EXTREME BUDGET CHALLENGE | TO FEED A FAMILY
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- Опубліковано 27 вер 2024
- This is a $2 Extreme Budget Meal Challenge. I'm cooking for a family of four today. This is an extreme grocery budget challenge, but I'm also going to give tips to add on to this with an additional dollar or two.
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A couple of ideas: if you have a store that sells rice by weight, you could get exactly the amount for your budget. If you want a touch of cheese, you can get just one slice from the deli. A touch of taco seasoning & you can make this a different tasting dish for a different tasting budget meal on another night. Well done, Michelle!
Love these ideas 👍 Thanks for sharing them.
Could add an egg or two
You have some great ideas too!
I love this idea I would usually buy the pre packaged taco seasonings for 78cents a pk - pour into a jar and add them to my foods for seasoning options over more than one meal - another amazing video thanks Michelle 😊
@@justtee1259 Great advice! I did the same thing with the faijta seasoning. The stores were charging MORE for fajita seasoning then taco seasoning. 🙄 I scored a good deal on Amazon and bought several packages and put them in a jar. It's happily sitting with my spices.
Lentils seasoned as ground beef would be awesome in this 😋
I agree.....that's normally what I would do to this!
I just made this yummy dish and had to share 😋 even tho I posted 2 months ago . I cup of basmati rice into rice cooker with tomato chicken bullion 1 allspice pepper thingy. I took about 1/2 pound lentil sauted in bacon grease added my friends Italian spice seasoning , added water and cooked for about half hour . Than topped with French fried onion pieces ( you could use onion ) . I could feed 4 people and it was under 2 dollars 🎉.
This is honestly impressive! Usually when people say they’re doing a “2 dollar” or “5 dollar” budget meal it means they’re buying 20 dollars worth of food and saying what the cost is “per person”. You actually show people what they can get if all they have to their name is a few bucks and I appreciate that. This looks really tasty and filling!
Glad you like my video! 😁 Thanks for letting me know!
You would enjoy all of Michelle’s “budget” videos, then. She is very good at making delicious looking meals for exactly however much money she has.
I was thinking the same! Great job, Michelle 💪🏻🥰
Equally annoying is when they claim to make a meal for 2 dollars when they actually spend something like $2.89
As I’m sitting here sad and blue and missing my grandson, he’s gone for basic training with the army, up pops my favorite Sunday upload!!! You’re making my day sweet girl!! I love these videos so much. It gives me great ideas for me and my son!!!❤❤New York?? That’s crazy!! I thought it would be outrageous!!
Be proud of you grandson he will get some great training and mature. My grandson is a Cpt. in the Army following our families military service. He will have brothers with a bond that never leaves. I was an Army wife for 23 years thru two tours of Vietnam it isn't an easy life but one with great memories.
💜 awe..thanks so much. I know what it's like to miss family. 😞
RE: NYC- that's what I thought too!!
@@geraldinelucas3143 thank you!!!! I’m so proud of him!!!!
⁰)
I really appreciate your portion control and ingredient adherence while still creating flavorful meals. I am a single person and this is so helpful. I near very near you and it is nice to see you do it in a high cost area.
Thanks so much! 😁 and hello neighbor!
North Pole Alaska here Roma tomatoes are about $1 each, better to buy a can of tomatoes
Yikes that's high!
Food pantries usually have rice and/or pasta and some veggies available. If you are down to $2.00 with a family to feed. You should pay them a visit. Then you can use your money to purchase something thing that you may need to complete a recipe.
Many young people opt out of the rice and beans at the food pantry. My neighbors always give me theirs. I take anything extra. I started stock piling spices too.
yes, that's a good idea!
I would add lentils for protein. I make lentil tacos, lentil meatballs and lentil meatloaf. This looks delicious 😋
great idea!
Lol you use as many tomatoes and paprika as I do, also always turmeric in the rice. Normally I have beef mince with mine, like you said you would basically only need a small amount to bulk this out for carnivores! Definitely wouldn't turn my nose up at this. Great work as always Michelle.
Thank you 😁
A cup of cooked white rice is 4g of protein. Brown rice cooked is 5g protein. So if you are eating two cups of cooked rice its 8 or 10 grams of protein. Not too shabby! Add another gram or two for the veggies. I would add green or black lentils to the rice when cooking for a lttle more cost. Im too lazy to stuff peppers. I would just chop them into little pieces.
I guessed Alaska🎉🏆🥇
I agree...normally I would be adding beans into this. And you guessed right on Alaska! 🥳
Northern Alaska here yes when I watch budget meals I have to multiply the budget by 2 or 3 for my area, if I want to buy ingredients.
at winco ive gotten bulk spices, just a teaspoon or so at a time, and i remember it being just pennies. this was almost 5 years ago but an option if people cant afford a whole container of spices!
I've done the same thing for my challenges. VERY inexpensive if you need some spices.
When my dad lived in Oregon we always shopped at Winco when I visited. It’s my favorite grocery store! I wish they were here on the East Coast.
Tomatoes aren't a pricey item here, not cheap though! But the real banger is the bell peppers. SO expensive!
Sometimes they are very high here too. I don't buy during those times.
Absolutely splendid!! Love the alternatives given, too..Thank you!
For protein, you can add one egg to it
Any kind of bean or scrambled eggs would add the protien you were mentioning. Always keep dried beans around
I love cooking with tomatoes! I only wish I wasn't allergic to them.
that's a bummer! I love them so much!
Looks delicious! 🤩😍 I haven’t made stuffed peppers in forever either! 😩
Thanks! 😁
We make stuffed pepper casserole. Peppers, onions, rice, tomatoes, and cheese. I add beef or chicken bouillon to the rice while cooking. Sometimes I skim some ground beef or even sausage from another recipe. If we don’t have meat, that’s okay. Our favorite seasoning for this dish is adobo and Italian seasoning. You can use your favorite. Oh, I love keeping generic rotel on hand for a dish like this.
I grew up having stuffed green peppers quite often but never with tomatoes in it. My parents baked it in tomato sauce. They didn't steam the peppers 1st either.
I will definitely have to try your way. Sounds delicious.
Oh I like the idea of baking them in tomato sauce. Yum!😋 I'm trying that next time!
I've always par boiled the peppers first for mine.
Sometimes we used a can of stewed tomatoes
I use the steamer basket on the rice cooker for red potatoes. Cut them in 2" pieces and steam. Delicious!!
Thanks for the tip!
Great idea !!! I use rice often , fried rice , rice with cheese and brocolli , i break up spaghetti noodles and make my own rice a roni !! Thanks for all your inspiring videos !!!
welcome 😁
You can also add a little butter or oil into the rice pot and garlic salt to make it extra yummy.
true 👍 great idea!
Definitely Hawaii. Ridiculous to buy a Roma in Maui!
Roma Tomato in Cincinnati is about 21 cents each at Wal-Mart.
Very good price 👍
Happy Mothers day 💓 💐. Thank you for sharing your wonderful recipes 😀.
I’ve been cooking lentils into my rice mix and putting those into the toaster oven
I bet that's delicious!
@@ArdentMichelle they are yummy
Do you add cooked lentils or are you cooking the dried lentils in with the rice? That would be handy if it works.
@@SheilaEnglish2 I parboil my lentils til aldente then add them to the rice and cook it
@@tondamccarthy6537Ok, I think I could manage that 😄
I am going to give your recipe a try. Looks good.
I had some leftovers and wanted to use them up. I saw a box of wild rice and made the following...
Wild Rice soup
1 box of Rice-A-Roni Wild Rice
4 cup chicken broth or water
1 T butter
Left overs (I had sliced Mushrooms, cut up Broccoli, chopped up Rotisserie Chicken)
Add chicken broth, butter to pot and bring to boil.
Add rice box contents and stir
Add left overs and stir
If needed, add more water or broth than stir.
Put lid on pot and turn burner to low
I cooked it for 25 minutes than check rice for doneness but not mushy. If needed, add 3-5 more minutes.
It was sooo yummy.
Hope that it's okay to share.
Of course it's fine to share! 👍 I love that. We all get ideas from each other and this recipe sounds yummy!
The rate for a suburb of Flint MI for a Roma tomato is .30 today at Kroger.
Thanks for sharing this. That's not bad.
The red hot original seasonal blend the powder we do not have here in Syracuse New York I have never seen that until it popped up on your screen
Trader Joes has a mix that's my favorite. It's called sriracha sprinkle seasoning blend. It makes all my veggie stir frys taste so good.
looks great, thanks again for sharing Michelle
My pleasure 😊
I would guess Alaska
Correctamundo!
I know it’s not a state, but in my local Walmart in Ontario Canada, one Roma tomato is estimated at 67 cents, so even more expensive than Alaska!
That's a lot!
Im in Florida, Roma tomatoes at Walmart are 21 cents.
thanks for the input!
Chick peas would be great ❤
I think having beans, potatoes, corn, etc later makes a complete protein right? Like they used to think you had to eat them at the same meal but then realized it’s really the same day since our bodies recycle proteins. Still wouldn’t reach the bare minimum for the day, but this looked delicious and a full tummy is all that’s needed ❤
If it were me, I would throw in a few lentils from my pantry but I've had some requests for meals without beans.
I learned this from Amy Daczyn and her Tightwad Gazette. I’m showing my age. 🤦🏼♀️
Hi, would you do a budget challenge with the vegetarian meatballs from Aldi in the freezer? Please thank you I appreciate if you ever have a time because I would like to see what you make out of it I do like your recipes😊 I also live in California
I'll consider this. 🤔 I think it would be fun!
@@ArdentMichelle thank you
Yay!
💜
Roma tomatoes are 21 cents each near us right now.
I would also use brown rice instead for more nutritional value
Thanks friend I another great one friend ❤
Thanks so much 💜
I just b😊ought Roma tomatoes at Aldi in Ohio .29 a pound yesterday..love them. I really enjoyed the video❤also I brown up a handful of bacon bits if I don’t want to add Gr. Beef..delicious and it cost pennies.
great idea and thanks for sharing the cost!
Another great video! You read my mind on the black beans and cumin but when you added the leftover chili it made me think you would probably have the best ideas for a no buy meal challenge using what’s left in your fridge and pantry.
Sometimes there are days I have to get to the supermarket but I don’t and I would love to be creative enough to use what’s left in my house and I think you will have the best recipe for something like that and even if I don’t have what you have in your fridge you will inspire me❤
Thanks so much. 💜I think we all inspire each other here! 😁
fresh produce is expensive in Alaska because shipping is so expensive.
Looks delicious!!
Yes, go look in your couch cushions for some change and get a quarter of pound of ground turkey to add!😂
Alaska
Correct! 👍
Good morning Michelle, one of my favorite things to eat is stuffed peppers, I don't think I could ever get tired of eating them.
Last weeks Cincinnati chili was so good, I made the recipe the day after your video. I had heard of it but never bothered to see what was in it. It was so good, my husband and I both were crazy about it. I had hotdogs and put it over that as a viewer suggested but since there was a lot left over my husband wanted it again the next day and I opted to put it over rice for myself. I was in heaven, crazy that I liked it so much, anyway I will be making that again in the near future. Now you put it in my head about over stuffed peppers. 💃💃💃💃 Thank you!! Charlotte
Yay! 🥳 I'm so glad you guys liked the Cincinnati Chili. That makes me happy! I was finding all kinds of ways to eat that stuff. It's a nice little spin on chili. Have a great rest of your weekend! 😁
As of today 5/5/24 here in Indiana at my local Walmart, one Roma tomato is 21 cents each, down from 27 cents it 98cents per LB. I like the way you season your dishes, you have inspired me to spice it up more. Looks delicious, I can’t wait to make this. TY❤
You're welcome 😁 Hope you enjoy!
You could add a handful of lentils in there to add some bulk and protein.
that's exactly what I would do if I were just cooking for myself.
I always enjoy your comforting voice with your comforting food recipes, but did pause to wonder if you had a video for extreme budget manicures as it looked like you spent much more on your lovely nails than that meal for a family of four.
wow thanks for the complement because yes I do do them myself. 😂 However, I will not be doing a video on how to do them. You'll have to google for that! 😂
a fried egg on top would be awesome.
agreed 👍
I haven't bought tomatoes in so long, due to my allergy becoming anaphylactic. I wish i could use them still. Its so cheap and in quite a few recipes
that's a bummer 😞 I use them a lot, but there are lots of other amazing veggies to sub in.
❤❤❤❤ thank you 👍🏾❤❤❤❤❤
You are so welcome 😁
instead of adding beef to rice, you can also add cooked bacon crumbled or diced ham steak or diced Kielbasa sausage (would only need about 1/3 of a sausage)...dts/usa
good idea 👍
I think Alaska or Hawaii would be most expensive for the Roma tomato’s.
Great guesses. Alaska was the most expensive.
Good commentary on the Roma tomatoes! Per pound, they are .98 (.21 per tomato) here in Indiana. The slicing tomatoes are $1.78 per pound. The Roma tomatoes have such better texture and flavor than the typical tomato, and they also stay fresher longer. I use them for everything, and if I want slices of tomato for a sandwich, I just slice up the Roma! It takes a few more slices, but no big deal. Also, it’s easy to want to pick up some cherry or grape tomatoes for convenience and taste, but I’ve stopped doing that because they are so darned expensive, and again, the Romas taste just as good!
I agree about the Romas 👍 I frequently slice them for a sandwich.
❤
New York prices are insane. Green peppers are 2.99 a pound at my supermarket. Can't recall the romas and most small onions are about a buck.
Alaska.
Correct 👍
I live in Syracuse New York the cheapest way to get a tomato here a roma tomato is to grow it
Rice mixed bean bag
Yum! Will do this soon, both tofu and beans sounds delicious. But peppers here (in Sweden) are very expensive until the end of summer, so I might wait til then. 😊
yeah..I would definitely wait.
Aldi chicken drum sticks 60 cents tomatoes 45 cents a pound cucumbers 29 cents limit 2 jalapeños package 25 cents limit. 2
great ideas!
A three pack of peppers is $8 for me! I’m always amazed at the prices outside of Canada.
yikes. That's high.
Omg 😮 Are you able to get a small greenhouse to grow a few things maybe?
Sadly, prices of bell pepper is pretty high over here. Regular price is like $2-$3 a pound for non-green (yellow/orange/red bell peppers). Now that it's on sale for $1.29, I bought a few to make stuffed bell peppers. Cinco de Mayo had quite a few items on sale too, so I have been making a taco-based filling for the stuffed bell peppers.
Yum! 😋 I would love the taco seasoning in there.
Tomatoes here for romas are about 99 cents a pound.
The state with the most expensive tomato is Alaska!
yes!
That meal looks very good! For protein, maybe I would add lentils or egg.
I agree... lentils would be good in this!
$0.40 for one roma tomato in Santa Rosa, CA
that's high. Is that at Walmart?
Roma tomatoes at TJ’s in Connecticut cost 29 cents each.
thanks for sharing!
I was thinking you could have used lentils as a cheap protein.
yes absolutely 👍
I wanted to skip the beans this time though...because a lot of people are requesting beanless meals. Unfortunately, there is no substitute for the nutrition and low cost of beans though.
I was thinking Alaska
you are RIGHT!
Idaho food is expensive.
spuds should be cheaper there 😂
Good Video!!
You mention you have another channel.
How do we find that?
ARDENT MICHELLE RECIPES
www.youtube.com/@ArdentMichelle-RECIPES
@@ArdentMichelle Thank you!
The extra fifteen cents could have been a scrambled egg on top.
true 👍
Being a weight loss surgery patient, every meal I have needs to have protein in it. So adding some beans would make this 100% perfect for me. Your meals always look so delicious!
If I were just cooking for myself, I would have added in some lentils.
I think Alaska is going to be the state where the produce or Roma tomatoes are the most expensive. Overdo the hot paprika?? Is that possible? I guess I’m not normal. I have loved spicy food from the time I was a small child (like 3 years old small) but I think hot paprika in this would be outstanding . I hope things are still going well with the new job. So I know you have the new job and your 2 channels and you’re very very busy, but have you thought about writing a cookbook? As I was watching this, I was thinking of a way that you could make a free tomato sauce to go with your stuffed peppers. If you have ketchup packets from a fast food restaurant, you could use a few of those thin them down with water and “presto” you have stuffed peppers in tomato sauce.
Yes 👍 you are right on Alaska. Yes, I'm quite busy. Still haven't received my new schedule. Looking forward to having a flex day. Great tip on the ketchup.
Great idea as usual. Would taco seasoned lentils taste good in here or do you think the texture would compete with the rice?
I was actually thinking that lentils would be great in this. 👍
💟 I do love to repeat myself and will again say how seeing your video makes my day. I am going to start paying more attention to what a meal costs me. This challenge will keep me out of trouble. Left overs such as rice or pasta are a win win in my home. Left over anything really. The rice cooker. Thank you for explaining some different uses and a steamer option 👍. I had left overs tonight. Beans and rice is so nice with a bit of salsa. 🍅 prices. I was thinking Rhode Island would be high. Everything is. Did I tell you I did finally go to an Aldi. They are really expanding I saw on the news. Grocery wars. 🫑 stuffed and up right the cap on top unless I dice it for something else. I prefer and color over green. Have a fantastic week my friend 💟
Sorry for the delay in responding! Use the money you save to set aside towards something else. 😁 I love ALDI. I need to try to make it over there more often! I'm planning on making these peppers again, and I saw that they have yellow peppers on sale at Wholesome Choice this week. See you soon!
@@ArdentMichelle hugs. 💟 I appreciate you taking the time. I know you have less of that now. Happy Mother’s Day
My mom made rice with onions, tomatoes and peppers. She called it Spanish rice.
yes! That's delicious too.
Michelle, I love coming home from church and lunch and sitting down to watch your latest episode of budget meals. Your voice is so calming and the meals always practical and delicious. You could also add an egg to the top or mixed in for a little protein. Thanks for keeping us inspired. I hope your job is going well. Take care.
Awe...thanks so much. 😁 I'm glad you find my videos relaxing and that you look forward to them. 💜
My job is going well...thanks for asking. We got assigned to our regional office on Friday. I was hoping that I would be receiving my new schedule with a flex day (every other Friday off) but unfortunately I have to wait another month for that.
Hope you have a great week!
Another great video!! Some lentils would taste amazing and add some protein.
agreed 👍
I like these very low budget challenges, especially when simple ingredients are turned into tasty meals. It is very hard to find these kinds of ingredients with only two dollars at today's prices. Which is a very good reason for stocking up on basics when times are good.
I like to make a Thai inspired singed noodle dish with angel hair pasta and a spicy homemade peanut butter sauce, with onion, garlic, ginger, and carrot. Pasta has protein and peanut butter adds even more more. Any leftover chopped meat wouldn't go amiss in a spicy recipe. Many cuisines around the world are based on inexpensive ingredients with massive amounts of flavor. It's fun to adapt them to my American tastes. Michelle has made it into a video art form... and now I'm getting hungry!
Thanks so much! 😁 I couldn't agree more, and cultures around the world have perfected delicious but inexpensive meals. I can't wait to discover more of them! The noodle dish sounds delicious. I'm planning to make one that is similar very soon.
That's a great deal on onions!
It really is 👍
Thank you for actually sticking to your budget, as you always do. It's frustrating when content creators' headlines say "$2" but they consistently spend more-- $2.67 or even $2.97! The truth matters!
BTW, this looks yummy!
Welcome 😁 Glad you like it.
Exactly. If you only have $2, the store isn't going to let you have that extra .67 or .97 cents out of the goodness of their hearts.
Or they use what they have at home and just spend $2 on the "extras" that they go to the store for. 😢
Lentils also great protein and fiber.
It's amazing how many times i am making or made the same meal that you post 😅. Last nite i made unstuffed peppers with rice , green peppers , onion , small amout of ground beef and the kicker was a friends Italian spice mix she sells. The right seasoning makes all the difference. I appreciate how you season your dishes.
I'm not done with the stuffed peppers. I'll be making those again and mixing things up a bit.
It's 50 cents in Seattle Washington
😮
wow
California
Roma tomato here in Cleveland Ohio is 21 cents. Great video !! If you had eggs a fried egg would be awesome on that pepper!
Great idea!!
Great recipe as usual. Adding some rehydrated tvp would bulk it up and add protein. TVP is quite cheap to buy at the bulk store.
true 👍
Looks delicious! Stuffed peppers are one of my favorite meals. Will be making some soon incorporating some of your suggestions.
I had forgotten how good they are!
In eastern Oregon a Roma tomato is $1.29 a pound or about $.39 each
thanks for sharing!
Bravo Michelle! This looks absolutely wonderful and filling, not to mention , delicious! The last time I made stuffed peppers, I made a thin gravy/soup which is traditional in my area. I simply thickened the tomato/chicken bouillon that I have seen you use on your channel. It was really good.
I hope you know what a wonderful teacher you are and what an inspiration you are to everyone charged with feeding a family.
Woops...forgot to mention, the soup goes in a dish and the stuffed pepper sits on top of it.
I love this idea! 👍 I bet that makes a lovely sauce/gravy for the peppers.
And thanks so much for the kind words friend 💜
I live in Australia and love watching your videos. I guessed Alaska right away. You Roma tomato’s are so cheap in America. They are very pricey here in Australia, I do grow a lot of veges myself. Always lots of tomato’s to make lots of pasta sauce and tomato soup to can. So yummy 😊 those stuffed peppers look really yummy, I like the idea of adding leftover chilli, great idea
Glad you like my video! 😁
Alaska is very expensive food wise
yes they are!
Your plated dish looks amazing!
Thank you 😁
Brooklyn NYC is huge, the closest Aldi is an hour (with public transportation) from my house. At our local supermarket Roma tomatoes were $3.99 today or .66 for one.
Understood. Have you had any luck with the little markets? I used to watch June (from Budget Eats) get the best deals on produce in NYC. I think she was in Queens though.
Looks very tasty and budget friendly 😊🇦🇺
Glad you like it!
I like seeing how prices compare. I can get Roma tomatoes right now for .21 each. I'm in the Southeastern U.S.
I make stuffed bell peppers about once a month. A tasty and affordable meal! Thank you, Michelle, as always!
You're welcome. 😁 Thanks for watching! I think I'll be making them again soon too. Someone mentioned taco seasoning so now I want to try that with some of the burger crumbles. Not sure why I haven't made this in so long!
How are you making your stuffed peppers?
Not much to add.. I just like how you plated your pepper and rice mixture. It gives appearance of volume. Just a stuffed pepper on a plate doesnt have same effect of "feeding the eye". This is something I will adopt as well as steaming the pepper in the rice cooker. It saves a step over boiling them, something I dont want to do come summer. Anything to reduce heating up the house! Also just quick. I have a couple of peppers to use up, and this is going to be made today. How fun!
As you mentioned, depending on budget (or what one may have already in house), there are creative ways to add extra protein. Little bit of beef and tvp crumbles, or beef and lentils, or just lentils or beans (ooh garbanzo beans!), or stir in an egg, etc. Beef bouillon amps up that meaty vibe if one needs it.
As always, thanks!
yeah...if it were just for myself, I would have added in some lentils.
@@ArdentMichelle yeh, how I cook for myself (little to no meat) is different than what I feed everyone else. 😆Love lentils😍
Alaska or canada
Definitely Canada will be higher.
Hawaii
That's what I thought....but no
Looks great!
Thank you 😁