Simple and Inexpensive Fare for the Family

One excellent way of saving money is creating a food budget. In our family that works wonders. Sticking to the budget has saved us money and we have developed some family favorites. One recipe that is always a hit is Baked spaghetti.

Baked spaghetti can be prepared so many different ways and with trying various ingredients. Just for the basics, boil your pasta according to package directions. Drain and empty into a larger mixing bowl. Stir 1/4 cup parmesan cheese (or to taste) into noodles and set aside. Brown ground beef or turkey, drain the grease, and add your favorite spaghetti sauce. Homemade sauce works well too. Then comes the interesting part. Add mushrooms, chopped broccoli, chopped spinach, grated carrots or whatever vegetables you have available. Pour your sauce into the noodles and stir together. Select a 9 x 12 baking dish and begin layering your mixture and mozzarella cheese. If you do not have mozzarella cheese, any kind of cheese substitutes well. Finish the dish with cheese on top. Bake at 425 for 15 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve hot. This also freezes and reheats well.

Another favorite and inexpensive meal for the family is pinto beans and corn bread. Sort through your beans and then put on to boil for about 20 minutes. Drain and rinse, then add back to your pot, covering with water again. Add one small potato diced, two tablespoons canola or vegetable oil. Cover and allow to cook for two hours or until beans are tender. Add salt to taste. Sometimes you may wish to add ham chunks or a small amount of browned and drained ground beef to the beans. Bake your favorite corn bread recipe or use a mix and just add water. This can feed a family of four for under five dollars.

There are many creative ideas and recipes on various websites, but the best way to pare down your budget is to choose some of your family favorites and be creative with your recipes. Substituting dice or shredded vegetables can provide filler and texture where expensive meats are called for in the original recipe. The key to feeding your family on a budget is to plan your meals ahead of time and then stick to your plan.