Stretching Food/Budget

The chopped meat dinner thread got me thinking....

What do you to do stretch your food a little more - to either save money or if someone pops up for dinner

I remember one time I made a lot of chopped meat for dinner - I thought I could get 2 dinner out of it. Ex-h ate some much there was barely enough for me.

So I looked around the kitchen and found black beans - I added them witht he extra sauce, some salsa and spices and the next night we had chili-mac.

Re: Stretching Food/Budget

I get the club packs at the grocery store and then self portion them into zip lock bags. I choose some to marinade and others leave plain. I put the marinade in with them frozen. I try to stock up on things when they are on sale. I also shop my pantry to use up what I have purchased.

Re: Stretching Food/Budget

Sometimes I only have enough of ground beef/ turkey for one or two meatballs and I use it for pasta and meatsauce. A little ground meat goes along way.

Re: Stretching Food/Budget

Rice and egg noodles are usually cheap and quick to make as a last-minute side dish, to serve meat over, etc. Plus they're carbs so they make the meal more filling!!