Thrifty Dinners: Week 1

Taco Night:
90% lean ground beef- $3.19/lb
large can of fat free refried beans- $1.39
shredded cheddar to sprinkle- $0.70
taco seasoning-$0.06
whole wheat tortillas-$1.89
taco sauce-$0.20

Total Cost- $7.43 Approximate Calories per person-564

Sausage and Lentil Soup:
Lentils- $0.80
Can of petite diced tomatoes- $0.49
Diced carrots- $0.25
Diced frozen onion and peppers- $0.50
Diced Celery-$0.50
Smoked Sausage- $2.50
Cajun seasoning& chicken bouillon- $0.20

Total Cost- $5.24 Calories per person- 350

Chili Dogs and fries:

hot dogs-$1.00

hot dog buns-$1.19

canned chili-$1.19

cheddar cheese-$1.10

crinkle cut fries-$1.50

Total Cost of Meal-$5.98 Calories per person- 817 This is if the kids eat 2 hot dogs each, but most of the time they get full. I base my costs on when they are going through growth spurts.

Grilled Cheese and Soup:

whole wheat bread-.60

american cheese-.60

family sized can of chicken noodle soup- 1.67

Total Cost-$2.87 Calories per person 344

Meatloaf and Mashed taters:

lean ground beef- $3.19

bread, ketchup, sugar, seasonings- $0.70

green beans-$1.00

instant mashed potatoes-1.00

Total Cost-$5.89 Calories per person 376

Spaghetti:

whole grain spaghetti noodles-$1.00

spaghetti sauce-$1.00

lean ground beef- $3.19/lb

Total Cost-$5.19 Calories per person 446

Chicken and rice:

chicken- $3.50

rice-$0.50

frozen broccoli-$1.00

asian toasted sesame dressing-$0.76

Total Cost- $5.76 Calories per person 477