5 Budget-friendly meals to save you MONEY!

[@stuckinmopro8533]

In order to not forget an ingredient I put all of the items that are listed in the recipe out on the kitchen counter. As I use each item I either throw out the can/wrapper or put the rest of the container back in the fridge or cupboard. When the counter is cleared I know that I’ve used all of the listed ingredients. Also this makes cleanup a lot easier. Hope that this helps!

[@dawndecker4045]

I do the same thing. If I don't do that then all bets are off🤣.

[@ivy_swain5003]

I do the same thing!!

[@rachelbourgeois1978]

Just a little tip for cornbread- It's really good if you put some bacon grease in the cast iron skillet and then heat in the oven before adding cornbread mixture. Once it's hot you pour in mixture and it creates a crust on the bottom that is amazing! :)

[@pamreneick464]

Yum i love bacon grease where ever i can use it 😷

[@lynnestamey7272]

I also sprinkle some corn meal in the bacon grease before I put the mixture in the skillet. It does make a nice crust!

[@jenniferggreer457]

Agreed. This is how I learned to make it. You can sub shortening or oil if you have no bacon grease (sadly lol)

[@sandybowman7140]

Or sub yummy butter or Ghee!

[@lolacorinne5384]

Does sweet Gracie get her own block of cheese for Christmas? (To be apportioned out appropriately, of course!)

[@katherinehorton664]

She should!!

[@julsenn91]

Gracie deserves the world. 😭😭😭

[@annielumm7370]

Good idea, if I have a vote then YES she does!!!

[@user-qg8qu6gg4s]

She would love it, and maybe a cat nip toy in the shape of a little cheese block!

[@vbroadwater3745]

Yay for Gracie! Everything is better with cheese, even Gracie!🧀

[@We-Fly-Soon_Sister]

Mandy you and Steven are so much fun and crack me up to the point of laughing with tears. Love your videos and recipes. I've made a few of them and love them. Like you I tweak them to my liking but they never fail. Thank you for the love and passion you and the Common Tater share with all of us.

[@spoosieoopsie1616]

I would love to get a "Common Tater" T-shirt for my husband! He also has a tater-shape! 🥔

[@bethred1981]

I'm one of those people who NEVER comment, but I absolutely love your videos! You and Steven are such a joy to watch. Frankly, I really like when you forget things or just add what you have on hand for your recipes. It makes me feel better that other people mess up too and can still recover! God Bless you and your family and Happy Holidays!

[@mariapenilla8206]

I just started watching you guys and love ❤️ your recipes, how your hubby just savor your meals 😉 😋. And loves you. God bless you and yours.

[@lifeisgood15]

I have been cooking meals for 50 years. I had hand surgery last July & was unable to use my right hand for 6 weeks. An electric knife & my left hand was too dangerous. I was scanning KZbin for easy recipes & came across your videos. You were using a food chopper! I was ordering one on Amazon in a flash. I have made several recipes & my husband says "WOW." Healed up now but continue to watch Mandy in the Making & the meals are labeled " From Mandy." Thank you so much for the ideas & keeping my hubby happily fed. God has blessed us all with your family!

[@rosiemorales3880]

Creamy Gravy Chicken 🍗✨👍🏼🧄🧅 Scrumptious meals for any day Thank you Mandy and Steven You guys Rock!!!👍🏼

[@rosemarydoran9907]

Steven was looking so lovingly at that cornbread and chili dish. You'd have thought it was you always looking lovingly at!

[@KimBeez1966]

I absolutely love watching your videos not only for the recipes but you both are so cute and funny. If I'm having a bad day I just need to watch one of your videos to cheer me up. God bless ❤

[@MandyintheMaking]

You are so kind!

[@marylovecountryliving]

Watching you and your husband always puts a smile on my face. Y'all are so funny. I love it when Steven uses his announcer voice. God Bless you both for the love and laughter you share.

[@lynnmitchell1618]

I do love your receipes . But I really watch your videos for the interaction with you and Steven. Yall are so funny and adorable I just laugh all during the videos Thank for the enjoyment yall bring. And yes Mandy I forget items like you did the corn. And just add it in like you did. Be blessed.

[@maryfox8818]

Mandy, I cannot begin to tell you how you have changed our lives! I am a retired lady from Indiana who was tired of cooking and making the same recipes week after week. Boring ! Well, I stumbled across your channel several months ago and am now hooked. My hubby loves comfort food and I would say that's what you are famous for. My best friends and I are known for our Tea Parties and love spending time together. We are affectionately known as " The Tea Girl's". We're actually more like sisters. I have been sharing your recipes on our thread and they are also happy to try new recipes. We especially love the Chicken Crockpot recipe with mushrooms and onion. I love the Tomato Basil Pasta!! Keep those recipes coming girl. Ps we enjoy Steve and your son so much. What fine young men.

[@michellemorris9354]

My grandma learned from her mother and taught me if you don't have buttermilk to put a Tablespoon of vinegar in your milk.She passed in 2009 and whenever I make her recipes I think of all she has taught me.

[@jenniferggreer457]

My grandma taught me that. I've used it many times they the years!

[@lisaharrington3241]

I love the way Steven makes you laugh. You have an amazing marriage

[@melissamcfadden9684]

Jeanie crossed her arms and blinked her eyes. You guys are my favorite!

[@joanhawkins8552]

I have made the chili and cornbread recipe several times, but I do the reverse version. I put the chili in first and top with the cornbread mixture. Like a chili pot pie ( with a cornbread crust). And I put a little shredded cheese on top of the chili and some on top of the cornbread.

[@spoosieoopsie1616]

Great idea! I will give that a try. Thanks!

[@joan5837]

You could call the crockpot chicken recipe Sour Cream Onion Chicken. I am, for sure, making this recipe. Gracie Lou wanted that chicken so bad she swooped in and grabbed it right out of your hand!!! Smart kitty!!! Love you guys and precious, sweet Gracie. 💕

[@phyltorkelsonp9268]

I love all the recipes. Here in the Midwest, we call the red macaroni dish “goulash” and sometimes put in a can of diced tomatoes with it.

[@deborahfarr2201]

We had a silver Bangle and Tabby mix named Gray. He was 19 when he pasted and he grew up with my boys. Bangles are big cats so he was not over weight at 26lbs. He had the best personality of any animal I've known. His thing was tuna. Only people food he would eat. He knew the sound of the can when you sit it on the counter. And I tried to fool him many times. Nope. He knew the difference. That tuna can hit the counter, he would come out of nowhere. Miss him. Bless you and all your babies.

[@Luwanasue]

Your husband cracks me up I love your videos and delicious recipes but he just makes my day he’s hilarious and you two are soooo cute together❤😂🇺🇸😆🦅

[@brendabaxter9297]

I smile or laugh during each video, that's why I always look for a new video! Your common tater could have his own channel doing stand up southern comedy! He is a "HOOT"! Love you both😄❤ The crockpot chicken dish is "Crockpot Chicken Delight"!

[@k.j.krimson2590]

Your husband messin with your hair and sayin it looks cute...just bout melted my heart. 😍 Yall are couple goals. 💯 I just adore the two of you ❣️

[@gigigeneste8923]

My online comments are few. I enjoy watching your videos and find it funny when you laugh at forgetting an ingredient. I did make the crockpot chicken with the onion soup. I forgot to buy mushrooms so I used carrots and celery instead. It turned out very good. Let’s name it French Cream Chicken. You and your family are a wonderful blessing to those of us who watch.

[@mistyfiello5262]

Your husband is so sweet. I love making good food that is appreciated.

[@nikkiann3154]

I like seeing both of you in the shot doing the taste test 🙂

[@jeanettemyles9931]

Hi Mandy I love the way you and your husband work together, I love cooking your dishes, my family love them, and I love the way your husband taste test them.keep up the good work. May God keep blessing you guys

[@2003csmith]

The crockpot chicken with soup mix reminds me of stroganoff. Maybe it could be called Chicken stroganoff. I look so forward to your videos. With all that is going on in the world these days your videos are very comforting. The fun and love you show in your videos is truly a blessing. Thank you for all your wonderful recipes and may you and your family have a happy and healthy holiday season and new year.

[@lindabader-acosta7808]

With the jiffy corn bread mix my family does a honey corn bread. We use the raw honey & add 1/4 a cup to the already mixed then bake according. We sometimes add 1-2 jalapeños ( fresh ,deseeded, & diced). Just bake according to directions. It’s always a hit on holidays & with a bbq meal.

[@crawleyr4919]

Its been 2 yrs since Steven’s dad passed?!! I can’t believe ive been following you that long! Wow. Great week of recipes. Thank u!

[@kischelnelson4567]

I like the cheesy humor your husband has. You together make a great video:)

[@karenwoodall6132]

I have my grandmother’s cast iron skillet too. I use it for my cornbread. I cherish this skillet so much. I know she would be happy knowing how much I love it.

[@julsenn91]

Aaaah! I had a cat named Tabitha growing up named after Bewitched. I remember trying to do the "nose wiggle" so badly just practicing in the mirror. Poor child-me. 😅 Another FANtastic video - emphasis on the fan because your subscribers are your biggest fans ♡ xo

[@kellyburek1751]

I also had a cat named Tabatha. I had her as an adult tho. Also grew up watching Bewitched lol I always called her “Tabby Cat” 😂 Love your videos!

[@wolfsmom85]

Was getting worried ... then at the end of the chilli and corn bread part Gracie got cheese 😌 love her so much and yes you guys are so adorable 😍

[@loriwilkes500]

Tabitha was the daughter!!! Loved that show!!! Love your videos!!! You and your family are great!! Please keep videos coming!! God Bless

[@wendycash54]

If I don't mess something up, it's not cooking. Like you, I will do my best to remedy if I can. It usually doesn't seem to matter! I really appreciate your honesty. Merry Christmas!

[@Allie-oop]

I laughed so hard over the creamed corn 😅 I have done that so many times. I try and leave a comment and like for channels that I believe deserve to be advanced, I don’t think everyone knows it helps you grow your visibility. And your channel is so wholesome and entertaining, you definitely deserve it. 🥳 oh and the recipes are great too…

[@sandybowman7140]

Me too - forget a big ingredient even if it's sitting on the counter!! So glad I'm not alone in this flaw! 😅😂🤣

[@jhmaness1]

Does Steven ALWAYS love whatever you make? He always seems sincere with his comments and is always so complimentary. Just saying.

[@theresacorbe]

I love kielbasa!! I made it just the other day! Look at Steven trying to catch you adding cream cheese! I am going to make that chicken recipe right after Christmas! He is so funny. I wish I could share a photo of my two cats with you! One loves table food, the other runs from it!

[@spoosieoopsie1616]

Our cats must be related to each other because ours are just like yours! 😸

[@maxinerivera2108]

I make the red macaroni all the time. The only thing I do differently is I toast the macaroni. Gives it a little of a nutty taste. So good!

[@debbielenoir5472]

For Thanksgiving I made the same cornbread casserole. When we were cleaning up my husband asked me what the melted butter was for that was left in the microwave. Yes, it was supposed to go into the cornbread casserole. It still turned out good! 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@mommysaver71]

Well I think my cooking experience going forward has changed for the better. I had no idea the peeler top was suppose to be used for that.😮 I always did the same thing Mandy did in the last video. A big thankful to everyone who posted that. Plan to show my mom about it too over Christmas. 🎄

[@sandybowman7140]

Look for a Xyliss Zebra Peeler - they have super sharp teeth u can peel even thin skinned veg & fruit like tomatoes, pears, etc. They whip thru peeling jobs like nothing!

[@lindaevans6461]

I have forgotten an ingredient and did what you did and it all came out all ok. Gracie is adorable. I love watching, you guys make me laugh. God Bless your family.

[@robylove9190]

I make my chili cornbread casserole upside down from the way you made yours. I put the chili on the bottom and pour the cornbread on top. It's delicious either way.

[@tinac3880]

Thank you for sharing these recipes. Love when y’all are in the kitchen together (even Gracie too)! Steven, thank you for your service.

[@MrsAlmaTrumble]

I been loving budget videos. Excited to see what meals you have planned for us. You and Steven always make me laugh and smile.

[@tiffanyharris7695]

I love the mug! My mom passed of Pancreatic cancer and January will be 2-1/2 years she's been gone. I was given a mug just like that with photos of my mom and I and it's my favorite as well!

[@dianamahar483]

I’ve saved so many of your recipes on Pinterest…they all look so good 😀😃😄. You two are a Hoot and Gracie is adorable ❤❤

[@runningbearranch7362]

Next time you make brownies. Put York Peppermint in.. Pour 1/2 Brownies on bottom add Peppermints add rest of brownies and bake. Carol from Northern California.

[@GeekyGirlReviews]

I just wanted to say thank you for your videos and recipes. I have tried quite a few recipes and both my husband and I have loved every single recipes we have tried .

[@sandrahughes2702]

For the chicken recipe…we did it several times already and love it. I just do 2 changes, well not really changes. I use 1 pound of mushrooms because we love them and they cook down quite a bit and I add some Worcestershire sauce. Oh and I like to serve it with egg noddles. Whenever hubby asks what’s for dinner I say chicken stroganoff 😂 that’s my name for it 😊 thanks for that recipe, it’s a stable in our house now.

[@amypletcher4411]

All of the recipes look good. I made the corn bread casserole with chilli fixings but no beans so it might have a sloppy Joe Cornbread casserole. I liked but my family did not. They don't like cornbread but I grew up eating jiffy cornbread and in a cast iron skillet too. You two are so precious!!!

[@trapped7534]

Looks yummy❤️ “Comment Tater” I agree with Denise. Your family (along with Gracie) just blesses this old woman’s heart ❤️💖💞💜🥰 Ya’all have a Blessed Christmas ❤❤❤❤❤❤ Yes!! I forget to add things too. When I was a young girl my Granny started sitting the salt container away from the stove. I finally asked her about it and she smiled and said “well, as I have gotten older I forget if I have salt and something or not so once I salt the food I move the salt away from the stove so I will know.“ Now that I am an older lady, I fully understand and I do the same thing. God bless you guys.

[@mikefelix932]

Your family is a delight to watch to include Gracie Lou! Great recipes, definitely making the crockpot chicken. - Shel

[@MsIniquity]

I also use my iron skillet to make cornbread, but a good flavoring tip someone shared with me one time was to get the skillet really hot with bacon grease then pour in the cornbread mix and pop it straight into the oven.

[@pammusser8167]

All of these recipes sound delicious and I will be trying some. Things are definitely tougher with the cost of groceries, especially those on a fixed budget so I appreciate your efforts on finding delicious recipes. Wishing you and the family a very Merry Christmas.

[@crystalpolice]

I just made the Mexican Cheese Soup from one of your subbies, and it is soooo good. Anytime I have a new recipe, my husband asks if it's from Mandy in the Making. When I tell him yes, he says he knows it'll be good! 😁

[@barbarajohnson83]

Oh Wow! That Crock Pot Chicken dish will be on my January menu! A fantastic way to start the New Year!❤️

[@sandybowman7140]

You think like I do: by now the budget & meals are planned for the month, so work it in next month!!

[@tammykunkel6643]

I just love you too! I have gastroparesis, and can't eat much food at a time. We are low income, and your meals inspire me, and lift me up to be able to cook nice meals for my husband! 🙂 My kitty Lily reminds me of Gracie when I have cheese out, lol God bless you both for brightening my days!

[@georgiecampbell5949]

I love these bean meals. My husband and I are empty nesters and it's so hard making food for the 2 of us. These are perfect with corn bread too. ❤

[@ritasmoot1823]

Whew girl!!! You guys always look good, but, your look the day you did budget meal #3, with your hair up , those glasses! Looked like you should be on the food network! Thank you so much for the budget minded recipes! Many need these ideas. Take care and happy cooking! Rita

[@bessiefaircloth6147]

I'm the world's worst at forgetting to put something in. I lose my train of thought easily 😂 especially when in a hurry! The funniest " common tator"

[@karenughoc2849]

I made your Red Macaroni in my Nija Foodie and pressure cooked for 10 minutes it was a good and quick and easy meal. The cornbread chili casseroles look good but my husband does not like cornbread.

[@susanking8538]

So sorry about Stevens dad. The dinners are awesome. Love the 2 of you!

[@SimplyBethany]

Hey Mandy!❤ I just love your videos! You and Steven are so funny & a beautiful couple! And can’t forget Gracie & her cheese habits so cutee! Fun to see coles thumbs up too!

[@aprilhampton6298]

I do one similar to the red macaroni. I also add mini pepperoni and Italian sausage and top it with mozzarella cheese. It's the only casserole my husband will eat.

[@nicolehubbard3536]

Oh, I always made cornbread with chili, but I can't eat dairy at all anymore. I miss cornbread so much lol. That looked delicious! 😭😁

[@kimberleymayfield5297]

I cannot tell a lie . My husband Ricky and I watch you and Steven faithfully.. Your smiles and laughter brings us so much joy, we can't help but laugh with y'all.. keep the videos coming and God Bless! Ricky & Kimberley McQueen

[@lavernejones4471]

Hi Mandy. I am loving the reading of the comments! I’m like Denise. (My middle name is Denise) I still don’t comment often, but I do have a handful of KZbinrs whose videos I comment on regularly . Of course, you’re a part of that group. 😊 I would love to see your senior pictures with Tabitha.🥰 Thanks for sharing these easy, budget friendly meals.🤗💕

[@nannydeemer]

Love your videos! The cornbread might be great with fresh jalapeños too!

[@christeenprice5637]

I had a pug named Lucy, she loved the c words,chicken,cheese, love watching your videos, thanks for sharing ❤️❤️❤️

[@suzyp5430]

My husband love your videos. In all that time I didn't know that your served in the military. Thanks for your service to our country, both of you. I have military on both sides of my family and I know when one serves everyone plays their part just in a different way.

[@janemartin229]

My MIL used to make that chili and cornbread dish, but she made the chili first and put it in the casserole dish. Mix the cornbread and pour it on top and then bake. That way your cornbread doesn't get soggy, especially the part that's left over.

[@sherrabenton5682]

I think you should name the last meal with crockpot chicken Gracie Lou crockpot chicken. She seemed to really want some at the end. Lol. I love your videos. I’ve been around a long time. And enjoy every video and your family. A few years ago I enjoyed when you did a Christmas card exchange. I sent a few of our family’s recipes. It was a super fun idea. Let’s bring that back next year. 😊

[@mdketzer]

Gotta love good budget meals and those all looked delicious! Thanks for keeping my laughter coming! What a blessed family!

[@richardharris1183]

Jody from Indiana here. Richard is my other half and I am on his IPad. I love it when Stephen is in the kitchen with you and the happy banter. Makes for great videos. What’s weird for me is Richard always ask if I need help..but cooking is my fun time because I love it..and I never let him..😂..but he does hover around though.

[@apriltownsend8463]

Those baked potatoes with the taco meatloaf you've made before would be SO GOOD together!

[@brandyjustice4899]

I have been cooking the French chicken from your channel so much it’s perfect for colder weather.

[@lisabrackett7586]

Love this Mandy! Y'all are so funny and always make me smile.

[@sarahgatewood1594]

Gracie and her love of cheese makes me smile and laugh. I like seeing her every video. Just fun.

[@zoyedivine3097]

Great ideas for easy and cost effective ways to make those grocery dollars stretch. Love Gracie Lou getting her cheese and hand outs. Steven, conmen tater fits you perfectly! Keep those videos coming! God Bless

[@ericarandall2692]

I also forget ingredients, even when I’ve double checked the recipe 🤦🏼‍♀️ I’ve made a similar Chili and Cornbread but instead of cooking the cornbread first, I pour the cornbread over the chili and cook it, and I agree it is a great comfort food! I’m looking forward to trying the “keel-basa” (as I pronounce it), or the “kuh-basa” (as my husband pronounces it) stew next week when we go camping!

[@mandalynn7429]

Thank you so much for your videos. My family and I love to watch. Thank you for keeping it real. Even my kitties love to hear Gracie Lou! Wishing your family a very Merry Christmas! Love Mandy from East Va.

[@mariafree6737]

I have a Tshirt that says “I fine, it’s fine everything fine”. So for me cooking. I have a side dish that I use a lot the is a diced avacado, a diced roma tomato, salt and pepper and a squeezed lime juice. Stir and refrigerate until ready to eat. It is yummy.

[@gloriahohman2790]

These recipes look so yummy, especially the bean salsa on potatoes. I love watching y'all on these videos you such an adorable family and precious fur baby. So nice that you share with us these awesome recipes and the fun you y'all have. God Bless...

[@Isabella66Gracen]

I do forget ingredients all of the time. I'm always pleased if I notice it early enough to add the forgotten ingredient. My nephew's wife is a Tabitha, also named after Samantha Stevens daughter. My husband and have been watching Bewitched on Prime. So much fun!

[@oliviarinaldi5963]

You two are so very much fun. I love the idea of Common Tater. I have my mommas cast iron skillets. Watching you make the corn bread and putting it in the skillet brought back sweet memories of my family. We had a smaller skillet designated for cornbread. Great video. Probably one of my favorite of you guys.

[@joanhawkins8552]

Yes, I have forgotten a ingredient, a time or 2. My early years of cooking, I was making a cake and had to separate an egg. So when I was gathering everything. I put the 2 little dishes with the white and yolk in the fridge. I was putting up supper leftovers away and saw the egg...... the cake turned out perfect.

[@shelby.denisesexton5560]

I love watching you guys and you're cat too. It makes my day watching you

[@joelcopeland3018]

When I was a kid and money got tight around the house my momma would fix cream of chicken soup over toast for us for lunch.

[@tngal483]

Love your and your husband's sense of humor!

[@stevenwilson1762]

You two always make me smile. Our kitty won't take her chicken from our hand , we have to lay it down . I'm sure Gracie is saying cheese...Merry Christmas to you both and your family. Mrs.Steve

[@jodybudd9310]

My Dad passed away January 13, 2021. Will also be 2 years. He had alzheimer's for 19 years so it was kind of a blessing but I miss him horribly every day! I love you guys! God bless

[@elizabethrose2488]

I LOVE your videos. Sometimes I honestly just have it on TV all day as background because they are such peaceful videos with all good vibes. I've made a number of your recipes recently. One of them being the white chicken enchiladas and tonight I'm making the red mac and cheese! Thanks for what you do!

[@MandyintheMaking]

Hey Elizabeth! Thank you so much for this sweet feedback! Glad that you're getting a few dinner ideas! ❤️

[@tracyorme5956]

I love your recipes and videos. You make super fun, and Gracie is adorable asking for her cheese. May you and your beautiful family have a very Merry Christmas 🎅

[@sandybowman7140]

Gracie needs her own "YT Short" with pop up thoughts - ever see how animals have thousands if not millions of views?!!

[@donnamckeller2010]

I am always trying new recipes for my family and I get lots of great ideas from your channel. You asked if we forget ingredients sometimes, this Thanksgiving, I forgot to season the cheesy taters and the Mac and cheese. Sad part is those were my main contributions to our family dinner. 🙈

[@teresabeamon9650]

Y'all two are so cute together. Love y'alls joking around. Love you both

[@annielumm7370]

Oh man, we do cornbread everytime we make chilli. Thanks to Uncle Rosco! We thought he was being silly and then he brought to a church function and we was like ok we will try it out. Oh my word he's not silly 🤣🤣🤣 Tabitha is the daughter yes! Bewitched was my favorite. I use to run full speed down the driveway, after getting off the school bus to watch bewitched, Gilligan's island, and happy days after school. Also I wanna say Mayberry not sure they changed what was on after school every yr.

[@helenwilliams8471]

I love the way you and Steven work together, in a fun way! Plus, he does an amazing job at giving his description of each amazing meal you've prepared!! I really enjoy watching! Your videos are a blessing!! ❤️

[@ruthgraham7850]

I have a Subbie Sweet!!!!! Toasted butter pecan cake. Toast 1 1/2 cups pecans in 4 tablespoons butter. Set aside to cool. Use a yellow cake mix. Add 4 eggs and substitute milk for water and softened butter for oil. Add 1/2 of the cool toasted pecans. Bake 9 x 13” pan until done. Add remaining toasted pecans to prepared cream cheese frosting. Frost. So good.