$50 Weekly Grocery Haul for 3 Adults • Realistic Budget Cooking • Meal Ideas

Hey y'all! Join me as I take you along to see what groceries we got during a week, how much those groceries cost, and what I ended up cooking for my household's dinners for a full week. I purchased my groceries from Aldi, Food Lion, and Harris Teeter, and prices are for Raleigh, NC. Hope you enjoy my little budget friendly grocery haul and that it gives you some meal ideas!
As always, I appreciate you all so so much!
For business inquiries: [e-mail]
You can find me online at:
/ thatlisadawn
/ thatlisadawn
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That Lisa Dawn
PO BOX 99383
Raleigh, NC
27624
Some of my favorite things that you see in my kitchen.
Instant Pot Duo Plus 6qt
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Aroma Rice Cooker
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KitchenAid Stainless Steel Wire Masher
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Rainbow Regular Mouth Mason Jar Lids
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Rainbow Wide Mouth Mason Jar Lids
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Heavy Duty Egg Slicer
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Lodge 12" Cast Iron Skillet
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[@patti-ann5850]

Lisa, I think you are the smartest person on KZbin when it comes to making ends meet on a tight budget with groceries and cooking. You're underrated in my opinion Everybody should know your name and channel. Keep up the good work.

[@kathylanigan6745]

I feel the same way,we just love Lisa !

[@NanaPapa123]

She really is amazing and such a kind and wise heart.

[@evaguthridge2160]

Thanks for the great ideas!!!

[@katherinetyrrell8810]

Not only does she do an amazing job of stretching her budget in a healthy way, she is teaching all of us to do the same. I always get so excited to see one of her new videos because she inspires me to do better. Her use of simple ingredients makes her recipes doable on a tight budget. Thank you! ❤❤❤

[@yvonnepalmquist8676]

Yep! Anyone else wishing and waiting for this to be Lisa's full-time gig so we can get more of her? ❤

[@gingerhammond6446]

Am I the only one who gives Lisa's videos a thumbs-up before even watching them? 🤣 And I just LOVE Kroger's hazelnut coffee creamer...

[@dianam9028]

I do 😄

[@libertywest5835]

Nope

[@reneechaplin8686]

I do the same!👍

[@susans9491]

No, you’re not alone! I always give them thumbs up because I know they’re going to be great!

[@djz5456]

Lol. No. I just did! ❤

[@jesusislord7488]

I’m 58 and have had my mandatory cookie dough tastes my entire life, never gotten sick. I think the danger of raw eggs is greatly overblown. Long live cookie dough! ❤

[@emilyann342]

If my Nannie taught me right, the real danger from cookie dough is the raw flour, not the egg

[@b3thamphetamine]

@@emilyann342 This is correct, you are more likely to get sick from the raw flour, not the raw eggs

[@sarahfarrell8214]

Lisa,, I love watching your cooking show. You're amazing the way you just whip up muffins, bread, croutons, ravioli, and pizza dough like it's nothing. You're so talented. You make everything look so delicious!

[@mollymollie6048]

It isn’t really hard what she’s doing, and she shows step by step, which is awesome!!! (I was fortunate to have a mother who didn’t do processed food and taught me to cook along side her growing up) but she shows how easy it is. I think Lisa should make a cookbook!!!! She’s such a friendly, comforting soul and she can make some basic stuff up for a website, doesn’t have to be a massive publication! (Although, it should be!!! Poor nutrition and poverty in the US is a terrible situation…and she shows how to cook healthy even living in a food desert…which many people do.) I think she’s amazing, too!!!

[@joycef8443]

Right, around here about all we can “just whip up” is salad…got to pay more attention to her videos. She is inspiring!

[@mollymollie6048]

@@joycef8443 Yep, she makes easy bread dough, and easy pasta (you could just make noodles instead of pierogi or ravioli to start out with! Give yourself some grace, you’ll make a few mistakes, that’s okay…it’s not much in the flour department…also, bread freezes really well (and reheats/defrosts on the counter quickly and easily!) so if you start feeling comfortable with making it, you could do several at a time when you have a some time, and freeze them. That same dough for bread probably works for pizza crust, bread sticks, garlic knots, dinner rolls, etc. A very simple (and inexpensive recipe that tastes good: boil spaghetti/linguine/fettuccine noodles, whatever you have or like. Put a good amount of salt in the water, like 2 tsps so it gives it flavor and doesn’t stick to itself. Drain out the water and put a little cooking oil (like a few tsps) and a Tbsp of butter (olive oil only if you like), with some garlic powder, and parmesan cheese shredded. Turning the pot on low can sometimes help everything melt together better…save a little of the pasta water (like ¼ cup) just in case it gets too dry on you. Cut up some chicken breasts into small pieces, season how you like it (put chicken in a ziplock after cubing it up and put a Tbsp of cornstarch on it for 15 min, then rinse off.) Stir fry in oil of your choice, or bake or fry the whole filet (I’d cut it in half like Lisa does). Add to pasta, or eat on the side. Throw in a small salad or green vegetable as a side. Time to cook, probably 20 min total. Voila, an easy homemade dinner that’s a balanced meal, and inexpensive. (Lol, I call the pasta dish “Desperation Dinner” cause it’s what I’ll cook up when I’m tired and we have nothing in the house…we still always have pasta, butter, oil, garlic and parmesan…I’ve made it for decades, starting one time when I really had nada at home, and thought…well, maybe this will work. The worst mistake I make is over salting with garlic salt along with garlic powder.) Also, I also cook pasta for a minute or two under the recommended time, cause I hate it to be mushy…you can always cook a few minutes longer, if needed. Good luck, and enjoy!!!

[@beckywhinery4652]

I didn't know how to cook chicken or mashed potatoes when I left home. I knew nothing about keeping a home or budget. The biggest thing is seeing the steps. I so love this page and content. Amazing!

[@leemarielavoie1]

I always look forward to your videos, no glam no glitz, just straight forward info, like normal everyday people. Truly great info, thanks

[@suegeedee2511]

Liberally salt the eggplant slices and sit them in a colander with a plate weighing it down on top for a while, then rinse and pat dry. This removes the bitterness and stops it from absorbing too much oil 😊

[@wardrobelion]

I never get bitter eggplant but I DO have a problem with my eggplant sponging up all of my oil😊. That’s why I switched to olive oil when cooking my eggplant but it sooo filling with all that oil🙄. Thanks for the tip👍! 16:39

[@Carolwarr448]

YEAH 🙌 THERE SHE IS " THAT LISA DAWN" SO HAPPY TO ALWAYS SEE YOU. I NOW SAVE ALL OF MY PEELINGS.. THANKS TO YOU. 😊

[@sharmaineburnside9154]

Yay!!!! I get excited when I get a notification that Lisa Dawn is posting. You rock on helping us make the most of our grocery budget. Thank you!

[@milliem5178]

Appliances made to last. I bought a duplex house in Baltimore county in the year 2000. The second floor apartment had a refrigerator in it that did not look new. The name brand of the refrigerator is Kelvinator. That fridge today, 23 years later, is still there running like a champ.

[@joycef8443]

Find the serial number inside the fridge, you can look it up on line and see it’s birthday! I think your old girl is more than 35! It’d be fun to find out.

[@beckywhinery4652]

My refrigerator is 25 years old. Bought at a rent a center. Used. 90 days same as cash. Real cheap. I think it may go another 10 years. Fingers crossed. 😂

[@milliem5178]

@@beckywhinery4652 What is the name brand?

[@beckywhinery4652]

My refrigerator is a Whirlpool. All the shelves and ones on the door are good. Holding up great

[@servingme09]

Your family is mighty lucky to have you.

[@rosacanisalba]

Steep a couple of slices of fresh root ginger in hot water and then sip to calm a cough. It really works. I like to add a little honey and either a slice of lemon or a lemon and ginger teabag, but just the ginger works.

[@wardrobelion]

Chewing on a clove bud helps too👍

[@maliaw8392]

Lisa Dawn! You are back! We have missed you and recipes and videos and hubby an kitty! You need to pop up more often!❤

[@tynaedwards8452]

I love your down to earth approach to shopping and cooking. Thank you for sharing all the great recipes.

[@jaysonchasen9215]

Love reading these positive comments!

[@southerngal7899]

I grew up putting my eggplant in salty water for a few minutes to "get the bitter" out. Maybe try that. Love how you can stretch those dollars. Love your channel. 🙏

[@emmyali920]

SOOOOO Happy to see a video of yours pop up!!

[@cindym7234]

You are just so creative with your ingredients! Everything you make looks so delicious! We are a family of 3, not including our 8 cats, but I never find deals at my stores like you find at your stores. My cats alone cost me $60 a week in canned, dry food, and treats. You have inspired me to do better at the grocery store! Next week I will build my weekly menu at the store with all sale or clearance meats and vegetables. Thanks Lisa! Love from Texas ❤

[@flufftronable]

This channel should be at 100k already.❤❤

[@princess88eg]

I really love your waste not want not mentality and how budget friendly your meal plans are I’m sure it’s truly a lifesaver for some who need to save and don’t know how love the content 💯🥰

[@susans9491]

I just L❤VE your videos! You’ve given me the courage to make my own noodles, pirogies, and raviolis! I’ve been reluctant out of fear of making a mess, or a disaster. Watching your laid back, approachable videos helped me realize it’s not brain surgery, there’s not much at risk, and there are valuable skills to be learned. I think our cat, Dwayne is your cat’s twin. And hoping you guys are all feeling so much better now!❤

[@nicolesherwood5929]

Your videos make me so happy! I love when I see that new video notification. I get some cheese and crackers ready and forget my problems for awhile. Thank you for being you. I want you to know that you do make a difference. Sometimes when things are sad and lonely it's a relatable person, with a fun video that can make a difference. I appreciate you!

[@christinatareski8882]

"Andrew went down a lunch path i could not follow" hahahha that was great!

[@susanheitz3967]

Hi Lisa. I'm from NY. Escarole is a staple for Italian people. Escarole can be used in many ways. Chicken Soup, Navy beans and Escarole in Chicken broth and Italian Greens with a sprinkle of olive oil, Parm, and small pieces of ham or salami. Try these ideas ...love Gramma Sue

[@lisapainter525]

Get better soon. Love your cat. Love your ideas.

[@lisanorstrom4656]

Just went to a LAVENDER festival and ate a flatbread pizza with the lavender goat cheese on it along with fig, carmelized onion, and fresh arugula on top drizzled with balsamic vinegarette. The sauce on the pizza was a herb pesto type sauce. It all worked pretty well together and i felt really fancy eating it. Otherwise, maybe you can do some sort of sweet crepe with honey or jam added to it. Hopefully, you will try something fancy with i, and you enjoy it. Love your videos!

[@elizabethbeffert6097]

She said she really DIDNT like the lavender goat cheese, and couldn’t think of one meal that would go with the flavor profile of that cheese… and she also said she’s probably going to give it to her friend…

[@frugallydelicious]

That lavender goat cheese sounds amazing! I got to try something like that!

[@susandorry6149]

You always show me how easy it is to make something from scratch that I can do and these days I'm doing so much more, Thank you

[@dianam9028]

Hello Lisa 😊 Thank you for your videos. I'm sorry you both were sick. Glad to hear you are feeling better. I love your cat btw. 😄🐾

[@lisapainter525]

Eggplant is always bitter. Sprinkle salt on it when you cut it. It draws out the bitterness. Then rinse. Pat dry with paper towel. Then cook.

[@jamiekruger5517]

I LOVE those raised beds! Awesome garden. I’m so glad I stumbled on your channel!

[@FoxyOxymoron]

Also eating out of bowls for the win. It's my favorite way to eat.

[@user-te2xw9mh4y]

Hi Lisa Dawn! I've been following you for a bit and I'm really impressed by your ability to shop frugally and come up with meals that you all enjoy without much effort. I appreciate that you cook at home all the time too, you are heads and tails ahead of the spending game by doing that! You're an inspiration to all who really need help saving $ yet eating healthy. Thanks for being uniquely you and a very relatable person to watch. Keep up the good work that you do😊

[@lulushondast.]

I just love your ideas. Do you look up recipes to give you an idea of what you want to make or do you just know because you've done it for a long time?

[@leanneholmes5442]

"I went rogue and decided to use all the carrots I had left" 😂 love these videos, great meal ideas for cooking on a budget

[@davidinwashington]

Dang, that chicken and veg dish at the beginning looked magnificent. That sauce was the boss!

[@tamarasfavorites2116]

Yayyyyyy!! Happy for a new video!! And yes!!! The fruit fly struggle is REAL this year! 😜

[@hiyellagal]

Fruit flies hate the smell of Lavender. Get a scented plug-ins and their gone.

[@joycef8443]

We are trying the used wine cork method. Seems to work, just need to keep the cat from flipping it out of the fruit bowl!

[@Byerfilms]

Lisa, had to leave a comment to let you know it’s always so refreshing to see your posts; no wide eyed, open mouth, end of the world facial expression or silly caption like: stock up now there’s nothing left to buy we’re all gonna starve! Or, it’s too late (but you’ll have to click on my post to find out what it’s too late for 😂). KZbin has become a Saturday Night Live parody. You’re just down to earth Lisa and your fans appreciate you for. Keep on cooking’ 😊.

[@chloelomas625]

Professional chef/baker here - Both muffins and loaves are whats called 'quick breads' - generally sweet batter style 'breads' that include fats (oil/butter) and get their rise from chemical leaveners (baking soda/ baking powder), hence the 'quick' bc they don't need time to rise. So, TLDR: just the size is the difference! PS love love love your content!! Keep cooking, you do a great job!

[@anonymousone7497]

Lisa, can you tell from our comments that we love you and your videos? We really do! I can't stand flower flavored food either.😅

[@kelly_kelly_kelly8575]

The Chicken and Olive Oil sauce dish looks delicious, can't wait to try it. Absolutely would love to see a video all about your garden, what you are growing, the dirt you use, lessons learned, etc. Thanks for sharing, have a great week!!

[@rivahcat8247]

Re your pizza: Badia has an excellent roasted garlic powder you might want to pick up, not just for pizza, but anywhere you'd use regular garlic powder. They also have a black garlic seasoning. Love your videos! I'm not a very creative cook, and I get so many ideas from you.

[@anakelly76512]

Good ol Calcifer. We love watching "Howl's Moving Castle". Miyazaki has awesome movies.

[@wahinepaddler4]

I hope you continue to feel better and Andrew gets better soon.. I appreciate the time that you take in making these videos for us.. you are always so inspirational to us 🥰

[@evelinharmannfan7191]

You have some very good medicines in your fridge: clear your sinuses by seasoning your food with red 🌶 curry paste; against cough: fresh or cooked onions🧅, fresh or cooked cabagge, thyme (as tea or as seasoning) liquerish or liquerish root tea (unless you have high blood pressure); For DRY Cough use marshmallow 🌸root (soak, bring to boil for a second, then cool down quickly, drink fresh) against throat pain or tonsilitis: ginger in tea or soup,🥣 sage tea (unless you have a fever); against running nose🤧: marjory, oregano, lavender or mint; to help your immune system: green tea, melissa tea, sage tea: 🫖🍵 To protect your heart from damage: garlic🧄🧄🧄🧄 Soups 🥣 are very good for cold in general! Eat some fruit 🍎🍊🍋🫐🍓for vitamin C! Rest as much as you can 😴to avoid Long 🦠 Covid. Hope you guys get well soon. 💐

[@NarnoldsMomma]

You make good money saving videos and your cat is absolutely adorable! I have a Russian Blue as well named BlueChowMeow(AKA BooBoo).☺️☺️☺️

[@countrygal3688]

Lisa, and others.......I don't know if you do this or not, but when I buy broccoli crowns, when I get home from the store, I trim a little off of the bottom of the stem, make a couple of slits in the stem, fill a coffee mug with water, put the broccoli in it, cover with one of those plastic produce bags from the store. The broccoli will stay nice and crisp for several days in the fridge. This is also a good way to keep asparagus fresh.

[@mistyguynn1853]

Thank you for your videos. I was born in North Carolina but now live in California

[@AutisticAlex]

I truly appreciate and admire your femininity. Your gestures and mannerisms exude a unique charm that captivates my attention and fills me with admiration. It's a delightful aspect of your personality that adds a special touch to our interactions.

[@aliceschmid9697]

Your garden looks FANTASTIC!!!!!

[@vrf]

You are the most amazing cook/budgeter! All sorts of delicious, nutritious meals 👍👍

[@SuperSPatrick]

There are lavender honey goat cheese recipes online. You can spread it on bread and drizzle with more honey. You can make mini cheesecakes or even lavender honey goat cheese ice cream! I love your channel.

[@christinascleaning]

always nice seein' a new video! enjoyed it, have a great week

[@marciesullivan3492]

Your food always looks so good. I wish my family were more adventurous eaters and I could cook like you do.

[@darlenem4940]

I think I know how you feel. I take care of my mom and she won't budge on her meals. I love to be adventurous with cooking. We've found a middle ground I think. I take her food out first and then I can play with what is left 😊

[@MyFavoriteColorIsBLUE]

Well, ive got the crud too Lisa My grandkids brought it home from school. I haven't tasted or smelled anything for a couple of weeks now 😢 take care of yourself.

[@janiedee6466]

Wow!! That garden is amazing. Love all your videos!

[@frugalcampermama]

Great video! I wanted to tell you, if you cut the eggplant thinner and put it in a strainer in layers with a little salt on each layer, and weight on it (I use a large can of crushed tomatoes) it’ll will drain and won’t be bitter. Let it sit an hour or so. This is how my mother and little Italian grandmother taught me to do it.

[@MagicCatJinx]

I love your videos! I find them so relaxing! It also helps me to come up with grocery ideas. It feels like my mom is teaching me (very practically) how to cook and care for myself. Thank you, Lisa!

[@eatsipkrave]

Quick bread batter is usually much thicker going in yielding a more dense, uniform and sometimes moister product. A muffin batter is slightly thinner, which makes for a slightly drier end product. I recall more traditional muffins having a more crumbly (better crumb) texture before it became more popular to make them at cake level moistness. Muffins should have an identifiable crumb.

[@angelacarter6593]

I love your videos. I hope the month without videos means you are just taking a lovely break for yourself.

[@heathermoses6183]

Woah, girl, check you out and that fantastic looking garden this late in the year! Great job!

[@jefffarris9238]

You can try the salt the eggplant, set it in a strainer and let it release some water technique. They say this makes the eggplant less bitter. You can also soak it in some salty water for a few minutes. It could be a matter of taste. I grow eggplants with a good degree of success and don't usually take any extra step for the bitterness. One thing about growing your own vegetables is they usually have a stronger flavor than the sometimes flavorless produce from the supermarket. Sometimes it just takes awhile to get used to the more robust flavors. But in the end you appreciate those bolder flavors!

[@laurawilson6389]

Hey Lisa Dawn. Sorry you guys haven't been well. Swift and easy recovery..

[@audreyrobles1505]

Your garden is absolutely gorgeous! I hope this year's garden is just as plentiful. ❤

[@queenshelaine5539]

Hi Lisa! Love what you can do with a small amount of money. It helps me in my goals just to watch you. Thank so much!

[@violetgypsie]

Keeping the lavender cheese that tastes like soap, when no one can eat it doesn’t make any sense. I know we are all conscious of not wasting food, but trying to hang in to that and having it in the fridge and feeling guilty about it doesn’t serve any purpose. If it was me I would just chuck it.

[@leslieyoung3268]

Yay! A new Lisa Dawn video!

[@bvbjb]

So glad you had a garden again. Love your garden experiences as well. As always, thank you for sharing. :)!!!

[@sallygordin2869]

Great to see you again. Great video!! Glad you are feeling better. Blessings!!

[@xingcat]

I always like to see your regular budget grocery cooking videos! I get so many cool ideas for how to stretch my own budget.

[@BCGirl822]

So happy to see you!!!!

[@celestecolton1638]

Absolutely excited for a new video!

[@jomr4249]

I love your videos! It just makes me feel productive when I put this on in the background.

[@venusrx4671]

Thank you for making this video, even though you were just ill. Have a great rest of your week ❤

[@valeriegrice4775]

Lisa, you make this look so easy❤

[@ericaluna00]

I love your garden so much. Thank you for showing us your veggies. I love your videos and recipes. 🙌💓

[@kristiemendez3973]

I'm so happy you put out a new video, you are my favorite, I have learned more delicious and budget friendly recipes from you than anyone , thank you for what you do and teaching an old dog new tricks

[@danielintheantipodes6741]

Another fabulous video. It all looked so delicious! Especially the squash soup. Thank you for the video

[@crystalart8261]

Lisa, your channel is wonderful. Thanks so much for all these tasty budget friendly recipes.😊😊😊

[@annethompson2212]

so glad your back, love your videos 😊

[@arraybabe8514]

I share all your videos in the local budget meal group I run on FB. NC also and we only have a Food Lion here in our little town , so I appreciate al the Food Lion content. Thank you so much for all your advice, and I hope you gain a few subs from the shares!

[@niftythrifty1229]

I love your door, the possibilities are endless!

[@shirleyclarke4867]

What a fantastic idea adding the rice on top of the chicken drippings!!!!! I wish I had more confidence to make dough for breads, etc! Love your videos, thank you for sharing ❤

[@stephaniebaker4024]

Fantastic as always Lisa.

[@smegilligan77]

Lisa - Thank you! This was helpful and encouraging. I will be taking some of these recipes and trying them. You may not want to go to the trouble and may not ever want to buy it again however - a little honey or stevia mixed with vanilla and it is delightful. Thanks for showing again some of your bread recipes. BLESSINGS!

[@marytinkcom8730]

This was very doable! You really are the most realist vlogger I follow!

[@lisagoulet4938]

Just amazing!! AGAIN - another great video with awesome ideas on how to cook baller on a budget!! Love you so much, please keep them coming!!... 😊

[@julieforbes1390]

Love your videos! I used a small eggplant from my garden today. I roasted it in the oven, then when cooled I scooped the "meat" out of the skin, mixed in some minced garlic and used it as the sauce for a homemade pizza. Delicious.

[@doriswebster6851]

Thank you Lisa 💕 I love your budget cooking. .....that is very smart. ....keep it coming please 💜💛💙

[@MaryJ73]

I ❤ you Lisa. Your videos have helped me so much! Feel better

[@sherrieoday6848]

Lisa, I was concerned bc I hadn’t seen a video for awhile… last one I saw was where you made meals for yourself. I’m so glad all is get back to normal and that you are all feeling better!!!!❤

[@DvLnDsGyZ]

Zicam! Always take it with you when traveling. I take it the second I feel a scratchy throat and it almost always helps when I know a cold is coming.

[@PRTTYBTTRFLY1]

I always enjoy watching and want to make the muffins and chicken with veggies looks all amazing can’t wait.

[@K-ij7ys]

Your garden🥺 ❤ so cute!

[@tanyamckinnon5376]

Butter for $1.99!? I would of gotten More!

[@ThatLisaDawn]

I should have!

[@sarahkrick8667]

Lisa I learn something new or several things every time I watch you. My friends and family tell me I'm an exceptional cook. What does that tell me? It tells me that you rock! Thank you! Im thrifty and I garden too but you're still beating me by 100 a month for a family of three adults in Oregon!❤

[@labsareperfect]

I think your cooking and grocery shopping style is the most similar to how my mom cooks!

[@crabbyresister9194]

Bonus cat content. So cute.

[@pbudinsky1]

Great job and your garden is beautiful!

[@gccheryl4038]

Great video Lisa, and my fridge door looks exactly like yours.🤣🤣🤣 That last meal was my fave but everything looked great! Love that crazy cat!

[@rennelda]

Me always liking the video before I watch it! 🙋🏻‍♀️ Love your content!

[@wendyperdue7794]

Yes! A new video from you!