Cheap eats, baked and unstuffed.

Minimizing processed foods and staying within a budget are a struggle for most recently. Making the dollar stretch can be a challenge. Whether you are trying to feed a big family or make it through the week without burning through the grocery budget, there is no need to sacrifice eating well. I picked out two recipes that can be made in advance and broke them down to the cost per serving.

First is my Italian Pasta Bake. Back between 2006-2009 money was very tight for our family. We had to stretch our dollars, but, somehow through the grace of God, we made it work. One of the go-to meals I made that was not only good for dinner but was good for lunch the next school day was my pasta bake. The family liked it and comes to around $2.00 per serving even if you add ricotta cheese to the recipe. The pasta bake recipe I have posted on my site does not include ricotta but it makes a great addition. Ricotta makes the bake more like lasagna. Here is where you can take things to another level. Learn to make your own pasta!

The cost of the ingredients are from my local Aldi’s. I am sure the costs will not vary that much from where you live or shop. Even the Whole Foods 365 brand is not that much more expensive.

Here is the cost breakdown for the Italian pasta bake:

Sausage 3.89

Pasta 1.30

Mozzarella 3.59

Ricotta 2.49

Parmesan 2.45

Sauce 1.49

Total $15.21

Servings 8

Cost Per Serving $1.90

The second cheap eat is my Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls recipe. All the great taste of cabbage rolls without having to roll them! My wife and I have been modifying this recipe for about 20 years. The latest version is the best. The right amount of cabbage to meat. It’s also a make ahead meal and a crock pot meal. All the great time savers rolled into one. And, at only $2.28 per serving, your budget stays intact.

Here is the breakdown:

Beef 12.00

Onion 0.75

Slaw mix 1.69

Canned Fire roasted tomatoes 2.30

Sauerkraut 1.49

Total $18.23

Servings 8

Cost Per Serving $2.28

Cooking at home for your family can be a big money saver. Going out to dinner was for special occasions when I was a kid, now people go out to dinner most every night. If you feel you do not know how to cook then pick up a book or watch one of the millions of videos on YouTube. That’s what I did. Learning to cook will benefit your family in many ways. Conversation, better food, less exposure to toxins, control over ingredients, and memories are made.

Just try to use real food. If your great grandmother would not be able to identify what you are eating then it probably isn’t real food. Our daughter cooks most of her meals at Ohio State and our son just made apple bbq ribs in his apartment at John Carroll.

I’ll break down the cost of some more recipes soon.

Learn to cook. Please.