I have been trying to collect some healthy, but really cheap, meal ideas from around the web. I have been to many sites, but what I am really looking for are menu ideas from people who actually eat the stuff on it. Does anyone make up menus in advance with a price chart for it, and if so, are the foods healthy and tasty? I need some ideas for picky teens and a picky husband. Personally I could basically eat anything with the right amount of sauce on it, but they tend to like more convenience types of foods. Any and all suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
As far as price charts and breakdowns, there is one blog I read regularly called Budget Bytes which does this: Log In The author of that blog also has a book she is releasing too which may be of interest. Some of my favorite, and rather inexpensive meals to make: Baked Rigatoni with Ricotta and Mozarella - Local discount grocery stores typically have the jar of sauce and the rigatoni for 99 cents each. Add a little egg, parmesan, ricotta, and mozarella along with some fresh parsley for a few dollars more and it makes a big casserole. If I have some leftover ham, I will dice it up along with some additional diced hard boiled egg for extra flavor and protien. Carnitas - Bone in pork shoulders go for anywhere from $3-$5. I can make several meals from one shoulder, my favorite being carnitas tacos/burritos. I rub the shoulder down with Lawry's Fire Roasted Chili & Garlic seasoning, then put it in a roast pan with a lid and cook it at 250 for 6 hours or more. I remove any excess fat, strain and reserve the pan juices, then cut the meat into big chunks. Place the meat into a baking dish, drizzle with some of the reserved juices, add a little more of the seasoning, and broil it all until it crisps (you could also fry the meat in a pan alternately). Hit the crisped meat with a squeeze of fresh lime just before serving, perhaps a little fresh cilantro too. Served on warmed soft taco shells with cheese, salsa and lettuce. Spanish Rice - easy side dish for Carnitas, but also great in a burrito with some black beans, cheese and salsa. Just take some instant rice, and for the liquid use half chicken stock and half spicy tomato sauce (such as El Pato or Goya brand) and just microwave it per package directions. You could also add some frozen peas and corn for color. Better Than Bouillon Brand chicken base is great for this, and super cheap. One jar makes like 9+ boxes of stock. Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry - take a cheap cut of beef sliced thin, and sautee with blanched broccoli in a garlic infused cooking oil. Towards the end throw in some Oyster sauce or Hoisin sauce then top with some toasted seasme seeds. Great over rice or egg noodles. You can cook the rice or noodles in chicken broth for extra flavor.
