The Economy Sucks!

Being poor and hunger can go hand in hand. I've felt the sting of an empty stomach more often then not in my years on this planet. It is not a pleasant sensation. Here are 10 dinners that come to the rescue of Moms, starving students and artists, bachelors, bachelorettes, Mr. Moms and whoever else needs to eat this winter without feeling the hunger in their pocketbooks. So husbands and wives, friends and lovers, dorm roommates and workmates rub your dollars together and share a meal that won't have you tapping into your milk money.

Dinner #1

Spaghetti

2 Packages of spaghetti noodles $2(local dollar store)

2 Jars spaghetti sauce $2(local dollar store)

1 1LB package of hamburger, turkey burger or vegetarian ground round $3-4

1 Onion $0.50

1 Clove Garlic $0.10

Salt and Pepper (can usually get these from a dollar store for well a dollar together in a pack)

Italian Seasoning (dollar store)

Parmesan cheese $3

Cost of Dinner: Approx. $18 dollars.

This is a favorite dinner that everyone will love, and it's amazingly cheap to feed a crowd on. A small family will have enough left-overs for dinner the next day. Doesn't spaghetti always taste better the second day? Remember those spaghetti sandwiches?

Dinner # 2

Meat loaf w/ Mashed Potatoes

2LBs Hamburger, Turkey, Vegetarian Ground Round $6-8

2 Onions $1

2 Cloves garlic $0.20

1 bell pepper $0.50

Bread Crumbs $ 2

1 egg $0.25

Italian Seasonings

Salt and Pepper to taste

1 Box Instant Mashed Potatoes $1 (local dollar store)

1 package margarine

Total Cost of Dinner: Approx. $14

This hearty meal will fill lots of hungry stomachs. For about 2 dollars more throw in a bag of frozen peas and you've only broke the bank by $15.

Dinner # 3

Tuna /Chicken Casserole

4 cans Tuna $4 (local dollar store)

2 cans peas $2 (dollar store)

1 quart milk $1.50

Corn starch $3

2 packages elbow noodles $2 dollars (dollar store)

1 package cheddar or mozzarella cheese $4

Salt and Pepper

Onion $0.50

Total Cost of Dinner: Approx. $17

This is a home-style classic. Mama used to make it for us. And the best thing is it tastes so good and is so darn cheap! This brings back memories of cold winters where you played outside and couldn't wait until dinner was all done. A hot and welcoming slice of casserole is always a good thing.

Dinner # 4

Burgers and Dogs

1 package of hamburger patties $6-8

1 package of hotdogs turkey, chicken, beef $1-2

1 package of hotdog buns $1.50

1 package of hamburger buns $1.50

1 package American cheese $3

Mustard $1

Ketchup $1

Total Cost of Dinner: Approx. $18

This one is great grilled or barbequed. Kids and Adults alike enjoy chowing down on this hard-working fare. Can be made Vegetarian.

Dinner # 5

Roasted Chicken w/ mashed potatoes and gravy

1 whole chicken $6-7

1 onion $0.50

1 clove garlic $0.20

Salt and pepper to taste

Poultry seasoning $1 (local dollar store)

1 package of instant mashed potatoes $1 (dollar store)

1 Package Margarine $1

1 Package of Gravy Mix $1

1 Quart Milk $1.50

Total Cost of Dinner: Approx. $14

This meal makes you want to curl up in front of the fire with some hot chocolate as a dessert topped with foamy marshmallows. And it's very healthy.

Dinner # 6

Sloppy Joes

1 package 8 large sesame hamburger buns $2

1Lb ground hamburger, turkey, or vegetarian ground round $3-4

1 bell pepper $0.50

1 Onion $0.50

1 clove garlic $0.20

2 cans tomato sauce $2

Sloppy Joe seasoning $1

Total Cost of Dinner: Approx. $11

This is one messy, tasty dinner that will have your family and friends asking when you will make it again. It never gets old. Goes great with any cheap beverage or beer, and is great when you have to plan a party on a budget.

Dinner # 7

Beef or Chicken Stew

1 3LB package of stew beef cubes, or chicken thighs and legs $8-9

4 carrots $1.50

4 medium potatoes $2

1 bag frozen peas $2

Salt and Pepper to taste

Poultry Seasoning $1

Total Cost of Dinner: Approx. $18

Talk about comfort food. There's nothing quite as soothing as a hot bowl of soup. This goes well with Dinner rolls $2 at most stores. Can be made vegetarian.

Dinner # 8

Chili

6 Cans Chili either meat or vegetarian variety $6 (local dollar store)

1 medium-sized container sour cream $ 3

1 Jar Salsa $1.50

1 package grated cheese $3

1 Avocado sliced $0.50 (usally two for a dollar at the grocery store)

Total Cost of Meal: Approx. $13

You won't be hungry after this hearty meal. Even the pickiest of eaters can't turn down tasty bowl of chili. This meal can be served with rice $2 extra or with a ready-made cornbread mix $3 extra including a quart of milk. Increase the feast with 2 more cans of chili for and extra $2 Garnish your chili with the cheese, salsa, avocado, and sour cream.

Dinner # 9

Lasagna

1-2 packages of lasagna noodles $2 (local dollar store

2-3 Jars spaghetti sauce $3 (dollar store)

1 package ground beef, turkey, or vegetarian ground round $3

1 package mozzarella cheese $3

1 container parmesan cheese $3

Italian seasoning $1 (dollar store)

Total Cost of Dinner: Approx $15

Garfield knew what he was talking about. Lasagna is the best indulgence ever! This dinner is going to disappear fast so make sure you save some for yourself. Great thing is that the money in your wallet won't evaporate at the same rate.

Dinner # 10

Chinese Stir fry

1 Lb tofu, chicken, or beef $3-7

Baby bok choy $2

Baby corn $2

Snow peas $2

Julienne carrots $2

Soy sauce $1 (local dollar store)

1 package brown or white rice $2

Total Cost of Dinner: Approx $18

Why spent $40 or more on take out for the family? Just make takeout at home. This is a healthy economical meal that is full of flavor.

Shopping Tips:

Buy at dollar stores and discount grocery outlets. Do make sure that the items sell by dates are fresh, or at least 1 or 2 months out before purchasing food. My advice is to only purchase canned and boxed goods. Leave the fresh vegetables for traditional grocery stores and you should be fine. Also look out for sales and coupons at regular grocery stores.