Making Two $5 Dinners and Shop with me at Dollar Tree

Multicooker: amzn.to/3lxrDE5
Shortcut Tuna Casserole:
2 bags of Knorr Alfredo Pasta $2.50
1 can of tuna $1.25
1 can of peas $1.25
Optional add ins: 2nd can of tuna, and parmesan cheese
Add pasta and 3 1/2 cups of water into multicooker or pot, bring to a boil, then simmer for 7 minutes. Stir in drained tuna and drained peas and allow to sit and thicken for 5 minutes before serving.
Shortcut Beef Pot Pie
3 cans of beef stew $3.75
1 bag of biscuit mix (or corn muffin mix) $1.25
Optional add ins: cheddar cheese, a 2nd bag of biscuit mix, jar of mushrooms
Mix biscuit mix with water per package instructions, I added additional water to make it more pourable, but you don't necessarily have to do that.
Pour beef stew into a baking dish, top with biscuit dough, and bake at 400 degrees for 30 minutes. Allow to cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

[@Godblessed2]

You’re going to be my meal planner for 2024! We need money in the bank and I’m fed up with our out of control food spending. We are a family of five and home 24/7. That’s lots of meals and snacks. Got my Aroma multi cooker and I’m ready to go! 😂

[@sandraschick1916]

Good for you! Not that it really matters, but I wanted you to know how proud I am that you were willing to admit your challenges. I raised 4 children without the benefits of a KZbin Rebecca; it would really have helped me. In fat, at 69yo it is STILL really helping me. Congrats❣️

[@christinarodriguez7642]

Salmon Patties is one of my fav meals on the cheap. A can of salmon, an egg, seasoned bread crumbs or crushed crackers or even oatmeal, some parsley ( fresh or dried ). I was a single Mother, had a job and was going to school and I had no other choice but to eat on the cheap.

[@tracydimond3759]

Mackeral patties are another option too.

[@JuanitaThompson-cm5tq]

I’m going to try this recipe- just happened to buy one can of salmon today!

[@O2BAmachine]

Same! I love my little salmon cakes! Cheap, easy, and delicious! Saltine crackers work perfectly fine if you don't have breadcrumbs, I've never tried oatmeal! I'll have to give that a go! Sometimes I like to put tiny bell peppers in them as well, if I've got some leftover. Adds a nice fresh little crunch. Mmm now I want some lol! Gotta pick up some salmon cans. ✌🏽🖤

[@KrystyneY]

Your salmon patty recipe sounds good!

[@beatricecampbell9631]

I make a "Shepherd's pie" from the dollar tree beef stew, package of flavored mashed potatoes and shredded cheese it is so good😊

[@robinabernathy2829]

That has to be the most well stocked Dollar Tree I've ever seen.

[@dandelion9196]

I used to make what I called ‘Crash Cart’ tuna casserole: 1 package each of store brand versions of Mac and cheese, shells and cheese, and Alfredo noodles. Make per package directions and mix all three together with a can of tuna. I’d add peas if I had them. Great way to feed a bunch of people on the cheap

[@sunnihunny]

I also love doing canned chili with cornbread mix topping. Add cheeses etc

[@joyceheld4354]

Ooooh never thought of that..Good idea ! 😊

[@olajordan4270]

Yum. Gotta do this.

[@olajordan4270]

What about a can of mushroom soup instead of 3 cans soup…. Is that doable? Love your recipes.😂

[@bean6344]

I just shared your channel with a co-worker who is in a tough spot. Hopefully she will get some good ideas from the channel to help stretch that food dollar. Thanks again for the videos. Please remind folks that Dollar tree is now in BBQ Season (at least in FLA). Lots of good outdoor cooking utensils and supplies can be picked up now on the cheap. Not sure if you have done a video like that, but it could be fun.

[@staceylowes8736]

Dried milk powder works wonderfully for all your cooking adventures!

[@barbaranytes-baron7377]

Tuna casserole was a regular meal when I was growing up. With 7 kids, so 9 at each meal this could be doubled and fed everyone. Add a can or two of drained peas and too with crushed potato chips. Great. Still make it.

[@tracydimond3759]

I plan on making a dollar tree version of shrimp fettucine alfredo tomoorow. My local dt has peeled, deviened "salad" shrimp for $5 a bag. I'll use that with some knorr alfredo pasta. I bought some texas toast garlic bread there to go with.

[@nstygrl97]

i made the tuna casserole thingie for dinner tonight because i already had all those things on hand. ..my old man loved it!! i'm from ontario canada...and our big chain here is dollarama..although we do also have dollar trees...and both sell lots of dry grocery items...but neither chain sells refrigerated or frozen food...but i love the recipes and meal ideas..i just buy the ingredients at one of our many discount grocery chains like no frills, freshco or food basics instead...you have given me great ideas and i really enjoy your videos!! 🍽😊

[@ashleybaker6933]

I love your videos!! I hate cooking because it can be so overwhelming but you make it so uncomplicated! Thank you ☺️

[@kippytx]

Yummy. If you have potato chip crumbs, it would elevate tuna casserole too. Good ideas

[@DollarTreeDinners]

Great idea! Would add a little salt to it too which is why I liked the Parmesan cheese in it 🥰

[@FaireyLight]

Aside from the recipe looking AMAZING girl can I just say your eyeshadow is POPPING! Really brings out the blue in your eyes!

[@tracieschrock9519]

that cooker would be perfect for a college student..just like your recipes 😋

[@Rebelartist83]

That brand of beef stew isn't bad it's good for Sheppard pie and as a filler for your own beef stew and that's good gravy mix if it's from Denton Texas I'm ten minutes from the factory good stuff and we use those mashed potatoes mixes a lot especially for potato soup.. good stuff and I like your videos very helpful especially since we're disabled and on a fixed income especially with food

[@ae-zee]

Always amazed that you are so creative and inclusive of people's situation. Thank you and keep doing more of these!

[@karenchakey]

When my children were little i use to make the canned beef stew casserole but with canister biscuits on top, back then you could get 4 canisters for 1 dollar.

[@xbl00dlust]

As someone who wants to start cooking on their own. And is Neurodivergent the vids so help me a lot!

[@debrasfrugallife3703]

My mom use to do the egg noodles, cream of chicken, peas and tuna . That was a great meal as well. Looks good 👍

[@DollarTreeDinners]

I’ve heard of that and cream of mushroom, I love getting variations of meals because then it helps people to see the potential of what they already have in their pantry rather than thinking they have to go buy something specific for a recipe 🥰

[@TBIJourney]

I'm not a fan of tuna. I make something like this using canned chicken. I'd eat the whole pan if u let me 😂

[@YeshuaKingMessiah]

All of these aren’t a GREAT meal but it’ll get u thru the last nite before payday We have leftovers n no one eats them We neverrrr have leftovers

[@Lisawhatshersname]

The food pantries in our town give out the bag of beef stew, so an idea also. I try to show how to cook food pantry food. My family likes it over mashed potatoes, and I add other veggies and some rosemary/thyme/parsley, whatever I have on hand. Really perks it up! Ps, love those noodles; this is where dried milk powder would come in handy. You have such great ideas!

[@sharonhart3735]

I tried the Knorrs Alfredo noodles,tuna and peas and it was so good I will cook it again.

[@courtneymercer9512]

Made the tuna noodle with alfeedo the other night, it was delicious and im never cook tuna noodle any other way from now on! Making this beef stew tonight! I cant wait. This channel has helped me so much as a single mother with two boys! ❤

[@ikeikerson7329]

Please keep doing these videos. I always enjoy them

[@DollarTreeDinners]

More to come! ❤️

[@ikeikerson7329]

@@DollarTreeDinners thank you!

[@sandrahunter8661]

You're so creative with such simple recipes 🙂. Another hearty meal could be a can of soup or stew like that, but spooned over bowls of rice. And maybe a side salad or fresh veggie?

[@brendamiddleton8194]

With the Knorr pasta sides, I actually add a bit more liquid because I like my pasta cooked softer. I use half water and half half and half to make it creamier.

[@marjorieoliver3284]

I agree that the rice and pasta mixes also tell you to add too much water.

[@mariandreaduncan2172]

You can also use 3 small cans of drained tuna in place of salmon or mackerel to make patties. Here in southern Indiana, a 14.75oz can of salmon is nearly $4; 3 (5 1/2oz) cans of tuna, a bit less than $3. Not enough difference in the weight to affect the texture. (Aldi prices)

[@marlanscott2508]

I like appliances that are versatile. Thats why I have an electric skillet.

[@LawNerdAmber]

The chives add a ton of antioxidants! Even dried they're a boost to more than just the pop of color. This looks so good

[@gamingwaffle1171]

A friend of mine would would mix a box of macaroni and cheese and a can of tuna as his go-to college dorm meal. I've always wanted to try it since I liked tuna casserole too but never have.

[@KCTH18]

My kids grew up eating mac & cheese w/ tuna! We still love it today!

[@thesearedaydreams6854]

Sometimes I simply make some Easy Mac in the micro and mix a single-serve packet of tuna. Add a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese to make it creamier. So good!

[@sw3et24x7]

My favorite budget meal is red beans and rice. I just add my soaked and rinsed red beans to my slow cooker with chicken broth or bouillon, vegetable seasoning blend and cajun seasoning. Let it cook all day long and about an hour or so before I'm ready to eat add smoked sausage that's been browned up in a skillet. Serve over rice with some corn bread. It is absolutely delicious and feeds at least six with leftovers depending on your appetite. Love your videos and I'm currently binge watching them 👍

[@DollarTreeDinners]

Sounds delish! I’ve been meaning to make red beans and rice, maybe that’s my cue 🥰

[@jojoply]

I love red beans

[@crabbyresister9194]

The beef stew looks really good! DT has garlic in a jar and it is good! Could add it to the biscuit mix.

[@allisonhamilton1245]

I wish I could attach a photo. I used your process. 1 32oz can Hormel beef stew and one package cheddar bay biscuit mix.....YUM!!!!

[@cindyclark9145]

Aldi is my go to for canned goods. Some sell for.58 cents a can.

[@jokaz88]

Add some butter, cheese and jalapenos to the biscuit mix. That sounds good

[@dedonkitchen7272]

This recipe for $5 IS mind-blowing and delicious. Well worth the effort and the money sell off. Dear friend, stay connected 👍💯

[@twilightshealy4152]

These meals remind me of childhood dinners (comfort foods that fill you up.) Looks delicious, I can't wait to get cooking 🫠😊

[@roxannejohnston3311]

I am loving you content. I have made the same noodle dish using chicken with chicken flavored pasta sides and peas. I used the microwave and it came out well. Thanks for sharing 😊

[@tammybenadventures4839]

I love adding tuna to those and even Mac and cheese with sriracha! Thanks for showing us an easy quick and of course affordable meal 😊. Everything looks great. I’ll bet that biscuit meal would be good with the chicken ala king from dollar tree too.

[@michellestone1261]

Add 1 can of cream of mushroom soup...salt and pepper. Chuck roast Lipton onion soup mix dry sprinkled potatoes carrots chunked in crockpot...use the left over roast potatoes carrots place all into casserole dish add 2 small cans of Heinz brown gravy cook 1/2 hour 350° take out oven mix Bisquick biscuit mix drop by spoonful on top of casserole place in oven until golden brown(2 dinners out of 1 chuck roast) Yummy.

[@ponycyndi1]

My garlic biscuit recipe calls for a few tbs melted butter and 1/2 tsp garlic salt. You add it on top of the hot baked biscuits. It really takes blah biscuits to amazing!

[@Rebelartist83]

Cheddar cheese and canned veggies and your mashed potatoes and a biscuit or cornbread top br good with that casserole too😊..and for your tuna casserole if you don't have a fridge a can of Prego alfredo sauce would work too..and Dollar tree has it😊

[@lukestark217]

we have that beef stew in the food pantry I work at right now! they also make a red beans and rice that would be great with the smoked sausage dollar tree sells ☺

[@Patchouliprince]

I love savory pies, Shepards pie is a staple in my home! I would highly recommend doing a layer of biscuit on the bottom of the pan as well. That way the filling is sandwiched between crusts like a pie would be. But honestly the way you made it will taste the exact same so this is not anywhere near required!

[@teresakryvenchuk6205]

I love pot pies.i will be trying the beef pot. In the tuna one, you can add Old Bay seasoning or Thyme to give it a over the top.❤

[@sharonhart3735]

All meals look so delicious!

[@gwenvann7279]

I love your content. Thank you for doing these videos!

[@carolynek1875]

So actually for the second recipe only have to do is add more garlic to the biscuits to make them more garlicky thanks for the great video

[@WildroseHomemaker]

Yummy bisquick idea!

[@j4d7s8]

I like their beef stew, 1 can plus egg noodles and mixed veggies. From there I get 2-3 meals w/ added veggies.

[@hello-vs4me]

Love your videos thanks make alot of you meals thanks for your videos thanks ❤😂

[@allisonharranmua8193]

The Martha white brand of baking mix is 93 cents at my Walmart. Not a huge difference but every penny counts

[@AmandasBudgets]

I love both recipe ideas 😊

[@cheriejohnson145]

Tuna and peas added to box Mac n cheese is also an amazing shortcut. And if you’re making a “large” amount (2+ boxes of Mac n cheese) adding a can of cream of mushroom is yummy also.

[@jadeobsession9088]

that tuna casserole is def. up my alley!

[@michelepastele5347]

I love your videos. I really appreciate how u use the Dollar Tree, and love the simple (but interesting)meals you choose to make. You are becoming my favorite channel!! x

[@michelepastele5347]

When u bring your multi cooker into ahotel setting, what kinds of mealsdo you make? Whata GREAT idea and a great way tosave money!!

[@ameliastelmach148]

Hey I'm in Charlotte North Carolina 10 minutes outside of Concord North Carolina,! Enjoy your monster madness!

[@l.michelle3497]

What a great idea

[@joyceheld4354]

Good meal ideas ! 😊

[@leeanneowens4055]

My girls loved Tuna Helper.

[@MydNyteRayne]

I definitely want to try the beef stew bake receipe.

[@aprilmcqueen3048]

I find this brand of beef stew to be way too mushy. It's like it was processed to pieces. I wonder if my can was just a fluke or if others have the same experience. Making it like this might make it more appealing. Thank you for always delivering great content in a judgment-free way.

[@DollarTreeDinners]

I would say it may have been a fluke because the cans I got were pretty chunky, not mashed up but I can see how that would be unappealing. I have had some mushy cans in the past 🥰

[@YeshuaKingMessiah]

All of them are TVP which is soy - sometimes it will say soy protein They put some beef with them so they do they can label it beef stew It’s Soy Stew, beef flavored Blechhhh

[@jenniferherrington]

Wow! Your Dollar Tree is so well stocked! Mine is not. They sell out so fast. I live in South Mississippi, which explains a lot there.

[@DollarTreeDinners]

I would ask what day they get their truck just to see when’s the best time to shop 🥰

[@annzamora6943]

I served my tuna casserole into mu bowl and the crushed about 1/4 a sleeve of Ritz crackers on top. It gave it a buttery crunch. I didn't add anything to th crackers. It was amazing.

[@janinerichardsfink1903]

Powered Non Dairy products are a good add if you don't have milk.

[@usapatriot4163]

Love your channel! Lots of great, simple, cheap cooking ideas. I would be careful of sodium content in the cans of stew.

[@nonayubusi266]

I use coffee mate or store brand non dairy powdered creamer, or powdered milk. For the creamer if you put 5 Tablespoons of the creamer and 1 cup of water you can use this for recipes calling for milk. I even use to make Mac and cheese or any milk need. Works great. Be sure to mix well.

[@barbaranytes-baron7377]

Salmon loaf is also one I still make using Mom’s recipe. Great with peas.

[@Yuki-if6tx]

3:40 The Broccoli Cheese soup! I just started watching because of your latest video, the one about cooking the recipes on packages, so this was a fun surprise to see!

[@hello-vs4me]

Beautiful ❤😊

[@wowtv101]

I simply love you !!!

[@DollarTreeDinners]

🥰🥰🥰

[@annethompson2212]

really good video 😊

[@thatdollguy813]

You're absolutely adorable!

[@tototalomo]

I like it 👍

[@christineschafer8214]

For the tuna, I would crush some garlic butter croutons on top. For some texture and a oven baked feel.

[@tinashort9098]

My grand daughter was at that comic con!!! ❤❤❤

[@lifewithroscoe6513]

Have to try the tuna dish out. But I would add definitely some diced carrots. Was thinking maybe even a can of cream of mushroom soup. Or cream of celery.

[@MaryWadsworth-gg8zj]

Add some garlic powder to the biscuit mix to make it more garlicky.

[@TravelswithLlama]

I made a shortcut Shepherd's Pie last night and I was going to send it to you as it would be a good Dollar Tree option, though for someone who has a stove/oven combo. Thanks for these ideas. It would serve 3-4.

[@DollarTreeDinners]

Absolutely send it my way sounds great! 🥰

[@TravelswithLlama]

@@DollarTreeDinners A lot like your beef stew thing but here ya go. All items at Dollar Tree but might be cheaper somewhere else 1 pkg sausage 1 pkg beef patties 1-2 cans mixed veggies - I like 2 for more veggies 1 bottle DT Worcester Sauce 1 cup water (broth is a bonus) 1 pkg instant mashed potatoes - my DT has flavored ones which is great - 2 pkgs gives more top but 1 works. Does need 4 TBSP flour, salt & pepper, opt is onion and garlic power - can buy these at DT. Cook sausage and beef patties in med high skillet. Season with s&p and spices (again option but better for it) Add drained canned veggies, heat through. Add 1 cup water (broth) and 4 tbsp W sauce Stir Slowly add 4 tbsp flour, stirring. Hoping folks have it. (I have tried without flour, sauce is just thin) Reduce to low and allow to bubble while you make potatoes to package directions. Pour in baking dish, spread potatoes over top. Bake at 400 for 15 minutes until golden brown. IF folks have it, can sprinkle with cheese but that is why the flavored potatoes are good for flavor without cheese. I get 4 servings out of these.

[@susanprice3454]

YUM. You could save back about 1/4 cup of the peas when you make the tuna casserole. And don't throw that juice from the peas away, make it part of your liquid for the biscuit topping on the beef pot pie.

[@carlahabeck4051]

I think your beef stew dish would be great with some beans added and topeped with corn meal added to the biscuit mix. Additional spices as desired in the stew to give it a southwest flair.

[@dannamorgan8698]

Hi glad to see you doing dollar meals. Also try TicToc spaghetti with Alfredo. And tomatoes sauce

[@pattydupre5293]

You could do a cornbread biscuit topping on the beef stew, or do a chili with it on top or chili mac with the cornbread. Banquet used to have boxed meals (like hamburger helper but with more stuff) and their chili mac with cornbread was a staple growing up.

[@mwahl1686]

Homestyle Bakes! They still make them, but not in that variety, anymore, I don't think. 😢

[@katherinenelson5905]

My Great-Granny Parker did a $.49 bag of potato chips (regular size bag today) and a can of Mushroom soup rather than noodles. Confused the heck out of me when I went to a friend's and there were noodles in the tuna casserole. Full Recipe: bag of chip crushed, can of peas, can of cream of mushroom, 1/2 can of water or milk, large can of tuna (or 2 small), 2 cups of shredded cheese. Put crushed chips on bottom of 2qt casserole dish (save about 1/2 cup), mix soup, tuna and peas and pour over chips, sprinkle cheese on top, add the extra chips on top for crunch. Bake at 350* for 45 min.

[@margueritewebb8893]

I'm making the tuna casserole tonight. Will let you know how it turn a out 😁

[@tangoandali6112]

Thanks for the great ideas. I want a instant pot instead

[@lisadurant883]

You should add garlic powder if you want more garlic flavor. No different that’s adding the chives! 😀 most people have a pretty decent spice cabinet!!

[@Thisisit120]

Wired but I enjoyed seeing you shop.😄😏

[@sandibailey2851]

We do can tuna macaroni and cheese and peas

[@brianlayne9742]

HFC-134a for the next one who has a problem comes connections make your fridge last a lot longer in a situation like that.

[@Afterburner]

Add garlic powder to the biscuit mix to get that garlic taste ;>)

[@kenyonbissett3512]

Fast forward 2 mo. You wished for garlic flavor, great way to add some of your Campbell’s Garlic and Herb flavoring!

[@steverino474]

I love how you consider things and peoples possible situations when making things. Great channel. Is that an Aroma multi cooker?

[@Xxxero42]

I love that Splenda coffee creamer. I usually use a splash of milk but I've switched to the sweet cream creamer. I love your videos! I'm going thru some financial hard times right now and am forced to do almost all of my grocery shopping at dollar tree. Thanks for the ideas!

[@juliet6101]

Awesome Videos love it first time here ❤❤🌹🌹🍿I am a Mom I just posted some cheap ideas so love these Videos you do❤❤❤God bless

[@lovelish]

please do more shopping at dollar tree videos ♥️

[@niecemuslim]

Chilli with either the biscuits or cornbread

[@susanrobinson408]

I love your videos. It is so nice that you share ways for people to eat cheaply even at dollar stores. Do you ever come to the Indianapolis Comic Con? My niece is very involved in it.

[@user-re6hn9kg7q]

I would have cut the water further and used the juice from the canned goods for more flavor.