The BEST $5 Dinners That Are Kid Approved ✅ || Budget Friendly Meals For Families

#fivedollarmeals #5dollardinners #brokebudget #budget #cheapmeals #familymeals #frugalliving #budgetfriendlyfood #mealplan #grocerybudgetchallenge
Hey y’all! I hope you enjoy these $5 meals!
Love, Brooke
PO BOX 299
Talbott, TN 37877

[@rosed9665]

If you don't like the taste of ground turkey just add some beef bouillon to it. Tastes like ground beef and a great cost saver still.

[@floralbouquets]

I do better watching for ground beef (80/20) to be on sale....last time was $1.79 lb....before that $1.99. I buy enough to get me through until it's on sale again. I do really well this way and buy my chicken breasts and pork loins the same way. I tried the boullion with the ground turkey and still didn't like it. Just me I guess.

[@rosed9665]

@@floralbouquets I want your sales, lol. The cheapest it's been around me is 3.29 for 73/27. Even marked down it's still pricier for me) The texture of the ground turkey is still different and I can't/won't use it unless mixed in with something like the sloppy joe (or a sauce of some kind) My chicken breast I wait for sales (2.29 p/lb or less) same with most meats but for some reason I can not get cheaper beef.

[@floralbouquets]

@@rosed9665 I shop between a few (4 or 5) stores close to me and I have one that does the good ground beef prices. Giant Eagle. They also do buy one get one free on meats....also a 5 package for $25 sometimes. Last time I got $37.50 of meat for $25.00. I just always watch the sales weekly....and that's the only way I shop.

[@Paul-vr4xy]

I do ground pork mince and beef bullion when I don't have the beef mince or enough of it - none of my family have ever noticed 😅

[@sheliaanderson1890]

I have never used ground turkey, can you tell it’s turkey instead of beef?

[@OctoberMama]

Love these! One of our favorite budget weeks to do (especially as we turn to fall) is to do a “Tissy chicken week” as my kids call it! I get a Rotisserie chicken from Costco for $5, spend about $17.50 on other ingredients, and we have Chicken Pot Pie, Chicken Fajitas, Chicken Noodle Soup, Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake, and BBQ Chicken w/Scalloped Potatoes in the week! It usually comes out to less than $5 a day! 😊

[@ireneroy8820]

With one chicken? Awesome!

[@Thatsaritachick]

Great ideas!

[@ireneroy8820]

I stretch a chicken far but, not as many meals, maybe 4 meals and broth when I cook the chicken myself

[@ireneroy8820]

Make chicken salad,chicken fried rice,orange chicken,chicken millionaire crescents, I have potatoes 🥔 that I grow, also grow tomatoes 🍅, 🥒 cucumbers, okra, eggplant 🍆, bell peppers, green onions, winter I grow cabbage 🥬 broccoli 🥦 cauliflower. Small garden but, helps SO much!

[@OctoberMama]

@@ireneroy8820 Yup! It ends up being about a gallon bags worth of chicken + broth! It’s also just me and my two young children, so we’re able to stretch a bunch!

[@janw1746]

Hello there..I just found your channel..I am rather older than your goodself..but have raised two sons..along with my wonderful husband of 52 yrs..watching you and your family is a lovely way to enjoy family life..kind regards from u.k..💐

[@JaccETravels]

Something my kids always loved and its cheap is taking ur sloppy joe meat and mixing it in with couple boxed of plain ol’ mac n cheese… kinda tastes like a chili mac

[@DebbieandEddieBFF]

Yes it does❤

[@OliviaGraham-w5i]

I do this with mashed potatoes instead of Mac n cheese 😁😁 so yummy!

[@stevestewart007]

Any time you are going to add water to a dish, rather than draining your canned chicken or tuna or canned veggies, set aside that as part of your liquid. No point in throwing that extra flavor away. Thank you for your inexpensive meal ideas!

[@cathytheisen1815]

My favorite part of your videos is seeing your family reactions, especially your little "fainter". Always makes me laugh. I was a Para educator for many years and would tell my students I was having liver and onions for supper with Brussel sprouts, and for desert stewed prunes. The look on their faces was precious. Keep a smile in your heart and a twinkle in your eye.

[@marywalker1394]

I absolutely love liver and onions ,Brussels spouts with rice or mashed potatoes 😋never had stewed prunes has that done love can use dates as well ❤kids 😂

[@maryjanespangler7488]

I do love the reactions of the boys, they are so sweet!

[@lindabeard488]

Glad to see you coming up with some cheap recipes again. I learn so much from your chef. You help a lot of us retired people on fixed budgets survive. Love and Hugs. ❤❤❤

[@glendastump5701]

Dollar Tree Dinners is another good one to follow for cheap dinner ideas.

[@lynncibelli3534]

She reminds me of Sally Fields. Great happy attitude.🎉

[@babydoll22855]

I just love you girl. I watch you every night before bed when I'm planning the next day's meals. Momma (90) asks every morning what we are having from your channel for dinner! She just loves you too! ❤️

[@shadowgirl815]

Your Momma...that's too adorable❤ What a beautiful blessing to have your Precious Momma still...mine passed at 81 years and I wasn't able to be with her💔

[@melissareynolds56]

I just made the Arby's roast beef bagel bites but I used whole bagels way cheaper than the Thomas brand it turned out really good. Not sure if you have seen that recipe

[@patriciaholstein878]

Ground turkey was my saving grace as a single mom feeding my boys when they were young....spices also made a dish seem like you spent more.

[@ElizabethBattle]

Same here! I was a single mom for 12 years, and my son and I went through a LOT of ground turkey!!

[@kitkat-fw3wy]

For a little sweetness to the sloppy joes add couple of pinches of brown sugar. Takes it to the next level 😋

[@KCRLearningAcademy]

I used to add canned pumpkin to up the nutritional factor. It blended right in. Then one day my husband caught me, insisted the sloppy Joes had tasted funny and my kids heard him... there's a reason he's my ex. 🙄

[@KCRLearningAcademy]

Question: l do not like canned chicken. All l use it for is chickuna (canned chicken and canned tuna) salad. 😊 My question is, did cooking the chicken in the frying pan make it better?

[@jillgott6567]

I thawed a package of three large hot sausages and fried them when they were partially cooked I added fresh small Potatos cut into slices and fresh Broccoli with a little water and seasoning. YUMMM that fed me for several meals and between the liquid of the water, and the seasonings there was no reason for a sauce or butter. Today I still had a little of the Broccoli left as well as a lot of the sausage so I added it to a frozen store pizza - good use of leftovers plus I got my pizza fix. Oh, the Sausage was $2.99

[@ohiofarmgirl3384]

Another fun video! Anyone looking to stretch the ground meat for sloppy joe’s, add a can of drained beans of your choice. Extra protein and fiber. Hubby is a cattle farmer and even though I have unlimited beef, I still do this.

[@nicoles7126]

I've started to add lentils to stretch ground meat, too!

[@penelopegrier5073]

Oooohhh….. good idea!

[@libertybell8852]

@@ohiofarmgirl3384 you can add oatmeal to it as well. 😊 ESPECIALLY when making tacos, it works really well and soaks up some of the oil that doesn't drain off. I add in oatmeal and a little water and BOOM! Stretches the tacos for those nights we have surprise friends over for dinner. 🤣

[@robbinmorgan9859]

Not only the budget, you inspire me to cook more often! Which is ultimately good for my budget.

[@jellyrollfan93]

And ur health 😉

[@debbierichard8674]

I follow a Keto regime so I am being honest when I say that I don’t really make your food recipes BUT you’re recipe for JOY IS a recipe I follow for sure! Your channel is Joyfully Infectious and your boys are ADORABLE! I love when the little one passes out from delight in his mamas tasty food!😂I subscribed and look forward to the fun and laughs on your channel! Thanks so much for all you do and God Bless you and your sweet family!❤

[@DebbieandEddieBFF]

That's part of the reason why I watch her too. Brooke, you and your family make me feel good ❤

[@tondamccarthy6537]

It’s a feel good channel for sure

[@kj7653]

Me too

[@LoLoLifeinFlorida]

I'm going to make that pizza ziti my husband is Italian and I think he would actually really love that. The fainting spell & the thumbs-up Beyond cute! 😊

[@bridgetmarden7224]

I bet some corn and black beans would be good in the chicken and rice dish also. All excellent ideas darlin ❤ thank you

[@Lisasimpsonfan]

I made your creamy pizza pasta last night for dinner. I did substitute Italian sausage because I didn't have any pepperoni. My husband LOVED it. He said "this is really really good" and asked for it again. I paired it with a green salad and it was a wonderful weeknight meal. Thank you!

[@bonniehumphreys4025]

I love your videos so much. Lately with inflation going through the roof, I'm finding it hard to keep our food budget in check for my family of 4. You are such an angel and a God send. Thank you so much for these videos. I find your videos related to Clara's depression recipe videos. Everyone should know how to budget like this so when hard times come, we can still eat good food that doesn't sacrifice on taste.❤🙏

[@deefrye5390]

Your recipes are so good. I try to make at least 1 or 2 a week. It has saved us a bunch on groceries. ❤

[@ScarletDebbie]

Oh my goodness that Zitti pasta dish looks so good! I am definitely gonna make it for my Husband and myself! Just because folks are on a budget doesn't mean we have to eat the same thing all the time. I love your ideas and your videos! I came across your channel by chance and so glad I did! New subscriber here!

[@70foolio]

When I was cooking for more people I would add extra white rice to my rice a roni and grate in carrots or add in canned corn to stretch it out. I love the sloppy joe French bread pizza can’t wait to try it out. Who am I kidding I am going to try em all. 😋

[@lauriesheppard3394]

You e got teenagers! They eat a lot!! Great job in getting filling foods!

[@Myfavorites877]

Brooke, you could also beat up some of your eggs and poured on the bubble up casserole to bulk it up. Everything looked amazing!

[@lynncibelli3534]

Remember Northern Exposure set in Alaska? Dr. Fleischmanns nurse Marilyn? She cooked Rice a Roni for her family. She was on a budget.😊

[@ElizabethBattle]

That's amazing that these dishes go so far, even with leftovers!! And I agree -- all sausage GOTTA HAVE CHAR.

[@ashleytyler8218]

They all look delicious but that pizza pasta looks even more delicious 😋 I love a good pasta dish

[@monicaleigh7641]

I come from being poor. I wouldn't change it for anything. Nothing teaches you how to be rich in heart like being poor in your wallet. I am blessed to have had the experiences I have had with being poor. Watching your videos really is special for me because it takes me back to a lot of memories. You had some different meals than I had growing up...yes... I'm a Yankee 😂. My good friend from Texas likes to remind me all the time lmao. But we have some in common and for me it's the way you talk about it. I feel like there's a spiritual club for kids who grew up poor if that makes any sense. It's one of those things that there's just a way you think and feel that's different than if you don't grow up poor. So when someone else describes it I feel instantly connected to that person in a certain way. Thank you for the "feel goods" of your videos. Keep making them if you enjoy it because it's doing what you set out to do.❤. Also I don't know if you're a single mom but seeing just you and the boys in the videos so far reminds me of my mom's life as a single mom just trying to make it work. So if you are a single mom, God bless you for that and I salute you. If not, God bless you, and I salute you for putting this kind of joy into the universe!

[@cindyupton7357]

Love the clearance shelf in the bakery!!!

[@outroseok]

I live alone and cook for myself and the fire roasted tomato chicken and rice has become a staple after this video! it's one of my favs and I always have leftovers to bring to work the next day which is a plus.

[@indianne9781]

I’ve made the rice a roni one before, and it was very good. Never thought to add tomatoes though, sounds good. I’ve gotten cheaper (I mean more frugal) and now make it with plain rice, a boullion cube or two some onion, bit of frozen veggies and of course, chicken.

[@Carolyns23]

Thanks for another video full of cheap, tasty recipes. I really enjoy your channel. Your ingredients are easy to find in the grocery store, and your instructions are easy to follow. You are such a genuinely nice person! Edited to add that I want to make the sausage and veggie bubble up recipe so much that I am going to Walmart this morning to get the ingredients!

[@stacypappas9677]

The pizza pasta looks good, I think I will try it using penne pasta and some green bell pepper. Love your chicken earrings with the cowboy boots 🐔🥾

[@lovelife0413]

Hey sweet girl. Honestly you can brighten my day. No kidding. I love your happy and positive personality. TFS

[@Julie_Wakefield]

I'm definitely adding this to our shelf stable meal rotation!

[@maurinadittenhaffer6140]

Brooke Pizza pasta looked yummy. Another successful video. Thank you for sharing. Wonderful job feeding your family.

[@lynnpierce7642]

YUM. All the recipes looked So delicious. We will be making all of them. Just love watching your channel. It's a whole lot of deliciousness and great tips and fun.

[@LauraOC714]

I adore you and your family! We are giving some of your tips/recipes a try. We live in Southern California and prices are killing us! My daughter travels to TN from time to time and has been nagging me to go with her one day. She thinks once I go there I'm going to want to move there - I'm always drawn to southern hospitality.

[@bridgetbuer150]

I love the new cast iron pans so beautiful. Great ideas for easy dinners thanks.

[@ivebeenthere2115]

Where would I buy the red rubber jobby so my hands don’t burn? I have the long handled red silicone?rubber? one but where would we purchase that short one and what’s it called?

[@paulabroadway1697]

That faint with the thumbs up! LOL

[@carriesessum2505]

I use the mini can of seasoned tomato sauce for naan minis and make homemade pizza lunchables . And safe what’s left for the next time . Kids (my kids)Love pizza so they make them often !! Or noodles an sauce for lunch ,sometimes they don’t want meat and I don’t have to make a lot 😊 .thanks for new ideas 🤍🌻

[@susansramblings7848]

Would you mind sharing your recipe thank you

[@asnunez]

Don’t toss the broth from the canned 10:05 chicken. Use it as part of the liquid and omit the extra salt.

[@dnagoddesshealings2212]

After binge watching your KZbin videos, I clicked soooo fast on this one. Love it!! Watching now.

[@journeytogether6432]

I literally am sitting here trying to figure your life out being a single mom with two kids and I'm trying to figure out how to buy food I'm so glad I came across your video I appreciate you.

[@Terri_MacKay]

The sausage and veggie bubble up looked yummy and filling, and I definitely want to give it a try. I don't even think I'd need a side with it. And the chicken, rice a roni, and tomatoes made me very nostalgic...it reminded me of a dish my Mum made when I was little. I think I'm going to have to make that one too, for old time's sake. I always have a largectub of plain Greek yoghurt in my fridge. It's great for breakfast, with a little honey and whatever fruit you have, or some granola, mixed in. I will stir in a large dollop to make a sauce thicker, creamier, and richer. It's a great marinade for meat. It can replace sour cream in anything. I'll add some garlic or seasoning to make a "crema" for tacos or wraps. It's such a versatile ingredient, and you certainly get your money's worth out of it.

[@rebeckia2902]

Oooo listen to that thunder.❤

[@johncarpenter987]

The creamy pizza ziti is a great idea that anyone can make and I bet it was delicious. I'm retired now with a decent pension; but, I had to feed a family of 5 on a very limited budget when I started out. I live alone now so it isn't as big an issue anymore. Still, I think about my beginnings, and I wonder how families are affording to feed their families in these tough times and your videos are magic for them. I will post this video on my blog and ask my readers to share your videos with families that are struggling through these times. God bless you for the time you take to help others.

[@KathleenGoodwin-t4m]

I’m in California so prices are slightly higher. At my Walmart, the tomatoes are $1.30, compared to your 88 cents. However, I could make this dish for around $7-8 which is still fantastic!

[@JanetHayenga]

I believe that you are an amazing cook who can make a meal out of anything!

[@maryconder7100]

Gonna give a few of these a try. I will get to use my own home canned chicken! In this economy we need all money saving recipes possible. Thank you for sharing your kitchen and your family

[@aimee2234]

Thank you... I would love every one of these meals, Brooke! I love watching your test subjects as well. You can tell if they really like it or if it's meh and they're honest. Have a glorious weekend and be blessed always, my Southerland Squad! xoxo

[@Tsiri09]

I always do what my mother did. Cook onions/bell pepper with the meat to extend it, add veggies and flavor. I make a casserole of a box of mac&cheese. Add a pound of cooked ground beef, chicken turkey or pork, a half cup cooked onion (cooked with the meat), a can of drained diced tomatoes and a can of drained/rinsed black beans. Season to taste. It's good!

[@jillgott6567]

Great video and recipes. I would love the Pizza Ziti with Mushrooms, Onion, Green Peppers 😋

[@grannyframmy]

Hi guys! Love the recipes! Ground beef and sausages are so easy to use in all kind of meals! Really easy cheap ideas!!! Keep em coming!

[@laurettapelletier7679]

New to your channel and I love it! The thriftiness is such a bargain. But I enjoy your familys' reaction! YOU make it look easy and they love it! I am deff a fan!

[@Helen1132-pz8dv]

Thanks you Brooke for sharing your meal prep ideas. They have been a big help for my family."Y'all we have food at home" is my new saying. Saving 💰❤.

[@happy2cya70]

I think I'll be trying the sloppy joe one for tomorrow night and I definitely wanna try the ziti one soon! Thanks for great ideas!

[@constanceworden487]

I would hollow out some of the middle of the bread, to make a well fit the sloppy Joe meat. That would make it easier to eat I think.

[@bittylovin7973]

Good Morning Lovely!

[@frugalfoodfamily]

I agree with having to saute the sausage. It makes such a difference in flavor ❤

[@rachelhero3413]

Ok as soon as it cools off enough that I can use my oven I’m doing the bubble up bake! And that pizza pasta looks like something my work kids would LOVE LOVE LOVE!

[@renaparker4579]

I think the pasta would be good mixed in with the sausage + veggies, maybe with biscuits on the side. I like it your way too. I love all of your meals+ family reaction.

[@mollyswanner1607]

These are all wonderful meals!! I have everything i need to make them all in my pantry but can never seem to find anything to cook! Thankyou!

[@vivibelswoopy]

Wow, I loved this! It is possibly I make goods food for our families on a budget. I love your pans as well Thanks for sharing.

[@crystalshaw8744]

Love that you actually cook and everything doesn't come out of a box. Another person I watched was the exact opposite. Thank you.

[@brynda3811]

You, my girl, are just sweet, amazing and I love your content ❤❤❤

[@vickilarson7273]

Wow love your sense of humor 😂 your recipes are great and so helpful.your guys are such great taste testers! 🎉

[@lj4587]

Suggestion: instead of water, use WalMart's Great Value chicken broth in the cartons. About $1/carton. Adds flavor. I even put it in chili.

[@irenesgardenandmore]

❤ you are very good mama ! Very creative !

[@caseykelso1]

I can't believe you don't have a million subscribers. Your information is so valuable. Thanks for sharing 🍸.

[@margaretbagur3553]

Great budget stretching meals. These would also be great for smaller households to have a meal and make containers for work lunch packing.

[@andreagreen7395]

Adding this to my shelf stable recipes. Love you

[@Gypsy-m6r]

New to your channel. I've watched several of your videos and love them! I'm always looking for easy on the budget recipes. Time to bindge watch because I'm grocery shopping Saturday and needed some budget friendly things to get. Love your channel! ❤

[@bettyadkisson1681]

Yes because I've been finding that the large cans are half full of broth so I've been shaking the cans too see how much broth there's in each can. I use too find plenty if the canned chicken and ham at my family dollar& dollar General stores but its been a hit and miss lately. I try too buy 10 of each and beef in gravy,I get 3 meals from each can I add instant mashed potatoes & a veggies and sometimes I add a pack of brown gravy too make Manhattan's but my main gravy is mage with knorr beef bounlion 1tsp. And 2 Tbs. Flour 1 cup water. I always keep 56 serving jar of knorrs beef bounlion,1 jar of each rice ,pinto beans,northern beans, old fashion oats and chocolate wheats in my bug out bag. I use recycled jars for each too keep them sealed air tight. And hi just found a 8cup stainless pot with large& mini strainer lid but I do recycle the jars of all seasoning for light weight carrying.And recipe cards for home made soft shell tacos,egg rolls, and biscuit mix and egg noodles in a small recipe card note book and planning on laminating all of them.

[@ritanelson8879]

Your kids are so cute! They love everything.

[@mechellespradley9439]

I so enjoy watching these. Thank for for all the ideas. I think I’m trying the rice with fire roasted tomatoes tomorrow. I like the reactions from your taste testers too.

[@Diane-gc1tf]

Do the rice first,then add the chicken and the tomatoes and when the rive get done all of it is done

[@TXJan0057]

Thinking the same thing myself.

[@bethburch8218]

You are a wonderful gal. They are so lucky to have you.

[@hbennett5640]

I like that wooden spatula you use.

[@toughharley1903]

Id say you should create a website and list all your recipes and frugal tips. That would be helpful and awesome. And guess what? Your an awesome creator

[@Mekakinny]

That sausage bake looks amazing!!

[@pennylynch913]

Hi pretty mum! Appreciate your channel. Give my love to the family. ❤ love your checked kitchen curtains

[@suel.9151]

Everything looked so good! I love that you have different ideas all the time! A huge thanks! ❤

[@kimberlykennedy8777]

All the dinners look so good! Ty for sharing them 🙂🤗❤️

[@awalton1150]

The potato masher is the best for cooking ground meat. Oh and broil the cut bread so it doesn’t get mushy.

[@tc1897]

This has good Slaton sisters vibes but I can't wait to try the pizza pasta tonight. Thank you!

[@theresarogerssimpson1280]

Brayden is like me he enjoys good food he's lucky to have a momma that can cook well. Love ❤ you guys.

[@HollyC3425]

Ooh! I’m gonna put that third one in an emergency meal kit. Good ideas. Thanks Brooke!

[@tinacollinsworth9507]

I think the pizza padta is my favorite! That one really looks yummy!😊

[@meckersley2123]

Always a great video always great ideas always great meals thank you Brooke I’m gonna try the second recipe with your cornbread instead of biscuits

[@angeladomann-bolduc5077]

❤Thank you for your ideas! I have to have gluten free ingredients but even though I will spend a little more because of gluten free, it will still be fast,cheap and good tasting!❤

[@Masterclassonlife]

I LOVE the chicken earrings!

[@tenthousanddaysofgratitude]

Brayden is taller than you, now! That pizza pasta is going on my rotation. Yum!

[@francoiseisaac9086]

Doing the sausage and biscuits right now because I forgot to take something out for dinner. I have leftover mac and cheese. THANK YOU!!

[@joanhawkins8552]

There was a dish that I made in the early years of marriage. And it was cheap. Had to be back then (79/80). Just boxes of mac n cheese, a package of whiners or smoked sausage, which ever was on sale that day). Just cook the pasta and add the cheese pack, brown the sliced up whiners and add to the mac n cheese. If inhad a onion, I added that when cooking thewhiners, or maybe a green pepper. Cheap and filling.,

[@krissymckinney4457]

Thanks!

[@mellisa9459]

I freeze leftovers so on the days that we don’t want to cook, we just have to reheat something, or I will make extra for freezing.

[@rosemarie3908]

i have made the ziti pizza meal. way back when kids were little. hubbys mom my mother in law used to make something similar. so one day hubby was going to walmart for an oil change and brought home some groceries. he got a jar of tomato sauce and a jar of alfredo sauce. (i think both walmart brand the cheapest). thrn he got a can of chilis and a can of roasted tomatoes he got a small package of italian seeet sausage (i used only 2 links to cook the rest infroze for another meal). and some frozen broccoli for a side. i cooked this all up for us. a nd it was really good.

[@BarbaraCooper-qg2bn]

We just had the garlic chicken rice-a-roni, canned chicken and fire roasted tomato's. Thank you it was really good!☺

[@bwy553]

I knew the pizza pasta was gonna be good, I might add a little more oregano and garlic salt cause usually the oregano in the sauce is pretty mild, and maybe some sliced black olives. But I know it’s good. And then maybe sprinkle some Parmesan or mozzarella on the top. 🤤🤤🤤🤤

[@Tsiri09]

Dollar tree has frozen peppers and frozen spice mix (onions, peppers already diced) for $1.25 each. Wal Mart has the pepper mix for $2.65, and the spice mix is $2 plus.

[@LindaSimpson-j8l]

OMG, your kids are SO CUTE! 😆

[@kathleenmiller516]

I use your ideas for a base & it's great! My fam is super veg heavy & we'd forgo meat (not protein) any day & have an additional veg/fruit/legume. I love your creations!