MY #1 TIP FOR PLANNING BUDGET MEALS // 4 CHICKEN DINNERS MY FAMILY LOVED

I do a lot of budget cooking on this channel. I'm sharing with you the #1 thing I do to help plan budget meals, and then demonstrating this concept in action with 4 delicious budget dinners my family loved!

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#budgetcooking #budgetmeals #groceryshoppinghacks

[nickywiedmeier]

I wanted to get into cooking last year and didn’t have much of a pantry. After Xmas I took 25$ I got for a gift and went to dollar general on a Saturday so I could utilize their 5$ off 25$ coupon. Most their seasonings are 1$ too. I got all the basics and also some more fancier ones-cumin, dill weed, etc. got out there at 21$ and it wa so game changer. Being able to watch receipts and learn and have the spices you need. And also ramp up cheap, budget cooking to something super tasty

[mrsc]

I always get a chuckle out of imagining people being like "Hey! You added salt!! That wasn't on the list!" 😅😆😆

[sallycrisp]

Mindy, your videos should be shown in public schools so that kids learn how to cook with real, inexpensive, and healthy food. So many people do not have a clue how to even cook a pot of soup. I am a big fan--thanks for all you do to educate people.

[jammamccann]

I wouldn’t worry about what others think of a little seasoning added. Some people just complain about everything. Most of us moms understand where you are coming from. You do a great job and I love watching your videos!

[idagrady]

Mindy. I have watched this video over a dozen times on my relax Playlist. But something about the way you said " it's ok, it's just food" hit me like a ton of bricks today. How many times in life do we as women, mom's, daughters, wives hold ourselves to these CRAZY standard? When maybe the mantra should be- it's ok, it's just ****. Thank you for being here for all of us. I'm going to pray on it today and I hope it stays with me during this season of my life.

[Midwestmomvolunteer]

A box of pantry staples would be such a good housewarming gift! Great video.

[cathyfeigert]

Great ideas Mindy. I am always amazed that there are people who will comment negatively when someone uses spices or other staples from their kitchen. Good grief!

[melindabanning]

When I started out some 35 years ago, I only had salt, pepper, garlic powder, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce. As I stated learning more I had oregano, basil, thyme, onions, carrots, potatoes. As I started learning to cook and bake more I also started learning how to actually shop. I had a $50 grocery budget for everything household including our cats and eventually a total of 6 people. We didn't have YouTube or Pinterest but we had libraries and talk shows. I like your basic budget videos and so many can learn how to do this budget cooking thing and have healthy, nutritious meals.

[Stevie]

If a recipe calls for sauteing veggies and you don't have any oil, you can use a small amount of broth or water in place of the oil! It's admittedly not quite as tasty, but it definitely works in a pinch. I've done this before when I SWORE I had more butter somewhere but was totally out.

[lindaclark]

Walmart sells basic seasonings, like garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, Italian seasoning as well as a few others for about $1 a jar. Add one jar to your shopping cart each time your shop and before long you have your staples and it didn't break your budget. Also watch sales ads. Some stores will put dried herbs and spices on sale around holidays. Another way to add to your pantry staples.

[kaykrausman]

Thank you for making your videos. Please ignore the negative comments about cheating with your ingredients. Your videos give viewers ideas as to what you can do to keep your meals budget friendly. Everyone's area is different. I have found you can't please everyone, so please keep making your videos for the many who won't judge you. Merry Christmas to you and your family.

[shannonphillips]

I made those flavored saltines from your video and they are a big hit. Everyone loves them.

It is totally not cheating to use pantry staples in a recipe. If you bought every little thing, you would have so much excess that it would be silly. I understand the people just starting out, but spices can be bought for so inexpensively.

[lilybee_]

This is a keeper! We would eat all of these meals and enjoy them. First week of no spend Jan meal planned, thank you :)
I dont understand people who nitpick the cost. We're not all going to be able to find the exact costs you get at your Walmart either and that's OK. It's the idea and showing how to shop and put different inexpensive ingredients we find together to feed our family. Thank you Mindy!!

[beckyhines]

I shared your video because my friend is needing ideas how to make $3 meals. She's much better cooking than I am. Her name is Jaime. She has a family of about 7 people.

[vanessamartinez]

The honey butter corn looks delicious! 😋

[sleuthst]

I love all your videos and recipes! I just wanted to offer a word of warning about using glass baking dishes under the broiler. Both Pyrex and Anchor Hocking warn that their dishes should not be used under the broiler, as they can break or shatter.
Thanks for all your great, friendly ideas and advice!

[doxiemom]

You got me doing pantry meals. I started last week. On my 5th day. I gotta ho to store tomorrow for xmas dinner. If it wasn't xmas I probably would do pantry meals a few more days. My husband loves the idea cause we are saving money.

[donilink]

I love your videos! You make real food for real families. Thanks for sharing with us. For those that complain about seasonings and staples, please be kind. They’re called staples for a reason.

[amy_bloom]

Love these videos! My request.. More vegetarian options!! Love that you often mention vegetarian options/modifications!

[kathrync]

I’ve been trying not to throw away any leftovers or food in my house. Your videos have been helping me so much. From the shopping hacks to turning leftovers into a different meal for another night. It’s great. In the past two weeks I can already see a decrease in my food budget and it’s amazing. I always tried to Meal plan around the items in my house, yet I still needed to buy so much. Thank you for your pantry cooking tips because I swear it’s saving my family money already!