Less than $1 Per Serving! Dirt Cheap Dinners | Poverty Dinners

[@carolynm9798]

Love your fam! My husband (74) and I (68) just got married last year. We were both widowed. We are so happy and I agree there is always hope! I am amazed at the fish tacos!

[@MealsWithMaria]

🙏 so happy you found eachother!

[@suzannemomma]

Tomato and cucumber sandwiches are a summer staple

[@MealsWithMaria]

Ah yes! Cucumber is a great cheap addition!

[@yvonnepalmquist8676]

I've made "on the fly" BLTs simply by adding a leaf of lettuce and by sprinkling a few bacon bits directly onto the bread (they'll stick directly to the mayonnaise).

[@MealsWithMaria]

I love that idea!! I might need to share that sometime!

[@susanjoseph236]

Great idea!

[@karenquick8737]

A quick good sandwich!

[@jolenelengyel6210]

I have been a subscriber sent you only had around 100 subscribers. Your channel is growing so fast because everyone sees how amazing you are! This is another good video. Thank you.

[@MealsWithMaria]

Aw Jolene!!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being here! As a first subscriber you motivated me to continue! I’d never be here today without you 🙏🙏🙏

[@kathybromley8084]

I grew up on tomato sandwiches and still love them

[@MealsWithMaria]

It’s definitely nostalgic!

[@tracieschrock9519]

i LOVE me a fresh garden tomato sandwich...yummy whip,mater,cheese!!

[@MealsWithMaria]

Perfect!!

[@jonicabeird4657]

A) “Wine Lunch” sounds awesome!! B) using fish sticks for tacos is genius! I’m trying this!!!!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️💯

[@MealsWithMaria]

C) you rock!

[@Hasenkind1]

maybe for inspiration for fish sticks/fishfingers : you can make delicious burger/hotdogs with them too.

[@jonicabeird4657]

D) you rock! 😊

[@kellyanderson2841]

Love tomato sandwiches. I like mine lightly toasted with miracle whip.

[@MealsWithMaria]

Yum!

[@Mysterith]

Tomato sauce and taco seasoning to taste make a great enchilada sauce and very cheap.

[@MealsWithMaria]

I love this idea!!!

[@barbforbis1260]

I love having toasted tomato sandwiches, especially when out of bacon. Love the fistick taco idea as well as the mac& cheese casserole, all three going on the menu this week.

[@MealsWithMaria]

😀😀 love it!

[@justplaintara9028]

My 3 older (all teens) are going to be here for the rest of the summer so your dirt cheap poorgrandma style dinners are going to cone in handy! Thanks for the inspiration and recipes.

[@MealsWithMaria]

You’re welcome! Hope they like it!

[@Hasenkind1]

maybe for inspiration for fish sticks/fishfingers : you can make delicious burger/hotdogs with them too.

[@catladyjai1113]

This is great, I love the tomato sandwich idea. I feel it gets overlooked but they really are delicious especially with home grown or farmers market tomatoes and fresh basil. You can add a little roasted garlic to your mayo to go on the sandwich. Yum

[@nylenyap3933]

Thank you for these Maria! Never thought of using fish sticks for fish tacos! Going on my menu this week 🐠🍋 🌮

[@CP-tq3hu]

If you cut the fish sticks into pieces no one will even know it is fish sticks. It's all about the presentation.

[@MealsWithMaria]

Enjoy!

[@pamfrey6785]

So Inventive

[@Hasenkind1]

oh you can make delicious burger/hotdogs with them too.

[@zensbleexperience3470]

I'm really enjoying your sauces I'm a condiment person they all sound intriguing

[@kathleenritter4532]

Yes. Tomato sandwiches. Love them. Can't wait for my tomatoes to ripen. Perfect timing with the mac & cheese recipe. I have a big bowl of it. Thanks!! I'll be trying it tomorrow.

[@christophervogt7456]

Great ideas Maria! Loved the aioli on the tomato sandwich! Seeing your grandmother with Ben was so sweet. May God continue to bless her and her fiancé! Great video! Thank you for sharing! ~ Chris

[@MealsWithMaria]

🥰

[@KC2DC]

On the fish tacos, you can also chop up the fish sticks all together...folks would never know you are using fish sticks! The casserole looks delicious! I was just at dollar tree today and this would be great to use with some elbow Mac and a packet or two of the Velveeta cheese sauce from DT.

[@MealsWithMaria]

That’s a great DT swap idea!

[@susanrobinson408]

I want to come to Wine Lunch!!!

[@sonyavincent7450]

Me too! I'll bring bacon and egg pie!

[@MealsWithMaria]

🤗😀🥰

[@MealsWithMaria]

If I ever do a meet up, it’ll be called wine lunch!!

[@allyrooh3628]

Tomato sandwiches, never really had that without bacon and lettuce. I love these ideas. I always try to make my plates look super cute when the food is budget friendly since we eat with our eyes. I think that taco casserole would feed us for a week! Your family is so cute!

[@AliciasKitchen7]

I have seen a BLT in many forms. So long as it has the mayo it seems like it's a go 🤣 mayo sandwich tomato sandwich bacon sandwich lettuce sandwich. Or all of those together ❤ lol

[@jillgodfrey8445]

Tomato sandwiches are the BEST !!! don’t be afraid to try without bacon and lettuce 🥬

[@roxannejohnston3311]

Yes! I love a good ol' tomato sammie. If you don't want to be fancy, just use mayo, salt, and a little pepper....yummy 😋

[@debbiebarnes4688]

Tomato sandwiches are so yummy!

[@nik3316]

I bake my own bread and grow my tomatoes so this meal is literally pennies and it’s a favorite! My entire family eats them and my fondest memories are sharing them with my great grand ma. I think it’s a southern thing. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@lisapop5219]

I am a mustard tomato sandwich type. Don't know why. The tangy mustard & sweet tomatoes taste so good. Fish tacos are my favorite. I love them grilled or fried.

[@MealsWithMaria]

I need to try that!!!

[@nylenyap3933]

I always do Tomato & Mayo, but I love mustard so I will give this a try! Thank you 😊

[@christinatareski8882]

Cannot wait to try the fish tacos! SO smart! Makes meatless Monday or fish Friday so much easier.

[@anneholden9908]

I like cheese on my tomato sandwich! Yum 😋 😋

[@MealsWithMaria]

That’s a good idea too!

[@yvonnepalmquist8676]

Try a toasted cream cheese and tomato sandwich! 🙂

[@zensbleexperience3470]

I LOVE a tomato 🍅 sandwich 🥪 so simple and refreshing!

[@jamiecee4960]

Tomato sandwiches. YUMMY. I've had Tomato sandwiches since I was a kid. My dad loved toasted open faced tomato sandwiches with cheese on top grilled in the oven. Chili Mac is good. All these look yummy. That casserole I need to try.

[@MealsWithMaria]

That sounds good with the cheese open faced! I’ll need to try it that way!

[@rayselby3487]

Sue here: real nice 👍 videos. Love your ideas. My concern, if I may, is that a couple 'cheap' ingredients (like plain white bread and packaged things) will catch up with people health wise. 😟 Spending just a tad more is worth it. Your meals, lunches, snacks - spot on though! Love how you try to use combination fresh in season healthy foods, spices, herbs, greens, with shortcuts and cheapcuts (coined that myself - ha) to help people feed their families. 👍😊

[@suzannemomma]

And yet again, beans for the win! Saving the nacho bake

[@MealsWithMaria]

Absolutely!

[@brianhudson7822]

Great video! Fish sticks also make for a great homemade Filet Of Fish sandwich. You can air fry them and whip up some tartar sauce, and there you go. Kids LOVE them and enjoy helping put it all together. Take care.

[@MealsWithMaria]

I love that idea!!

[@yvonnepalmquist8676]

Another kid friendly idea, with your fantastic air fryer recommendation I'd go all "finger foods". Add some baby carrots and/or cucumber slices and make some potato wedges in the air fryer for a veggie and carb side. Yummy 😃

[@Hasenkind1]

maybe for inspiration for fish sticks/fishfingers : you can make delicious burger/hotdogs with them too.

[@MrRKWRIGHT]

How about good old fried green tomatoes? - a southern classic if there ever was one.

[@MealsWithMaria]

I’ve never tried that! I should!

[@MrRKWRIGHT]

@@MealsWithMaria I certainly hope you enjoy it.

[@conniesanchez9114]

Maria you are so inventive and with three boys genius 👏

[@MealsWithMaria]

😀 thank you! I love doing this!

[@miccacarpenter8578]

Absolutely love tomatoe sandwiches 💜

[@pamfrey6785]

Benny agrees with Julian! 10 out of 10!!!

[@kellyb7416]

OMG that Mac casserole… you are my new hero.

[@carlahabeck4051]

Seeing the tomato sandwhiches reminded me how as a kid I hated tomatoes but loved lettuce and mayo sadwiches. lol. Your fish tacos are a terrific idea, will have to try, and the mac and cheese dish reminded me of taco pasta recipies I have seen but easier. Thanks for all your inspiring recipies.

[@debbiechaney6607]

You are a genius....my heavens that casserole looked so delicious. I thought I was the only one that loved tomatoe sandwiches...yummy. The fish sticks? What a time saver from having to fry fish that falls apart. Thank you so very much. I plan to make all these...yummy. Love from your old pals Debbie and Dexter-Dog in southern California. Also congratulations to your grandmother on her upcoming wedding 💝💝💝💝🙏🙏

[@shellyturner2766]

Everything looks great! The summertime tomato sandwich reminds me how much my grown son and I love cucumber sandwiches. I'm guessing my husband would like the fish sticks tacos. The enchilada casserole is appealing because of its versatility ... I've been using a homemade enchilada sauce recipe I found online during the pandemic.

[@MealsWithMaria]

Cucumber sandwiches are also a winner! Thank you for reminding me!

[@helpyourself986]

Love your videos Maria! You're so positive and happy it makes me happy! Your sweet grandmother holding her great grand baby made me melt! So sweet she's engaged as well! You are right great things happen at all stages of life and that's really comforting for someone about to turn 30 lol I know some people may laugh at that but it's a big milestone for me! Love your videos Maria!

[@Mommytotwo2]

My mom always put in butter to one slice of bread and Mayo on the other, tomato and salt and pepper. Yum.

[@MealsWithMaria]

Omg that sounds delicious

[@Fashionover60]

This was so fun and very useful too!! But the highlight was that GrandMother what a little beauty!

[@clusterbungle]

Love these budget friendly recipes! 😊

[@MealsWithMaria]

😀😀

[@lucydaisyandme]

Thank you for saying it’s never too late😊

[@MealsWithMaria]

It’s true!

[@alexandriajordan6929]

I love all of your budget meal ideas! You are a genius! We are going to try them all, but we did make the fish stick tacos last night. They were so tasty and no one would ever know that they are fish sticks. My husband really loved them as well and was impressed. Thank you for all that you do :-)

[@MealsWithMaria]

Aw you’re welcome! Glad the tacos were a hit!!

[@MoodyReadingPenguinn]

I am so glad I discovered your channel. Your recipes are delicious and budget friendly without sacrificing flavor like I’ve saw on other budget recipe channels.

[@bethanyg153]

Sometimes I save the drippings from my ground beef (especially if I do grass fed). I sub out the butter from the Mac and cheese with it. It really tastes great!

[@babss943]

Love the idea of wine lunch. I must steal it

[@MealsWithMaria]

Yes! Do it!!!

[@evelyngarcia8015]

I cant wait to try the dressing you made for the sandwich

[@MealsWithMaria]

🙏 enjoy!

[@jillgott6567]

I love using Tomatos and Spinach in a Toasted Cheese Sandwich so delicious 😋 And, I like using cheap or leftover bread in a Bread Pudding

[@yvonnepalmquist8676]

Tomato and cheese makes a great bagel topping, too.

[@MealsWithMaria]

Bread pudding is a good idea!

[@jillgott6567]

My Nana taught me how to make it. I have made Chocolate Chocolate Chip which was a favorite. I have also made several other versions including Dried Apricot Apple , Raisin with Cinnamon . Always a hit

[@housewolves34]

Summertime tomato sandwiches are my favorite!

[@71filter]

All three of these meals look absolutely delicious!! I really enjoy your videos Maria!! Thanks for sharing and I always look forward to the next one 👍

[@MealsWithMaria]

🤗 I’m so blessed to be able to share! Im so glad you like the ideas!

[@peajay3557]

You're brilliant! I did grow up on tomato sandwiches, but I'd never thought to use fish sticks for tacos! And, that casserole looks great! More please! 👍😋

[@jillgott6567]

The ther day I purchased several one serving containers [ I live alone ] and 4 divided meal trays with covers. I used the divided tray when prepping veggies and cooked sausage chicken Meatballs and it was great. I added a can of crushed Tomatoes and a small amount of the Spaghetti seasoning sauce packet from Wmart to a pan with olive oil , veggies and sausage. The meals are A) my version of sloppy Joe with Meatballs on all grain bread B) next I will cook Pasta and top with Sauce and Meatballs for 2 meals cutting the Meatballs in half and/ or adding beans to stretch it plus more sauce if needed C) the last container of Meatballs and sauce will be for another Meatball Sandwich with cheese on top Your videos inspire me please keep them coming

[@belindafirley]

Hi Maria, I have recently found your channel! It is such amazing encouragement! Thank You! Thanks for sharing affordable meal recipe ideas for feeding our families throughout our world during these somewhat trying times! God Bless from our family to yours from Australia xxx

[@erindzurison7498]

Thank you! Never thought of doing that box man n cheese dinner!! So excited to try it!! Your video made me believe I can STILL make delicious dinners despite this nasty inflation going on. 👍💗🙌😁

[@melissaparker1342]

New subscriber from Kentucky! Love your video’s- I’m such a foodie! I will definitely try fish sticks for my fish tacos- thank you for sharing

[@MealsWithMaria]

Hi Melissa! I’m so glad you’re here!! Enjoy those tacos!

[@ericar2856]

Look great and cheap. Thanks for sharing and also sharing the pic of your beautiful family.

[@rubytaylor4566]

Wow , meals looks so yummy on a dirt cheap Budget!! Miss Ruby

[@tammifields4142]

Loved the idea of the fish tacos.... Yummy!!😋

[@juergenweidner1]

Hi from the UK. Thanks for your inspirations.

[@MealsWithMaria]

You’re welcome!

[@lynnestamey7272]

I love tomato sandwiches! I use regular mayo, salt and pepper, s look plain and simple. Lightly buttering the bread helps it not be so soggy. Yum!

[@lynettepinson1745]

In place of mayo use hummus.

[@ter8330]

I love, love, love this series!

[@MealsWithMaria]

🤗

[@tammyslifeenjoytheride.7713]

I am going to go purchase the items to make the fish tacos.

[@margritpiepes8242]

Going to Aldi is a good idea ,cause their Merch is budget friendly for Families still cheaper than other stores .I got ET Bagels ( no not phoning Home😁),Cream Cheese ,tomaters toasted the bagel cream cheese and tomato's on there's pepper salt , dinner was done plus cup of Joe and it's all good.dont need much to satisfy the Tummy .you have great recipes👍👍👍

[@erwissell]

Tomato sandwiches are delicious! I like to add sliced cucumbers and fresh mozzarella cheese!

[@lisamartin3346]

Once again, great ideas.

[@MealsWithMaria]

😀

[@gaydungan9688]

I make tomato and onion sandwiches with mustard so good. I like what you do and how much money you save. Love from Texas

[@joy365daily]

I had those fish stick tacos and they were ADDICTING! Delicious!

[@CP-tq3hu]

Hi Maria, I think your best advertisement for your yummy food has got to be your baby shoveling in his food, he's gorgeous, l love it. 😘

[@MealsWithMaria]

🤣🤣 glad you enjoy it!

[@lucyphenicie5236]

Yes that Ben does a good Job of eating! Good ideas To save money and have Something different also. Keep them coming!thanks For your hard working. More ideas with fresh Foods.

[@CP-tq3hu]

@@MealsWithMaria my son is 35 and still loves fish sticks

[@jillbritton6085]

Your videos make me smile. Thank you for the great ideas.

[@joannesincere6859]

Love love love a plain ole' tomato sandwich!

[@Veronica-tk9rl]

Hey maria, i feel like if you put that sour cream inside a squirt bottle, those tacos would have looked legit restaurant quality. great ideas!

[@bridgetmarden7224]

Mater sandwiches are the BEST!!!!! So glad I found you and your channel ❤

[@MealsWithMaria]

I’m so glad you’re here too! It’s such a blessing to be able to share with you!

[@jinglesh1398]

Great recipes! Gotta try them all , especially the mayo based sauce for the tomato sandwich! LOVE your channel

[@MealsWithMaria]

🥰😍 I’m so glad you enjoy it!

[@friend757]

Awesome!

[@MealsWithMaria]

🤗

[@ter8330]

Brilliant with the Mac n Cheese.. I would have never thought of that!

[@MealsWithMaria]

So easy too!

[@ter8330]

@@MealsWithMaria Especially when you have kids!

[@fuschiaflower7643]

Awesome recipes! There’s nothing like a good ole tomato sammi in the summer time! Love your videos! Btw, love those beautiful hardwood floors, they don’t make them like that anymore. ✌️💕😉

[@MealsWithMaria]

Thank you! They are 200+ years old! It’s true!

[@lindaswedenlifestyle]

Thanks for sharing this yummy reciept.. great presentation 😋🌸

[@tammyr2966]

All those look delicious! I love tomato sandwiches and chips! One of my favorites! Those fish tacos looked amazing! I definitely am going to try that! Kids are so cute and so are your great grandparents! Congratulations to them both!

[@amberleestevens2052]

Love the fishstick taco idea! I have shells and fishsticks too.

[@DebrasDeliciousDishes]

Hey Maria you do an awesome job I don't know how I lost your channel but I'm so glad I found it again I liked you from day one

[@karenquick8737]

Thank you, Maria! Good yummy looking dishes for a lot less money. I love it!!

[@MealsWithMaria]

🙏

[@crissytate4933]

First time watching love your cheap meals everything is so priced

[@crissytate4933]

Got cut off but love your idea ty for Sharing I also subscribe to your video

[@MealsWithMaria]

I’m so glad you’re here! I have lots more ideas! ❤️🙏 the comments are great for ideas too!

[@paulahale3943]

Thankyou♥️

[@pattiraithel5412]

My goodness, those were great ideas!!

[@moniquezufferey8720]

I am new here and I have subscribed to your account without finishing this video! 💜 I love à tomatoes sandwich anytime but especially in the summer, thank you 💜👍💜

[@MealsWithMaria]

I’m so glad you’re here!!! Tomato sandwich is a staple!!!

[@wandahall4435]

I use Fiesta Taco and it is yummy 😋 and I am able to spice up recipes...

[@MealsWithMaria]

Yum! Great idea!

[@teresastaggs7923]

Just found your channel. Exactly what I needed. Thank you!

[@MealsWithMaria]

Ah yay! I’m so glad you’re here!

[@purplebutterfly4756]

Hey good job I like watching your video's girl you come up with good ideas to change things up. Thank you

[@MealsWithMaria]

You’re welcome!!

[@annmarieknapp9942]

FISH.STICK.FISH.TACOS?!?! You are a genius Maria! 😋 I just added those to my next shopping list! The mac&cheese casserole is another winner and we usually have all the ingredients in the pantry. I'm so grateful for you and your channel. You've helped me feed my husband a variety of meals that are soooooo delicious and economical! Thanks again, and Ben is so adorable with your grandmother. 💖 Big hugs, and keep those videos coming!

[@Hasenkind1]

maybe for inspiration for fish sticks/fishfingers : you can make delicious burger/hotdogs with them too.

[@darlenetillman6290]

Try slicing the tomatoes real thin and put several on the bread..real good…I really like the sauce you made.

[@morrisshepherd1637]

Great meals we will make them thanks!!

[@MealsWithMaria]

Enjoy!

[@mygoodlife204]

Tomato and onion sandwich would also be nice

[@arabicempress]

Thank you for such amazing cheap and easy recipes! I know sometimes I'm in a bind of what to cook so you just gave me great ideas. I love that tomatoe sandwich idea I'll definitely be doing that tomorrow! You have such a beautiful family, cute cute babies. God bless you 💖

[@MealsWithMaria]

🙏🤗 so happy to share ideas!

[@candyselph1264]

I have been eating tomato sandwhichs for as long remember and I will be 65 in 3 weeks...... but A twist I spread a little onion on it LOVE THEM

[@cathyholt5215]

Great ideas. Thanks. Will be using all.

[@MealsWithMaria]

Yay! Enjoy!

[@AliciasKitchen7]

These look fabulous ❤

[@MealsWithMaria]

😀

[@Hasenkind1]

maybe for inspiration for fish sticks/fishfingers : you can make delicious burger/hotdogs with them too.

[@meghanhertzog2426]

Thanks so much for sharing, this please extremely helpful for a budgeting Mama! ❤️🥰❤️

[@jgodwin717]

Awesome job Maria

[@MealsWithMaria]

Thank you!

[@hazelwilson7825]

It’s egg Mayo and tomato sarnies for me. I am going to use your Mayo recipe next time though ✔️

[@MealsWithMaria]

Yum! That sounds great!

[@mariaserpa-gauvin8405]

All these look great!