Tighten the purse strings AND the belt!

limismith

Like everyone else, we are buckling down and spending less in our house. Cheap food can be cheap for a reason- sodium, corn syrup, and fillers. Anyone have a recipe for an inexpensive meal or dish they like to make? A HEALTHY dish (add calorie/portion info if you got it!)

I've posted this before and I'll do it again....

Taco Soup
1 can kidney beans
1 can corn
1 can diced potatoes
1 can petite diced tomatoes
1 lb lean ground beef/turkey, browned. (OR you can use diced chicken, or go vegetarian by adding back beans or crumbles)
12-16 oz V8 or your choice of veggie juice
2 packets taco seasoning

Literally, this is the recipe. Add everything - cooked meat, canned veggies WITH the liquid in the can, juice, and taco seasoning to a pot. Heat over medium/high for a nice simmer (don't burn the bottom) for 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand for a few minutes to thicken. Garnish with shredded cheese, sour cream, or any other taco/chili garnishes. Serve with frito chips or toasty bread.

This recipe makes 6 servings, and runs about 250-300 calories per serving. I say "about" because it's never the same recipe. You can add more of something, take something out, or throw in leftovers from the fridge. It's cheap, its easy, it's fast and makes leftovers to take to work. Yum!!

PS: Don't like the sodium in all the canned veggies? Use fresh veg, just add some water or broth to replace the missing canned-veg liquid, and simmer until the veggies and potatoes are cooked through.

Lakerlady5747

I like to make baked chicken with a salad. I buy frozen chicken breasts when they're on sale. To bake them, I just put it in the oven (covered with aluminum foil to keep it moist) at 350 degrees farenheit for 1 hour. I sometimes put a little barbecue sauce on after it's done cooking just for a small taste. I then serve this with a large salad that I make (full of veggies). I also sometimes make a small baked potato (because I LOVE potatoes and just can't give them up!). It's a pretty simple meal, but I really enjoy it. I look forward to seeing what others post!