More Frugal Meal Solutions: Eat Well, Spend Less

When Jessica first approached me to be part of the Eat Well, Spend Less series, I must admit I was rather intimidated. I have shared how just a few short years ago I was clueless in the kitchen but have slowly adapted to family meal planning. The thought of me teaching others how to eat was downright silly! Not to mention the fabulous photography and foodie skills among the group. I accepted the opportunity, and have been so blessed by the outcome.

I am not exaggerating when I tell you that the blogosphere taught me how to cook! It is through reading words of wiser women who share their joy in the kitchen, that I have finally found mine.

Last week, all nine bloggers shared their five favorite frugal meal solutions. I invite you to explore the other posts in the series to get inspired.

Take back family meal time with over forty ideas from real moms for real meals:

photo source: Simple Bites

Aimee from Simple Bites shared some mouth-watering meatless main dishes:

1. Black Bean Burgers
2. Crustless Quiche
3. Chocolate Chip Chili
4. Seasonal Soup
5. Lentil Shepherd’s Pie

Carrie from Denver Bargains likes to experiment with meals from the pantry to keep them versatile:

1. Pancakes
2. Chili
3. Gumbo
4. Burgers
5. Beans

photo source: Good Life Eats

Katie from Good Life Eats went above and beyond with meal solutions for breakfast, lunch and dinner from a well-stocked pantry:

Breakfast:

1. Pancakes or Waffles
2. Oatmeal
3. Crepes
4. Granola Parfaits
5. Toast Creations

Dinner:

1. Pasta Dishes
2. Frittatas
3. Soup Night
4. Homemade Pizza
5. Fried Rice

Dessert:

1. Brownies
2. Cookies
3. Crepes

photo source: Kitchen Stewardship

Katie from Kitchen Stewardship is always detailed in her “real food” cooking, even while pregnant!

1. Homemade Yogurt
2. Homemade Chicken Stock
3. Dry Beans
4. Oats
5. Potatoes

Jessica of LifeasMOM and mother of six shared her five go-to meals and how she makes them special:

1. Beans and Rice
2. Pasta with Red Sauce
3. Roast Chicken, Mashed Potatoes and Vegetables
4. Soup from Leftovers
5. Grilled Chicken Salad

Mandi from Food Your Way is a girl after my own heart with quick and easy meals. As a fellow work at home mom, she knows how time savers are key:

1. Easy Baked Ziti
2. Twice Baked Cheeseburger Potatoes
3. Dutch Puff
4. Smoothies and Popcorn
5. Leftovers

Shaina from Food For My Family explained how to stretch two meals into five:

1. Roast Chicken
2. Mediterranean Bean and Barley Salad
3. Chickpea and Vegetable Curry with Leftover Chicken
4. Catch-All Pizza
5. Southwest-Style Chicken Vegetable Soup

Tammy from Tammy’s Recipes gives her take on all kinds of “from scratch” meals, including where she buys the ingredients:

1. Oatmeal for Breakfast
2. Beans & Rice
3. Soup
4. Homemade Bread
5. Homemade Yogurt or Kefir

Next week we’ll conclude the series with regional and personal shopping methods from across the U.S. and Canada. Thank you for following along!