a job for me, it’s real life, and I just want to make a difference, I always have.

[@laurenzieger9617]

@@DollarTreeDinners that comes through! I recall a video when you had to change up your store ingredients bc you only had a lunch break to shop and traffic prohibited you from getting to dollar tree. Your honesty and transparency of your situation and how your options are limited by what's available in your area helped me recognize how helpful your content is. My dollar tree is limited for food as I live in a highly populated area with many grocery store options, but I don't take that for granted. Food desserts exist and need to be addressed and the content you produce is so helpful!

[@bridgetmarden7224]

Agreed!!!!!❤

[@ritsutainaka8156]

Literally the sweetest comment I’ve read 😢

[@DB-xo6xh]

@@ritsutainaka8156isn’t it so sweet and heartfelt?? 😢

[@NoMoreTears64]

I tried the smoked sausage with broccoli and the knorr sides. I cooked it as you did and it was AWESOME. I did sprinkle a bit of real cheese in it once it was done and added a bit of minced onion. I am a senior working on portion control for myself so it was helpful for me to see you make 3 meals out of it. I did the same and paired it with a can of fruit also divided 3 ways. It was a very affordable and filling meal! Thank you. I LOVE your channel! You are so accommodating for all of us.😊

[@amyshort5625]

That is one of my middle’s favorite meals. He’s my picky eater and he will always eat that

[@dariankanagy]

I felt pretty hopeless with having to make all my kids school lunches this year, but this seriously calmed my nerves! We wouldn't have afforded it all without these ideas. Thank you! 🙏 ❤

[@kaelynnmartin6521]

You’re so great at combining the limited ingredients and coming up with a meal. Congratulations

[@DollarTreeDinners]

I appreciate that!

[@allyrooh3628]

It’s amazing how far $10 can go when you plan ahead! You sounded so genuinely excited when the omelette sandwich flipped right!🎉 we make those burritos all the time, like tonight

[@DollarTreeDinners]

I do love bean and rice burritos! So cheap and so simple

[@sharonbelfield7024]

Thank you for giving us great ideas about meals.

[@debbiedellheim9633]

This is great, I'm thinking with the boiled eggs could make 3 more meals and burritos 3 each could have 13, 14 meals could be between 4 and 6 days for like 12 dollars. That's great!!!

[@cleanfreak2005]

I love this ! I have seen other channels that say '**' meals for "$**". You know? And then they go to their well stocked pantry and bring out $30 worth of other items. And Also Not everyone has an air fryer.... For 9 years I had no stove. I cooked with an electric skillet, George Foreman grill, toaster, and microwave (all bought at the thrift store) !

[@kayladaniels9598]

I personally think that your meals are quite substantial and balanced. Keep up the good work. Thanks.

[@LC-pe9qd]

I watched a few of your videos the other day and picked recipes to try for a week. I spent $18 and got enough for meals and snacks! I really appreciate how you present information about different people's situations and budgets. Thank you for what you do!

[@Ace-1525]

Love skillet meals! Our power is really finicky up in the mountains, so sometimes the only thing I have to cook with is our old iron skillet on a makeshift campfire. Can't thank you enough for doing all of these; you're saving lives.

[@TheLippyMom]

This video was perfect for me! I work 12 hour shifts with access to a full kitchen. It just feels so achievable. Thank you

[@soleinquadrata]

Your videos have inspired me to do more of my grocery shopping at my 99 Cent Store (I have more of these in my area than Dollar Tree), and I’m enjoying the experience ❤ Not only can I spend less on groceries overall, I can get creative with the ingredients I find 😂 Thank you!

[@cyndajo]

Oh my goodness! That amount of food would feed me for a week. You are really good at planning and executing a tight budget for maximum meals. I’m impressed! Great video!

[@ad6417]

"Color is free flavor"... spoken like a French chef!

[@cosmicjosie]

Your channel has been a god send ever since prices went up and times have been tough for me financially, thank you! ❤

[@DollarTreeDinners]

Happy to help! ❤️ I love what I do and that it helps people who need it

[@nancycarney]

Since I can only eat 2 burritos a day, that is 6 meals + 3 sausage broccoli +2 breakfast sandwiches + egg salad for 3 more sandwiches. WOW! 15 meals for me at $11.25 because I love Louisiana hot sauce. Well done. This is so doable in a tight budget.

[@becky9194]

I love that your goal is that nobody goes hungry! Your compassion shines through 🥰

[@amyjo7105]

I appreciate that you do skillet meals, I do not have an oven in my studio apartment so anytime I can just find single burner top options I'm happy! Also being on a budget recipes like this are very helpful so THANK YOU!

[@jerrieanderson2245]

Another great set of meals. Having the base for these meals with Kurt a little extra money you could add cheese to the egg sandwiches or the burritos. The single size spam could be diced up and sprinkled on the sandwiches. Add a three pack of fruit (I love the dice mangoes I get at my dollar tree) could be a sweet after the burritos. Thank you for your kindness in presenting these meals.

[@gaylenewood7707]

The way she cut that sausage I'm sure her hubby is listening to her..

[@lstj2979]

My mother made spam patties using eggs and flour and pepper which she pan fried. So delicious and no spam flavor!

[@LisaRamirez-cc7kw]

@@gaylenewood7707why do you say that?

[@lstj2979]

One of my favorite meals is brown ground beef and add a can of pork and beans. The transformation is remarkable and delicious. Easy $2 meal for 2-3.

[@hbennett5640]

Awesome...can add a can of white butter beans, so pretty and stretches the meal❤

[@bethk.3340]

thank you so much, you really made my day today. my house flooded today (not ruined or anything, but my entire dining room was soaked with over an inch of standing water) and i've just been so depressed and sad today. your video really brightened my mood and gave me a smile. thank you.

[@irishollingsworth6535]

Hope all gets better soon😊

[@Anne-ly1fv]

I hope everything gets back to normal for you! 😊

[@jasminesjourney9318]

Was thinking if you had a couple of dollars more (IF) adding cheese to the burritos and egg sandwiches I think would give so much flavor! And maybe peanut butter and jelly for those sandwiches if you already had that in the pantry. XD Great meal ideas! I love your channel! This would’ve been a $5 meal each for my boyfriend and I for a day!

[@stac1126]

Thank you! I hate when people say eat for $1.25/day and then they buy $50 of groceries. I'd like to have a set dollar amount to go to the store to buy everything I need to get by for a few days or a week

[@ksacosta69]

You have quickly become one of my favorite you tubers! I love your personality and creativity!

[@RandallHallKaizenReiki]

I love all the different ideas I get from these videos. I am not on a tight budget, but I don't like complicated recipes. So, thank you for these videos.

[@christineceriani4082]

The sausage will give the broccoli such great flavor!! Chopping the broccoli small is key! Really enjoying these videos!

[@LUVCHUNKS71]

I've made a few of your meals the canned stew with biscuit mix on top was so good...I get excited whenever I flip over an omelet or pancake perfectly...lol

[@ahennigh84]

Ranch is my all purpose condiments! Yum! 😋

[@dramabelle1]

These videos always get my brain working in the best way possible! Really appreciate how creative you get- these are so much better than the basic “beans and rice for every meal” recommendations you see in other budget cooking videos. Can’t wait to try everything!

[@bethanywiththenextchapter3046]

I don’t know if you’ll see this but every time I watch your channel I think of a recipe that is perfect for Dollar Tree ingredients! Cheddar Broccoli Soup: 1 can cream of chicken + 1 can water 8oz frozen broccoli pieces, lightly chopped 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Combine soup and water Add broccoli and heat through until broccoli is cooked Turn off heat and stir in shredded cheddar until melted. That’s it!

[@DollarTreeDinners]

Sounds delish! There is also a very interesting recipe for broccoli soup on the back of the country gravy packets I use but your version sounds much more reasonable! Thanks for sharing!

[@susanprice3454]

These all turned out good. Instead of the hot sauce I would want a little extra cheese. Thanks again for showing folks that you can eat cheap and still eat good.

[@j4d7s8]

Dozen eggs are back in stock near me too! Who hoo❤

[@melanieroberts2221]

2eggs for Egg Salad

[@brightspacebabe]

I love to make a “bag of frozen burritos.” I make the burritos like you did and wrap in foil, then put the finished burritos in the bag the tortillas came in the freezer. You can put one or more in the fridge the night before to take to work school or to have for lunch the next day. Also love that these are so versatile and last in the freezer. And the flavored rice is so yummy. If I have the budget for cheese that is good in it too. So much cheaper than buying ready made frozen burritos

[@1bwash]

I just love watching your videos, you're so resourceful and creative. You're so right about condiments too, definitely either invest in them or be strategic about saving little packets that come with takeout or are available at like the deli or whatever. Makes a big difference if you're meal prepping to feel like you're having variety.

[@shlf2615]

For anyome needing a lower fat meal... Many veggies and meats can be "water sauteed". No oil needed - just use a bit of water in the bottom of a non-stick skillet. You can add a bit more waterand keep stirring until your food is properly cooked. Meat will brown this way and veggies will caramelize from the naturally occurring sugars in them.

[@hbennett5640]

Awesome information, thanks❤

[@shlf2615]

@@hbennett5640 You're welcome!

[@NoMoreTears64]

I absolutely LOVE how you create meals out of dollar store items! You are so down to earth and relatable to so many different situations. I just subbed and also shared your channel with my son. Great ideas for people on tight budgets, but also love how you share ways people can Jaz them up with a couple extra dollars.

[@carlyweggeland3385]

You are so awesome!! I hope I’m never in a place to need ALL of these tips and tricks to stretch a budget, but I so much appreciate the thought you put into it and hope that it helps people who also need it! Cooking on a budget is hard enough, but you make it seem super easy and accessible, no matter what circumstances you’re in! This could even be great for budget camping!

[@carriesummers6949]

I Have always been curious about D.T. meals..watching your videos are making me really wanting to make some!! The broccoli sausage skillet looks AMAZING! Please keep making these videos.. because i am sure you inspire SO many people who do not have a lot of money. Just LOVE your videos!!!

[@HeyitsDee]

As a new subscriber and fan, your videos inspired me to check out 2 Dollar Tree Stores near me today for the first time. I can't thank you enough: what a fun and economical place to shop! Have a great night!

[@DollarTreeDinners]

Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it! 🥰

[@ShelleyKimmel]

I really appreciate this because I recently became an empty nester and am having to learn to cook for one or two versus 4 to 5! Thank you for all the great ideas! I LOVE the omelet sandwiches! I'll eat one of those with some steamed broccoli and smoked sausage in them!! I'll make fried rice with them...LOTS of things to do!❤

[@BIGMANbrokmills]

Finding this channel, when I most need it. Trying to figure out how to budget with pennies. Have a week until payday and I'm almost out of everything. Thank you, from a single guy, feeling the struggle of being hungry

[@olliecat8590]

I just stumbled on this channel. I wish I had found it a few years back. My husband is skilled trade, I've been a stay home Mom. Our finances have always been tight. We made a bad deal to buy a "fixer upper", only the previous people did all kinds of work on it, with no permits. Long story short, we had to tare down the house. We were in an rv till we got the house done. (Hubby, me, our 3 teenage children). We planned on a month, maybe 2. (Ended up 2 years)The stove didnt work. I had a new wave burner and a crock pot. The new wave is induction. Had to have special pans. I found 1 at the thrift store for $5. (Was $100 pan original, looked like they made something greasy, and didnt want to clean the sticky gummy grease off, I did,) but that left me with 1 good sized pan I could cook with, or my crock pot . We had a dollar tree at the end of our block, and I was there everyday. Money was super tight only having 1 income It was better for a bit, I'm concerned with gas reaching $4 a gallon, I may need these ideas before long. I totally appreciate this channel. Even if you can get "better" there's some really good ideas. I like to make to freeze. Or make ahead. Sometimes now that my kids are more on their own, I dont need a big 5 person meal. (we live together share bills, but pretty much they feed themselves, by choice). Ive been leaving my likes, subbed, and when I think of it, I try to comment to help the algorithm. Sometimes I ramble. Haha like here. 👍 👍 👍

[@rachelm1812]

We use to do frozen burritos with canned chili and cheese over them. Comfort food. Great memories of when we were first married and lived in a tight budget.

[@lovetolaugh1956]

Excellent job of stretching money by creating filling foods. Meal prepping is how I save a lot of money

[@amaizeingndn]

You do such a great job of walking through your thinking for each item and recipe, it’s super helpful.

[@amandabrown4764]

You've been inspiring me to grocery shop on a budget. Since I started watching your videos I've been meal prepping breakfast and doing more dollar tree grocery shopping. You definitely make me think of ways to expand my options.

[@ikeikerson7329]

Always enjoy your content. The sausage and rice skillet had me grabbing a bowl . Keep the content coming I'll keep watching you rock!

[@DeterminedDIYer]

I always put bread in my toaster oven with butter or oil or a combination of the two and some garlic powder and dried basil and or oregano and make my own garlic toast :)

[@susanrobinson408]

As always, your videos show a lot of caring for those whose budget is minimal. Great ideas, tasty food, and easy prep. Thank you!

[@ellecee453]

One can pick up little packets of hot sauce and ketchup, sometimes jam or jelly at fast food restaurants. If you know someone is on a budget and cannot afford to buy condiments, you could collect a few each time you visit and then give them away. I used to watch a KZbin channel of a man who basically lived off foraged food and he said that workers at some places were gracious enough to say yes when he came in and asked for a few packets. He got packets of sugar, salt and pepper, hot sauce, coffee creamer, etc.

[@randy_aubergine]

Another great video! I will work these ideas into my weekly meal plan this upcoming week.

[@rosemariemichel7050]

Very helpful 😃 I am a single,so lots of meals.

[@debimorsette1685]

Excellent picks and menu. I think there is so much food that you could feed two people for 3 days. Great job! Debi in Vicksburg, MS. 🥰🥰

[@andronicase]

Love your creativity! You give me so many practical ideas for meals. Fast, easy and cheap. What’s not to love? Thankfully, I am able to add a few things to these recipes to dress them up, but if I couldn’t, they would still be great and healthy.

[@wendoxia]

That egg sandwich would also be delicious with maybe a little brown sugar or jam! Great recipe!

[@ragegage1221]

dude this is my fav channel ive found in years! Thank you for being real! And not using 10 other things that are from a different store! great work!

[@symplybeingme]

Your videos are so inspiring and clear and to the point. Thank for sharing 😊

[@kayleneehincks263]

Mustard is my favorite condiment and I've been mocked for it on egg sandwiches, so I totally relate🫶

[@DollarTreeDinners]

Mustard is so good on an egg sandwich! Michael always thinks I’m weird for it lol

[@lillypatience]

I’ve been to Dollar Tree exactly one time. My local one had poor fluorescent lighting, I felt like I was in a garage, and one cashier for a long line of folks. I know not all Dollar Trees are like that, but the closest one to me is. I appreciate this channel for the tips. 😊

[@DollarTreeDinners]

I hope it helps! I know they are all so vastly different

[@kathleendonnelly6077]

Wow - making the omelette sandwich was like a magic trick! Love how you flipped it.

[@brenharwood7736]

Great ideas! I save my bacon grease and cook those refried beans in it. Takes them over the top fpr sure.

[@bridgetharrison103]

I haven't watched anything but your intro and it touched my heart. Many people don't realize how economically depressed some areas are and so they are functioning with minimal options some are living in a motel and your recipies just require a hot plate and skillet to cook with and using Dollar tree as a place to food shop. This is a God send. Thank you for thinking about everyone situation in life.

[@georgedankworth1139]

My mom taught me to cook ❤❤ just like you are doing it for us Thankfully you are doing very important work for all of us keep up what you’re doing.😊😊 George ( Ira )

[@elainenicholls7648]

Well done!!! As always watching from Ontario Canada 🇨🇦

[@karlakaroff6103]

Tried those dollar store eggrolls that you used in the past they were super delicious

[@gabbythecabby8841]

Wow! Love your thoughtfulness, and your intelligence, and your energy level and all of your videos... but ironically I found something else to admire about you...... and your KZbin channel... I love your "tummy tats"!!!!!!!

[@Angel43920]

Thank you ever so much for your delighful recipes . Blessings 🙏💞

[@missyk286]

I love the way you do these videos!!

[@pattimiller9157]

Good info thanks

[@annmacaluso4168]

Great video! Definitely will try these meals

[@lydia5684]

Definetly doing the sausage brocolli rice. Did something similiar a long time ago.

[@janeprepper177]

I'm totally digging the "omelet" sandwich, I would have never thought of that. All meals are tasty looking 😊

[@SD-ki4fe]

This was fantastic. These ideas have everything my husband likes and would be a solid weeks worth of breakfast and lunch for both of us -- for far less than what we often pay picking up just one lunch each on our way to work. And all prepared using one skillet! Thank you!

[@teresatrigiani7838]

I totally respect what you are doing and how useful it is to many people. For me, I can filter out what I would never use but still gain ideas for fast cheap and easy.

[@momof2momof2]

Wonderful choices !! Great video as always , well done !! 🥰💐🌹🪷🌼💗💖

[@bridgetmarden7224]

❤ you always have such great ideas. I cannot thank you enough for your channel

[@megzasmr]

this is a great video, thanks for the ideas!!

[@katherinehorton664]

Perfect

[@arloahauan5822]

Mustard on any type of bread is awesome!😊

[@hello-vs4me]

Great video thanks ❤😊

[@Anne-ly1fv]

I absolutely love your videos!

[@kellyharris4639]

That all looked great!

[@patvance6205]

Thanks for another amazing video!

[@MrsKrikit]

I came looking for lunch prep ideas but feel like I need to recreate this entire video. It all sounds great

[@nicolette6327]

Thanks for another great video. I love all these budget meal ideas. 😊

[@sallygordin2869]

Great ideas. Tfs. Have a blessed day 😊

[@kdramsey965]

You are the best. So thoughtful and kind

[@christineheege7943]

Can you do a version of Chinese with soup. Egg drop soup or won ton

[@marylooksfineonadime]

Such an amazing combo of meals and great use of $10!!

[@barbaramatthews7900]

everything looks so good

[@SusanP674]

Thank you for doing these videos, I have made some of the meals and appreciate you sharing these ideas!

[@paulaflatt2936]

Wonderful ideas. Thank you. I love your channel. You obviously put a lot of thought into this video

[@jmfranklin]

And if you have a little bit in your pantry, like some shredded cheese to add to the egg omelet sandwiches, and to the smoked sausage cheesy broccoli rice dish, and a can of tomatoes to cook with the spanish rice for the burritos. Great video, Rebecca!!!

[@teresagalaz1364]

Thank you for your help on budgeting. I love this suggestion of meals. I'm very excited to shop at dollar tree and make these meals. These meals are great. I can double my days with your meal plan.

[@MiddleEastMilli]

These visuals with the end result are always very helpful. Thank you! :)

[@debbiewilson2247]

Great recipes & easy & affordable!!! Very budget savvy!! I just love what you do with dollar tree ingredients!!! Thanks & have a great week!!!

[@heatherprice6106]

Awesome video. Thanks for the ideas

[@rudysittig2343]

Just love this video, please do more one skillet dollar tree meals and thanks.

[@normitaluvsmama]

I love these videos. You're awesome with these ideas!!

[@bonniepalmatier4664]

Yes! This is helpful. Thank you!

[@DollarTreeDinners]

Glad it was helpful! 🥰