Budget Recipes, Meal Plans, and Cooking Lessons - $5 Dinners (2024)

What’s Trending on Instagram

by Erin, The $5 Dinner Mom 1 Comment

Are you following me over on Instagram? I have a fun community over there where I share a lot of Reels demonstrating cooking hacks and cooking tips. Which insta are you following? I thought it would be fun to share what photos, reels, and videos are trending on our Instagram profiles once a month! These are your current favorites. Are you following all of our accounts? … [Read more...]

Erin’s “What I Like Right Now” List

by Erin, The $5 Dinner Mom Leave a Comment

Things I'm Crushing On (And Using All the Time) This MonthHoliday 2023 FAVES … [Read more...]

VIRAL: Beef Ravioli Bake

by Erin, The $5 Dinner Mom Leave a Comment

I think Ravioli Bakes might be my new favorite dinner. I don't know why...they just seem so easy. Well, they are easy. The ravioli doesn't take any pre-cooking. You just add it into the dish, pour the sauce (in this case a beefy-spaghetti sauce) over the top, then pile on as much cheese as your waistline can handle. ;) Then, bake. And you end up with this. Now, there … [Read more...]

CHALLENGE: 5-Ingredient Freezer Meal Plan

by Lauren Drawdy Leave a Comment

How to prepare SIX meals in LESS THAN 30 MINUTES with this 5-Ingredient Meal Plan! I don't know about you, but it makes my heart happy when a recipe only needs a handful of ingredients. And when they are "normal" ingredients, too! You know what I'm talking about. Ingredients you often have in your kitchen, and are commonly found at a typical grocery store. So I made a … [Read more...]

Guacamole with Street Corn

by Erin, The $5 Dinner Mom 1 Comment

If I started keeping track, I imagine I eat an avocado or guacamole at least 5 times a week. Sometimes I get guacamole at my fave tex-mex restaurant, sometimes I make my own, sometimes I get it on top of a Chipotle salad, sometimes I just scoop it right out of the skin with a little lemon juice and salt. I'm always looking to mix things up and keep the guacamole "fresh" and … [Read more...]

by Erin, The $5 Dinner Mom Leave a Comment

Holiday To-Do List Already Starting to Stress You Out?!What if you could prep SIX 5-Ingredient freezer meals in 30 minutes...before the holiday chaos begins?!?I'm Erin Chase and I'm here to show you how... Join me the week of NOVEMBER 1stfor a few days oftips and tricks that will help you breeze through this meal prep!Each day throughout the Deck … [Read more...]

Erin’s Recipes from Big Bad Budget Battle

by Erin, The $5 Dinner Mom Leave a Comment

Get the Recipes Erin Cooked on Food Network's Big Bad Budget Battle WELCOME to my Big Bad Budget Battle Besties! I'm so glad you're here and I can't wait to connect with you and further help you on your journey to spending less money on groceries and cooking well on a budget. I am beyond tickled by the concept of the show, the opportunity to compete on the show, and … [Read more...]

RE-DESIGNED for YOU: The “20 Meals for $150” Plans

by Erin, The $5 Dinner Mom Leave a Comment

Save TIME, MONEY, and MORE with these amazing 20 Meals for $150 Plans! ELATED. ECSTATIC. STOKED. That describes how I'm feeling this week, as I re-share this amazing grocery saving and sanity saving resource with you! Many moons ago, I decided to make some updates to the "20 meals for $150" plans. I started creating them in 2013, and it was just time for a … [Read more...]

The Best Ever Make-Ahead Freezer Meals Cookbooks!

by Erin, The $5 Dinner Mom Leave a Comment

If you love getting ahead with dinner prep, and you love cookbooks, these Make-Ahead Freezer Meal Cookbooks are the books for YOU! The Freezer Meal StereotypeOften times when people think of freezer meals, they think of mushy casseroles. Or slow-cooker-only recipes. Or bland, tasteless, freezer burned meals. It is also the assumption that these bland, mushy … [Read more...]

Best Grocery Savings Mobile Apps

by Erin, The $5 Dinner Mom 3 Comments

Check out the Best Grocery Savings Mobile Apps! These are also Erin's favorites. (She might be a bit biased about the first one!)MyFreezEasyWith MyFreezEasy, it really is as easy as 1-2-3. Get organized, choose your recipes, use the shopping list provided, and then follow the instructions to get your make ahead freezer meals into your freezer! You'll save on groceries … [Read more...]

Pumpkin Pie French Toast

by Erin, The $5 Dinner Mom 84 Comments

Oh my heavens - divine, divine, divine. This Pumpkin Pie French Toast recipe is a MUST TRY in the fall and winter months! I so wish I'd doubled this recipe for Pumpkin Pie French Toast while I was first making it. Tripled, or quadrupled even! These are so scrumptious...perfect for the fall season. It's really simple...you just add some pumpkin puree and spices to … [Read more...]

Mocha Brownies

by Erin, The $5 Dinner Mom 5 Comments

Before you say it, yes...brownies were dessert of the month in April...just a few short weeks ago. But Caramel Cashew Brownies and these Mocha Brownies are different. Very, very different. I know. I know. This is really an indication that I have a brownie problem. Please. Send help. Brownies anonymous, anyone?! So I served these to a group of ladies last week...and … [Read more...]

Melty Mashup Recipes

by Erin, The $5 Dinner Mom Leave a Comment

Must-Try Melty Mashup Recipes for the Ultimate Food Experience!Melty Mashups allow you to indulge in the mouthwatering delight of combining two beloved treats into one irresistible fusion. From "burger quesadillas" to "pizza pot pies," this trend ensures a double dose of ooey-gooey goodness that simply melts in your mouth. It's like extreme comfort food! … [Read more...]

ROUNDUP: Dump and Bake Recipes

by Erin, The $5 Dinner Mom Leave a Comment

You will love the ease and convenience of these "Dump and Bake" recipes for scrumptious and hearty casseroles! … [Read more...]

NEW COOKBOOK: Learn to Cook on a Budget

by Erin, The $5 Dinner Mom Leave a Comment

Learning to Cook is Easier than You Think! Your Wallet and Bank Account Will Thank You! Over the years, I've spoken with many people who get frustrated by their overspending on groceries because they don't know how to cook. So they overbuy, or sometimes underbuy, or they resort to dining out and dinner delivery 4-5 times a week. If you are tired of the dining … [Read more...]

by Erin, The $5 Dinner Mom Leave a Comment

This Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole will soon be in your regular dinner rotation because it's so easy to prep to bake, and so scrumptious!I've got another "dump and bake recipe" for you! This Dump & Bake Meatball Casserole is a perfect hearty dish for a cozy family dinner on a super busy weeknight. This no-fuss recipe requires minimal preparation, making it an … [Read more...]

by Erin, The $5 Dinner Mom Leave a Comment

When Chicken and Rice Night collides with TACO TUESDAY you get to enjoy this scrumptious Dump & Bake Taco Chicken!Love the easy and convenience of dump and bake chicken and rice casserole. This variation calls for a can of cream of poblano soup, and if you can't find that at your store, you can swap it for cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup … [Read more...]

by Erin, The $5 Dinner Mom Leave a Comment

You Will Love this Cheesy Delight: The Ultimate Dump-and-Bake Macaroni and Cheese!It's the ultimate comfort AND EFFICIENT food! This Dump & Bake Macaroni and Cheese recipe is a cheesy masterpiece that's as easy to make as it is delicious. This no-boil, no-fuss recipe requires you to simply bake uncooked macaroni with a milk mixture. Once the pasta has cookd, … [Read more...]

by Erin, The $5 Dinner Mom Leave a Comment

The Most Effortless Weeknight Dinner: The Dump & Bake Chicken and Rice CasseroleThis Dump & Bake Chicken and Rice dish is the no-fuss, delicious meal that's perfect for your busy weeknights. All you have to is combine uncooked rice, chicken stock, chicken breasts/tenderloins, and your favorite seasonings in a casserole dish, then bake to fluffy perfection. It's … [Read more...]

Marry Me Ravioli

by Erin, The $5 Dinner Mom Leave a Comment

Say 'I Do' to Flavor: This Marry Me Ravioli That Will Do the Proposal Part For You!With this scrumptious recipe, I've taken the traditional "marry me" sauce with sun dried tomatoes, cream and Parmesan...and cooked ravioli in it. The result: a truly magical meal. Inspired by that once in a lifetime, magical moment. This Marry Me Ravioli is the ideal cozy … [Read more...]

Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookie Bars with Strawberry Frosting

by Erin, The $5 Dinner Mom Leave a Comment

These Valentine's Day Sugar Cookie Bars with Strawberry Frosting can be made with gluten free flour blend or all-purpose flour, and they are the perfect light and fluffy treat for your special day!These sugar cookie bars are inspired by the Drop Sugar Cookies with Strawberry Frosting that my boys LOVE. I saw some V-Day sprinkle at the store and immediately decided that … [Read more...]

Burger Quesadillas

by Erin, The $5 Dinner Mom Leave a Comment

A New Melty Mashup: Savor the Flavor Fusion of Your Favorite Cheeseburger with a Quesadilla!Enjoy! Burger Quesadillas A melty mashup of two cheese favorites - cheeseburgers and quesadillas! 1 lb. ground beef1 Tbsp minced onion1 tsp garlic powder1 tsp paprika3 Tbsp ketchup1 Tbsp yellow mustard1 cup chopped pickles4 large flour tortillas2 cups … [Read more...]

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Budget Recipes, Meal Plans, and Cooking Lessons - $5 Dinners (2024)

FAQs

What is the $5 meal plan? ›

Sign up to receive FREE weekly emails with recipes, coupons and other money saving tips right into your inbox. Become a friend on Facebook too AND/OR join the $5 Meal Plan Family and get meal plans delivered to you each week!

How do I plan a low cost meal? ›

10 tips to get you started on meal planning on a budget:
  1. Make a menu. ...
  2. Plan your meals around foods that are on sale. ...
  3. Plan some plant-based meals every week. ...
  4. Check your pantry, refrigerator and freezer. ...
  5. Enjoy grains more often. ...
  6. Avoid recipes that need a special ingredient. ...
  7. Look for seasonal recipes.
Feb 22, 2023

Is Eat this much meal planner free? ›

We offer both free accounts and premium accounts. As a free user, you can create a day's meal plan and completely customize it however you want.

What is Wendy's $5 meal? ›

What's in the Wendy's $5 Biggie™ Bag Meal Deal? The Biggie™ Bag is Wendy's $5 meal deal special that includes a sandwich, a four-piece chicken nuggets, a jr. fry and a small soft drink.

What is the 5 in 1 meal program? ›

On the 5&1 plan, you're instructed to eat 5 Optavia Fuelings and 1 Lean and Green meal each day. The program recommends eating a meal or a Fueling every 2–3 hours and incorporating 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.

What is the cheapest meal to cook? ›

Cheap Family Meals Under $10
  • Crescent Roll Sausage Egg Casserole. ...
  • Chicken and Rice Casserole with Broccoli. ...
  • Creamy Tomato Bacon Pasta. ...
  • Easy Cheese Manicotti. ...
  • White Bean and Spinach Soup. ...
  • Black Bean Enchilada Casserole. ...
  • Lentil Spaghetti. ...
  • Easy Red Beans and Rice. Red Beans and Rice is a cheap and easy meal to make.
2 days ago

What is the cheapest way to cook a meal? ›

Using slow cookers, microwaves and air fryers when you can, are all great options for low-maintenance, low-cost, low-carbon cooking. Microwaves: When it comes to cooking quickly and cheaply, microwaves are going to be your best friend.

How to meal plan for beginners? ›

Here are six steps to making a meal plan:
  1. Give yourself time to plan. Set aside time each week to make a meal plan. ...
  2. Check what you have. Check what ingredients you already have in your cupboard, fridge or freezer. ...
  3. Include some of your favourite meals. ...
  4. Use up your leftovers. ...
  5. Cook in bulk. ...
  6. Make your ingredients work.

How can I eat $1 dollar a day? ›

Some affordable and healthy staple foods that can be included in a $1-a-day diet are rice, beans, lentils, oats, and seasonal fruits and vegetables. These foods are not only budget-friendly but also provide essential nutrients like fiber, protein, and vitamins.

How do you make $1 a serving meal? ›

Frugal Nutrition: $1 and Under Per Serving
  1. Moroccan Carrot Salad.
  2. Cassava Flour Tortillas.
  3. Cast Iron Chicken Thighs.
  4. Best Black Bean Dip.
  5. How to Make Roasted Red Peppers.
  6. Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Sauce.
  7. Simple Sesame Cucumber Salad.
  8. Salmon Seaweed Rolls (Onigiri Rolls)

How to survive off $20 a week? ›

Your Shopping List
  1. 1 bag of dried beans: $1.49.
  2. 2 pounds of chicken breast: $3.76.
  3. 1 jar of peanut butter: $1.98.
  4. 1 jar of jelly: $1.79.
  5. 1 loaf of whole wheat bread: $1.63.
  6. 1 dozen eggs: $1.26.
  7. 1 container of oatmeal: $1.35.
  8. 1 bag of dried lentils: $1.39.

Is there a free version of Plan to Eat? ›

Free 14-day trial!

Try the app used by 50k+ meal planners to create plans that work for them, free for the first 14 days! Plan to Eat is a powerful tool to make meal planning as painless as possible using your family's favorite recipes.

What is a good meal plan to lose weight? ›

What's a typical daily menu?
  • Breakfast: Overnight oats with berries and pear.
  • Lunch: Tuscan white bean soup with pesto drizzle.
  • Dinner: Sheet-pan roast chicken with broccolini, onion and tomatoes.
  • Snack: 1 cup sliced bell peppers and a banana.

Is there a free app for meal planning? ›

The recipes in the Mealime Pro meal planning app include instructions, nutrition facts, ingredients and a list of cookware you'll need to make the food (with purchase links). There is a free version of Mealime that won't expire, but it offers very little in terms of customization or information.

What meals can you get for $5 dollars at McDonald's? ›

The meal deal will offer a choice of a McChicken, McDouble or four-piece chicken McNuggets with fries and a drink.

What is a 5 course meal plan? ›

A typical five-course meal consists of one-bite hors d'oeuvres, a plated appetizer, a palate-cleansing salad, the main entrée, and dessert. In some cases, you can omit the hors d'oeuvres and insert a soup between the appetizer and salad courses.

What is the 5 meal a day diet plan? ›

Five meals a day equals breakfast, lunch, dinner, and two snacks. To do this right, you need to plan what you'll eat every day for each “meal.” And you need to schedule eating every 2 to 3 hours. Stock up. Face it: You're going to grab whatever food is closest.

How to eat off $5 a day? ›

Affordable staple foods to include in a $5 a day meal plan are rice, beans, lentils, oats, pasta, potatoes, and seasonal fruits and vegetables. These items are cost-effective and can be used in a variety of dishes to create balanced and nutritious meals.

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