Getting Creative While Eating for $5 a Day | Day 5 | What I Ate Today | Dollar General Meal Ideas

Everything I ate today with a $35 budget to eat for 7+ days from Dollar General. Showing how much food I have left at the end of day 5 and experimenting with my weirdest meal idea to date.
Today's Menu:
French vanilla mock "cold brew" (Folgers instant coffee and french vanilla creamer mixed in water and chilled overnight)
Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole:
Mixed reserved hashbrown mixture with some breakfast sausage, chopped broccoli, and shredded cheddar cheese. Bake at 350 until brown to your liking, top with a fried egg.
Lunch:
Cooked white rice topped with beef and barley soup and sour cream, mixture used as a dip for sour cream and onion chips
Dinner:
"Unhinged" tuna casserole grilled cheese
I don't even know whether it's worth writing this because nobody is going to make this LOL I should have just eaten the leftover tuna casserole.
I mixed the rest of my tuna casserole mixture with some extra cream of chicken soup, sour cream, powdered cheese, and shredded cheese. I sandwiched and grilled for a very weird dinner combination, don't do this, you probably won't like it.

[@roddmatsui3554]

*”UNHINGED”* is a super funny way to describe a sandwich, any sandwich. It sounds normal and reminds me of the classic “tuna melt” sandwich.

[@DollarTreeDinners]

I'm sure there is an interesting story about how the classic tuna melt idea was born as well :)

[@kakylong2]

My Hubby calls meals like this "Filled the spot." It's not bad. It's not good. It just filled the spot. 😊

[@TBIJourney]

I'm taking this. My current is: guinea pig

[@CheesyMoonRice]

My hubby just says 'it'll make a poop' when we have weird meals haha

[@Trjlal]

I love that!!!

[@NannyTam]

I’m loving this series. You are so creative. If the economy really did go belly up, I have no doubt you’d survive, maybe even thrive! 🥰

[@kristyreal]

I'm disabled and can't handle making coffee every morning so I have transitioned to instant coffee. I find that it is just fine as long as you make it quite a bit stronger than recommended. I add some stevia powder and half-n-half to mine.

[@kaelynnmartin6521]

Putting the final crown shouldn’t be much of a problem. All the preliminary work is already done. It’s a matter of getting the finished product to correct height

[@DollarTreeDinners]

It was totally good! I wasn’t sure if they were going to numb me, which would have made my day harder but it was easy peasy lemon squeezy haha

[@stone.durfey5862]

Your right, sometimes you have to work with what you've got 😊 no judgement here. I make a fritata...that I love. 4 eggs whipped, 2 Tablespoons minced onion, a handful of frozen french fries, salt and pepper to taste. Cook the onion in a small oven safe skillet, when onions softened add fries and cook over med. Low heat. Until potatoes lightly browned. Pour whipped eggs over the top...now for the magic😉. Cook over low heat until bubbles peak out the top, then add shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese or goat cheese...and top with pepperoni. Pop in a 400 degree oven for 15 to 20 minutes . I call it Potato and Onion Pizza Frittata.

[@stone.durfey5862]

Sometimes I slice a plum tomato, under the cheese as well. Or add in some cooked broccoli. It's so yummy. And can feed 2 with a side salad...or if your really hungry eat it all yourself😉

[@noleenmcbrearty6513]

Carbs on carbs with protein!! Good effort and tight budget that sandwich is filling with a decent nutritional value love your channel x

[@pandapoof8798]

It's a bit weird... however, I'm sure people will find a bunch of other stuff strange, too. For instance, we like our grilled cheeses done with Mayo instead of butter. I think you were really brave to give that a go. Personally, I would have dipped it in ketchup to get through it. 😂

[@TBIJourney]

His reaction is everything. I think a garlic butter would help. The garlic bread grilled cheese is a new favorite around here. I think something close to that might be better with the "unhinged" sandwich! I had a bad day and the smiles and giggles where worth the wait.

[@Xxxero42]

No judgement here. Adaptation is a big part of eating cheap!

[@jimmiepatrum]

Just my opinion - I think you look so much more beautiful without the orangy eye shadow. You have gorgeous eyes and the orangy eye shadow takes away from that. Truly, I mean no harm. Diane

[@ambermist]

We put weird things on sandwiches all the time! My husband is a sandwich fiend (leftover spaghetti grilled cheese is probably his most favorite). If you get around to it in your videos one day, I'd love to see some recipes to make with canned sliced potatoes. My mother-in-law gave me a bunch of them and every time I look at them I just can't figure out what to do with them, lol.

[@nancycarney]

Love all these videos. The adventure is inspiring that when you are broke and hungry, you stretch your resources. None of these are bad. Just different. 🥰🥰

[@DollarTreeDinners]

So true!

[@crescentmoon374]

I think you should add the "Buy me a coffee" option on here, that way people can pay you back ( so to speak ) for all the great recipes you post 😋💞

[@sabrinagarner915]

Very creative and I thought it was hilarious hearing Michael in the background. 🤣

[@DollarTreeDinners]

I love leaving in candid moments like that

[@leedezern6862]

That little red dish is super cute😁I got a crown earlier this year. It felt much better than the temporary one. I still needed novacaine though because the temporary wasn’t budging.

[@Kristine14]

I believe the culprit in the passable tuna casserole melt was the peas. Probably made by the same company that makes the rock hard $1 tree peas😅

[@sharonhall2277]

I'm single and it was hard transition to go from cooking from 5 to 1. I make one serving Mac and tune up with 1/2 can of tuna and I save the other half for tuna sandwich right from the get-go.

[@happychappy4life]

The tuna casserole toastie was not a totally weird idea to me as I’ve done it before myself but used mayonnaise instead - again, maybe it’s an Australian thing 🤷‍♀️

[@DollarTreeDinners]

I'll have to look that up! I'm curious now, it's awesome to know that it's a real meal in another country!

[@happychappy4life]

@@DollarTreeDinners I’m not sure if it’s an every Aussie thing but it sure was for us 😊

[@paulamcintosh6529]

I make it up as I go along so.e times

[@metoo5004]

😂😂😂 you did good 👍

[@seandria304]

🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@amyclark9581]

Do you and your boyfriend eat these meals ? I love that you show how to do this , I'm diabetic so some won't work for me but you have great ideas

[@Trjlal]

I sometimes eat garlic bread on the side of tuna casserole and it’s fine…

[@yvonnepalmquist8676]

I think the idea was okay. Probably would just work better as a real grilled cheese with actual cheddar slices or whatnot. The peas aren't that weird... they do make spreads from peas. Some buttered bread or toast with the tuna casserole is just fine, too.

[@makingd.o.123]

You don't know until you try.

[@rg1whiteywins598]

Does all food need to be delicious ? Or just fine ? I'm not a picky eater so as long as it's not gross, I'm ok.

[@DollarTreeDinners]

I'm not a picky eater either, it helps especially when trying to eat cheap :)

[@levellasmith9866]

😃🥰

[@MissMelissaD]

No judgment here ... from someone who ate weird things as a kid, like a slice of bread with only mayo, mustard, and ketchup spread on the bread in equal thirds.

[@cosmicjosie]

The “don’t do this you probably won’t like it” in the description sent me 😂😭 thank you for always sharing recipes for those in need❤

[@DollarTreeDinners]

Haha I’m glad I can make you laugh! 😂

[@apriltaylor8923]

I love that you tried! It is easy to forget that cooking is trial and error. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. And, yet on a tight budget sometimes you eat what you have and when it isn't much or it is repetitive you can get creative - sometimes it work sometimes It doesn't. When I was kid we often didn't have milk but we did have lots rice chex cereal and honey. Cue the many plates of honey drizzed cereal I had as a kid. I don't know why but this video reminded me of those slim times!

[@pandora4078]

If it works for you, that's what matters! Who cares what other people think...personally I love tuna casserole so slapping it between 2 pieces of bread..YUM That's what cooking is, experimenting n trying new things. You're already really good at it so don't listen to anyone who has something rude to say!!

[@kristinialyons5230]

I agree. Not everything has to be hyper palatable!!! We try to...but if we would make it again, it's a win, if not, we learned!! You have really given me confidence to take ingredients I can afford and make something new and many I made some amazing chili Mac today!! All on my own!!

[@HaoHao-zu6su]

How was your chili mac? 😄

[@KayGeeBee07]

I love your honesty - unlike other food channels that try to claim that everything they make is the best thing ever, you are willing to admit that maybe something didn't quite work.

[@DollarTreeDinners]

Learning and adapting is such a huge part of what i enjoy, there's always something new to try and ways I can improve ;)

[@SusanP674]

I give you mega points for trying new and unconventional mixes of food! Can't wait to see how long the food lasts 💙

[@DollarTreeDinners]

that makes me happy! I try what I can, sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't but learning is part of the process

[@momof2momof2]

Your adventures with food in your videos shows what can be done when someone needs to eat. I think you do an excellent job, and try things out for those who need the inspiration beyond 25 cent ramen. Many years ago when I was just starting out on my own, I had no money until pay day. So I went into my kitchen got out everything I did have, and made a huge pot of fried rice and ate that every day and was so grateful for it. It was hot meals until I got paid and bought groceries. You are doing a wonderful public service to those who just need a kind person to show them what is possible. Bless you 🥰🪷🌺🌸🌼💗✝💖🇺🇲

[@maymorning8504]

Ok a tuna noodle casserole grilled cheese sounds fantastic to me but I’m also super pregnant so my food opinions should not be trusted until further notice.

[@frugalcampermama]

I love your cute little casserole dish it’s perfect for 2. I need that lol. I have a bunch one large and larger ones from before we were empty nesters. Your face with the sandwich said it all, thanks for the creative ideas and for always being honest about them. Have a great weekend!

[@melissamcclain34]

When you laid out all the food that you still have left it was crazy how much food there was. Looked like almost double what you started with. I also want to say that I have just recently started watching your videos as I find myself for the first time in a very long time having to figure out a way to purchase groceries on an extremely tight budget and find ways to make it last until I'm able to afford more so thank you ❤

[@DollarTreeDinners]

it looks like a lot more because of all the containers, I genuinely hope it helps you in this hard time, you will get through this!

[@tanishahogan9396]

I think the grilled tuna casserole sandwich was a brilliant idea…I kinda want to try it!

[@fuzzballfactory7160]

That egg flip was fire! 🔥

[@YouCanCallmeNet]

Your honesty is why I like your channel so much ! ☺

[@DollarTreeDinners]

I appreciate that! 🥰

[@Thisisit120]

I think the tuna sandwich idea is a really good idea. One thing I don’t like about cooking for only a husband and I is that we eat a lot of the same thing until it’s gone. I try to find different ways to mix it up. And this is probably something I would’ve done.

[@DollarTreeDinners]

comments like this are so reassuring that I'm doing what others would have done in a similar predicament

[@frannielogue]

Hearing Michael, I assume, give you a hard time was fun. Also your editing and thumbnails have improved tremendously. WTG and thank you for this series

[@DollarTreeDinners]

it cracked me up too editing it which is why i just had to leave it in there :) thank you for mentioning my editing and thumbnails, I'm always trying to improve

[@RedKittieKat]

I grew up poor and we would have been all over this vs having to eat more tuna noodle casserole. I think it's pretty creative! 🥰 ... and I mean that in a good way 😉

[@Jport3]

Your creativity is amazing and I give you a HUGE thumbs up for taking one for the team!😉 My husband always says "your stomach doesn't know it wasn't steak". He grew up eating whatever he could find. I grew up with whatever we had. We would not turn this down. THANK YOU.

[@DollarTreeDinners]

Thanks so much!!

[@DonnaSmith-ff2wu]

I thought the sandwich sounded good! Lots of great inexpensive ideas that I would have never considered in this 35 dollar challenge. Thank you!

[@lenity2166]

Cooking is all about trial and error. I also don’t like to waste food and my son and I aren’t huge fans of leftovers so I try to make different meals with what I have. You did awesome. Thank you so much for sharing these videos.

[@andrearobbins9450]

Whatever the dentist did didn't seem to affect you in a negative way. You did a great job as usual, and you look amazing!

[@rachelresets]

I love that you tried it ❤ Most of the combos we know and love today wouldn't exist if someone hadn't first tried it.

[@erinf4712]

No judgement here- in my younger, poorer days, I made up a lot of things with leftovers. When you are trying to make ends meet, you do what you have to. People who have never known want, will never understand.

[@shanithompson5131]

My mom used to make her leftover tuna casserole, which consisted of, whatever leftovers we had in the fridge and add tuna, sliced potatoes and cheese. For the most part it was edible.

[@barbaranytes-baron7377]

Unhinged is probably the way many family and/or favorite recipes are created.

[@HeyitsDee]

As an OMAD Intermittent Faster 18/6 for the past 10 months, I'm always frustrated when I'm stuck eating a concoction that doesn't taste great. Kudos to you for forging ahead with whatever you make to bring us great content. A+!

[@ginajennings1664]

I’m doing omad too along with keto.

[@HeyitsDee]

@@ginajennings1664 I did Keto for 3 years, lost 40 lbs., but hit a year long plateau. Last October, I switched to IF/OMAD, and I've lost another 40 so far. I'm still careful with carbs, but no where near as restricted. Good luck to you!

[@snownurse]

I would go tuna and peas on toast..so good

[@lifewithroscoe6513]

Love your channel. Been following even since I found it! I love Chinese but don't get it very often anymore due to the cost. The only reason I get it anymore is for the takeout containers. They are great for someone living in a small space. I have this to share with anyone who likes Chinese. I take one pound of spaghetti and combine with stir fry vegges. If your Dollar Tree has it, then add a bottle of a Oriental salad dressing. A quick and easy noddle dish. If your Dollar Tree doesn't have the Oriental dressing, then you can melt some peanut butter in your microwave and combine it with soy sauce or some Teriyaki.

[@EFergDindrane]

Your small casserole dishes are awesome. I need to look for some like that since I'm only feeding two people.

[@destinycaptain247]

11:16 - You can always go with tortillas instead of bread and do either a burrito or a quesadilla just to change things up.

[@lexiebrasher470]

your crown delivery is way faster and should feel great!

[@kathy3178]

I am impressed with your creativity and willingness to try something new. Several meals you have shown have become staples around here.

[@letgo8118]

Stop calling it a fried egg. That's a egg over easy. A fried egg the yoke is broken and flipped over.

[@kathleendonnelly6077]

Where did you get the cute little dishes that you make the casserole in?

[@DollarTreeDinners]

I’ve had those for years I got them at Aldi a long time ago in a 2 pack, I’ve found something similar in size on Amazon but it’s not as cute 🥰

[@WorldOfWonder66]

The tuna casserole sandwich was a great idea. I've been poor so many times in my life, it isn't funny. Add a extra mayo and cheese will help give it the taste you are looking for. It's always fun to come up with different ideas at the end of the week or month when food is running low. Some work out great others just fill the belly. Needless to say I keep my pantry stocked up now so I don't have to worry so much anymore 🙂

[@bettyeverett8089]

Oh no. Dental work is never fun, but glad you got through it okay. Wishing you the best and appreciate your videos.

[@nysari_]

Even if it didn't pan out perfectly, it's really interesting to see your process of trying to reinvent leftovers you were feeling pretty meh about! If I were really happy with a leftover tuna casserole but just feeling a little bored of it, I could actually see turning it into a grilled cheese sandwich as being a fun way to get through it. For some reason this sort of makes me think of emmymade and her "Hard Times" series where she tries things like condiment sandwiches and tree bark cookies -- the kind of recipes where having a full belly trumps taste in times of food scarcity. Obviously it's not to that degree of a desperation meal, but being able to experiment and find creative ways to use up leftovers is such an important skill to have so you don't absolutely lose your mind with boredom trying to eat between paychecks.

[@cziegle3794]

Yay top 26 and top 162 comments and likes. Love this channel. Best to you and your family. Thanks for making this video.

[@tinashort9098]

You're so funny!!!! Your boyfriend was so funny in the background saying EWWWW!!! My thoughts too😂😂😂😂 i don't like tuna casserole so that whole thing is a no go for me!!! I just love your videos so much!!!! And no judgement from me sweetie!!! I'll try anything once, twice if i like it😂😂😂

[@annieserra5191]

Thank you for showing things that don't work as well as the things that do. This was a fun little adventure for a Friday. Have a good weekend!

[@jeanineruby]

Hi Rebecca, you look just like summer in this video. Wow you flipped that egg like a pro! Do you have any formal cooking training? I know you worked at Taco Bell once and you gained a lot of cooking experience there. Thanks for another great video.

[@patricialaichour9589]

As a latina we grew up with beans and rice..mom would make spaghetti, chicken, steak, AND beans and rice 😂

[@twilightshealy4152]

Remember DG has $1.00 aisle...not sure how much food stuff or condiments they have but remember to shop there also.

[@laurac5451]

I'm so fed being alone and trying to eat healthy and not throw away food. I'm going to eat like when I go camping protein bars cheese fruit. Red hair gene makes us more sensitive to pain. Protein fiber and enough calories keep us full for a long time. I had peanut butter toast today that rice and protein with a scoop of sour cream made me say yay.

[@hannakinn]

When my large fridge bit the dust after just 5 years I downsized to a mini fridge. It really cut down on the amount of food I waste. I also have a small chest freezer so a lot of leftovers go into it for me to eat later. It's amazing how much less food zi waste. I live alone so it doesn't inconvinence anyone. I also researched what foods do not need to be refrigerated, mostly condiments, and keep those in the cabinets freeing up space in the mini fridge which is perfect for me. It's very rare that anything gets lost or forgotten in that tiny fridge.

[@sharonhall2277]

Plenty of recipes online to serve two. Eat one day frees the other half

[@pek5117]

Lol, this was hilarious. Sometimes things don't work out, it happens. Very entertaining for us tho! Still lots of food left.

[@SmallTownSouthernWife]

❤🎉 😮 good luck 🍀

[@DollarTreeDinners]

Thank you!

[@tarheelhurricanegirl9991]

Love your recipes ❤

[@epiclink11]

That tuna casserole melt sounded like an AMAZING idea to me

[@beckymcd7679]

The sandwich cracked me up! 😂 I mean. I would try it. Lol!

[@DollarTreeDinners]

haha I always say anything is worth trying once ;)

[@angelika_munkastrap4634]

You’re missing out / nothing beats tuna casserole the next day - all the flavours have had a chance to deepen and mellow - it’s so much better the next day than the day before especially but if you add a little bit more raw onion, but it is literally one of the best meals ever- even cold straight out of the fridge the next day especially if you’ve covered it so the pasta doesn’t dry out

[@childofgod3675]

Hope your dental appointment went well. Enjoyed seeing your versions of these "cheap but filling" meals.

[@ravennotte78]

with the grilled cheese i would have added more shredded cheese put also some more tuna fish

[@annabellemorehouse7665]

I love the rice cooker. What kind is it? Great ideas! Thanks

[@raelenelabby6407]

You are so creative!! Love these videos Thank you xo

[@susanharclerode1647]

Lol, no judgment, I've had to make do with bbq scrambled eggs before!

[@DollarTreeDinners]

like barbecue sauce on scrambled eggs or barbecue pork on scrambled eggs? honestly I'd try either

[@cindyclark9145]

You are so good at this and you’re spectacular on camera!!! You’re fresh face no makeup look is most attractive!!! ❤ All of your recipes look good!!! I will be trying all!!! ❤

[@JohnSmith-sb2fp]

This channel is fun . You should start another channel that isnt just focused on dollar tree cooking. Maybe try a general cooking channel to go along with your dollar tree channel. Your personality and cheerful good naturedness are delightful watch.

[@DollarTreeDinners]

I could always integrate non dollar tree cooking content on this channel at some point, or I could start a 2nd one, not sure yet, but it would be nice to branch out ;)

[@leeuwestein101]

No judgement here!!! Love tuna melts

[@lifewithroscoe6513]

For some reason, I don't like Tuna melts. But I would try your Tuna casserole out.

[@kathymiglio8196]

I like your rice cooker. What kind is it?

[@kumi9479]

😂 The tuna casserole sandwich killed me but at the end of the day, it's edible and sometimes that's enough

[@DollarTreeDinners]

Totally agree!

[@adri_elsker2188]

I've never had tuna casserole or tuna melts, but this unhinged grilled tuna is kinda getting me lol.

[@angelamullis7343]

Was watching this with my guy who loves tuna casserole and grilled cheese. He is all about it! Thank you for sharing ❤

[@DollarTreeDinners]

if he tries it you'll have to let me know what he thinks! :)

[@angelamullis7343]

@@DollarTreeDinners will do!

[@lisamr40]

Honestly, there were only 2 things my mom used to cook that I didn't like and tuna melts was one of them. Lol Thanks for sharing your ideas. Can't wait to see how long this food lasts.

[@DollarTreeDinners]

I didn't have a tuna melt until recently, one of the vloggers I watched kept eating them and I got curious, I was surprised to like it :)

[@lisamr40]

@@DollarTreeDinners My mom used to make them when we could not eat meat on Fridays due to religious holidays. I ate them but really didn't care for the taste. Lol 😝

[@corrineadams7303]

In my opinion, EVERYTHING makes a sandwich... unfortunately, I have given up bread...specifically store bought. I have recently seen oats made into a flatbread...am hoping sandwiches are back!!!

[@stephaniepapaleo9001]

“😂Unhinged” I was thinking: Toasted Bread on sandwich = a giant Crouton and we crumble breadcrumbs and croutons on casseroles! I’m justifying the contents! It’s the same thing in a different form, so you’re a good scientist without realizing it! ❤your videos

[@barbarasutherland8000]

I think some of us have eaten weird sandwiches it looks like a grill cheese sandwich 🌍👍🌍💯🌍😘🌍😋🌍🧀🧈🍞🥪🌍👏🌍

[@cindymichaud7111]

No judgement. In life you make choices. You either eat what's there or you go hungry; if not today then next week. That meal represents about $5 if you throw it in the trash. I can't or won't throw away money. Besides, eating "combo" meals teaches us good lessons about what we buy and how we dedicate our resources. Zero Food Waste - make every dollar count. Take that five dollars and set it aside. You'll accumulate some for a rainy day if you handle all your resources in the same manner. Rebecca, if anyone judges you harshly, they have never been hungry. Good job, I say. I'd eat that sandwich and be glad I had it to fill the empty spot and I'd thank God for it. Keep up the good work. Don't be embarrassed, be glad for what you made. God bless you, Rebecca 💖💖💖💖💖💖💖✝

[@lilithlove7]

I like that you tried it 🤷🏻‍♀️ I probably would not have mixed the cheese & sour cream in. Would’ve sprinkled cheese on top to melt and used sour cream to dip the sandwich in. Don’t know if it would be any better 😂

[@DonnelleGriffin]

Loved this video Rebecca! I would have eaten that sandwich 100%❤

[@jessicadiaz3478]

You could have possibly made tuna cakes with them. Maybe that would have been good. You recipes are always fun and unique!!

[@robinabernathy2829]

The key is you hsve to make the tuna grilled on RYE bread, If you make it on RYE bread it's perfect.