FAMILY FAVORITE BUDGET FRIENDLY MEALS | FRUGAL FIT MOM

[@paulaglogowski6544]

Hey everyone, I pre cook my dried beans in the instant pot and then I freeze them to be about can size. Then just defrost and add to recipes instead of canned beans. I totally control the sodium that way too.

[@crazycatlady7866]

Thanks 😊

[@lizmorrison1624]

I do the same 👌

[@shirleypaslay2019]

I can beans in pints and quarts. All ready for use and it’s so freakin easy too

[@hollyphillips-cardwell9823]

I do the same.

[@Sandy-eq4bw]

What do you put in your beans when you cook them?

[@cookshackcuisinista]

For those of us who like to cook, isn't it funny how a new pot or knife or kitchen utensil can just send us to heaven in terms of happiness!

[@leapintothewild]

I finally bought a HUGE plastic cutting board that’s 1” thick at the local restaurant supply, and it’s just gonna sit out all the time!! Yesterday was able to cut up an entire watermelon on it without juggling all the sections! Freaking love kitchen stuff. 😁

[@cookshackcuisinista]

@@leapintothewild yes me too!!!!!!!!!

[@kimeverhart6253]

Yes, indeed!! 😎

[@AClark15]

My friends think I’m crazy for asking for that stuff for birthdays/Christmases.

[@cookshackcuisinista]

@@AClark15 it is my birthday on Tuesday and I have requested a non-stick frying pan with a lid that is oversized. I'm so happy my sister is getting it for me.

[@BizzayLady]

"And Ca-blue-eee, you're finished!" LOL You crack me up and I love your videos. They have helped me save a lot!

[@ciaravalenzuela2467]

I ran into kroger on Saturday and was happily surprised to find a ton of things reduced in the produce section! I literally had my arms full of stir fry veggie packs, bags of green beans and snow peas and guacamole! I got the strangest looks from fellow shoppers and felt nothing but pride!!

[@katiemueller4978]

This is basically the only way I shop! I always look for those stickers! Whatever is on sale is the veg we are having for the week!

[@momsgonefrugal2016]

That is the only way I really shop for groceries. I love getting fresh produce but it adds up so quickly unless you find it marked down

[@trudyj7977]

My Fred Meyer/ Kroger never has reduced produce!! (Spokane WA)

[@katiemueller4978]

@@trudyj7977 that's super disappointing! I have found that the best days to find the mark downs are Tues/Wed/Thurs if they exist.

[@trudyj7977]

@@katiemueller4978 thanks for the tip I’ll try to go then to see if I get lucky!

[@curlsonfire]

Processed cheese has its place! I think I read this from Serious Eats - processed cheese is designed to melt without breaking (which is when you see the oil separate from the cheese). That's why it works so well on a burger or in a nacho cheese dip. Cheese soup/sauce recipes that use real shredded cheese will often have you start with a roux/bechamel, or have you add the cheese right at the end off the heat, to slowly coax the cheese into melting without breaking. And those are definitely good options, but using processed cheese does make it easier/more foolproof. Don't knock it, it has its place!

[@MK_ULTRA420]

Also grilled cheese sandwiches for soup. I still draw the line at not using Velveeta.

[@73cidalia]

And processed cheese gets too much of a bad rap. The ingredients list is actually not terrible.

[@lindsey7409]

additional tip: we make our chili stretch by serving over rice :)

[@73cidalia]

Tip for the soup: set aside a can’s worth of the black beans and blend with some liquid or water or the broth before adding to the soup. Extra creamy! 😋

[@kinseyjohnson4341]

I haven't been able to watch any food videos for like 2 months since I just got through my first trimester of pregnancy. I missed your videos! Glad to be back. Thanks for your hard work

[@FrugalFitMom]

Welcome back!

[@amandaxx4914]

Congratulations on your 2nd trimester. I don't know you but I hope all is well.

[@kinseyjohnson4341]

@@FrugalFitMom thank you!

[@kinseyjohnson4341]

@@amandaxx4914 thanks 🙂

[@vlmellody51]

Congratulations on your pregnancy and your nascent ability to hold down food. I was queasy with heartburn for all 9 months! 😫 I hope the rest of your time goes well and that your labor is quick and easy. God bless you and yours.

[@mirandanichols458]

Just FYI, Walmart sells a Great Value version of Rotel too, simply called “diced tomatoes with green chiles”. Sold right next to the Rotel. Comes in both original and mild. I always keep it on hand, and you’d never know it wasn’t real Rotel!

[@mimijulene6307]

Aldi sells it too!

[@yvonnepalmquist8676]

When I was out of rotelle I did exactly what Christine did, only I used the whole can of the Green chiles. I enjoyed that flavor of the extra green chilies so much, this is how I do it always now. I even add a can to my yellow rice when I make it now

[@brookeporter2949]

This soup saved my family tonight got everyone’s stomachs nice and full and was delicious! Thanks so much for what you do 💕

[@katiemueller4978]

For any budget Asian noodle dishes, you can use ramen noodles they take on flavor well. They definitely aren't limited to soup.

[@yvonnepalmquist8676]

Thin spaghetti works nicely too. I like the idea of ramen even better.

[@ydoowj]

I use ramen and then save the packet to use as bouillon for something else.

[@yvonnepalmquist8676]

@@ydoowj we often do multiple packs of ramen but don't use all the seasoning packs. They're great for future use.

[@kendra-leerogers8625]

We make a cold sesame noodles and use thick spaghetti and the kids love it. 98 cents is much better than 3$!

[@chrismorrice7933]

Honestly I wish people in the UK had you for help. We have a cost of living crisis and an absence of sensible help on KZbin. Everything I see to try and help with grocery shopping just tells me to buy pasta and vegetables in Aldi or Lidl and doesn’t consider how hard it is to cater for a whole family who want nice things. You’re an angel. God bless 😊

[@thatswhatisaidCA]

I love cooking like this, this was so fun, thank you. It reminds me of my German grandmother who had to make meals during and after the war for a family of 6 for years, out of anything and everything she could find/buy/grow/trade. I always admired that, and it became a bit romanticized, I think, in my mind. I'm 58 now, and I get great satisfaction trying diff combinations of foods as simple as possible, ha. I really enjoyed your video, thank you! Hi from Vancouver BC Canada!

[@janeschmidt9611]

Thanks for this video, Christine! I’m looking forward to trying the potato and cheese soup. I thought of you yesterday when I was grocery shopping. My store had pork roasts on sale so Instead of $23.00, I paid $4.00 per roast. It was the end of the sell by date so I froze one and put the other in the slow cooker for pulled pork. I wasn’t planning on getting them but cannot not get them at that price! 🥰

[@Lizzy43645]

I grew up with my mom making a very similar potato soup. Basically imagine the same soup plus cream corn and hotdogs. Delicious. Especially when the soup was super hot and it was cold and rainy outside

[@yvonnepalmquist8676]

My mom’s is similar too. No cheese, she uses a mirepoix of onion, a few carrots and a stalk or two of celery. I sometimes add the chicken bouillon, but she just used salt. So simple, affordable and yummy. The evaporated milk makes a huge difference in richness and creaminess.I can literally make a pot that feeds my family for days on just a couple of dollars.

[@clareu9539]

@@yvonnepalmquist8676 I didn't know you could add evaporated milk to potato soup. It isn't really used in savoury dishes in the UK. Looking forward to giving it a try :)

[@yvonnepalmquist8676]

@@clareu9539 I rarely see it in savory recipes here, either. I was pleasantly surprised to see Christine use it, too. But its use can be found in savory recipes such as sauces and soups and things like macaroni and cheese, or mashed potatoes, in lieu of milk, half and half or heavy cream... heated recipes where other dairy may curdle, due to its higher heating point.

[@clareu9539]

@@yvonnepalmquist8676 I keep meaning to try it in Instant Pot Mac and Cheese.

[@dancingwithdad]

Random question, what do you do with all the food you make in one day for the videos? Do you freeze it?

[@saraalvey6175]

"You do what your mom says" YES!!

[@FrugalFitMom]

Exactly!

[@MyMaxKitty]

10:23 Yay, a Rogue cameo appearance!!!

[@piubha]

Spicy noodles are called chowmein or ho mein in India. It is a very popular street food in India. You can add chopped cabbage, green bell peppers and carrots. Add some vinegar for some tartness.

[@shanecarmen8144]

When do you add the vegetables

[@piubha]

@@shanecarmen8144 After heating oil in pan, saute the vegitables. Then add sauce, vinegar and noodles. Season as per taste.

[@channah64]

This potato soup is a gift to the WORLD. Thank you, Christine and Christine's mom! :)

[@jillgott6567]

I made Spaghetti Sauce, Cheeseburger Soup, and Flatbread Pizza using only 2 Bubba Burgers, various Cheeses, clearance Green & Red Peppers, clearance Tomatos, FREE Potatos, Onions plus regrown Green Onions. Oh and milk in the soup. You inspire creative and inexpensive meals

[@okiebrown6201]

What are bubba burgers? 🤷🏼‍♀️ Always looking for frugal meat ideas

[@jillgott6567]

@@okiebrown6201 it is a brand sells 100% beef or ground turkey burgers. Package of eight 1/4 pound burgers are usually $18.99. They were reduced because they were close but not @ the sell buy date and a large shipment was coming in since the burgers were on sale the following week for $8.99 also s great price. I bought the last five boxes for a total of $14.99 or $2.99 / box. I saved $80.00 on that deal.

[@jillgott6567]

Thank You. It is important to be creative especially with the price increases

[@deborahcorcoran4475]

Christine ur eye makeup looks especially beautiful in this segment's intro! Love watching all ur 'shows'! So happy wen u hv news posted AND hv binged most olds. Love ya girl!

[@vickithress]

Last night I made the chicken and rice dish. It was so good I tried the potato cheese soup today. I have several potato soup recipes, and this was the easiest and best of them all. I can see why you have made it for 20 years. 👍👍

[@TheKmacialin]

I tried the chicken and rice dish too and have made it over again with spicy sausage and shrimp added to it. It tastes like a cajun style dish and my husband loves it. The first time I made it, I didn't have any canned tomatoes so I used jarred spaghetti sauce (I was skeptical) but it came out great!

[@deniseryan4146]

Oh there she goes again saying "delicious" like no other!! I don't know what it is, but I love it!❤

[@SimBits]

Sage and thyme are my favourite seasonings for all kinds of potato soups in case anyone wants to try it out! Great recipes!

[@lenarenee6039]

LOVE the new website and OMG thank you for not writing a full novel for each recipe like some other websites!! I love how you keep it simple!!

[@bridgetteurbano1440]

It is just my husband and I but we are renovating our first home. Hence I am trying to save some money right now, and these recipes look lovely! Thanks for the awesome recipes. 😀

[@homestatzfarmher8919]

Your web site looks great and I appreciate how easy it is to view/print the recipes! Thank you! 😋

[@FrugalFitMom]

You are so welcome!

[@lindareeb4330]

I made the black bean chili and it was amazing! It's even better leftover. Thank you so much for the recipe. I especially love the price!!

[@susanbrowning5891]

Just started watching and already adding black beans to my grocery list already in my purse!

[@lyndaschannel2260]

When I saw this video I was happy to find that I had everything for the potato soup along with some ham to add. It was so yummy with and without. Today I went out to buy the supplies to make this again. 100% a new family favorite! Thanks for sharing it with us!

[@empoweredcooks]

Yay! Congrats on the website!! That lime chicken and rice looks like it'll be a hit at my house!

[@FrugalFitMom]

Thank you!

[@NaomiC336]

I’m ready to make that too. I also have not seen the powdered chicken bouillon. Gotta look for that.

[@chantals579]

Ditto on the recipe and website. Def gonna be hitting up that website often. Love watching her videos

[@mimijulene6307]

Naomi Clifton if you don’t find the powdered bouillon where your soups/broths are, look in the “Mexican food” aisle. Knorr makes chicken bouillon called caldo de pollo and it is powdered chicken bouillon.

[@yvonnepalmquist8676]

@@NaomiC336 I believe Knorr offers it in a jar in powder form. I’ve seen it offered in envelope packets too, but cannot remember the brand name. You should be able to find it at almost any grocer. I get mine at Walmart.

[@morganbailey3357]

That black bean chili would be awesome in the instant pot! Add everything with dry beans and set the instant pot to cook the dry beans. So much quicker and easy!

[@helpyourself986]

You can use garlic and onion powder with the fresh stuff to amp up the flavor! Don't be shy!

[@FrugalLifeThriftyWife]

I really appreciate the breakdown of the meal with the price per serving. I’ll definitely be checking out your new website for your bread recipe!

[@christineasby6790]

Hi Christine, I made your Mom's cheesy potato soup. Mine came out okay. I used potatoes that needed to go fast..it wasn't 6 cups I'll remember that next time. I used 3 to 4 cups of potatoes and 2 1/2 of chicken broth instead of water...don't but the power like you. Kraft slices .. yes.. used the whole can of evaporate milk as well. Alot of pepper and salt.

[@lularoesaraandkaren5315]

Made the black bean chili tonight. Halved the recipe for my family of 3 and still probably ended up with 6 servings. And bonus the 8 year old are it up! Thank you.

[@rachelrae2371]

Happy Monday Christine and the FFM family!!

[@lisamartin3346]

I’m no cook so easy is my game. These recipes fit the bill. More please!

[@deborahsantos6849]

The chicken and rice bake inspired me to use the 50% off drumsticks I bought yesterday in a Cuban style version! Came out pretty tasty! Added a can of black beans and swapped the tomatoes and spices for mojo marinade and sazon seasoning 😋

[@TammyGates-k9f]

Recipes look yummo-licious😁😋 definitely adding to our family’s menu!! Thanks, Christine❤

[@ashleyemma4954]

My kids loved the potato soup and I added a bag of frozen broccoli and bacon bits. So good!!

[@earlenebrown7181]

I have to make the lime chicken and rice that sounds so yummy.

[@marcynelson1785]

My secret ingredient for chili is a jar of Pace picante sauce. I add everything you do plus chili powder.

[@brendagalligan7891]

We use Pace Picante Sauce as well....We even use it in our taco meat.

[@saraolson7954]

I made the Mexican Chicken and Rice Bake tonight. It was delicious! Thanks for the inspiration! I used what I had, which was boneless skinless chicken thighs, and it didn't get dry like I thought it might. I also diced up a red pepper. Very yummy and easy dinner! Loved the lime flavor throughout the dish! One comment on printing recipes from your website - it doesn't have your name or website or anything in print mode - make sure to give yourself some credit!

[@FrugalFitMom]

Good to know, thank you

[@karincope3019]

That Braiser pan …oh my love the Colour .

[@christiankreitzNJrealtor]

Christine - these recipes might be your best compilation yet! WOW - making all of these this next week :)

[@artemisiagentileschi2400]

I love that you said to do it like our mom's do.

[@nancycarney]

Chipotle peppers make amazing recipes. Our favorite is slow cooker chipotle bbq chicken sandwiches. Due to cost of meat, we are super fans of ground sausage, smoked sausage and ground turkey. All Good.

[@gretchens.2756]

Thank you so much for all the recipes. I am feeding a family of four. I have two teen boys.

[@lifeon6legs21]

My mom used to make a soup with potatoes, milk, salt, pepper, and parsley that was mild but so good, I just made the potato cheese soup in this video and after tasting, added the recipe to my Paprika App so I can make it again. As an example of how much I like it, it is currently in the 90°s here and I’m eating this soup ;)

[@amywright2243]

I'm not a skilled cook but I have a well stocked pantry of basics. I appreciate that I have many ingredients already and just need the recipes because I never tried them before. Thanks for so many new ideas!

[@alishaparr577]

I do a variation on the chilli recipe. It would be even cheaper without meat and its extremely forgiving. Basically any kind of canned beans (except in sweet sauce) and any kind of tomato products work fine. Even spaghetti sauce. Tomato paste tomato sauce diced tomatoes whole tomatoes it all works. A can of corn in is also yummy.

[@leapintothewild]

Yes!! Ditto corn and a variety of beans without meat. I also add puréed and/or chopped squash and sweet potatoes that I keep frozen in quart bags - adds a ton of nutrition and thickens any soup or chili.

[@melindacook4825]

I love all these dishes Christine! I watch all your videos (and have saved many to re-watch!)

[@FrugalFitMom]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@onedayatatime9465]

Opening the sausage tip, clip the top under the metal and then push from the bottom. Comes right out LOVE YOUR CHANNEL :)

[@carisaguerrera4666]

Hi this is great video! I tried the delicious potato and cheese soup! It was great but my picky eater kid was not sure of the texture I explained to him it was the potatoes. Even through my kid was being too picky I loved your soup and am planning on making it again! Thank you!

[@hannahpinocci813]

The spicy noodles reminds me of a budget bytes recipe I've been making for years. I don't even use special noodles, just linguine and it's so good

[@FrugalFitMom]

It is from Budget Bytes!

[@melissamurphy1569]

Love your channel! So glad I found you!! Thank you for so much goodness😊

[@lindagrimmett6564]

Oh my gosh! I am so excited that you have a website now! I love it! Also I just want to say how pretty your Dutch oven is…gorgeous!

[@FrugalFitMom]

Yay! Thank you!

[@bmccuan]

Neat! When I was low in the pocket one month I used breakfast sausage in place of beef when making taco meat and I actually prefer it. They're not very similar, but its a great flavor imo.

[@marisajonassaint1871]

Your website is amazing! Thank you so much for all your hard work! ♥️

[@teresafinnerty207]

Made the soup for tonight Thanks I listen to you on my way home from work for dinner ideas so I don’t stand in front of the fridge asking myself what’s for dinner

[@cynthiagilbert]

Everything looks awesome

[@shanecarmen8144]

The way you talk reminds a lot of my friend that I haven’t seen in three years I email her every year and every time she is happy that I am back. She is the one in my life who never betrayed me. She means a lot to me

[@Makemenotcare]

Thank you for this. I found myself in a spot and this kept food in the house 💕

[@Charlotte-bc7vj]

I love your videos! Meat isn’t the only source of protein - those black beans are FULL of protein 😍 especially when served with rice etc 💕

[@rebekahhansen1112]

My go to has always been potatoe soup . My kids request it whenever I visit them. And have asked for the recipe countless times. The thing is it changes due to what I have available and time . Usually make it with homemade chicken stock and more ingredients sometimes adding bacon , ham or chicken. Yours looks wonderful and I think I'll direct them to your recipe. I'm sure they'll love it. Thanks !

[@KarenSmith-my6bi]

Just tried your chicken and red rice recipe. OMG! so good! My husband said I need to keep it in the rotation from now on. The flavor is just so good! Thanks for all the recipes you share.

[@yvetterobb602]

I absolutely love all your recipes. Thank you for sharing. 💞

[@endersmith162]

I was wondering what to do with all the chicken I stocked up on in my freezer. I totally have everything in my pantry for once! Totally making the chicken and rice. Can't wait!

[@keart65]

I will open a can of chipotle in adobo and freeze what I don't use. I will then open my freezer bag and cut off a little when I use it in recipes. It stays soft-ish so you can cut it right out of the freezer. I also find it to be really hot so I will never use a full can in a recipe.

[@kathleenkaufman6007]

Yeah to your new website. I too, will be making the lime chicken and rice.

[@tiffanywake5070]

Favorite potato soup ever! I do add garlic bacon and green onion. My soup hating husband asked me where I’ve been hiding this recipe!

[@aprilsunflower7440]

I was looking up Good seasonings for chili and saw cinnamon. I decided to give it a shot and it was great. I'll always use it now. A little at a time and taste until you get it where you want it. It didn't take a lot

[@alishaparr577]

I like chili powder, cayenne pepper, cumin and curry plus onion and garlic in my chilli.

[@leapintothewild]

Yep, cinnamon for that classic Cincinnati chili! 😀 yum

[@WilletteB]

Yummy looking Christine. I know your family enjoyed them. We can never go wrong with delicious potato soup. One of my favs for wintertime. Thanks for sharing. 🙂

[@bridgetbuer150]

Christine my Mon made her Christmas cookies with land o lakes butter. I tried to cheat but they never tasted right, so now when I make the I use the same ingredients she did. Just do as mom does and don't say why.

[@carisaguerrera4666]

Hi Christine I love your videos how you use simple ingredients a few items in each recipe and your great way of explaining how to cook them! I’m looking forward to trying your famous potato cheese soup. I’m such a basic cook looking for ways to spice up the meals I feed my son and I. Blessings! Thanks so much!

[@tonipancoast5491]

Yes, yes, YES! More of these kind of videos please!

[@tiffanygarrett2565]

I think you are great Frugal Fit mom! I love your life! And you look great! Thanks for sharing your life

[@aliza_ackley_2000]

awesome sounding meals! for the spicy noodles to make it more frugal friendly, I reccomend using ramen noodles (without adding the seasoning packets, you can save those for future meals), its absolutely a wonderful substitute. I've used them in stir fry meals in place of lo main noodles and its sooo delicious 😋 and filling!

[@karenpool6460]

Happy Monday everyone! Hi Christine! 👋

[@FrugalFitMom]

Good morning!

[@lizdepierola5867]

Good morning! I am making the potato cheese soup today! I cannot wait it smells so good!

[@justafryguy]

I highly recommend the recipes of baked chicken and rice and potato soup was amazing!

[@karmagirl314]

American cheese gets a bad rap but sometimes it's the best cheese for the job, like when you need something to melt into creaminess without being oily or when you need your cheese sauce to not break.

[@jakeakawayne6437]

I love this potato soup recipe and the story behind it.

[@CarvesGirl]

potato soup how my family makes it is cut potatoes in bite size pieces, add a finely diced onion to it, boil it down til not much liquid left, add a can of evaporated milk, a stick of butter, salt and pepper to taste and thats it! soooooo good we have it at least once a week in the fall, winter and spring

[@danasandlin2435]

siracha noodles: I would add some cooked chopped carrots (won't add much cost for two carrots) and a can of peas (extra 50 cents)...dts/usa

[@alabouve]

Love ALL her cooking videos!! @FrugalFitMom your Asian inspired short ribs are a family favorite!!!! I have to make these at least once a month 🙌🙌

[@FrugalFitMom]

Those are so delicious!

[@susiebeery413]

We had the Lime Chicken and Rice tonight for dinner. Delicious!! It will be in the rotation now!! Also the website looks great!

[@MaryRass3374]

Hi, I made your Mom’s crockpot potato soup today. Cool Minnesota day. Holy cow it’s good and so easy too. I’m eating some right now. Love the easy meals.

[@thisone6965]

I’m guaranteed a chuckle whenever I hear you say “the dooblydoo” 😂

[@HeatherB81]

Your eye makeup is SO PRETTY in this video!! 😍😍😍

[@FrugalFitMom]

Thank you so much 😀

[@samanthabv]

Tried the potato cheese crockpot soup and it WAS SO GOOD! My picky kids LOVED it. Thank you :)

[@annswann1941]

I don’t want this video to end! Such great, cheap, easy recipes! Yum!

[@NessaBixler]

In place of the soba you can use regular spaghetti and use the extra $$ to buy a bag of frozen veg!

[@AngelaMastrodonato]

My favorite crockpot mac n cheese says to use a canned evaporated milk and a mix of processed cheese, cheddar and Parmesan cheese. The recipe says for the cheese to melt properly in the crockpot to NOT substitute the evaporated milk or leave out the processed American cheese. I would strongly suggest not subbing those ingredients because I think those are key to the consistency. You could probably use a combo of American and another cheese.

[@mandydurham6043]

Literally cooking the lime chicken and rice as we speak!! So excited!!!!!

[@heleeneverson8256]

Hi from South Africa. I just love your channel. I cannot wait for new videos. Yes love all off them shopping and cooking.

[@suzanneseale9543]

water in the pan works instead of oil. Cheaper and more healthy.

[@MB-pl6dt]

Love this girl's spirit

[@debracoulter1250]

All of these recipes look really tasty. I am going to make all of them!

[@FrugalFitMom]

Please do!