Packing your own lunch, reducing the number of meals you eat out, buying store brand over name brand – there are numerous ways to save money when it comes to your monthly food budget. As you move closer and closer to your savings goal you can still eat delicious food while being conscious of your food spending. By keeping a few staples in your pantry and fridge throughout the week, you’ll be able to cook some simple and savory meals that will keep both your budget and your belly full!
The most
common ingredient kept in a U.S. household is a carton of eggs. While we agree this is a cost-effective protein, there are a few other ingredients we’d like to add to our list of essentials such as;
canned beans, ground beef, chicken broth, and of course pasta.
These simple ingredients can help people across the country create delicious meals with many foods they already have at home! Tasty food doesn’t have to be expensive – while restaurants can offer convenience, it’s hard to beat the cost-effectiveness of these affordable and appetizing dishes!
CANNED BEANS:
Red Beans & Rice
This is a New Orleans staple which is rich with flavor and always ready to go in a pinch! With sausage, kidney beans, and steamed rice, this flavorful dish will keep your clan full and happy while leaving plenty of scrumptious leftovers for lunch.
EGGS:
Breakfast Burritos
Occasionally set aside an evening or afternoon to prepare for the days when there’s no time to make or enjoy a full morning breakfast. By preparing these simple freezer burritos ahead of time, you can heat up your breakfast in a matter of minutes, saving both time and money!
PASTA:
Spaghetti & Meatballs
This marinara recipe is the perfect foundation to a great spaghetti and meatballs. To save time during the week, grab a pack of frozen meatballs from your local grocer, and simmer them in the completed marinara until they’re piping hot and ready to serve alongside cooked spaghetti noodles.
CHICKEN BROTH:
Chicken Noodle Soup
The most magical tool in your kitchen may just be the humble crockpot. What other tool allows you to put some simple ingredients in, and six to eight hours later a delicious meal pops out? We love utilizing this technique by preparing everything in the morning and coming home to a hot and delicious chicken noodle soup at night.
GROUND BEEF:
Chili with Beans
In a state where some counties have more cattle than people, utilizing ground beef has become synonymous with Iowa cooking. This homestyle meal is a country classic, that will keep you and your guests full after a long day’s work. Spice this concoction to your personal tastes and serve with cheese and sour cream on the side.
Whether you’ve been cooking for decades, or are just starting to learn the basics, these simple and affordable recipes can help you enjoy meals at home while saving money on each meal of the day.
At Lincoln Savings Bank, we believe that taking small actions each day will help you reach your goal more effectively than trying to make large scale adjustments that don’t last. If you’re looking for further savings tips or would like to partner with someone on your personal finances, our dedicated personal bankers are here to help. Stop by your nearest branch or give us a call to find out how you can start saving today.
Lincoln Savings Bank. Member FDIC.