New here:)

shana+chris

Hello!

I'm new around this end, I usually spend most of my time on the bump:)  my H and I are struggling to make and live within a tight budget, and I'm wondering if some of you may be able to help with some budget-friendly meal options?

H is pretty fussy, he's your typical meat and potato guy.  He's doesn't venture into many ethnic foods, and won't touch seafood!  Thanks in advance for any help! 

ChristyDM82

Hi, welcome! 

One rec I have is if you don't already, buy meat in bulk then separate into smaller portions and freeze. The more you buy, generally the less per pound it is.

Not sure how your H would feel about meatless meals, but that is one way to cut down on costs. Maybe you could see if he'd do one meatless meal per week?

I also recommend meal planning. Use your store's ad to see what is on sale and plan meals around that. It helps save money and not waste the food you buy to meal plan.

These are all just general tips. I need more info about your H's tastes before I can give specific recipes. Will he do Mexican or Italian? I'm trying to figure out what his definition of "ethnic food" is before I make recs.  

chrisnjay05212010

hi, welcome!

Christy gave you some great advice already!  Just some quick food ideas that came to mind although they are more winter meals. Stews and Chilis are generally on the cheaper side, will your DH eat those?  For a stew you can buy a cheaper cut of beef, like a chuck, and let it cook in a crockpot all day.

lasposa425

I'm only an occasional poster on this board but welcome!

ashleybunny8

Welcome!

I will stick a bunch of meat in the crock pot and let it cook all day, then when it's done, shred it and use it for different meals. Examples:

chicken with water or chicken broth. shred and use for casseroles, chicken tacos, chicken stews/soup

beef with water or beef broth. shred and use for BBQ sandwhiches, roast beef, steak tacos

pork with water or chicken broth. shred and use for carnitas, BBQ sandwhiches

One decent-sized hunk of pork will last us for three meals, at least. Of course, you would want to season the meat appropriately. If you want to make chicken tacos, add taco seasoning and/or salsa to the shredded chicken.

bpphoto785

I agree that buying in bulk and meal planning are great ways to save! I've also started adding fillers to meals to help use less meat. When I'm making Mexican I might add beans or lentils and when making Italian I try to add more veggies.

shana+chris

Thanks for the welcomes!  I worked all weekend so I'm slacking on getting back here!  DH will eat Mexican and Italian.  He won't venture into Asian, Chinese, Tai, seafood, Japanese/sushi, etc. 

 

we do always buy meat in bulk and package ready made freazer portions when we get home!  We also usually have a least one meatless meal per week, usually pasta!

 

thanks for the tips!:) 

ChristyDM82

I agree with the pp about crockpot meat. I recently did chicken in the crockpot with broth, then shredded it, discarded the broth and mixed with BBQ sauce. I used it to make these BBQ Baked Potatoes, then used the leftovers to make BBQ chicken quesadillas. You can also use it for sandwiches or a BBQ chicken pizza. Or even enchiladas.

Ground beef is generally cheaper than other types of beef.  Mexican Stuffed Shells are great. 

My H and I no longer eat beef or pork, so one way we get our protein that is budget friendly is with eggs. This is one of my favorite quiches. 

We also eat a lot of quesadillas and enchiladas, either with chicken or just veggies and cheese.

GABride2010

Welcome to the board! I seldom post anymore, but this board is awesome. The PPs have made some great suggestions. One PP mentioned that eggs are cheap. DH and I generally eat breakfast for dinner at least once per week (breakfast pizza, burritos, egg sandwiches, etc...). Quiche is an excellent way to get some veggies in the meal and can also be made meatless. We also eat regular pizza at least once a week. Dough made from home is pretty inexpensive (can be made with whole wheat flour). Hope to see you around the board!