THESE ARE THE EASIEST AND BEST EXTREME BUDGET MEALS EVER!

[@lisaward3890]

Oh my goodness what can't you do with a baked potato for a meal? We have made souped up baked potatoes,whatever vegetable soup, chili type soup,lentil soup,beans&rice with corn chips crushed over top,chicken,tuna,egg salad topped on baked potatoes. You are correct Maria,with potatoes being very versatile. Quasadia or taco toppings on a baked potatoe is fabulous!

[@KC2DC]

On the tuna mac, you can add a can of cream of mushroom soup spread it in a baking dish and top with shredded cheese and bread crumbs and it makes a great casserole.

[@MealsWithMaria]

That’s an awesome idea! And still very inexpensive!

[@janeulness2119]

You can also make your own cream of mushroom soup from scratch!

[@shaunah.creations9233]

That sounds yummy

[@tinahardman7102]

I was say same thing cream Mushroom soup or Cream of chicken Ritz crackers and cheese

[@caroleffner5049]

Last night I went to make some chicken salad from a small can for my lunch, thinking I should get two sandwiches from it. After putting in relish and mayo, was just enough for one sandwich! Then I recalled this video if yours that I had just recently watched, and crushed up about 8 saltine crackers into it with a bit more mayo. Then I had enough for two sandwiches. I had the first sandwich today and was amazed! The texture was that of regular chicken salad, no noticeable crackers, and tasted just fine! I'm so glad you shared that trick! I'm going to do it again, with tuna fish also! Thank you for budget meals and ways to stretch our food! God bless you and your family! 🤗💞

[@MealsWithMaria]

That’s amazing! I’m so glad I could help! 🙏❤️

[@bethbenbow8108]

Hi once again Maria, whilst continuing to watch your video, hearing the rain falling on the roof (hip, hip hooray), a glass of wine, and when you did a macaroni recipe, wonderful memories. I was so, so fortunate to be a full time carer for our beautiful mother and one of our favourite meals was cooking up a packet of macaroni, drain it, then add heaps of tomato sauce, barbecue sauce and shredded cheese. Pour it into a casserole dish, lots of shredded cheese on top, into the oven until it was bubbling. We sat in two chairs with a small coffee table in between, the casserole dish went on the table with our bowls and forks and we just kept digging in .... thank you for such a wonderful memory, plus really easy, cheap dish, serve with a salad if you want to make it healthy, but our beautiful mother lived to the age of 90....so if all you have is macaroni, sauce and cheese you have a tasty meal. Please keep on giving us these wonderful recipes. Beth

[@MealsWithMaria]

What a beautiful memory!! ❤️❤️ such a blessing to have shared that time together!

[@tallfrugallaurie1680]

Love these recipes. The ones with beans were my favorite. Easy, frugal and either vegan or quickly made vegan with a switch of an ingredient or two. Thank you Maria.

[@krystaljohnson5093]

Everything looks yummy 😋 😍 ☺️

[@adbathert3705]

These recipes are so helpful! Please provide more when you can!

[@amandaribofpalmetto]

I used to work at McAlister's and I don't think this is even on their menu anymore, but the Spudinski with added Rotel cheese sauce was my favorite! So baked potato fluffed with butter topped with shredded cheese, kielbasa sausage slices, diced red onion and Rotel cheese sauce (Rotel with Velveeta melted to a nacho/queso consistency). The spud max and spud ole are also great!

[@yvonnepalmquist8676]

This sounds so yummy. I love Kielbasa but have never thought of adding fiesta style flavors to it.

[@Swtclggr1]

One our easiest meals is cooked white rice, open a can of chili with beans (heat up the chili) put over warm rice and add 1 slice of velveta cheese on top. Cheese will melt on it's own. That's it!

[@StamperWendy]

Oh, that's easy. If I was supposed to use 2 cans of beans and had just one can, I'd finely chop up a few potatoes and add them in, that way, it bulks it up. I love your recipes!

[@MealsWithMaria]

👍🏼👍🏼 very easy 😀 so glad you enjoy!

[@bethbenbow8108]

Hi Maria, love your recipes, I am from Australia, and what you call a Pepper we call a Capsicum, because I am only cooking for one (although I do share with my sister who lives opposite) I buy a tri colour (red, yellow, green) packet of capsicum, dice them and freeze them, they last me for ages and I always have them for when I need them, I use them in soups, omelettes, scrambled eggs, I also use frozen onions, I freeze corn off corn cobs ... we all have a food budget to stick to, and I find freezing fresh vegetables, in season, enables me to vary my meals, but still eat healthy. Thank you for your wonderful information, warmest regards Beth

[@MealsWithMaria]

That’s such a great tip! I keep meaning to do that!

[@christophervogt7456]

You out did yourself with so many easy, inexpensive meals. All look delicious!

[@MealsWithMaria]

🙏👌

[@iwuvmybigfamily]

Thanks for all of your budget friendly meals Maria. These recipes sound great! And your boys are all adorable, and you can tell them that 😉 😘

[@michelemcgill1720]

Greetings from Australia. This is the second time I have watched this vlog. I was minding my grandchildren aged 21months - 7years and they loved the tuna, mac n cheese. Very economical. I'm going to try the chicken Quesadilla next. Thankyou so much for sharing your recipes.

[@tinablair2206]

That white bean soup is one of my favorites. Simple and tasty. Add some bacon and hot sauce! My mother used to take Leftovers from ham boiled dinner and add navy beans and it was so tasty too. All the recipes on here looked great. Thank you for another great video

[@MealsWithMaria]

You’re welcome!

[@lisamartin3346]

Yes! More recipes like this, please.

[@MealsWithMaria]

You got it!

[@sandradummer4726]

With food prices always going up, along with everything else, we have to either cut back or use a substitute.

[@TXJan0057]

For anyone who isn't able to keep fresh onion or garlic try to find the granulated onion and garlic instead of the powder. It is usually much more flavorful.

[@MealsWithMaria]

Oh good tip!

[@jinglesh1398]

You have out done even yourself ! Love all your budget friendly meals ! ❤

[@MealsWithMaria]

👍🏼🎉 thank you!

[@kellywood2954]

I just found your video. I just had to comment because my daughter, now 7, has her own king size comforter she calls corny. She has one corner she loves. I haul that thing all over the place. Glad to know I'm not alone. Loved the budget meal ideas. TFS

[@yvonnepalmquist8676]

I love revisiting some of your past videos. This one is a favorite. I love affordable and simple. One of the things I usually comment on when a video references pureed white beans is how they can be used in other soups as added protein and as a dairy substitute to making a "cream" style soup.

[@MealsWithMaria]

Such a good point!

[@tanyagibbons133]

Another great idea is what I made tonight ,use to to make back in the day when my kids were lil, I opened two cans of beef stew ,I doctored up a bit then put over cooked egg noodles ,inexpensive ,simple and delicious

[@MealsWithMaria]

That sounds great!

[@kristyb5821]

One of my favorite budget meals is 2 cans of Campbell’s veggie beef soup, a 1/2 lb of cooked ground beef, a cup or two of beef broth and a bag or can of mixed veggies. To bulk it up even further we add some elbow noodles. Here in the south we top our baked potatoes with pulled pork, chicken or brisket. Whatever leftover bbq meat you have, with your favorite bbq sauce, cheese, sour cream and bacon bits. So delicious and gets rid of the bbq leftovers (usually not a problem though, they never last) we also use it to make quesadillas or nachos. It’s the best baked potato you will ever have, especially if you use a sweet potato.

[@shaunah.creations9233]

Ohhh I love the idea with the bbq meat on the potatoes! I got rotisserie chicken, bbq sauce, and potatoes on hand right now 😊

[@kristyb5821]

@@shaunah.creations9233 you should do it! We love it for a quick weeknight dinner. Some shredded chicken or pork that I freeze whenever we have extra, some microwaved baked potatoes and dinner is done in 15 minutes

[@cherimckenzie4708]

right after graduating college my roommate and I were lucky if we had 8 dollars to our name. Our go to meal was a can of hormel chili over a microwaved potato (we weren't about to use the oven). We thought it was delicious and we survived just fine :)

[@yvonnepalmquist8676]

And Ohhh the weeks you could afford a bit of cheese or sour cream!

[@jonicabeird4657]

My daughter had a blankie made out of long Johns material. It was pink. She took it everywhere and each time one would wear out I would buy her a new one. Fast forward to when she bought a house at age 25… she still has a tattered one and keeps it under her pillow. ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@MealsWithMaria]

My sister sleeps with a tattered stuffed pig ❤️

[@jonicabeird4657]

@@MealsWithMaria ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@karengretzler8754]

Tuna Mac is comfort food for me. If you have it, a dollop of sour cream is nice and something crunchy on top: French fried onions or chow mein noodles or crackers.

[@mumzieshideout3555]

Helloooooooooo Maria, all the recipes looked so good today. The Tuna & Peas recipe really caught my attention, I will be making this, and I am thinking that I will be adding a little bit of diced Celery, and a little bit of diced Green Pepper I feel this would be a great addition. What do you think? Have a great day!!!!!!!!!

[@MealsWithMaria]

Absolutely!! That will be delicious!

[@janicedwyer6216]

I have substituted some of the pasta water instead of milk when I make the mac and cheese. Came out very creamy.

[@MealsWithMaria]

That’s a great tip!

[@dangergirl7960]

You are so relaxing and informative to watch! I love love soup so I will be trying a few of these out! Thanks for sharing xox and keep them coming!🥣

[@MealsWithMaria]

😀 so happy to share!

[@dangergirl7960]

@@MealsWithMaria 💖

[@Mr.old-school545]

Fantastic ideas for meals! I’m excited to try them,thank you for sharing

[@MealsWithMaria]

You’re welcome!

[@beckybramlett3515]

These recipes are just wonderful !! Thank you 🎉🎉❤

[@MealsWithMaria]

You’re welcome!

[@bridgetmarden7224]

You always have some of the best ideas, thank you darlin

[@vejaimoss]

I love your videos Maria all of your food is budget friendly and super tasty Thank you so very much❤️

[@MealsWithMaria]

You’re welcome!

[@cindyvoytilla7191]

I love your channel. We put BBQ shredded pork on our baked potatoes with cheddar cheese and sour cream. Delicious!

[@MealsWithMaria]

Yummm!

[@martabolkovac1834]

You are wonderful, just when I hit a wall about dinner ideas you open my mind.

[@MealsWithMaria]

😀😀 so happy to share!

[@earlenebrown7181]

I really liked all the meals they will all come in handy with the inflatable prices in the store now.

[@MealsWithMaria]

So true!

[@yvonnepalmquist8676]

Potato toppings: obvious, broccoli and cheese (and ham?), chili and cheese, sour cream, bacon, etc. Some other thoughts: baked beans, bbq meats and sauce, black beans and salsa, pizza toppings, cottage cheese and diced tomatoes, cream cheese and everything but the bagel seasoning, an egg (Idaho sunrise), roasted veggies, salad fixings with ranch dressing (with bacon, too?), ham, egg, peppers, onions (western omelet/scramble vibe), chicken a la king, hearty soups such as pot roast or chicken pot pie, pesto chicken, cheesesteak fixings, macaroni and cheese, spinach artichoke dip, mushrooms... really the list is so endless.

[@crissytate4933]

Ty for all the great budget meals such good choices 😄 God Bless you and family

[@MealsWithMaria]

You’re welcome! Same to you!

[@karenwarsaw8511]

I will definitely try at least 3 of those recipes.My husband is retiring soon so budget recipes will come in handy.Thank You!

[@MealsWithMaria]

You’re welcome! Enjoy!

[@mercy1990]

Love this!! Especially the ham and bean soup. My hubby loves pinto beans. He would love a couple of these recipes. Thank you!

[@MealsWithMaria]

Perfect!

[@JoAnnCarpenter815]

Mac & cheese, tuna & peas are a family staple in my house!!

[@MealsWithMaria]

100%

[@yvonnepalmquist8676]

One of my dad's quick lunches while growing up.

[@sherikrause4465]

On baked potatoes I like to add cottage cheese and salsa and top it with some cheddar cheese , yum!

[@MealsWithMaria]

Yum!

[@kaycash8575]

This all looks so delicious!

[@MealsWithMaria]

Thank you!

[@cathyl4622]

I make almost the same white bean soup. You can add spinach and even serve over pasta. A shake of cheese doesn't hurt either.

[@MealsWithMaria]

Ok I’m in on the spinach and pasta!!

[@rhondawalker7883]

You are amazing!! Can't wait to try all of these recipes! Thank you for sharing.

[@MealsWithMaria]

You’re welcome!!

[@cylversprings]

Great budget friendly meals. Some are great bases to build on. I do have to say I loathe tuna Mac. I love tuna and I love pasta. Separately. My mom used to make me eat it. In my adult life I have never eaten it again.

[@MealsWithMaria]

😂 I totally get that!

[@yvonnepalmquist8676]

I've grown that way over the years. I still eat it hot, but rarely make it now. I do still like a cold macaroni salad with tuna (especially if it's a white tuna).

[@jillgott6567]

I don't say this to many people but you seriously should think of doing a cookbook . I baked 3 pork loins center cuts with Onion, Apple,Mushrooms, and Zucchini. A little olive oil seasonings yummm I use Onions in almost everything I make

[@MealsWithMaria]

You got a deal on that pork!!!

[@MealsWithMaria]

And thank you 🙏 maybe someday!

[@ninereikaz7445]

I sometimes use canned tomatoes, tuna and the mac and cheese. It's budget friendly and delicious too

[@christeenprice5637]

Awesome recipes, thanks for sharing 🎃❤️🎃❤️🎃

[@MealsWithMaria]

You’re welcome!

[@shaunah.creations9233]

I’ve been having fun with budget meals lately. Especially going to Walmart to get the groceries. I can buy more and still be on a budget 😄

[@MealsWithMaria]

Very very fun!

[@yvonnepalmquist8676]

A "challenge accepted" mentality to budget meals does add to the fun level!

[@teresakryvenchuk6205]

Such great meal ideas. Thanks so much.

[@MealsWithMaria]

You’re welcome! Glad you like them!!

[@cmo9400]

If you have an instapot..it’s an hour on high pressure from dry to cooked

[@MealsWithMaria]

Easy peasy!

[@sandradummer4726]

Your meals look good. Thank you.

[@bridgetmarden7224]

Do you have a good recipe for goulash?

[@rosacanisalba]

If you've got the oven on to bake potatoes and you have plenty bake a few extra. They'll keep in the fridge for 4 days and a quick ding in the microwave will get you a great lunch or dinner in minutes. I like coleslaw on mine

[@MealsWithMaria]

So smart!

[@lauramartin3068]

My son is 12 almost 13. He still carries a blanket around. He even takes it on the school bus. It’s it brothers blanket who passes away so it has a lot of meaning to him

[@MealsWithMaria]

Of course! That’s nice that he has that ❤️🙏 so sorry for you loss

[@lauramartin3068]

@@MealsWithMaria His brother wasn’t my son. I couldn’t imagine loosing a child like that. Thank you.

[@sharonhall2277]

Brilliant way to stretch a can of bean soup.

[@barakskitchennvlogs9121]

Amazing delicious recipe I lov it ❤ stay happy 💕 ❤

[@MealsWithMaria]

Thank you! You too!

[@shelleylemmond46]

The only I can't eat is the one with hot tuna. I've made it similar for my family through the year's and I'd a sandwich. All the rest of them I'm definitely going to try. Thank you for sharing 😀

[@wandahall4435]

Hi Maria 👋 great value 👏 Love 💘 😻 💜 💛 💚 🧡

[@gloriapeel6887]

Yummy! Great ideas!

[@MealsWithMaria]

Thank you!

[@huggledemon32]

I feel like the Mac and cheese recipe would be even yummier with a tin of flavoured tuna- like sundried tomato and onion tuna, or lemon pepper or chilli, for example- although that would make it a little less cheap, because those tons are small and slightly more expensive!🤷‍♀️👍🏻

[@MealsWithMaria]

It might be worth it though! Good idea!

[@debgordon6542]

If you had time, maybe you could marinate the tuna yourself to cut the cost a bit.

[@renwickpam8060]

Love your recipes thanks 👍😊

[@catherineciferni1145]

when you store the pasta in the soup, the pasta will absorb the broth and pasta can become mushy. I usually cook the pasta and soup separately and add the pasta to each serving when eating, I store extra separately. Just another method

[@yvonnepalmquist8676]

Yes!!!

[@yvonnepalmquist8676]

I rarely do it and always say, "next time I'm going to keep them separate." lol

[@rosacanisalba]

I often add broccoli and or cauliflower to mac and cheese

[@MealsWithMaria]

Sounds amazing!

[@CathieG]

Awesome ideas for doctoring up Mac & cheese! 🥰😍👍🏻

[@MealsWithMaria]

😀

[@deborahdaniels9163]

Recipes looked delicious

[@Debbienezfan]

Omg, my youngest had a blanket she called Cozy too! Luckily, it is was a crib sized soft blanket.

[@MealsWithMaria]

Oh my! That so sweet! So cute with the same name!

[@beverlyschroeder5573]

Yum..thank you

[@MealsWithMaria]

You’re welcome!

[@christeenprice5637]

Just tried some black bean, and I have a pound of black beans,was looking for a recipe,❤️❤️❤️🎃🎃🎃

[@MealsWithMaria]

That soup is for you!!!

[@akankecai]

I put a can of cream of mushroom. I’d crush potato chips on top of it. It said to stick it in the oven but I like it kinda cold.

[@MealsWithMaria]

Yummm!

[@debimorsette1685]

When you want to wean your son away from a blanket, cut it in half and toss half in garbage. In a couple of weeks, cut in half and toss half. They will finally end up with a napkin size blanket. When they misplace that it’s simply gone. I did this with both my kids, now 39 & 41 yo. No childhood PTSD or emotional problems. 🤣🤣. Debi in Vicksburg, MS. 🥰🥰

[@margaretsmith8999]

We used to saute some ground beef and add it to the mac and cheese.

[@MealsWithMaria]

Such an easy meal!

[@nancycarney]

All dried beans are a staple around here. The cheapest meal ever with tons of protein. I honestly have been eating all of them my whole life. I carried that tradition into my broke young adult years. I could cook a pound of beans with the works and eat almost for a week. Ramen was not an option back in the 70's

[@MealsWithMaria]

Beans are magical!

[@bethpowell6466]

My favorite baked potato recipient is to bake it, heat vegetarian, baked, or pork and beans. Split the potato and too with beans and a bit of chopped fresh onions.

[@MealsWithMaria]

Soo yummy! That sounds great!

[@huggledemon32]

I love minestrone, but I HATE beans- so I usually use just pasta instead. It’s also delicious if you can add some bay leaves and Parmesan or even just the rind from a Parmesan wedge!(which is usually thrown out🤷‍♀️👍🏻) My recipe also includes cabbage or kale- bulks it out even more and still stays cheap!🤷‍♀️👍🏻🥰 Edit: ok technically it also includes a bacon/ham hock- which is DELICIOUS!🤷‍♀️👍🏻

[@MealsWithMaria]

That all sounds wonderful! Glad you figured out a way to make it work for you! That is key!

[@christinainmichigan6726]

If you have leftover pulled bbq chicken or pork it is awesome on a baked potato with cheese and sour cream.

[@MealsWithMaria]

Love that!

[@jillmclaughlin6179]

I love to put a chicken fajita in a potato! So delish!

[@MealsWithMaria]

Sounds great!

[@theresiachandler7711]

our favorite

[@debgordon6542]

@@MealsWithMaria The chicken quasadila mixture you made in this video would be perfect on a backed potato :-)

[@deborahjones6066]

All these look so good! =)

[@barbfayette2952]

I have saved a cup or cup and a half of chilli when I made it and put in the freezer to add to potatoes or hotdogs. Just have to put away how much you would need

[@MealsWithMaria]

Such a smart idea!

[@mariab509]

Stroganoff baked potato ❤

[@MealsWithMaria]

Oh I love that idea!!!

[@edenheaven5175]

Chili without the beans hormel just meat and sauce. You get a lot of meat.

[@MealsWithMaria]

I like that tip!!!

[@kimcarey5092]

I like chicken curry on top of baked potatoes (I use leftover chicken or canned chicken to make a curry)

[@lindanizamoff7981]

you can buy the frozen mixed bag of onion and pepper mix at dollar store and you can us 1/2 the bag ,just chop them.

[@darlenem4940]

I've made 2 top ramen and a half, or full can of green beans and some hamburger. it's so good and not expensive. make parm toast with it

[@kamicrum4408]

Im thinking mushroom with cheddar cheese fir breakfast tomarrow.😊

[@MealsWithMaria]

Yum!

[@deborahschliep1070]

Love the recipes! Make more recipes! Please

[@1957jmhiser1]

The inner white part of peppers should be cut away as it’s very bitter, the bottom and top of the pepper to the stem is fine to use, and you can put the onion brown skins and first layer of peel in a muslin bag and put it in 1/4 cup water and boil in cup in microwave to extract strong flavor and color gor your food, and do the same with all food bits and veggies to use peels and bits

[@merriebaldwin]

We love adding barbecue pulled pork with some sour cream and cheese on a potato.

[@sugarbugar5718]

🤗I JUST LOVE YOU🤗

[@MealsWithMaria]

😀

[@renwickpam8060]

Guess I'm out of it in don't understand the draining rinsing ok f canned beans or Rotel?

[@nicidevine6670]

Us too on the beans

[@andreahart442]

Okay but how did your egg shells just slide off like that 😂 I can NEVER get them to peel easy 😩

[@MealsWithMaria]

They can’t be “brand new” and I steam them for 14 minutes followed by an ice bath.

[@huggledemon32]

Oh man!- some of these recipes look really yum- but I really dislike beans- it’s so frustrating that they are so cheap because they always appear in budget recipes lol

[@MealsWithMaria]

Oh no!

[@paulacostello6912]

Cheering you on to reach 40k subscribers - and more!! :)

[@MealsWithMaria]

🤩 soon!!

[@kimberlee3243]

Cook your dried beans in the instapot in 45 minutes

[@christydavis2820]

Pizza toppings is really yummy and kid friendly tater toppings

[@MealsWithMaria]

Great idea!

[@nicidevine6670]

We don’t use our crockpot anymore lol 😂

[@lauripine8894]

Rinse the blender out with the broth!

[@MealsWithMaria]

🤦‍♀️ seems obvious now!

[@lauripine8894]

@@MealsWithMaria I made the dish that starts with corn, salsa and beans. Added browned ground beef and pasta. It was so good!!! I doubled the corn, beans and salsa part and it made a ton of food!!! Will make again!

[@hayleykelly1754]

You don’t have to soak black beans?