Tag Archives: cheap meals

TVP and The Frugal Cook

Have your heard about TVP? It is an easy way to get the protein you need while increasing the number of meatless meals you make. TVP is a cheap, yet healthy, alternative to ground meat, and can be used in most of your regular recipes. TVP is textured vegetable protein. It contains a lot of fiber, and of course, protein, so it would make a great addition to anyone’s diet. It is also very economical. An entire meat loaf can be made out of TVP for very little money. TVP is made out of soy flour, and it comes in … Continue reading →

Meals to Make When You Have No Money for Groceries

Do you need to feed your family this week but have nothing to buy groceries with? What can you do? You might be tempted to use that credit card for food, but that can put your finances in even more danger. If you just need to get through the week, try some of the following tips. You can also use these tips to save the $100-$200 you might normally spend on food and apply that money elsewhere, such as to pay down debt or put toward a needed purchase. First, take an inventory of your items. You might be surprised … Continue reading →

3 Meals that Feed Your Family for $1.50 or Less

Yes, you can actually feed a family of four or more for $1.50 or less. Keep these meals in mind during emergency times or add them to you regular meal planning. Here are three meals that will cost just pennies to create. They are completely flexible. These aren’t recipes, per se, but meal ideas that you can adapt to fit your family and what you have available. I didn’t count in the cost of drinks, since we usually just have water, which is free or sometimes milk, which can add to the cost of the meal. With these meals, you … Continue reading →

The Old Spaghetti Factory

Last night after frolicking at the beach for a little while, we drove over to The Old Spaghetti Factory in Newport Beach, California. It had been a while since I’d eaten there. I was shocked when the bill came. $29.74. I double-checked it. It had to be a mistake, right? After all, the standard bill for my family of four to eat out at a restaurant is always at least $40. But the bill was correct. If you haven’t been to The Old Spaghetti Factory let me tell you why this was such a shock. Our meals began with our … Continue reading →

Chicken on Sale!: Plus a $4 Crockpot Recipe

I like to stock up on chicken when it goes on sale. Generally, I consider a great deal on chicken to be less than the amounts listed below: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: $2.00/lb Bone-in chicken breasts, legs or thighs: $1.00/lb Whole broiler-fryer chickens: $0.80/lb I always stock up when I can get chicken for these deals, and frankly, I don’t really spend my money on chicken when I can’t get it for really cheap. I always freeze any chicken that I am not planning on using within the next couple of days. If the package is small enough, I might … Continue reading →