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24 Meals for Less than $200



Finally getting around to writing down my latest round of meals and this one is full of some real winners. And alas, I'm back at my magic number: 24. As easy as doing 10 was, 24 just works best for me and my family.

 Here's what's on the menu |

Zuppa Toscana
Baked Ravioli
Broccoli and Chicken Casserole
Southwest Chicken
Black Beans & Rice w/ Sausage
Spaghetti
Tater Tot Casserole
Winger's and Waffles
Pepperoncini Pork Sandwiches
Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Ranch Chicken
French Onion Chicken and Mashed Potatoes

 Grocery List |

Meat:
4 lbs. ground Italian sausage
2 bags of popcorn chicken
2 cooked rotisserie chickens
3 bags of frozen chicken breasts
2 smoked sausages
6 lbs. ground beef
2 pork loins

Canned/Dry Goods:
4 cartons of broth
6 jars of marinara sauce
3 jars alfredo sauce
2 lbs. brown rice
1 jar salsa
4 cans of black beans
2 cans corn
2 packages of spaghetti noodles
2 cans cream of mushroom soup
1 bottle Frank's hot sauce
1 bag brown sugar
4 cans french onion soup
1 jar of pepperoncinis
2 packages of broccoli cheddar soup mix
2 packages of instant mashed potatoes
2 packages of gravy mix
Waffle mix

Produce:
1 bunch or bag of kale
1 3 lb. bag of red potatoes
4 red/orange bell peppers

Refridgerator:
2 packages of ravioli
1 bag mozzerella cheese, shredded

Freezer:
4 bags of broccoli florets
2 bags tater tots

Seasoning:
3 packets of ranch seasoning
Garlic
Salt & Pepper
Oregano
Basil Cumin
Cajun seasoning
Bay leaves

Other:
2 bags of hamburger buns
Hefty gallon bags
Slow cooker liners
6 disposable casserole trays

I shopped at Winco and my total was less than $200. First thing: label bags and trays.

Then get to work. Make 2 of each meal.

 Zuppa Toscana
1 lb. cooked smoked sausage
2-3 handfuls of kale
1 lb. of red potatoes cubed
1 carton broth
Season with oregano, salt, pepper, and garlic

8 hrs on low. Add 1 cup heavy cream 30 minutes before done.

 Baked Ravioli

 Mix 1 package ravioli and 1 jar of marinara in a tray and top with cheese.

Bake at 350 for 1 hr covered, 30 minutes uncovered.

 Broccoli and Chicken Casserole
1 deboned rotisserie chicken mixed with 1.5 jars of alfredo and 1 bag of broccoli. Top with cheese.

Bake at 350 for 1 hr covered, 30 minutes uncovered.

 Southwest Chicken
1.5 lbs. chicken breast
1 can black beans
1 can corn
1/2 jar salsa
Season with cumin, S&P

To prepare, add above to Instant Pot, add 1 cup brown rice and 1 cup chicken broth. Cook on high pressure for 30 minutes.

 Black Beans & Rice w/ Sausage

 Thaw smoked sausage and slice
Rinse black beans
Cook 2 cups of rice

In a skillet, pan sear the smoked sausage. Once browned add black beans and 2 cups of cooked rice. Season with cajun seasoning and add some butter for good measure.

 Spaghetti
1 lb. cooked ground sausage
1 lb. cooked ground beef
2 jars marinara
1 bay leaf
2 tsp basil
1/2 Tbsp. garlic powder

8 hrs on low. Serve with noodles stored in pantry.

 Tater Tot Casserole
In the bottom of a tray mix 2 lbs. ground beef (cooked) with 1 can cream of mushroom. Top with tater tots and layer on some cheese.

Bake at 350 for 1 hr covered. 30 minutes uncovered.

 Winger's and Waffles

 For this meal buy and store your favorite waffle mix in the pantry. (Prepare waffles night of)

Buy 1 bag of frozen popcorn chicken and prepare according to package instructions

 For the Winger's sauce, heat in a sauce pan:
1  1/2 c brown sugar6 Tbsp. Frank's hot sauce2 Tbsp. water

 Serve it all together. You won't regret it.


 Pepperoncini Pork Sandwiches
1 pork loin
1 packet ranch seasoning
1 can french onion soup
1/2 jar of pepperoncinis

Low for 8 hrs. Shred and serve with cheese and BBQ sauce on hamburger buns.

 Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Combine 1 bag broccoli cheddar soup mix with milk (amount according to package instructions). I usually just put this together in the morning. Cook on low for 7-8 hrs adding a bag of broccoli 1 hr before it's done cooking.

 Ranch Chicken
1.5 lbs. chicken breasts
1/2 packet of ranch seasoning

Thaw and grill or bake.

 French Onion Chicken and Mashed Potatoes
1.5 lbs. chicken breasts
1 can french onion soup
Season with salt and pepper and garlic
1 diced orange bell pepper
1 diced red bell pepper

Low for 7-8 hrs. Serve with mashed potatoes.

Enjoy!

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