Weekly Meal Deal

This week, I have composed a meal solely from ingredients on sale, dinner on a budget. Consider it putting your money where your mouth is - literally!


This week's meal deal is......

 BAKED PASTA.

(I made this tonight)

I have composed an ingredients list based on the sales in the Southeast, where I am, as well as the Midwest, where I know some of my readers reside. See the coinciding ads/coupon matchups to see how to get these prices.

Midwest

• Ground Chuck, $2.69/lb at Kroger (or you could use ground turkey which is on sale at Kroger as well for $2.50/lb)
• Shredded Mozzerella or Italian Blend Cheese, Kroger brand shredded cheese - $1.79 pkg
• 1 Can/Jar Pasta Sauce, 24oz - Barilla Pasta Sauce, 24oz - $1.61 at Walmart
• Penne, Ziti or Rotini Pasta, Barilla Pasta 1lb - $.91 at Walmart OR if you already have pasta sauce on hand, go with the $.18 Ronzoni pasta at Walmart
• New York Texas Toast, $1.19 at Kroger

Southeast

• Ground beef, $1.98/lb roll, Kroger
• Shredded Mozzerella or Italian Blend Cheese, $1.79 at Kroger
• Penne, Ziti or Rotini Pasta, Ronzoni Pasta - FREE, Publix
• 1 Can/Jar Pasta Sauce, 24oz. - Prego $1.21, Publix
• New York Texas Toast - $1.20, Publix

Recipe:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Cook 1/2 box of pasta (1/2lb), drain and set aside.
3. Brown 1/2 lb Ground Beef (I like to add minced garlic, salt, pepper and Italian seasonings, gives the meat a great flavor), drain.
4. Mix cooked pasta, meat, jar of pasta sauce and 1 and 1/2 cup shredded cheese. Mix well.
5. Pour into 2.5 quart casserole dish, cover with foil. Bake for 45 minutes.
6. Uncover, top with remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheese, and bake uncovered for another 10 min, or until cheese is melted and golden brown.
7. Makes 6 servings. Serve with Texas Toast garlic bread, and if you're feeling feisty, some steamed veggies (try 99 cent Green Giant frozen veggies on sale at Kroger this week) or a nice salad. Veggie not included in meal deal price.

Midwest: $8.19 for all ingredients, $1.37/serving

Southeast: $6.18 for all ingredients, $1.03/serving.


What are your favorite budget meals? Leave a comment!

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