Back in the day, when my net worth was zero, George and I were always at odds. Providing for a family of four was hard, so it was good that I knew my way around the kitchen ever since I was eleven. Cooking a decent meal and saving money was not an option, but a necessity. Learning how to juggle the money needed for Huggies and Enfamil, food, and house payments, utilities...you know the deal! With that being said, read on.
My One Week Menu
Weekly Dinner Plan
Monday: Spaghetti Night
Spaghetti with marinara sauce (add ground beef or turkey if your budget allows).
Garlic bread (use leftover bread with garlic and butter).
Side salad (use affordable veggies like lettuce, carrots, and cucumbers).
I've started a backyard garden, so I can have some fresh veggies within a month.
Tuesday: Taco Tuesday
Ground meat or beans as the base.
Tortillas (soft or hard).
Toppings like shredded lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese.
Wednesday: Stir-Fry
Stir-fried rice with scrambled eggs, veggies (frozen mixed veggies work great), and soy sauce.
Add chicken or tofu if possible. Tofu, not a favorite but.....
Thursday: Soup and Grilled Cheese
Tomato soup (store-bought or homemade).
Grilled cheese sandwiches (use basic white bread and sliced cheese).
Friday: Homemade Pizza Night
Use pre-made crust, flatbread, or tortillas.
Tomato sauce, shredded cheese, and budget-friendly toppings (like veggies or pepperoni).
Saturday: Casserole Night
Tuna noodle casserole or a chicken and rice casserole.
Use ingredients like canned tuna, cream of mushroom/chicken soup, and affordable pasta or rice.
Sunday: Breakfast for Dinner
Pancakes or waffles and chicken
Scrambled eggs (if you can afford it ) and breakfast sausages (or bacon if within budget).
A side of fruit (like bananas or apples).
These meals are easy to customize based on what you already have at home and your family's preferences. They also involve ingredients that can be used across multiple meals to minimize waste! What do you think—do any of these catch your eye?
Keep your eyes out for "Cheap Ass Uncle Michaels end of the month binge drinking ideas", and " Cheap Ass Uncle Michaels bathroom vacation ideas".
Stay Healthy
M.N.Curry
