Not Made Of Money

When you’re trying to cut down on your family’s grocery expenses good, inexpensive dinner ideas are a necessity. Ramen noodles and rice are cheap, but do you really want your family to live on those for any length of time? That hardly sounds like a nutritious way to feed the people you love. Fortunately, there are some healthy alternatives that won’t leave your family feeling like they’re eating in an institution.

Vegetarian Chili – With meat prices on the rise, any meal that doesn’t require a trip to your grocer’s meat department is sure to be easier on your pocketbook than its meaty contemporaries. This scrumptious chili uses kidney beans as an alternative to hamburger. Like any chili, its flavor can be adjusted to suit your family’s tastes by adding different spices.

Beef & Vegetable Stew – Although this meal idea doesn’t avoid meat entirely, this stew is still a great economical choice for dinner. Because stew simmers for so long you can purchase a lower quality piece of meat to save money. Then, simply cut the beef into smaller chunks, add it to an inexpensive package of mixed vegetables, and place the mixture into a Crockpot. In a few hours you’ll have a tasty dish that your family will love.

Soup – Soup is one of those flexible entrees that can be made of anything that you like. This is a great way to use those leftover vegetables that are lurking in your refrigerator. As an added plus, a steaming bowl of soup on a cold day can be just the thing to chase away the chill of winter.

The important thing to remember when trying to save money on your family’s groceries is to be creative. If you find a recipe that interests you, don’t hesitate to tweak it with your family’s favorite ingredients. And don’t forget to make extra and freeze it when you find a meal that works; you’ll be glad you did on those days when you’re pressed for time.

• Five Tips for Healthy Eating on a Budget
• Use Leftovers to Slash Your Grocery Expenses

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