Unbelievable $5 DINNERS in 2023! Cheap & Easy Family Meals

[@ashleyterry6424]

I would LOVE to see a cost comparison where you buy only name brand items for a "budget friendly" challenge like this and then buy all store brand to really show just how much you can save by buying storebrand instead. Even if you save 4 or 5 dollars on 4 meals, thats a large savings over the course of a month.

[@AlwaysBolttheBird]

And if you look into the store brands and who makes them a lot of times it’s made by name brands anyway. Like some Costco coffee is roaster by Starbucks. Their dog food is made by Diamond. Their tuna comes from Bumblebee and so on. There really isn’t much reason to buy name brands

[@jillgott6567]

Great idea

[@shelzp7272]

@SMM I live in Southern California and citrus trees grow easily here. I have a lemon and an orange tree and one time my neighbor called to ask if she could bring her relatives from Kansas over to look at them. They marveled and took pictures and it was super charming and then I realized if I was in Kansas I’m pretty sure I’d want to stand out in a corn or bean field and get my picture taken. ☺️

[@SeeMindyMom]

haha! That's too funny! Yes, I actually mentioned that because my SiL lives in the bay area and the have multiple fruit trees (including lemon) in their backyard and she uses them all the time in her cooking!

[@lorid6544]

I wish i had planted some 15 years ago when I moved to San Diego County. :( I love Meyer lemons.

[@laurasloate2241]

In my area, I've found that buying frozen veggies is much more affordable than buying canned or fresh produce. We don't have any Aldi or big discount grocery stores here. So I almost always buy the store brands of everything if there's that option. My hubby is a meat n potatoes man but with these crazy prices since the pandemic, he's really starting to enjoy the meatless meals I make a couple times each week. I'm so happy to see you incorporate leftovers into a new meal. That's how I was raised and so many folks nowadays don't do that. It's a great way to stretch the food budget.

[@alaciadavis4287]

If you have an air fryer, roasted carrots are SOOOOOOOOOO good. Peel and chop, toss in oil salt and seasonings ie: pepper, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder etc. air fry for 8-10 minutes on 375 and they are so delicious

[@TMCEH]

To make tostadas super easy- Spray some olive oil on each side of the tortilla and bake it in the oven 400 And flip it half way through. You can do so many at a time. I think it’s easier and they’re all done and warm at same time. Plus I don’t have to clean up oil splatters!

[@SeeMindyMom]

Great tip! So true!

[@imaamericangirl1406]

Plus using less oil. Thanks for the tip !

[@Gardeningchristine]

My Walmart puts their cold rotisserie chicken on sale for under $5 sometimes it’s $3.80, for a whole chicken,I buy 3-4 and freeze them!

[@DonnaSmith-ff2wu]

I buy a few at a time at Costco for 4.99 each, shred them and store in 1 pound packs to use in lots of dishes.

[@Kristemamber81]

Where do they put the cold rotisserie chickens?

[@jenniferhansen3622]

​@@Kristemamber81Over in the deli, where you see the potato salad and macaroni salad, you will find cold rotisserie chickens there on the bottom shelf. That's where they are in my store anyway. 😊

[@victoriaswift8822]

Love this thank you! We are tight this week and I realized I have all these ingredients on hand, even the stroganoff! We can get through the week and I don’t have to stress.

[@sapphireblue1013]

Im going to resign from my job at the end of the year to be a stay at home mom. Really appreciate these videos, since I'll be watching the budget a bit more!❤

[@lorimendoza4721]

Awesome mom is the most important job you will ever have

[@autobotdiva9268]

Powerful. I want to but cant

[@vikihoover6632]

Mindy, I believe you are nothing shy of a genius in the kitchen. Thank you SO much for taking the time to do the planning of such meals as these. I'm 50, yet I have zero imagination when it comes to being creative in the kitchen. Your awesome budget meals are just that...awesome. Thanks for taking the time to make your videos. You are doing such a great service to people like me. ❤ from SC.

[@BestDayEverFamily]

Mom of 5 here-four still at home!! Mindy- I love that your kids have a healthy appetite ❤ 2 of mine are severe/sensory picky eaters and will flat out starve before they try even average kid meals. BUT!! I am here to try your challenge on this one-sounds like fun to me. I bought bigger portions and spent $25.48 at Wakmart. I’ll come back and comment what everyone thought. Thank you!!

[@SarahS-lf4pt]

How did it go?

[@imaamericangirl1406]

Yes, how did it go?

[@BestDayEverFamily]

My kids said it was alright-which I thought was pretty spectacular because even the most kid friendly foods they don’t want and think are “disgusting”. So my kids eat “alright” foods then I’m calling it a win!

[@savanah1407]

Buying that tiny milk is DEDICATION! Thank you!

[@SeeMindyMom]

haha! I thought so...I tried to keep to the challenge outside of spices and oil. :)

[@SarahS-lf4pt]

I would’ve filmed that tiny milk and then used a gallon from my fridge. Or powdered milk because I use it in bread.

[@vanessabarnes2169]

Rotisserie chicken would work very well in this meal plan and possibly be even less expensive than a raw whole chicken and still give you the bones to make broth. Where I live I have seen Rotisserie chicken on clearance at Walmart for under $3.00 for the whole cooked chicken. Just a thought.

[@sbrian123]

Those canned biscuits make great dumplings. Squash them a bit, dust in flour and drop in boiling broth.

[@SeeMindyMom]

Good tip!

[@MrsAlmaTrumble]

Thank you for continuing to share these budget meals. They're greatly appreciated

[@SeeMindyMom]

Thanks for watching!

[@MrsAlmaTrumble]

@@SeeMindyMom you're so very welcome, sweet friend. Hope you're doing well this lovely Wednesday.

[@m84designs15]

I have been searching for actual budget friendly meals that my kids and husband will actually eat for far too long. So happy I found your channel!!!

[@jillgott6567]

Since the Pink Beans were on clearance and are often used in refried beans,which is a regular or frequent ingredient for you I would have stocked up on 5-10 bags . Because, at that price you will save a goid ampunt of money having them in hand.

[@florencebatsirai7670]

Good job showing us it is very possible to survive this recession. Here I am in Africa being inspired. Well done Mindy

[@SeeMindyMom]

Thank you for the kind words. Best to you and yours.

[@tonipancoast5491]

Your cook once eat twice videos are my FAV!!! When you cook a protein and show ideas on how to spread it out over multiple meals.... THE BEST! Wouldn't mind a video like this using every protein 😁

[@louisechapman4009]

Great ideas. I often get shelf stable milk at Dollar Tree for $1.25 to cook with

[@debimorsette1685]

Great use of $20. In the last 8 years, I have rarely used my crockpot. I’m a fan of the Instant Pot. Love it especially for any kind of bean.

[@mandyzepeda5447]

Most instantpots have a crockpot feature. Look at your buttons/guide. You are welcome

[@gatorcorinne]

Love all the inexpensive meal ideas for the family! Keeping it simple yet filling. We love the game Dominion. I'm usually the reigning champion in our house!

[@Sarah.E.Johnson]

Now I need to add tostados to next weeks menu. They look amazing! Once I turned home canned pinto beans into refried beans out of necessity but now I do it intentionally because it’s the best I’ve ever had!

[@kayreynolds3]

The most economical way that I have found to get shredded chicken, is to buy rotisserie chicken at Costco. I bring it home and shredded into Ziploc bags and put it in my freezer. I can usually get two Ziploc bags at one pound bags of meat each out of a single rotisserie chicken from Costco.

[@crazytown9140]

Dominion is a family favorite over here. But yes it is totally a nerd game

[@BlaCkHearTed825]

I like to spread the sour cream on the tortilla like you would mayo on bread. That way each bite has some in it😊

[@susansandy2009]

Thank you! Love your ideas and channel! These are skills like my grandma used that people who grew up in a time of abundance may not have learned. You really plan how to use each item to its fullest and not waste.

[@lauracarpenter5283]

Congrats from Arizona! One or two suggestions regarding the corn tortillas. Roll them up into taquitos with a variety of fillings. Mashed potatoes, well seasoned, diced chicken mixed with the refried beans, or just chicken itself! Corn tortillas are a lifesaver for budgets. ❤

[@SeatofMyPlantsArt]

Hey thank you! I was walking through target and I’d realized that we were eating for about $50 a day on average. I’m at a loss on what to do. I’m bringing that down to 20 a day and these meals are really a good guide to follow. Thank you!

[@itsjustme.7059]

You are so clever coming up with meals to stretch a budget. These times are hard so I appreciate this very much. We’re ok right now, but you never know what could happen and these ideas are wonderful.

[@suzannemcelhaney4835]

We did all of these and they were such a hit, even with my picky eaters! For the chicken and noodles, I browned the carrots then added the broth. I also added a bit of tarragon. It was our favorite out of all of the recipes.

[@andywood18]

I just wanted to say Thank-you for all your help with meal planning 😊. And I'm going to say that your family are very friendly as well. 😊

[@nneichan9353]

I do really appreciate that you include veggies in your meals.

[@cathyburns750]

Thanks Mindy! EVERYTHING looked delicious!!! Loved the tostada with refried beans , chicken, etc. idea!! God bless!!

[@SeeMindyMom]

Thank you and likewise! :)

[@amandab3961]

Ahhh all the Princess Bride clips! 🙌🏻 My fav movie of all time!

[@bethany9563]

I feel like you're the mom I wish I had to learn from!! Thank you.

[@erikaflowers6055]

Mindy, I absolutely love you! Such a beautiful lady inside and out, and I love your mission and recipes! My favorite budget meal youtubers by far. God bless you!

[@velvetwynter2829]

my significant other is Asian and he suggested I get a rice cooker, and the brand...oh my gosh I am so glad I got one, the best for cooking rice(especially since I make a lot of Asian recipes now)...plus it can be used for other things as well...one of the things I have ever purchased especially since I use it all the time

[@julspurser9833]

Dominion is a family favorite! ❤

[@SarahS-lf4pt]

The broth is a great idea, I need to do that. And save veggie scraps to enhance it. Thanks!!!

[@sherrydeyoe4956]

Such a sweet daughter!!

[@Notable2Nikki]

The Princess Bride is a classic. Love that movie!

[@loririvera5747]

These meals look delicious!!

[@hayleecole7216]

Those chicken and noodles look so delicious. And it’s so inexpensive ❤

[@SuJaynes-t8q]

Hello from Wyoming. My name is Su. Mandy in the making sent me and I really like your tutorial.

[@thejessicawilliamswithyoun4946]

Well done Mandy!!! I know these take a lot of work and time so BIG THANK YOU 🎉🎉🎉

[@sabrinamendez6223]

Mindy , GREAT JOB on the biscuits.... ima try that

[@dsegobiano87]

Princess Bride is my FAVORITE!

[@SeeMindyMom]

Mine, too!

[@randijohnson3806]

I enjoy playing Dominion!

[@samanthaalexander7724]

We love dominion! Such a fun game!

[@morgansteva8322]

Everything looks delicious

[@nicholecarter1667]

Holy cow! I made the chicken and noodle dish tonight it was sooooo good. Wow, comfort meal for sure.

[@staceytinsley6792]

I have been a fan of yours for over a year now and finally made one of your recipes. The chicken and noodles is to die for. Thank you so much for sharing. Now, I'm off to find other recipes you have shared that I can make.

[@megananderson3891]

I love all the princess bride references!!

[@angelablack7946]

The Princess Bride clips were perfect!

[@SeeMindyMom]

Thank you! I have a great editor who helps me

[@clareu9539]

I love that you can just waltz into a supermarket and buy 100% corn tortillas - the dream!

[@MissOrchidBlooms]

Inconceivable!

[@ruthvolk8340]

Great ideas, thanks for sharing! Yes our family has played Dominion a lot. We have all the expansions as well. I honestly prefer the original cards from the first set...

[@poshnpourcooking]

Yes it is possible! ❤xxx

[@ericarandall2692]

We love games, but we haven’t played that before, I’ll definitely pick it up. Thanks for sharing!

[@tracyq989]

Thank you so much for this video! I am on a strict diet due to health issues, but I think I can adapt some of these to lower my grocery budget. I will definitely go through some of your other videos. I think these types of videos are very helpful in the times we're living right now.

[@Smiles4lifepkn]

You make budget meals I can get excited to try. Thank you for your great content!

[@jannalang7035]

I LOVE your videos!! The bloopers made me smile. 😅 I appreciate the time it takes to create the meal plans and break it al down. Very creative!!! Keep doing what you're doing!!! 😊

[@jerrieanderson2245]

More great ideas for inexpensive meals! Thank you!

[@SeeMindyMom]

Thanks for watching!

[@kathyk9519]

Good comfy recipes! I will try these. Plus they look pretty easy to make. I'm definitely making that whole chicken in the crock pot for meals! When I fry my corn tortillas I use a flat spatula like you use for flipping pancakes. This keeps me from tearing my tortillas. Thanks for these delicious nutritious meals!

[@SeeMindyMom]

Sure thing, Kathy! I just made another chicken in the crockpot last night because this one was so good!

[@angelamarden9684]

This a fantastic $5 plan. Im so gonna make it😊

[@SeeMindyMom]

Thanks so much! I hope you enjoy!

[@lindabeard488]

Your meals are so delicious. My mom always thickened sauces or broths with cornstarch. My sis and I do the same. Thank you for a great video. ❤❤❤

[@TaraByramPoohsCreativeWorkshop]

I love your channel. I would like to see some breakfast ideas that don’t use eggs (I’m highly allergic to eggs) or beans (allergic to all but green beans). Twice a month I cook for my immediate family if 3 and then the other two weeks there are 7-9 of us. So anything budget friendly would be most helpful.

[@lisaremy4817]

Hi Mindy…I shop at Aldi as part of my regular grocery shopping weekly. I agree that they continue to have some great prices although they keep going up. Also I hate candy corn! 😝

[@haleychapman4447]

Corn starch and milk is genius

[@angelabublitz5912]

Loving The Princess Bride clips! And I always love the budget meal videos

[@Rollergirl601]

I love all the coulda, woulda, shoulda comments. 🙄 thanks for all the help Mindy. These are fantastic ideas and will help so many people! I’m totally going to try a whole chicken in the crockpot. I can’t believe I’ve never thought of that!! Thanks again!

[@itsjustme.7059]

My mom used to put a chicken in the crockpot, season it and then put BBQ sauce on it. Oh my goodness it was good.

[@Rollergirl601]

@@itsjustme.7059 that does sound good!

[@it7686]

It’s amazing what can be done with a whole chicken. I make my bone broth too. Delicious.

[@nicoletierheimer3546]

I love whole chickens! Cook in ip, air fryer, crockpot, all of it

[@michellekeator9826]

We love dominion! Our local game store has so many expansions and our friend left us a few of them before he moved! Definitely not a nerd game! Love the little snipbits of family life :) God Bless!

[@SeeMindyMom]

Oh yeah, we have a few of the expansion decks I think.

[@friend757]

@@SeeMindyMom I have 2 expansions also.

[@jeanniesdream8304]

Wow. How do you yhink of all this? Thanks for sharing!

[@sabrinamendez6223]

So many yummy ideas thank you Mindy.... btw I love the PRINCESS BRIDE!!! I'm 43 years old 😊 . Greetings to you from SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ,San Diego 💙

[@3863kayla]

Your sweet girl is a beauty like her momma!! Dinner did look super yummy!

[@leandreariggins189]

Great job!!! This was so impressive to watch!

[@melindaunknown6411]

Everthing looked delicious!

[@Mrsmellis2015]

I’m gonna try this. I have a couple things on hand, cheese is on sale at a local grocery store, think I’ll get a chicken at Costco and make the broth with the bones and bits. My budget allows for more veggies. As I’m trying to reverse my pre diabetes, I will bulk up on those for sides. Gonna try those brown sugar carrots tonight with our turkey meatloaf tho! Love Dominion! Haven’t played in a hot minute because my family (hubby isn’t interested) kids are too young. Love watching your videos!

[@alexalivingston2048]

Love seeing the family so beautiful. Your meals are amazing. You are just such a inspiration. God bless you and your family❤

[@justwondering3048]

First time viewer 😊❤ you can also use bean just like that in a bowl with cornbread and ketchup... I had a friend show me that.. when times were tough.. good and your full 😅...

[@GrandmaSandy]

I also use frozen vegetables instead of Ken for two reasons they help on keeping the salt content down and plus I only cook what I’m going to eat in you I don’t have leftovers

[@nohandlebravo]

would LOVE, LOVE, to see some Low Calorie budget friendly meals. Love watching your videos!!

[@justhereyeah1112]

Yes I prefer cornstarch as well! Thank you for being authentic and helpful!!

[@SeeMindyMom]

Glad I can help!

[@chrystalbrown9600]

Now I want to watch the "Princess Bride" 😂❤

[@bethhelminiak5063]

Princess Bride is the BEST! 😂😂😂😂😂❤

[@SeeMindyMom]

Agreed!

[@bethhelminiak5063]

@@SeeMindyMom Robin Wright-Penn is gorgeous! And Chris Sarandon and Cary Elwes are total eye candy. Not to mention Mandy Patinkin! And Wallace Shawn? 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@ginadowd1713]

Great video. I just finished making chicken stock in the slow cooker and freezing it in XL ice trays today! I let them freeze & then store them in my frig freezer so I can access them easily for veggies & soups!

[@SeeMindyMom]

That's a great tip!

[@ginadowd1713]

@SeeMindyMom Thank you. This time I had gotten 2 rotisserie chickens for $10 & I didn't want to waste a thing. The whole chickens (raw) were over $8. I got 2 cooked chickens, pulled the meat off, got 11.5 cups of meat, & plopped the carcasses in a crock pot each ( I, too, have multiples!) I have 2, 1 gal. Freezer bags of stock and meat for many meals ready to go! The difference that stock makes for canned green beans is incredible 🙌

[@olgaslo]

So jealous of your egg prices! Ours are at $3.78/dozen at Walmart (Ontario, Canada). Hopefully they will follow suit and come back down at bit!

[@melindacook4825]

My friends own every expansion of Dominion, and we play it frequently!!

[@jasminewood4274]

Love these ideas, thankyou.

[@michellebenoit7153]

Great video, thank you!! I like to do my refried beans in the instant pot to save some time.

[@hello-vs4me]

Last week aldi had 1 pound baby carrots 39 cents got 8 bags for 3.22 carrots freeze great

[@alphadog3384]

Great video will be using some of your ideas from this tape. Please do a video with air fryer meals.. as a suggestions my air fryer is still sitting in the box. I need some ideas what l can make with the air fryer.

[@gloriapeel6887]

Wow! Great meals!

[@alaciadavis4287]

Aww me and my husband play dominion sometimes!

[@Coffeegirl85]

Hello. I’m new to your channel and I Love all of your budget meals. So helpful when meal planning.

[@bigal4101985]

I love playing Dominion card game. Definitely a favorite of cool nerds 😂

[@carmenn5609]

cool suggestions especially I like the taking the corn tortillas and making your own "tostadas" I bought a pack last week.🙃

[@suerospert5131]

You are brilliant with your ideas!!!