BEST EXTREME BUDGET MEAL PLAN $20 for a WEEK! // EASY MEALS on a BUDGET

[@lisarobins]

I think this is a very well balanced and nutritionally dense meal plan which would be sustainable indefinitely if money was really tight.

[@kristinafrancis382]

Absolutely thought the same thing. I'm like, what? These are great!

[@slice20]

Exactly what I came here to say.

[@karil6461]

Finally a youtube recipe channel that is both budget & healthish.

[@trackee2024]

Same thought! She always says these recipes are for temporary tight spots, but I think they are great balanced meals! 30g of protein for a pasta dish is well done!! 👏

[@abbigailburkes4408]

I really love that you tell people they shouldn’t feel guilty for getting themselves a treat. I can attest to that! Whenever I’m having a tight week or just want to watch what I’m spending I will still always make room for a box of cake mix, a special soda, etc. It seriously makes you feel so much better. Please y’all…get the cake mix and don’t feel bad about it!

[@SeeMindyMom]

Thanks! I agree. Being “realistic” is one of my big motivators when planning videos, and I just think it’s more practical and easier to stick to a budget if we allow a small amount of luxury and fun!

[@michellebrill5328]

Yep, always get cake mix, brownies, jello or pudding.

[@kristyh982]

And mug cakes only need water! 3 tbs mix, 2 tbs water, and 1 min in the microwave (give or take). If you wanna really jazz it up put a dollop of icing after mixing but before microwaving. You get a lava cake

[@darisabatino4966]

@@SeeMindyMom oo9o0

[@LindaC616]

@@kristyh982 although if you take flour water leavening and a bit of sugar and cocoa you can make an eight by eight dish of lava cake and it's actually low fat!

[@Kloops]

Oh thank you so very very much. I needed this. Thank you. I was married for 23 years and never really needed to budget for meals. Divorcing now, I am on a very tight budget. I appreciate your help. I know what I am going to have for dinner and lunch for the week. I struggled for nearly a year of not feeling worthy of going grocery shopping soon after separating because I had been financially abused by him. Even though we didn’t need budget for groceries, he was good at shaming me for some of my choices. Also, it was very depressing to start over. So thank you so very much for your help.

[@FrugalNutrition]

"If anybody deserves treats and luxuries, everybody deserves them." 👏 ☺ you're a GEM, Mindy!!

[@SeeMindyMom]

Thanks!

[@georgekessler3548]

So funny, I was telling my sister-in-law about this channel last night and used those words: "a gem of a woman."

[@BrideofJesuChristo2]

❤

[@elizabethjohnsen9856]

Thank you so much for this video. I’m a single mom and i only have a couple bucks to get us through this week. You’re an angel. The gnocchi soup is definitely going to be used!

[@angelicagutierrez666]

My local food pantry gives us pasta and canned veggies and canned tomato all the time. So I only really have to purchase meats and other veggies and breads to go along with it all. ❤❤

[@MandalaBunnyhome]

Another go-to for me was adding things to ramen noodles like hard boiled eggs, peas, etc! These are really great ideas, the worst part about a tight food budget is coming to terms with not being able to eat what you want. Having something to look forwars to helps so much, even just a square of chocolate or ice pop. Rice is also a big staple for my family, it's great if you can't have pasta.

[@julybailey2326]

I couldn't believe grocery shopping last night for myself and my husband. I bought 2 medium size filets for steak as I haven't had steak in 2 months and was really craving it. I just can't eat a tough steak I'd rather skip it. Anyway 2 pieces for $36. I couldn't believe it😢 my husband and I grew up rather poor and we are also pretty fortunate now that we can shop while not being on a budget but I still find myself adding it up in my head as we are going through the line at the end. It drives my husband crazy. I remember how it felt going to bed hungry and my heart hurts for you folks that deal with this struggle of trying to feed your families. I worked 3 jobs a large portion of my life to keep food on the table. Bless you for making this video. The food actually looked amazing

[@susancarnegie3794]

As a retired person I visit my towns free giveaways to help with my food budget..there is always a snack of some sort in my bag or box..so much appreciated as I have cut a lot of unnecessary snacks from my budget. Thanks for your budget friendly meals!

[@marjoriejohnson4559]

This budget meal plan helped me as I was looking thru today's ad coupons and figured out how I could meal plan like you do. I started with a 5# bag of russet potatoes for 99 cents and &4.79 for 1# of ground beef and will buy some similar items as you to make similar recipes as you. In leaner times I have used a 10 # bag of potatoes for a whole week of meals at EVERY meal for hash browns, baked potatoes, mashed potatoes, roast potatoes and soup. Your budget meal videos are a good resource when needed 😊

[@SeeMindyMom]

Glad I could help, Marjorie!

[@annswann1941]

So glad you mentioned celery & pb! That ‘snack’ would be a couple meals for me 🤣🤣 Like you said these great extreme budget meals aren’t intended for long term so when the budget is better remember to stock up those pantry basics. Great video

[@nickywiedmeier6770]

I agree on the treats! i do budget weeks at least once a month for a week. To save up and have us eat frugally. Making a pan of brownies that week for a couple desserts is a game changer for the kids. It stops all the complaining about the food or making it seem like we are missing out on good food

[@BCGirl822]

I totally agree about the “luxury item”. We’ve been in really tight spots plenty of times and had to eat extremely frugal but having some little sweet something keeps our spirits lifted and we don’t feel so bad about the situation.

[@nancycarney]

I am always sharing your budget meals with young couples learning how to budget and feed the two or three of them. Thank you for all your videos.

[@SeeMindyMom]

Thanks, Nancy. I hope they are helpful, that’s my goal. 😊

[@chrisharmon5453]

I love that you actually put enough s&p and other seasonings in 👏👏 I watch many other channels and appreciate them all but do get frustrated by the small amount of say pepper they use. As a former professional cook my herb cabinet is super important and I like how you stress it as important to make foods satisfying.

[@soothingsymphonies]

I love you so much Mindy, for reiterating that it's okay to have a treat even if you're struggling. That's something, unfortunately that you run into. People (or even yourself) making you think that just because you're broke, you're undeserving. I love that you do the opposite. You're sweet, Mindy, and man do we need good people and positive content in this world we live in today.

[@SeeMindyMom]

Thank you so much, I appreciate the kind words and the encouragement.

[@lisamusil8170]

When my husband and I were first together, we both worked full time, I would make 2 big pots of something on Sunday and we would eat leftovers all week. Our grocery bill was tiny!

[@grannygoes7882]

I volunteer at a community foodback in my town. Anyone is welcome, no questions asked. People drive up in expensive SUV'S and fill it up with boxes of food. Sometimes you wonder to yourself about their situation but the fact is, it doesn't matter. No proof of income or lack thereof, is needed and we always have a ton leftover. Volunteers are welcome to take whatever is left and we still waste some of it. If you are struggling in any way, check out your food pantries/banks. There are almost always more than one, even in the smallest towns. The one I work at doesn't get their food from the community. Almost all of it comes from the government and quite a bit comes from local grocery stores. A new Albertsons just opened in our tiny town and they donate a TON of food.

[@cltinturkey]

I'm with you on the heavy pepper! It makes everything (except chocolate cake) taste better. Great ideas here. Thanks!

[@homeandgardendiy6363]

I also agree. However, this is a good time to share a funny story from when I was about 20 years old. I used to be of the opinion that you could never get too much pepper in what you're cooking. I was making several boxes of Kraft macaroni and cheese all at once, and I added a bunch of pepper. When I started stirring, the overall color of the mac and cheese was kind of grayish. I remember thinking that that seemed like it might be a lot of pepper, but I'm sure I could eat it. When I finished cooking and sat down to try it, all I could taste was pepper. 🤣😃😲 So I'm here to tell you that you really can get too much pepper. 😁😂😉🙃 I ended up throwing the entire pot of mac and cheese away. But the lesson had been learned. 😋

[@kathleenmccandless7553]

I’ve never cooked pasta in the sauce before, so I am totally going to try that!!!

[@genawalter401]

Your videos are amazing! I am going to share this particular one with my daughter who is newly married and on a tight budget. These meals could easily feed her and her spouse for several meals. Thank you for being so down to earth, real, kind and helpful. I appreciate the hard work you do to make these videos. 💓

[@kaylalyons96]

This is so awesome. I’m also a teacher, and while we have two incomes with my husband, I find myself still wanting to cut back on our budget wherever we can these days. Also, gives me recipe ideas because I’m a lost cause in the kitchen!

[@leahleverett9731]

I love her idea's videos like this have really helped my little family stay with-in on budget.

[@stacylynnmingo7965]

Wanted to add that I TOO love ur videos and enjoy watching the meals you make for your family. BALANCE is the key to almost EVERYTHING! You’re doing a great job!

[@SeeMindyMom]

Thank you, Stacy, I appreciate that!

[@freefoodchef7939]

Like you, I am very much a fan of building a big collection of seasonings. I now have just about everything you could possibly imagine, they generally last a long time since a little goes a long way, and they making cooking with modest or basic ingredients so rewarding. Many of them can be cheaply attained -- check Dollar stores and the Hispanic food aisle, to begin with -- then you'll have more to spend on specialty seasonings, which often go on sale at the regular grocery store. With just a change in seasonings, I can use the same ingredients, but make a dish styled as Asian, Southwestern, Indian, French, Italian, Eastern European, Greek, regular ol' American, etc. I also recommend that people on a tight food budget visit a food bank for a good source of staple pantry items. There's no shame in it (although I admit I was initially embarrassed to go, but it's usually a nice environment because all the recipients are in the same boat), there's usually not an income requirement because someone's income does not always determine their spending ability, and they usually give out very generous amounts of rice, beans, pasta, lentils, split peas, powdered milk, canned goods, and often some fresh items like bread, meat, vegetables, dairy, eggs or whatever is available that month. I'm only a one-person household and over the course of several monthly food bank trips finally ran out of storage space for all my pantry items, so I haven't needed to go back for a long time. At any rate, if you have these basics covered by food banks, that $20 or whatever you have for a week's groceries can go a lot further and provide a lot more variety. I eat so well this way on my basic grocery budget that I can't imagine doing it any other way even if I had more money!

[@libertyg4402]

Wow, I just tallied this up with my Walmart here in Colorado and it's $35 for these groceries a year later in 2024. Inflation is insane. Mindy I'm binge watching your videos to get ideas to help alleviate the strain on our family's budget. Thank you for your content! ❤

[@coleniyo2719]

Wow! Your Aldi’s prices are so much cheaper than the Aldi in my area. Great video! I love your budget recipe ideas.

[@joannaazar7396]

That’s amazing. I always buy expensive and way too much food and end up throwing it out. I’m trying to get better. Thanks for sharing ur tips. ❤ NewJersey ❤❤

[@kdevall6682]

Enjoyed this video and the meal ideas. Love Aldi, shopped it while stationed in Germany and was thrilled when an Aldi came to our city. My mother always told my brother and I that when you need to tighten up the purse strings that the grocery budget is where you go. You have to pay rent/ mortgage, and utilities. I've taught this to my children as well.

[@jessren1618]

Wow these are great looking meals on a budget! Thank goodness my family of 3 gets by month to month even as a nurse it’s tight but we also have our son in private Christian school and I have a long drive for work 2 days a week and work close to come the other 3. We get by but the last few years have been tight because inflation, extra medical bills, insurance increases, all the life things. I have just found your videos and love them and LOVE aldi! Lol

[@harleyedgley9430]

I just did added the items to my online cart at Walmart curious to see the price point because food is ridiculously expensive in Ontario. $43. A head of lettuce right now is almost $8. So hard to eat on a budget here. Love the recipes you share and I find ways to make them work for us.

[@darkwyspercreations]

Dont forget to convert to US currency after you total! 🥰

[@BrynneC]

@@darkwyspercreations that’s still $32 usd.

[@kristyh982]

If anyone deserves treats, everyone does 💕

[@briannehill7583]

Your Aldi has some amazing prices! Very impressive. Things aren't quite as reasonable here. Even at walmart. Its nice to see some stores still offering some good deals. And I love cheap meal ideas so thank you!!

[@amontgomery1212]

I love these videos! I wish I would have had these recipes in college 😂 but a cheap meal is a great thing to throw into the mix - even just one can help stretch your budget!

[@jeankelly368]

I just found you. Love the budget ideas as I cook for one. Yum.

[@HarrisonMartin]

This video came to me at the right spot - I'm losing a roommate and may have to tighten up things for a while and this is actually a life saver

[@julybailey2326]

You're the first person I've watched do a budget meal and it actually looks gourmet 😅 great job

[@withoutlimitsbudgets64052]

Absolutely amazing video! I love these videos not only for the budget meals, but also to help me re-create other dishes from my prepper pantry!

[@4evrandaday598]

adding rice to hamburger helper or other types like casseroles makes it go further, more filling too

[@judlol5074]

Wonderful ideas! Sausace soup was my favoarite. I had never thought of adding milk and it was super satisfying...as well as cooking the pasta in the pot....such rishness of sauce. I purchased whole carrots and peeled them as well added zuchinni (on sale). What an amazing recipe. I am an old lady and ad never heard of using milk in the pasta.....so so amazing. THANK YOU!

[@hollygrimes283]

Again and again, you provide excellent recipes and resources for flavorful budget meals! I’ve been sharing to our local page that shares money saving grocery tips and local food pantries! Keep up the good work, Mindy!

[@SeeMindyMom]

Thanks for sharing, Holly, and thank you for the encouragement!

[@gvrznw]

A great place to build your spice and staple pantry is at an Indian market. You may not be able to get everything you want but you can buy what they have for super cheap (chili powder, cumin powder, dried beans/chickpeas, etc)

[@amandapennell5014]

I am so so envious of the grocery prices there!! Love the recipes!

[@MistyDawn.D]

@seemindymom Thank you! I'm in a struggle at the moment and I never knew how to make bread from stuff in my kitchen and stretch these meals/dollar. You're a lifesaver!

[@katierb]

I love this type of video, as someone who watches a lot of budget cooking videos but only has a household of two (me and my husband) I always make meals and end up with way too much that we get sick of it, or end up with leftover ingredients. It's inspiring to see a meal plan that uses ingredients in all different ways to stretch across snacks and several meals!

[@debbies6192]

Green beans and peas are usually my go to proteins. I like your recipes. Thank you.

[@johnranachan1604]

Hey from Bulgaria. Soup makes a really good budget meal, and if bulked out with lentils and rice, it goes even further

[@peggywalker2103]

HI Mindy, This was a really great playlist of receipes for a week. I live in Australia, so wanted to price comparison what you paid in 2022, to now in Aus in 2024. My total came to $39.75 AUD including tax. The only 2 things I changed re your shop was, I don't like peanut butter so swapped this out for Apricot Jam, and instead of the bananas, I bought a bag of apples to last a week :) Would love more of your extreme budget cooking for a week videos :)

[@donnadkshad6213]

Dollar Tree, Dollar General, family Dollar and so on are great places to pick up some spices.

[@yvonne5322]

100% Agree with the luxury item. it really does give you a bit of cheer up

[@fae5283]

Oh my gosh. I am definitely trying that gnocchi soup in the future. Thank you :)

[@mposey-yy8il]

Grilled peanut butter, banana and cinnamon in a tortilla...ate that for 6 months...so good!

[@FrugalLifeThriftyWife]

So many good meal ideas that are inexpensive and still pretty balanced. Love this content Mindy ❤

[@SeeMindyMom]

Thank you!

[@balamb25]

Thanks for creating something that has actual dishes that aren't just variations on tortillas and eggs (which, no hate on those....but.... variety is the spice of life, right?). The tuna dish looks legitimately yummy and I'm not a huge fan of canned tuna but I bet canned chicken would work just as well.

[@SeeMindyMom]

I’m with you. I would prefer chicken, but in a tight budget, I’ve made due with tuna. Notice I only used one can. 😊

[@mistysmith6152]

I love how you season your meals❤❤

[@melinicxo]

Thank you so much for posting these wonderful ideas especially now with the prices of groceries, it helps me budget!

[@jvever4904]

I guessed $20 in your community post, I'm happy I got it right! Great video :)

[@susanprather5962]

Grilled cheese croutons 🤯 Why have I never thought of that?

[@tammyosborne4374]

I love your meal plans . I am using your capsule meals right now

[@SeeMindyMom]

Thanks, Tammy! I'm hoping to create another capsule meal plan very soon. I had hoped to have it ready for December, but might be January. :)

[@kimvillasenor3]

I love your channel but it is just me at home so I really appreciate this video. This is a good menu base and I can fill it out with other items when my budget allows. Thank you Mindy!

[@HeatherB81]

You are such an inspiration! So well spoken, smart, engaging!! Love your budget meal videos!!❤ Also, cooking the pasta in the sauce was 🤯🤯🤯

[@BelindaCressy]

An easy meal for me is tomato soup with a can of milk, some grated cheese, and cooked noodles. I like to break up the noodles (a small handful) and add garlic powder. Delicious and filling.

[@sabrinamendez6223]

Hi Mindy, when cooking pasta, or meat, my go to seasonings are salt pepper garlic and or onion makes anything taste yummy.

[@TaraannBudgetsandSelf-Care]

I have always put aside $5 a week for panrty extras. In 2020, I was able to feed my family of 6 and 6 other families with my freezer and pantry for weeks.

[@jessbedsole8622]

I love this style video. Such a nice reminder of all the delicious things we can make with simple ingredients.

[@CatherineAndersen-l9q]

Dollar tree milk taste very good plus you dont have to refreidgerate it until you are ready bacon tomatoez my luxury at aldis is avocado and muffins

[@DavidBrooks-mq6js]

Hi Mindy! I just found your videos a few weeks ago. I love, love, love your content! I really like trying new recipes. Thank you for all you do! :)

[@jarfullofbuttons]

I know you say this meal plan is supposed to get people through a tight week and isn’t supposed to be an everyday thing. However, I honestly think what you created is varied and pretty well balanced. Would this really be so bad for everyday cooking? 💚

[@millenieelggren3860]

I have notice my self if I don't get out of the house and do something else but being outside makes the day go by so much faster even if you go and look at things that you don't need. But yes I agree treat your self if you can. 😀

[@valeria117]

Oh my thank you so much I will definitely be trying these ideas ❤

[@Sonja...]

Celery with peanut butter is so good

[@Sonja...]

Amazing ideas. The one pot pasta I definitely want to try with the milk

[@NevaJWilson25462]

Thank you for this.

[@jujube2407]

Here's what I can say to the "not enough protein" haters put there mindy... if you ONLY have $20 for the week...obviously this person is hurting right now. Ramen noodles and pasta with plain cheap sauce and oatmeal would 100% get the job done to stave off starvation and to not be "hungry" you have provided a delightful meal plan low cost...I see starches, veggies, fruits, etc... green things!!!!! 20.00 extreme budget is not meant to be a permanent and perfect meal plan! It's meant to be the best you can with what you got! So to the haters I say this...HUSH... ❤️

[@lucindatyrrell4903]

would love to see you check out the price difference now for this extreme budget meal plan

[@janetdwyer1867]

Love your budget friendly meals.😍

[@SeeMindyMom]

Thanks, Janet! Glad you like them! I hope they are helpful for whoever may need or be looking for them. :)

[@Laze-Mz]

I love cabbage , its lasts a while for 1 person

[@carerforever2118]

G'day, watching from my home here in Melbourne, Australia 🐨🦘🇦🇺😁👍 I shop at Aldi too, l spend $50 Australian dollars ( Works out to $35 American dollars) a week to feed my family of 4 adults. Food in Australia has always been higher than other countries.

[@amandaramsay5934]

These meals look so filling.

[@denise6515]

Leave the juice in with the tuna lots of flavor

[@andreashafer1374]

Awesome variety of meals- I love your Aldi-find creations! Also, love the white nails 😍

[@SeeMindyMom]

Thanks, friend. :)

[@victorianiemerg1761]

That sausage gnocchi soup looks awesome!!

[@ParyMarker]

I love this! You remind me of Frugal Fit Mom.

[@Emeraldheart1021]

I definitely need to try that tuna noodle casserole! I think i even have all of the ingredients on hand already. 😂

[@apriltownsend8463]

I would recommend investing in a good bottled spice blend like a cheap "Auntie No Nos" even if you're on a budget but you have a couple of dollars to spare this week vs going out and buying salt, pepper, garlic powder/salt etc individually. Just get an all in one and it'll last a good while. Walmart has one by Morton's called Natures Seasons and it's salt, pepper, onion, and garlic and it's $3.50/bottle. Badia Complete is basically the same thing with maybe a little extra and it's $2.20/bottle.

[@madelinemercado6850]

Thank you for all the tips♥️👍🏼

[@shirleygiordano7627]

Thanks, so much. I needed this, so bad. I'm on a super tight budget, I'm allowing myself 100 dollars a month for food.

[@TheLucyBess]

A jar of pasta sauce makes soup so good!

[@cyndimoss426]

The first soup looks so much like the soup I just made. I found a recipe on Pinterest and I am really wishing I would have doubled the recipe!

[@ynotann]

Hi Mindy, You are the best. I love your videos they are so informative and they will help everyone in need. I thank you for taking the time to make these videos, I really appreciate it. I notice you use quite a bit of milk in your recipes, very good and full of goodness. I have to say that when I make porridge I make it with milk, much more tasty and put a sliver of honey on top. Best wishes to you from Ann in South Australia.

[@ameliastelmach148]

Love your hair. That soup looks amazing

[@gabriellafranchi7764]

Love budget meals thankyou so much so happy I found your channel you are so helpful I learn so much 🙂

[@melcha7352]

Thanks for sharing. I found out Traders Joe's near me usually has bananas $.19 lb and $.25 lb not sure if all run the same prices. I usually buy $.19 and a good size bag of some pasta noodles which are $.99 and their pasta sauce for $1.99 and the total is under $5 and still if I go to Walmart I pick up a long stick loaf of bread for $1. Great pasta dinner night cheap.

[@aeolanyiramoon6260]

This is soo helpful

[@brendahall970]

This was a really great challenge; and hearty meals ♥️

[@financialfreedomin7years]

Love such videos! Great inspiration, thank you🎉😊

[@carmenvintimilla]

I have most of these products, thanks for the ideas

[@marywatkins6798]

Always informative. Thanks Mindy. Happy Thanksgiving!

[@SeeMindyMom]

Happy Thanksgiving, Mary!

[@PurpleRose8725]

Pretty sure that protein count only applies to mushroom gnocchi. Always enjoy your videos.

[@MrsAlmaTrumble]

Your budget videos are some of my absolute favorite. Have you thought doing some catered to certain diets?!

[@natalieeubank4533]

She already said that you were welcome to adjust to what you ate, if her family won’t eat then it would be a waste to make it

[@MrsAlmaTrumble]

@@natalieeubank4533 ok sorry I must of missed that. I just subscribed to her a few weeks ago.

[@SeeMindyMom]

Alma, one of the reasons I don't do these for specific dietary preferences or needs (low carb, gluten-free, diabetic) is because since I don't follow those diets, I would be afraid I would not be accurate in my recommendations. Somebody who needs/chooses to eat in those ways is more knowledgeable about how to make substitutions and adjustments. :)

[@MrsAlmaTrumble]

@@SeeMindyMom I understand.