Miserly Moms® features favorite frugal recipes that have been sent in by our readers. The guidelines for submitting recipes are listed at the bottom of this page.

Please understand that these recipes are not our recipes, but those of readers, and that we have not checked them for accuracy, taste, or health.

Porcupine Meatballs

This recipe only requires a few ingredients and is easy to prepare. My mom made it often and I make it now for my children.

1 package (6.8 ounces) beef-flavored rice mix

1 egg, beaten

1 pound ground beef

2-1/2 cups boiling water

Set contents of rice seasoning packet aside. In a bowl, combine the rice and beaten egg. Add beef and mix well. Shape into 1 inch balls. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the meatballs on all sides. Meanwhile, in a small bowl combine the r=served seasoning packet and boiling water. Add to skillet; cover a=d simmer for 30 minutes or until the rice is tender. About 8 servings for around $4 for the entire recipe or 50 cents a serving.

Frugal Recipe #185

Strawberry Shortcake

Using a yellow cake mix, prepare according to directions on the box and bake in a 9x13 baking pan. Once cake
is cooled use a wooden spoon to punch holes in the cake (about halfway deep
as the cake), add 2 packs (can or bag) thawed, frozen strawberries to top of
cake and spread evenly. Next top cake with 1 container of Cool Whip (or
store brand whipped topping), top with fresh strawberries, either sliced in
half or hulled and standing. Refrigerate until ready to serve. I fix this
for family get-togethers and I always bring home an empty cake pan.

Frugal Recipe #184

Cheesy Pull Apart Biscuits

2 cans of can biscuits (about 60 cents)

handful of shredded cheddar (about 50 cents)

half cup melted butter (75 cents)

desired amount of garlic powder or garlic salt

cut each biscuit into four pieces, in half and half again. mix butter and garlic. put quartered biscuits into baggie. Pour in garlic butter mixture. shake well try to coat all. pour half into loaf pan cover with cheese. pour in other half and add more

cheese. bake at 350 till done in the middle. slice like homemade bread really tasty with spaghetti

Frugal Recipe #183

Tortilla Pizza

1 package of flour tortilla any size you want

1 can pizza sauce or spaghetti sauce (will only use about 1/2 of pizza or

1/3 of spaghetti)

1 8oz pkg mozzarella cheese

whatever toppings you would like we use mushrooms and pepperoni

top flour tortilla with sauce, cheese and toppings and bake at 450 for about

5-8 minutes or until cheese is melted. Very cheap and kid friendly. Both my sons (ages 2 and 6) love to help make and eat these pizzas. And the best thing is that everyone can have the toppings they want because they are just right for individual servings.

Suzanne

Frugal Recipe #182

This simple goulash recipe was a recipe my mom used to make when I was young. I loved it growing up. Now that I am a SAHM I realize not only how quick, simple it is to make, but it is cheap and kids love it! Makes 4-6 servings. Stores well in the refrigerator and makes excellent leftovers.

Jinger Newsome

Simple Goulash

1 pound ground meat ($1.59)
4 cups cooked rice (approx. 2 cups uncooked) (approx. .25 if bought in bulk)
1 can tomato soup (.50 for store brand)
1 can cream of mushroom soup (.50-.75 for store brand)
4 slices of American cheese (.25)

In large skillet brown ground meat with salt and pepper to taste. Drain fat. Turn heat to med./low. Add cooked rice and both soups. Mix well and then smooth out in skillet. Top with slices of cheese and heat until cheese starts to slightly bubble.

Frugal Recipe #181

Here's a recipe that my college roommate used to cook for us all the time. It's delicious and makes a lot! Serve with a salad and bread and you've got a quick and easy meal.

Pizza Macaroni Style

By D. Strom

1 8oz box macaroni

1/4 cup water
1 8oz can tomato sauce

1 1/2 tsp. garlic salt
1 1/2 tsp. basil

1 lb. ground beef
1 1/4 tsp. oregano

1/2 cup onion
pepperoni

6 oz. mozzarella cheese

Cook meat and onion until brown. (I do this in the microwave in a covered dish for 5 minutes.) Drain. Add spices and simmer. Cook macaroni and drain. Combine meat and macaroni in 9 X 13 Pyrex dish. Add water and 1/2 of tomato sauce. Place cheese and pepperoni on mixture. Add rest of tomato sauce and bake at 375 for 20 minutes.

Frugal Recipe #180

My family loves these as breakfast, or as a snack.

Rice cakes:

2 c. cooked rice (about .65)

1/2 c. minced onion( about .25)

2 eggs ( about .25)

3 Tbs. flour (couldn't figure this one-sorry!)

salt and pepper

oil/fat for frying

In large bowl, combine all ingredients and mix well. Drop by 1/4 cupfuls into hot oil in skillet. Fry on each side until brown and crispy. Sprinkle with paprika, if desired. Makes 8 cakes.

Frugal Recipe #179

Italian Chicken Recipe

There are many good, good, good recipes on the backs of Campbell's soups cans. Here's one I recently tried and liked. (P.S. I have no children, but still like good food at good prices).

1 Can Campbell's Tomato Soup (.99 cents)

1 lb. skinless, boneless chicken breasts ($4.99 regular price, $3.00 sale price)

1 tsp. of garlic powder (.10 cents?)

1 tsp. of Italian Seasonings (the bottled kind, not the salad dressing mix, although, I did throw one of those in for extra taste and it was good). (Ital. Seasoning in bottle .10 cents; envelope of Italian salad dressing mix .60 cents?)

Grated cheddar cheese (I use 2% skim milk pre-shredded in package) ($3.00 a bag, use just a handful, = $1.00).

Brown the chicken in frying pan. Place in casserole dish.

In mixing bowl, mix the tomato soup, Italian seasonings, and garlic powder. Pour over chicken.

Bake the chicken with sauce for 25 minutes at 345 degrees.

When comes out of oven, sprinkle shredded cheese, which will melt on the chicken.

Garlic Bread

Slices of any kind of bread (loaf of bread, baguette, any)

1 Tbls. butter

garlic powder

I put 1 Tbls butter on a saucer and put in microwave for about 30 seconds to 45 seconds to soften it.

I spread the butter on the slices of bread with a basting brush. (This prevents the big globs of pats of butter that you usually put on each slice, and thus cuts down on fat and high cholesterol, etc.)

Then sprinkle with garlic powder. Toast in oven until brown (or broil).

Frugal Recipe #178

Frugal Fathers Tuna chowder

2 cans of tuna (light is fine and less expensive)
1 large onion chopped
1 can of mixed veggies (or frozen or
fresh is you have)
A pinch of sage
a pinch of thynme
pepper to taste
1 can of corn
2 cups milk (any kind you have)
1 can chicken broth

Saute all your veggies in a soup pot
Drain the tuna and save the liquid (use tuna in water only)
add tuna water and broth let simmer
after 10 minutes add tuna corn and milk. Simmer and other 10 minutes.

Serve with salad or bread (day old is great form dipping in this soup)

---------------------------------
Submitted by Stephen Chaleff aka
The Frugal Father (tm)

Frugal Recipe #177

This recipe was provided by my son's 6th grade teacher for Home Economics class. It makes a nice tasty cool treat for the family, and is much less expensive than the ones found at the mall. The flavor is really quite nice, and you can experiment with different flavors of frozen juices. My son now 16 still loves these.

Orange Julius

1/3 Cup Frozen Orange Juice ( Sale .79 cents for the can )

1/2 Cup Cold Water ( Free )

1/2 Cup Cold Milk (.10? )

1/4 Cup Sugar (Negligible)

1/2 Tsp Vanilla ( Pennies)

2 Cups Crushed Ice (Free)

Put liquid into blender. Add ice cubes, blend until smooth and frothy.

Serve and enjoy.

Becky, Washington

Frugal Recipe #176

Here is my kids all time favorite recipe.

Pizza Burgers

1 lb gr. beef ($1.49)

1 jar any kind pizza sauce (.89 cents)

1 pkg. mozzarella cheese ($1.89)

1 8 count hamburger buns (.69 cents)

1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2) Separate buns in half and place on baking pan, heat for 5 minutes.

3) Brown gr. beef and drain, add pizza sauce.

4) Spoon gr. beef onto buns, and top with mozzarella cheese.

5) Bake for 10 minute or until cheese is melted.

Makes 16 pizza burgers.

This is a great last minute meal that the kids will love.

Doni ,Muncie, IN

Frugal Recipe #175

This is sooo quick and easy and all will eat it. It usually feeds a family of five with at least one and a half servings left over, depending on how hungry everyone is.

Beef and Noodles

1 onion (pennies)

2 carrots (pennies)

2 stalks of celery (pennies)

optional 1 tomatoe, sliced and seeded

4 cups water

salt and pepper to taste

1 envelope onion soup mix (on sale, .99 for box of two)

2 cups uncooked noodles (on sale, .25 each, need two)

1 lb ground beef (on sale, .99)

First brown beef with onion in large pot. Add water, salt, pepper, carrots, and celery. Cook until veges are tender, about 10-15 minutes. Add noodles and cook until done. Best if served with some biscuits, on sale of course.

Shanna Ripple

Frugal Recipe #174

1 turkey smoked sausage(1.99)

2 cans French-style green beans(.39)

8 medium potatoes

1 large onion

In a crock pot, layer 1can of green beans (drained),1/2 onion sliced, 1/2 of potatoes thinly sliced. Repeat layers. Cut smoked sausage into about 10 pieces and put on top of layers. Add a dash of salt and pepper. Cook on low 8 hours or on high 5 hours. Very easy and delicious. My family asks for it over and over.

submitted by: Tracy

Frugal Recipe #173

Potato chowder

3-6 Slices of Honey Ham

3-4 small Potatoes already cooked previously

1-4 cup Corn ( frozen peaches and cream variety is what I used)

1-4 cup Butter

1-4 cup Flour (thickener)

2 cups Milk

Salt and Pepper to taste

Garlic Cloves(1-3)

1/2 small onion

Dash of paprika

Method: First you chop all ham and potatoes (cubed looks good). Next in your blender you are going to puree that onion and garlic together with a small amount of water ( oh, maybe 1/4 cup?). Then in a med. sized saucepan you are going to melt your butter, slowly so that it does not brown, (med heat), and sauté your puree in this for 1-2 minute/s. Gradually add flour to the butter so that it incorporates smoothly. Next, you are going to add the milk gradually so you do not end up w/lumps. Next you can add your corn, ham, and potatoes. Let this simmer for about 10-15 minutes or until corn is cooked. One thing we have found about this is it is a sweet tasting chowder this is due to the sweet ingredients such as 'Honey Ham' and 'Corn'. You will need to adjust the salt accordingly.

This is a very easy last minute idea if you have these few items on hand. As well I have a range of children(5) and age groups here, the kids loved this. The picky babies even loved this. If you serve this chowder with bread you will have all 4 food groups here. It freezes well and serves 4.

I was asked for this recipe and those who got it love it.

Frugal Recipe #172

Sweet and sour meatballs

1can cranberry sauce
1 bottle Heinz chili sauce
1 lb. ground meat

Mix cranberry sauce and chili sauce in a pot and start to heat. Roll ground meat into balls and add to mixture. Cook until meat is done. People won't believe that you didn't buy this from a caterer. My gramom used to make it all the time

Frugal Recipe #171

Here is a hearty but inexpensive meal:

Potatoes, Onions and Eggs

2 Large Onions, sliced thinly (.20)

3 Large Potatoes, chopped in chunks (.75)

6-8 Eggs (.75)

Sprinkle of Parmasan Cheese (.25)

2 Crunchy French bread loaves, toasted (1.00 ea) Fry onions in oil until goldern brown Microwave potatoes until just before they get soft, or fry with onions If microwaving potatoes remove and cut up into chunks with skin on, add to onions Season with salt & pepper to taste Remove onions and potaotes to be added back Scramble eggs, season and cook Just before eggs are dry add back potatoes and onions Add parmasan cheese.

Cut bread as if to make a sub and stuff with eggs

Frugal Recipe #170

Yummy Meat Pie

This is one of my husband's favorite dishes, is so easy to make and very tasty. One recipe will feed 8, or our family of four will eat it twice if I can keep my husband out of it!

1 lb. ground beef (.99 on sale)

1 cup cheese (your favorite) we use shredded mozzarella which costs about .90

1 small onion (pennies)

1 can tomato soup (Aldi brand .39)

1 can water (free)

2 cans cut green beans drained (.29 a can at Aldi)

leftover mashed potatoes (enough to cover dish, maybe .50)

Preheat oven to 350.

Brown ground beef with onion, drain. Spread evenly in a baking dish our casserole dish. Drain both cans of green beans and spread them evenly over beef. Sprinkle cheese evenly over green beans. Mix tomato soup with water, pour evenly over entire mixture. Spread mashed potatoes evenly on top. Bake at 350 for one hour. Serves 8 large helpings.

Cost is about $3.50 total or about .44 per serving! Very delicious! Enjoy!

Submitted by: Melissa, Muncy, PA

Frugal Recipe #169

California Veggie Soup with a Twist

1 bag California mix veggies .99 store brand

1 lg onion chopped

3 med. potatoes peeled and cubed (more if you wish to stretch it further)

2 t. salt

Cover with about 1" of water and cook till tender.

Do not drain. Add 1 can evaporated milk .40 and let return to a boil. Thicken slightly with flour or corn starch.

My family likes to eat a bowl with a spoonful of cottage cheese mixed in.

serves 4-6 cost about $2.50 to feed the family

~ Beth

Frugal Recipe #168

Fiesta casserole

This is a big family favorite and easy to prepare. I use a 13x9 inch casserole dish. It's under 5.00 to make and virtually free if you use up leftovers instead of starting from scratch.

4 cups cooked rice

2 cups cooked pinto beans-including a small amount of the liquid

2 bunches diced green onions

1 diced tomato

1 can of kernel corn

1 batch of biscuit or cornbread batter (or sprinkle some cheese on top)

Layer in order given, adding any seasonings you like. Bake at 350 for 25-35 minutes. Serve with salsa and sour cream.

Lisa

Frugal Recipe #167

EDITOR'S NOTE: THIS IS A GREAT RECIPE FOR WHEN CHICKEN LEG QUARTERS GO ON SALE

Arroz con Pollo

Chicken legs (as many as you need to feed your family-these are really cheap!)

1 can chilies and tomatoes as hot or mild as you like (I buy store brand $.69)

Splash of red wine vinegar ($0)

Add onion (in a bag .10)

Rice (in bulk $.25)

Water ($0)

Place chicken, tomatoes, chilis, vinegar, and onion in crock pot on low and cook for about 8 hours. Drain the juice from the crock pot and use to cook rice. Add additional water if you need to. This will not be as good if you use boxed rice. The flavor from cooking makes the rice delectable!

Serve chicken over the rice and with bread or a salad!

This is wonderful! Your family and your budget will thank you!

Sheryl Rexach

Frugal Recipe #166

BEEF STROGANOFF

1 lb ground beef

8 oz. sour cream (you can buy store brand)

1 can of cream of mushroom soup

1 bag of egg noodles

milk (whatever soup can instructions call for)

salt and pepper to taste

Brown and drain ground beef. While you are doing this you can boil egg noodles. Drain noodles and add ground beef, sour cream, milk, salt, pepper, and soup. Mix. Cook until all mixture is heated.

I grew up on this recipe and use it with my family. Since my husband and I have five children we double this easily.

Blessings,

Christina

Frugal Recipe #167

Salisbury Meat Balls

1 pound of hamburger {about 2 dollars}

1 medium onion {pennies}

4 pieces of toast (make into bread crumbs) {pennies}

1 egg [pennies}

1 tsp of old bay seasoning

1 can of cream of mushroom soup {about 50 cents}

2 cans of water (soup can filled with water) {free}

1 can of milk {pennies}

Mix hamburger with egg, seasoning, and bread crumbs. Make into meatballs. Just like you would for spaghetti. Fry them in a skillet until brown on all sides. While meatballs are cooking get a cooker and add mushroom soup, water, and milk and let it come to a boil. Wants it starts to boil put it down to a simmer. Put in meatballs and all drippings from pan. Let it simmer for about 45 min. It is really good and very low cost.

Teresa Hamilton

Teaberry, KY

Frugal Recipe #166

BETTER THAN FRIED ONION RINGS

Large onion sliced into rings
2 eggs, well beaten (or use egg beaters)
1/2 cup flour
1 cup crushed corn flakes
1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

Pre-heat in a 475 oven an ungreased baking sheet. In one bowl have the beaten eggs. In another bowl mix the flour and cayenne pepper. In the third bowl have the crushed corn flakes. Dip the onion rings in the egg, then flour, then corn flakes. If you need to, re-dip in the egg after the flour if the corn flakes aren't sticking. Spray the pre-heated baking sheet with non-stick spray. Place onion rings in a single layer on the baking sheet. Spray tops of onion rings lightly with the non-stick spray. Place in oven and bake until golden and crispy. Flash freeze. Place in freezer bags. Re-heat from the frozen stage in a 400 oven until hot and re-crisped.

Denise in Central IL

Frugal Recipe #165

I found this recipe in a magazine, and it has a wonderful flavor, is very nutritious, (with almost no fat,) quite filling and cheap to make. It also takes less than 15 minutes to prepare.

It works out to about $1.20 Canadian per serving. (Serves 4)

Quick'n'Tasty Black Bean Soup

1 can (19 oz) black or black turtle beans, drained and rinsed

1 1/2 cup chicken broth

3/4 cup chunky salsa

1/2 cup corn niblets

Dash of hot sauce (optional)

Squirts of fresh lime juice (optional)

1 cup shredded Cheddar, Colby or Monterey Jack cheese

1/8 cup finely chopped green onion

Combine first 5 ingredients in a saucepan and heat thoroughly. Spoon into 4 bowls. Add lime juice. Combine shredded cheese with green onions. Portion on top of each serving. Enjoy!

TIP: Serve with wholegrain bread or crackers to have a complete four food group meal.

Karen from Canada

Frugal Recipe #164

This is so easy.....and yummy..

you need 2 to 3 cans of regular biscuits, 2 cans cream of chic. soup...and fill 1 can of milk....

1st, you slice the biscuits in strips, then put soup and milk in pan until boiling then add biscuits...that's it..

Hope R

Oklahoma

Frugal Recipe #163

SALMON STEW

HI ..This recipe is one of my all time favorites...my family loves it, its inexpensive, and fast.
2 cans salmon (1.00 each), deboned and skin removed if preferred
1 stick butter (.40)
1 medium onion, chopped (.40)
1 medium potato, chopped finely (so it will cook quickly)
1 quart milk (1.49)
about 1 T Greek seasoning OR, if you don't have Greek seasoning, salt, pepper, pinch garlic powder and dash oregano

melt butter in large pot over med-low heat, add chopped onion and potatoes, stirring often to keep potatoes from browning, cook until potatoes are tender and onions are opaque, add salmon , cook about 2 min, stirring constantly, add milk and seasonings , cover, lower heat and simmer 15 min. or until heated through stirring occasionally
This recipe serves 5 in my family. We eat it with saltines or if they are really hungry we will make a salad to go with it. If you have leftover it is great reheated for lunch the next day!

Angel

Frugal Recipe #162

TACO SOUP

This is not my original recipe, but it's a family favorite, quick, low-fat, tasty, hearty, filling, and makes a LOT, at least 15 cups at about $.60 a cup. It freezes well and is even better reheated. (I'm in the Bay Area, CA, so prices may be cheaper in your area!)

1 lb. ground turkey or beef (about $1.50 on sale)

4 cans of beans, rinsed and drained--I use 2 cans pinto, 1 can kidney, one can black, all bought in bulk on sale about $.50 each

1 can broth if you like a thinner broth (veggie, chicken, or beef, your choice, about $.50)

28 oz. can diced tomatoes in juice (under $1.00)

6 oz. can tomato paste ($.50)

1 can corn, drained and rinsed ($.33)

1 can mild green chilis ($.75)

1 onion, chopped (pennies)

1 green pepper, chopped (about $.35)

1 stalk celery, chopped (pennies)

1 packet taco seasoning ($.25 on sale)

1 packet Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix (about $.75)

Brown turkey or beef in a stock pot, drain in a colander, and rinse extra fat off. While beef is draining in colander, add onions, green peppers, and celery to the stock pot. Add everything else, including beef, and bring to a boil, stirring. Simmer for at least 20 minutes, covered, longer if you like. Enjoy! :)

A tasty way of serving this is to bake potatoes and serve a cup of taco soup on top, sprinkled with onion and cheese. YUM!

Frugal Recipe #161

Left over roast hash

Take leftover roast and cut into cubes...Then take left over potatoes and cube. I use frozen French fries when the potatoes are all eaten with the roast.

Chop up about half an onion.

In large skillet melt a stick or less of butter. Add the rest of the ingredients and fry like you do your fried potatoes. It is very easy and VERY yummmy...We top with ketchup to make it really good!!!! Enjoy

Nancy,

Berne Indiana

Frugal Recipe #160

TUNA BARBEQUE ????

A friend of mine gave me this recipe and I was skeptical at first. But I did try it and you will not believe how wonderful it tastes. Everyone always asks me the same question. "How do you get your roast so tender"? You can't taste the tuna. You have to try this. It's cheaper and takes no time at all.

This recipe feeds a family of four.

3 Cans of drained Tuna in water (completely drained)
1/4 C. of onion (or what your choose)
1/4 C. of green pepper (if desired)
1 1/2 Cups of barbecue sauce (homemade works great)

Combine all ingredients in a nonstick skillet. Heat thoroughly for about 10-15 minutes. Serve on bread of your choice.

Karen, Louisville

Frugal Recipe #159

scalloped corn

1 small pkg frozen corn(.89)

1 pkg saltine crackers (.99) a box

1 lb sharp cheddar cheese (1.89) a block 1 cup of milk

Place crumbled crackers in bottom of small casserole dish, top with corn, then with sliced cheese, repeat layers until you get about an inch to top of bowl, then stop. Add milk @ half way up in dish.

Bake at 350 for @25-30 minutes or until brown and bubbly..

When my fiancé told me about this recipe I didn't like the sound of it, but it is really good, and cheap and easy to make....My whole family loves this recipe even my picky step-dad...

Shelly

Bennington,Vermont.

Frugal Recipe #158

This recipe is of the type my mother used to call "Depression Cooking". They're yummy and great as a side dish to macaroni and cheese for supper, or as a light meal all by themselves.

Tomato Cakes

1 large can peeled tomatoes (appx. $1.50)

About 2 sleeves saltine-type crackers (.50 for store brand)

1/2 medium onion, chopped (approx .25)

About 2 tablespoons shortening (Crisco or lard) for frying [ Do *not* use vegetable oil or cooking spray, as the cakes will fall apart while frying!]

Drain most, but not all, of the juice off the tomatoes, then dice them in a bowl. Add chopped onion. Crumble crackers in until you have a stiff texture. Set in refrigerator approximately 30 minutes for the crackers to soften and soak up the liquid. Form into hamburger-like patties and fry in hot lard. Makes about 6-8 cakes, serves 2 adults and 2 children, or 2-3 adults. Approximately .50-.60 per serving.

Molly

Frugal Recipe #157

The Frugal Fathers Chili muffins

1 can of chili (any brand on sale)

1 can of 8-10 biscuits (storebrand if you can)

Place biscuits into a muffin tin and pinch around until the dough is flat to the sides of the muffin tin.

Place a tablespoon of chili into the pinched dough.

Bake according to the directions on the biscuit can.

Serve with a salad or soup for a complete supper or lunch. Makes 8-10 muffins depending on the size of the biscuits purchased.

Stephen Chaleff

The Frugal Father (tm)

Frugal Recipe #156

When it comes to dinner my husband is a die hard meat and potatoes man. I on the other hand like breakfast for dinner or a vegetarian meal once in a while. This meal is inexpensive and even he will eat it. It is also extremely versatile so I can whip it up with whatever I have on hand in the fridge or ripe in the garden most times. I hope you like it as well as we do. Serves 4 @ .43 per servings

Baked Omelet Casserole

8 pieces of bread from the Day old Bread Store
crust cut off and diced into 1 1/2"-2" cubes .15

8 eggs .60

1 cup of milk .25

2     cups of diced assorted omelet type fixings you have handy in your fridge. .75
         Here is a list of fixings I've used:
        Mushrooms
        Cheese
        Onions
        Pepper
        Deli meats
        Left over ham, bacon or sausage
        Asparagus
        Broccoli
        Sliced tomato

2 tablespoons seasoning salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9" casserole dish. Place bread cubes in the casserole dish. Beat milk into eggs, toss in omelet fixings and pour over bread cubes. Using your hand mix all ingredients together. Bake 30 minutes or until top is golden brown. Best served with a tossed salad or sliced fresh fruit.

Frugal Recipe #155

I am often asked to bring one of my salads to parties and pot lucks. I use the same dressing but put it over different salads to get a varied taste. I am enclosing family size portions which are quite large but can easily be doubled for a pot luck.

Sweet and Sour Dressing

1/4 cup each vinegar, sugar, oil (experiment with different types of vinegar and oil)

salt and pepper to taste

Cucumber salad

2 large cucumbers, peeled and sliced

1/2 medium onion sliced into thin slices

toss with above dressing

Tomato salad

3-4 tomatoes chopped into bite size pieces

1/2 medium onion cut into thin slices

toss with above dressing

Coleslaw

1/2 head cabbage shredded

1 large carrot shredded

1/2 small onion finely chopped

toss with above dressing

Pasta Salad

1/2 box elbow, spiral or other fancy pasta cooked and drained

1/2 bag California blend vegetables thawed (carrots, cauliflower, broccoli) or other vegetables of your choice

toss with above dressing

Marinated Vegetables

Vegetables of your choice blanched such as cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, green beans

marinate in above dressing

I grow most of my own vegetables so the cost is very minimal. Yesterday I was asked to bring a salad to a pot luck and purchased all the ingredients. For a large cucumber salad I spent: Cucumbers 4/$1.00, onion .25, dressing costs about .25, so for a salad to feed at least 12 people under $2.00.

Kimberly, Warren Michigan

Frugal Recipe #154

TATER TOT VEGETABLE SIDE DISH

4 generous servings (frugal yes)

1 can condensed mushroom soup 39 cents (celery soup works too) 1 can cut green beans 25 cents 3 Tbsp. milk 4 cents 1 tsp soy sauce approximately 2 cents 1/3 bag of frozen tater tots 33 cents Oil a casserole dish to prevent sticking. In a mixing bowl empty the can of mushroom soup. Add 3 Tbsp. milk and 1 tsp of soy sauce and mix well. Drain the can of beans. Add the beans and mix into the mushroom soup. Put the green bean and mushroom soup mixture into your casserole dish. Top with the tater tots. Bake at 360 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes. About 25 cents per serving. My husband likes this a lot. Its warm and hearty on a cold night. Julie, Oregon City, OR

Frugal Recipe #153

COWBOY BEANS

We call this cowboy beans to get the kids to think it's more fun!

1 lb. hamburger (1.00)

2 cans of diced green chilies (1.00)

1 large can of Bush's Baked Beans or whatever is on sale (2.00)

Brown hamburger, drain. Add green chilies and beans all with their canned juices. Heat through. Serve with tortillas, or our favorite Jiffy's Cornbread Mix (0.33). If you like spice, throw on some Red Hot hot sauce or whatever you like. Lots of protein, and sweet enough for the kids to enjoy!

Frugal Recipe #152

BBQ PORK

1 T. vegetable oil (negligible)

3 lbs boneless pork (I found boneless Hollywood ribs on sale for about.99/lb., but I imagine a pork butt cut into large chunks would work just fine)

1 bottle spicy BBQ sauce (store brand 0.79)

1 12 oz. can beer (.50)

1 med onion, sliced (.50)

2 t. dried thyme (.20)

salt and pepper to taste

a few dashes of hot sauce if desired

Brown pork in oil on all sides, set aside on plate. In crockpot, mix

together BBQ sauce, beer, onion, thyme and salt and pepper. Add pork to

sauce mix and turn to coat all pieces. Cook on low for 8-10 hours. When

done, pork is wonderfully tender and flavorful!!

I served with rice and the shredded the leftovers for BBQ pork sandwiches

the next day. Enjoy!!!

Angie

Frugal Recipe #151

Miserly Moms, I am looking for a good pickled egg recipe. Can you help?

My favorite recipe is:

2 cups cider vinegar

½ cup sugar

½ cup water

Heat until the sugar is dissolved. Fill a jar with peeled hard-boiled eggs. Pour the mixture over the eggs. Seal and chill 2-3 days (longer for more flavor).

~Jonni

Reader's Comment:

Someone on your site wanted a pickled egg recipe. Every time we empty a jar a pickles I hard boil (15 mins) about 10 eggs, shell them and drop them into the pickle juice and refrigerate. Everyone loves these pickled eggs.

Frugal Recipe #150

Taco Squares

This was always a favorite of mine growing up and now that I've got a family of my own, they ask for it every chance they get! It's simpler than it sounds and if you usually have Bisquick handy, cost very little to make.

Ingredients:
1-1.5 c Bisquick
1 lb ground beef
1 c sour cream
1/2 to 1 c mayo
shredded cheddar -amount variable, I use about 1 cup
ketchup
garlic and onion powder to taste

preheat oven to 350
1. Mix Bisquick with water to the consistancy of chewed bubble gum.
2. Spread (with wet hands) over bottom and sides of a casserole dish. The size of dish is pretty flexable, usually something pretty deap.
3. Season meat with the garlic and onion powder, brown and drain.
4. Spread meat over bottom of dish.
5. Drizzle ketchup over meat (some people use chopped tomatoes instead)
6. Mix sour cream, mayo and a little shredded cheddar.
7. Spread over meat and cover generouly with shredded cheddar.
8. Bake at 350 for 30-45 minutes, or until crust is brown.
*Allow five minutes to cool before serving.

Jessica

Frugal Recipe #149

creamy chicken noodles and vegetables

3 packages creamy chicken ramon noodles (usually around 30 cents a package)

1 bag frozen mixed vegetables, I use broccoli, carrots, and cauliflower. (less than a dollar for the bag)

*cook the vegetables according to the directions on the package in a pot big enough for the vegetables and noodles. Drain vegetables or use the water for the noodles. (you want 3 cups of water all together.) bring water to boil with vegetables then add broken noodles and seasoning packet from ramon noodles. Stir and cover. let cook about 2-5 minutes, stirring occasionally to make sure that all of the noodles get soft. it is done when the noodles are soft and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

Sometimes I add cubed or shredded chicken to this, which would make it cost about 2 dollars more. (I buy a rotisseri chicken for 4 dollars and strip the meat to make 2 or 3 meals.)
the whole meal costs around 4 dollars (with the chicken) and feeds my family of 6. If you need more noodles add more and 1 cup of water for every package of noodles.

Sandra

Frugal Recipe #148

Callie's Egg Drop Soup

This is my own version of the Chinese soup that I came up with when faced with only a handful of ingredients. By substituting vegetable broth for chicken broth this is is suitable for vegetarians who eat eggs.

2 cans Chicken broth or bouillon equivalent (.20 - .60/can or cubes) 2 packs of Chicken Ramen noodles w/ packet (.10 ea @ Safeway)- best if crushed before opening 3 eggs (1 doz. for about $1) 3 tbsp soy sauce (pennies) cayenne pepper powder to taste - optional (pennies)

Bring broth, ramen sauce packets, soy sauce, and cayenne to a boil in saucepan. While broth is boiling, crack eggs into small bowl and stir together. When broth is at a rolling boil, add ramen. Reduce to medium boil, and begin to add eggs in small portions (this avoids a big clump of cooked egg in the middle of the soup).

When ramen is boiled to your taste, and the egg is solid white in the soup, remove from heat, allow to cool, and serve. Serves 3, stores great - just add a little broth and microwave for 1:30 for leftovers. Adjust ingredients as necessary to serve more.

Frugal Recipe #147

I use this when I need a nice dessert quick and CHEAP. I took it one year to my husband's Christmas party using peaches and from that year on they have asked me to bring my "peach cobbler". My whole family loves it. It was passed on from my mother and is very versatile. My mother in law made it with pineapple and added brown sugar to the bottom and it was like a pineapple upside down cake.

2 regular size cans or 1 large can fruit in light syrup (peaches, cherries, apples, etc) (about $1) 1 yellow or white cake mix - dry ($1, .50 cents if you can get them around holiday time on sale) 1 stick of butter (melted) (.10 cents) Total cost is usually less than $2

Pour fruit (do not drain) into an 8x8 baking pan. Pour dry cake mix (do not make cake batter) onto fruit. Top with melted butter. Bake about 20-25 minutes uncovered in 350 degree oven until golden brown. The dry cake mix will absorb some of the juice off the fruit making a cobbler like top. You can use fruit pie filling if that is what you have; just add some water to the filling and stir before putting the cake mix over the top. My mother made it with a chocolate cake mix and cherries and topped it with cool whip for a fancy dessert. This recipe is easily doubled to make a larger pan and is great hot out of the oven with ice cream. My favorite is to use peaches (and they're cheap)

Katrina, Oregon

Frugal Recipe #146

A friend of mine gave me this recipe and I was skeptical at first. But I did try it and you will not believe how wonderful it tastes. Everyone always asks me the same question. "How do you get your roast so tender"? You can't taste the tuna. You have to try this. It's cheaper and takes no time at all.

This recipe feeds a family of four.

3 Cans of drained Tuna in water( completely drained)
1/4 C. of onion (or what your choose)
1/4 C. of green pepper (if desired)
1 1/2 Cups of barbecue sauce (homemade works great)

Combine all ingredients in a nonstick skillet. Heat thoroughly for about 10-15 minutes. Serve on bread of your choice.

Karen
Louisville, KY

Frugal Recipe #145

Quick and Easy Ground Beef and Mac Dinner

1lb of ground beef (.99 a lb. on sale)

1/2 cup of elbow Macaroni(pennies, .89 a big box)

1/2 onion(pennies again)

1TBS Garlic Powder (A thing of garlic Powder less then 2.00 normally)

1 8oz. can of tomato sauce (.25 )

1 can diced tomatos (.25 to .30)

Salt and Pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS

Boil the Macaroni as directed

Brown Hamburger with diced onion till juices run clear.

Add Garlic Powder and cook 3 more mins.

Then change to larger pan if you have to, add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and Macaroni.

Salt and pepper to taste, cook together on medium heat about 5 mins. or until hot.

It fed my family, me, my husband, My children, ages 5(who had two bowls), age 3, and age 1.

~Red a.k.a. Natural Mom

Frugal Recipe #144

Aunt Kim's Frugal Jamba Juice

In blender:
2 bananas
1/2 pkg. frozen mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, etc.)
Orange juice filled to top of blender. Blend and you have got a great juice drink for the summer!
*You can also add 2 scoops of sherbet for an extra treat
Submitted by:
Kim

Frugal Recipe #143

Home Made Pedialyte

2 Quarts Water (pennies)

1 teaspoon baking soda (pennies)

1 teaspoon salt (pennies)

7 tablespoons sugar (pennies)

1 packet sugar-free Kool-Aid* (.75)

1/2 teaspoon salt substitute* (pennies)

*optional but gives flavor

Mix all together well and store in refrigerator for no more than 3 days. You can also freeze this into ice cubes to put into child's cup or bottle. You can also make Popsicles from it. Tape this inside a kitchen cabinet door for easy reference. There's nothing worse than a sick kid in the middle of the night and you know that you have this recipe but can't find it and/or the stores are closed! I showed my pediatrician this and she actually hands it out to her patients. I have used regular Kool-Aid since it is optional anyways for even more savings (they go on sale 10 for $1). I never substitute the salt substitute, regular salt dehydrates. If you don't have it on hand don't add it. This recipe has saved a bundle verses the named brand Pedialyte and even the store versions. I figure that 2 quarts costs about .25 using the regular Kool-aid.

Submitted by Tonya, Meriden, Kansas

Frugal Recipe #142

Taco Tater Tot Casserole

1 lb. ground beef- $1 (only buy when on sale for $1/ lb. or less)

1 pkg taco seasoning--33 cents

1/4 cup water-free

1/2 medium onion diced-- about 8 cents

1 can whole kernel corn, drained- 33 cents

1 jar salsa con queso $2.99-at BI-Lo (but I usually get them 50 cents a jar at our grocery outlet)

1/2 package (1 lb) tater tots 60 cents ($1.19/ 2 lb package)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Brown ground beef and onion together in skillet. Drain. Add taco seasoning and water and simmer according to package directions. In a 13x9 casserole dish spread taco meat on bottom of pan. Layer the corn on top of it. Then place tater tots in a single layer on top of corn. Spread the salsa con queso on top of everything. Cook in preheated oven for about one hour. We usually spread sour cream to taste on each serving. At 99 cents for a large container that adds about 30 to 40 cents to the total cost.

Normally I pay $3.29 for the whole dish--$5.78 if I have to buy full price salsa, but that's still a bargain.

This feeds my family of 6 with seconds for my husband and leftovers for my husband's lunch the next day.

Frugal Recipe #141

One Pan Potato Dinner

I make this dinner when I need to use up those 10lbs/$1 potatoes in my pantry.

8 large potatoes (33 cents)

1/2 c. margarine (12 cents - Aldi)

lg. green pepper (25 cents or less)

lg. onion (10 cents)

lb. ground turkey (49 cents - Aldi) or lb. smoked sausage (99 cents)

1/2 c. frozen peas (10 cents)

Quarter potatoes ealry in the day (or night before) and boil in salted water until cooked but firm. Allow to cool enough to handle and peel; dice in large dices and refrigerate.

At dinner time, brown turkey or sausage cubes in Dutch oven. Melt margarine and saute onion and green pepper. Add cold potatoes, mix well. Lower heat to medium and cover; allow potatoes to "brown". Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Season with salt and pepper.

Sometimes I need to add more margarine (a margarine/oil combo tastes great, too). Depending on the number of potatoes you need to use up, this recipe can feed quite a crowd! I make this to serve 5, and add a salad or another cooked green vegetable. I often serve sale applesauce for contrast. Total cost: $1.39 (ground turkey), $1.88 (smoked sausage).

Jennifer

Frugal Recipe #140

Fruity Breakfast Oatmeal

This isn't entirely original, but has been a big hit with the kids (8,6 &3yrs). My kids were used to the store bought instant oatmeal. I tried to make regular quick cooking oatmeal but it didn't impress the kids. Then I tried this and it was a huge success!!! I now make a big pot at a time, freeze many servings in individual sized containers (purchased Styrofoam bowls with plastic lids from Gordon's - just pennies). This heats up from the rock hard frozen state, in the microwave in just 90 seconds!

Quick Cooking Oatmeal (Save-a-Lot-$.79 for large container)

water (according to package directions)

Preserves, jelly...any flavor! (pennies, especially if homemade)

First and most important step, to get it like the store bought instant oatmeal is to zip dry oatmeal in food processor until fine. Then cook as directed, add preserves (to taste). YUM!!

Molly

Otsego, Michigan

Frugal Recipe #139

CRUNCHY TOPPED SWISS CHEESE CHICKEN

INGREDIENTS

4 CHICKEN LEGS I CAN CREAM OF CHICKEN SOUP

8 OZ. SWISS CHEESE 2 C. PEPPERIDGE FARM HERB STUFFING

1 STICK BUTTER, MELTED OVER CHICKEN & CHEESE

DIRECTIONS

BOIL CHICKEN 20 MINUTES. SKIN & BONE IT. TEAR INTO PIECES PLACE IN BOTTOM OF CASSEROLE DISH . COVER WITH CHEESE. POUR SOUP EVENLY OVER CHICKEN. MIX BUTTER WITH STUFFING AND SPREAD EVENLY OVER CASSEROLE. BAKE AT 350F FOR 35-40 MINUTES.

Frugal Recipe #138

Chicken Hot Dish

1/2 cup of raw rice ($0.25)

2 cans of cream of anything soup (I use the equivalent in a homemade dry mix similar to the one in the Miserly Mom's book) If you buy the soup $0.75 if you use the mix $0.15

8oz water

1 whole chicken cut up ( I buy these from a local farmer for $1 a bird but help with some of the butchering) In a store maybe $3-$5 for a fryer chicken.

Onion to taste

Chopped Celery opt.

salt and pepper

French fried onions $1 (stock up after the holidays and use the coupons offered during the holiday and you can get for as little as $0.75 a large can)

Put raw rice, soup, onion and other ingredients in 9X13 baking dish. Place chicken pieces and top with the French fried onions. Bake at 350 for 1 hour. Makes enough to feed 4-6. leftovers taste even better.

Tonya

Marshall, MN

Frugal Recipe #137

Tuna Patties: My mom used to fix these for my sister and I alot. We liked them so much and that was great for my single mom raising us on a budget. I would say they cost about $1.25 to make the whole batch. I usually whip them up when I've forgotten to set something out to thaw or am in a hurry. I also find tuna a great alternative to other fish and meats when money is low. It's healthy and cheap!

2 cans tuna, drained

1 egg

8 crackers, crushed

1 tsp Worcestershire or soy sauce

dash garlic powder, salt & pepper

Mix all ingredients until combined. This should be just sturdy enough to make a patty-they will be a bit moist, but not falling apart. If too wet to hold a patty, add a couple more crackers. If too dry, add a dash of soy or w. sauce. This should make 4-6 patties. In a large skillet, heat enough oil to cover bottom of pan. (I don't substitute the oil with cooking spray because it takes the outer crunch away) When oil is hot, place patties in skillet and cook on each side until golden. Just a couple of minutes on each side. Drain on paper towels. You can eat this on a bun like a burger, or just as you would a meat entre'. I like mine best without the bun with a little ketchup on the side for dipping. YUMMY!

From Vickie

Frugal Recipe #136

Another BBQ PORK

This quick and tasty meal takes more forethought than talent . . . when buying roasts I always buy a few pounds more than my family of 5 will eat in one meal. The remaining can be frozen or stored for a couple of days. Now the fun begins with the left over meat and most of these ingredients we all have in our kitchen every day!

1-2 cups of pulled cooked roast (beef or pork), ~ $1.32 per lb reg price for pork

1/2 bottle of BBQ sauce, .39 cents for store brand

1/2 onion

2 T. mustard (spicy is you have it)

1/4 C brown sugar (alternative: syrup)

1-2 T. cooking oil

Worstechire sauce to taste

Hot Sauce to taste

Garlic powder or fresh garlic (use 5-6 cloves, sliced thin but big enough for the little ones to pick out :o)

Salt and pepper to taste

Any sort of bread (buns, left over garlic/French bread, day-old bakery loaves, it's endl