Frugal Cooking For Families: Recipes: And Meal Planning Ideas To Save Money On Food

They are often cheaper than fresh, won't spoil in the crisper drawer, and are frozen at peak ripeness. 2. Strategic Meal Planning Ideas

Use small amounts of meat bulked up with black beans and corn. They are often cheaper than fresh, won't spoil

Instead of picking recipes and then shopping, look at what’s already in your pantry and check the weekly grocery store circular for sales. Build your week’s menu around those discounted items. The "Theme Night" Strategy: This reduces decision fatigue. Meatless Monday: Use beans or eggs as your protein. Instead of picking recipes and then shopping, look

Rice, dried beans, lentils, and oats are the ultimate "fillers" that provide fiber and protein. Meatless Monday: Use beans or eggs as your protein

Red or brown lentils simmered in a jar of basic marinara or canned crushed tomatoes. Flavor: Add plenty of dried oregano and garlic powder. Serve: Over a big box of spaghetti or over baked potatoes. Sheet Pan Black Bean Quesadillas Feeding a crowd one quesadilla at a time is tedious.

Put the white bulb ends of green onions in a small jar of water on your windowsill. They will regrow indefinitely, giving you a "free" garnish for every meal.