As a large family of seven, mealtime could get expensive if we let it. With two near teens, and three young active children, with healthy appetites, our grocery bill could sky rocket if were not careful.
Sure, I use coupons, and I use sales ads, and I stockpile and I get free samples and trials and yes, I even dumpster dive (not for food!).
However, even with all that, there are still ways to save money.
Most of you know I am the queen of freezer cooking when it comes to frugal living. I think preparing meals in advance not only saves money, by allowing you to use up all the ingredients you purchased, but it also allows more free time for other things. Time equals money in my book.
In addition to everything that I have mentioned, I also cook from scratch, as often as I can. But there are some things that I found are just cheaper to buy in bulk. Noodles and some pasta sauces can get expensive if you prepare your own, but then, not always.
For me it is much simpler to purchase things in bulk. For instance, at our bulk discount warehouse, we get a 5lb. Bag of egg noodles for only $2.86. And spaghetti, angel hair, lasagna and penne noodles are the same way. Large bags for a small price. Totally worth it.
When preparing meals for my family, several times a week, we include pasta. Not always as the main course, and sometimes even IN the main course, pasta makes a great addition to homemade soups, casseroles, one dish meals, crock pot suppers and more.
If you are looking for a quick, easy way to make an inexpensive dinner and you have pasta, you can have dinner on the table in less than 10 minutes.
Cook up some noodles and then raid the pantry.
Look for any of the following low cost additions to create a delicious pasta your whole family will enjoy.
- Canned diced tomatoes and/or black olives
- garlic salt
- oregano, parsley or another seasoning
- olive oil
- butter/maragarine
- Parmesan or Romano cheese
- veggies – celery, carrots, mushrooms, etc.
- chopped up lunch meats
- salt, pepper, creole or other seasoning
Just mix in an ingredient or two, or maybe even three or four, and you can create a low cost meal fast. You can also stir leftover chicken breast, fish, steak and more into noodles and create a yummy meal!
Enjoy!
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