105 Meals for Under $1.19 a Serving: A Comprehensive Guide to Meal Planning on a Budget

Рет қаралды 24,722

Жыл бұрын

Do you ever feel like you can't afford to eat well because your grocery budget is always tight? Well, in this video, I'm going to show you how to cook meals that cost less than $1.19 a serving using creative ingredients. This is more of a realistic Extreme grocery budget challenge.
You don't have to be a master chef to cook delicious, affordable meals! In this comprehensive guide to meal planning, I'm going to show you how to cook 105 meals that cost less than $1.19 a serving. From quick and easy lunches to creative and nutritious dinners, meal planning on a budget is perfect for anyone looking to save money on their food budget!
Budget Grocery Shopping Steps:
1. Set your budget
2. Shop your pantry (although I didn't do that here :))
3. Shop your local store flyers and pick the two stores that appear to have the best deals.
4. List out the best deals and the amount you plan to buy adding up the total cost of all the items you'd like to get. Look for stock up prices and plan to buy extra of those items.
5. Make a meal plan based around your pantry items and sale items. See if you can fit in some new recipes too!
6. Cut down the grocery list to your budget amount. It's likely over as is but you will know what you need and don't need now to make your meal plan work. This sometimes means shifting a new more complicated recipes to another week where you have more wiggle room and making a simpler and cheaper recipe instead. It also may mean not stocking up on a more expensive item (you'll just have to wait until next time).
7. Stick to your list at the store and clip store coupons if you need to. Check the reduced racks at the store to see if you can get anything on your list for even less!
8. Stick to your meal plan and pre-portion snacks. That will make sure things don't go to waste.
Recipes:
Bahn Mi Bowls:
thealmondeater.com/banh-mi-bo...
Coleslaw dressing: www.allrecipes.com/recipe/240...
Affiliate Links:
Pastry cutter: amzn.to/431mpl4
Caraway Pans: LIMITED TIME! Caraway 10% Site-wide Discount
Auntie Nono's: 30% off site wide code MARIA30 a link: glnk.io/4xxy9/maria30
Instant Pot:amzn.to/3PTx6Ad
Beef Masher: amzn.to/3gUJJxF
Drainer: amzn.to/3NrgH4U
Microplane: amzn.to/3EoUUZ3
Lemon Juicer: amzn.to/3VcRiPE
Emersion Blender: amzn.to/3T0B6zq
White bowls: amzn.to/3MLe0tA
Rose Gold Kitchen Tools and White Measuring Spoons: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...
Slow Cooker:www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08...
Pyrex Cup Measures: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
Small Pink Spatula (comes in a set):www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...
Music: www.epidemicsound.com/referra...
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My videos are for entertainment purposes only. Any information related to food, food safety, cooking, recipes, etc. are my opinions only. Maria Ronan is not liable and/or responsible for any advice, services, or product you obtain through this video.

Пікірлер: 91

@wadly312 Жыл бұрын

I thought I was the only person who spend ages doing a comprehensive spreadsheet to plan grocery shopping 😂 awesome video!

@vcneveroski Жыл бұрын

This is exactly why it is extremely important to shop weekly. You just miss too many deals shopping biweekly or monthly.

@rhiahlMT Жыл бұрын

I shop monthly for what I know we'll eat that rarely goes on sale. Then I watch the flyers and buy sales to stock the pantry and add to the things I bought on the main shop. For instance, I found chicken boneless skinless breasts for $1.45 and beef in bulk for $3.83 lb. I had to cut it the way I wanted it, but it worked. Same with pork loin for $1.75 lb. I won't buy meat until mid June to July unless I find something weekly on sale. Now, I can shop the proteins and pantry and work it with the sales weekly.

@SharynCiampa Жыл бұрын

Love your videos and so happy to find someone who lives in my state because I can relate to the same stores

@MealsWithMaria Жыл бұрын

The best! I’m so happy too!

@teacupofcents Жыл бұрын

@@MealsWithMaria For all that Nh folk are frugal, not much on YT. Maria, these look great!

@hoosiergirl1 Жыл бұрын

You did a great job with your budget. Lots of food for what you spent! The meals all looked yummy!! Good video.

@MealsWithMaria Жыл бұрын

Thank you!!!

@angelahayman5405 Жыл бұрын

I love getting loss leaders & stocking up on them! Knowing your prices is essential to saving money!

@MealsWithMaria Жыл бұрын

Definitely!!

@jillgott6567 Жыл бұрын

I have no shame about going to a store just for their loss leaders and clearance if I find any. Great video and not a bad amount for 5 people /week

@PandaBear62573 Жыл бұрын

I just finished doing my grocery list earlier today. I make my list in a similar fashion.

@LaciElements08 Жыл бұрын

I love the fact that you share the same stores that we have it makes things more relatable. Have you noticed that your MB isn't as cost friendly as it used to be? We have noticed that and that all of our local stores are still struggling with keeping things in stock. I wonder is it's because we are more rural. We shop at the Claremont NH store. Thank you for all you :)

@lynnchristensen4439 Жыл бұрын

I have a family of 6 and with a bit .ore this will work. Awesome! Your family is adorable❤

@audreyrobles1505 Жыл бұрын

Watching your little one at breakfast reminded me of one of my grandchildren. When Catherine was small she would eat a whole pound of bacon by herself, raw, given the opportunity! There was more than one time while my daughter was cooking bacon and turned around to see that there was no bacon on the plate because she'd come and got it😂

@mangopilar Жыл бұрын

Maria, you have mad excel skills.😂

@MealsWithMaria Жыл бұрын

You learned my secret…I spent 10 years as a financial analyst 😅

@mangopilar Жыл бұрын

@@MealsWithMaria 💕🐈 love it.

@lindabyrnes4356 Жыл бұрын

I need to brush up on Excel

@beverlyharward9631 Жыл бұрын

Wonderful grocery haul, Maria! If anyone complains abt spending money spent on fresh veggies, fruit-pay no attention. Healthy eating pays for itself in the long run. Fact😊

@charlottekearn5185 Жыл бұрын

These recipes look mouthwatering, the one that really caught my eye was that sweet potato dish 😋. I'm going to have to be way more conscious of my over spending on food, there are only 2 of us 🧓👴, I like to do my share of convenience items, even though I cook from scratch most of the time. Your boys are so sweet, Ben is a darling for sure. I'm sure 3 boys keep you hopping, surprised you have time for a channel but so glad you do, love your recipes.

@ericarandall2692 Жыл бұрын

This is awesome! Thanks for the great recipes and all of the fantastic ideas! I just love your channel!

@teresaholland4790 Жыл бұрын

Tks for your help with this project

@geninejames9473 Жыл бұрын

Great video Maria. Thanks for the inspiration. I really enjoy grocery hauls and recipes/meals. The boys are adorable. 😀

@merediths9667 Жыл бұрын

This was one of my fav vids you have done! Great job!❤

@trudikovach8656 Жыл бұрын

You're so organized! Thank you for this well thought out plan for real-time economy. Much appreciated!

@sallylastname1319 Жыл бұрын

So fun to see all three of your boys in the same shot!❤

@johnbrooks8258 Жыл бұрын

Awesome with the planning and cooking. The food looked so good. Ben loves to eat.

@christinaaviles5663 Жыл бұрын

Awesome tips!

@christinabryant5725 Жыл бұрын

I enjoyed this video SO MUCH!!!!!

@j4d7s8 Жыл бұрын

I love a good spreadsheet!

@couponingwithisa Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing 👍

@jackieburnett6881 Жыл бұрын

You really got some fantastic deals!!

@sumsharp Жыл бұрын

your kids eat well, you're lucky. They seem to eat everything you give them. Good for them! I'm inspired to try some of these recipes.

@j4d7s8 Жыл бұрын

I’m currently in the “freezer/pantry is packed and I need to plan some actual meals” phase of prepping. 🙃

@micahmiller5923 Жыл бұрын

I used to shop at Safeway (same as your Shaw's), especially for the produce. I tried couponing for a few weeks, but I had a cashier at Safeway rudely inform me that the "Just4U" deals are the manufacturer coupons applied to the products and that they wouldn't accept coupons for those products. According to this cashier, all stores do this. Since Safeway was further away than Smith's (my Kroger affiliate) and the prices and staff were worse than Smith's, I decided to save myself the trouble, and now I shop at Smith's. But I find great deals at Smith's, and it's within walking distance to our house. I also earn rewards for fuel points and save, on average, 0.70 per gallon on fuel each month. I can see the benefit of shopping at multiple stores, but other than Smith's I find my WinCo store (an employee owned chain) and Costco to be extremely budget friendly for us. Any deal that Safeway offers I can get the same product for the same or less at either of these 3 stores.

@jenniferhudson7022 Жыл бұрын

ok those banh mi bowls look incredible! Also the crock pot chicken! Can’t wait to make those! Your boys are so cute!

@Gidget2324 Жыл бұрын

OMG I thought I was the only one using Google sheets for my meal plan lol. I love how detailed your spreadsheet was though! Mine is WAY more basic, two tabs, one for meals and one for groceries. (I found you through See Mindy Mom!)

@MealsWithMaria Жыл бұрын

I’m so glad you’re here! Great minds think alike!!

@kathyclarke6327 Жыл бұрын

I never thought of bbq sauce with sweet potatoes 💕 I’m not a bbq meat fan but bbq sauce on sweet potatoes sound good to me!

@madelineluciano9109 Жыл бұрын

Wow... Thank You!!

@MealsWithMaria Жыл бұрын

You’re so welcome 😀😀

@lisas321 Жыл бұрын

I love this!! The meals looked yummy! Budget awesome planning!! Teach us how to do that on excel please?? Would make life simpler!!❤️❤️

@roxannejohnston3311 Жыл бұрын

All meals look delish

@MealsWithMaria Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much!

@twilightshealy4152 Жыл бұрын

Great video..adorable boys & great mom! 😊 👍

@MealsWithMaria Жыл бұрын

Aw thank you!

@rhiahlMT Жыл бұрын

Maria, Memorial Day is coming up. BBQ sauces etc., will be going on sale. Stock up, the stuff lasts forever. I bought some Ritz crackers last week and they've changed the recipe. The things just crumbled in my hand, really overly salty. I'll go with Carr's or Townhouse next time. I buy ground beef in bulk/on sale and cook it. Cool and into the freezer. That can be pulled for a quick meals. Also helps portion it better. Tacos, burritos, chili, meat sauce, egg roll in a bowl.

@tanyajasiecki3722 Жыл бұрын

Really nice job. You have good content for shopping AND cooking. Please consider to reduce the volume of the music, it was too much when you were explaining what the food's for. Thank you and keep up such nice videos!

@beckyblevins9095 Жыл бұрын

I only buy meats when it on sale and buy more of it then I won't have to pay regular price. This is great video and look forward to your next video

@itstime3976 Жыл бұрын

I would love to see what was left over from your grocery haul.

@katiec2772 Жыл бұрын

I legit saw Bahn mi bowls and added what I was missing . I'm gonna sub ground chicken or ground pork since I have it on hand.

@MealsWithMaria Жыл бұрын

Yay! That will be great!

@christinabryant5725 Жыл бұрын

I love that missing tooth smile❤. Hi little guy!!

@tenthousanddaysofgratitude Жыл бұрын

I’m a whizz at the flyers. The trick for me is make recipes with what’s on sale or what I grow. It taught me not to grow so much kale and Swiss chard because even though it’s easy to grow….I can only swallow that stuff so many days a week. 😂 more peppers tomatoes broccoli beans and zucchini and winter squash in the garden this year. Same applies to sales. If apples are on sale but you won’t eat them, don’t buy them. (Another tip: stewed apples with cinnamon make a great addition to morning oatmeal - tastes like apple crumble for breakfast but it’s healthy)

@susanwitte350 Жыл бұрын

Great video. Good ideas and recipes. Fyi, you might want to add the salt after the water is boiling so it doesn’t pit the bottom of your metal pot.

@catherineanhari7573 Жыл бұрын

We don’t get those prices in Fl. Good for you!

@sharonwengler3225 Жыл бұрын

What is lazy chicken parm? My local store (NY) had a deal you buy the chicken and you got breadcrumbs, sauce and cheese for free!

@lesliekanengiser8482 Жыл бұрын

I sometimes bake the chicken by itself, add sauce on top and then the cheese and breadcrumbs and bake for 20 minutes. It's more of a chicken parm casserole, but it is way less work.

@kathyclarke6327 Жыл бұрын

Your commentator is so funny😂

@wandahall4435 Жыл бұрын

Tommy and Julian and Ben and Dan and Maria Love 💘❤ 💕 💗 💖♥

@MealsWithMaria Жыл бұрын

❤️❤️❤️almost always first Wanda!

@AnastaciaInCleveland Жыл бұрын

I've learned something from you today. Thank you! Question: Do you set the crockpot on low or on high for that chicken dish? Thanks! Warm regards ~ Anastacia in Cleveland

@princessjanuarymarie3197 Жыл бұрын

cool

@lindatsai3454 Жыл бұрын

Do you have any tips or videos on picky eaters?

@PenelopePeppers Жыл бұрын

🏆

@Tammyjify Жыл бұрын

How do I download your recipes? Thanks!

@connierodenburg129 Жыл бұрын

What is Uncle Tony's? Great video!

@karenthomas1756 Жыл бұрын

It is a great creole or Cajun seasoning in a shaker like season salt it's good on everything

@JESUSLOVESYOU.150 Жыл бұрын

♥️

@katescaringcorner6765 Жыл бұрын

I love watching your videos because I am also secluded to the area of Shaw’s, Hannaford and Market Basket. I also have a membership to BJs. I use to have a membership to Sam’s but I’ve moved away from Sam’s and closer to BJs. I’m not particularly happy with the produce quality of Market Basket and Shaw’s. Hannaford and Misfits Market is where I get my produce. Your thoughts?

@MealsWithMaria Жыл бұрын

It all makes sense to me! I think that the produce tends to vary by location. My market basket is great but I remember the MB in Sommersworth not being so great. I’ve never tried misfits market but I’d like to.

@susans9491 Жыл бұрын

You guys must be in New Hampshire! We’re in northern Vermont and we have just Hannaford, Shaws and Price Chopper. Shaws and Price Chopper are 45 minutes to an hour away, and there’s no Sam’s or BJ’s in the whole state. I do try to get to Costco every couple of weeks, but that’s an hours’ drive as well. We keep a well stocked pantry of loss leaders and items I find on sale, but I know we do miss out on some sales.

@katescaringcorner6765 Жыл бұрын

@@susans9491 Maria mentioning Sommersworth tells me she is in NH. However I am in Southern Maine in the Greater Portland area. The stores we have and that I use are (in no particular order) Shaw’s, Hannaford, Trader Joe’s (I am amazed that they never changed many of their prices all through Covid), BJs and Whole Foods. There are also bargain stores that carry food as well as other items: Ocean State Job Lots, Marden’s, Reny’s, Big Lots and The Christmas Tree Shop. We have a Sam’s Club but BJs is closer to me and there’s a rumor that in 2025 we will be having a Costco come to Scarborough which is about a half hour away from my and I most certainly be checking that baby out, I’ll tell ya! The only thing I really go to Whole Foods for is honey. As I have a problem with leg pain I take a tablespoon of Raw unfiltered honey a day as one of the ways I counteract the pain. The prices there are through the roof! I’ve never heard of Price Chopper! But it sounds amazingly fun!

@susans9491 Жыл бұрын

@@katescaringcorner6765 not too much fun at Price Chopper, unfortunately, they have good loss leaders but I don’t get their ad and don’t drive 45 minutes just to find out. We have a Trader Joe’s an hour away, always combine a stop there with my Costco run. No Ocean State, no Mardens, no Market Basket or Kroger’s and in my opinion the new owners have pretty well ruined the Christmas Tree Shop - used to be a treasure trove of home decor, some deals on shelf stable foods. Now it’s aisle after aisle of toiletries and cosmetics and coffee with very little merchandise that interests me. When I go to Plattsburgh NY (about 90 minutes away) I try to hit Aldi, Sam’s Club, the super WalMart and sometimes Chick Fil A and Hobby Lobby, none of which we have here. Vermont just got a Target for the first time a couple of years ago, so we just don’t have the selection of stores we’ve had in other places we’ve lived. All things considered, it’s been a good place to live, but it’s frustrating that when the puppy eats the bathmat we have to drive an hour to replace it.

@katescaringcorner6765 Жыл бұрын

@@susans9491 I get the frustration. I actually haven’t been in Christmas Tree since we got the Job Lot here in my town. All the things I’d get from Bob’s Red Mill I can get at Job Lot. I was never impressed by the marked up chincy things they have outside of their gluten free stuff. Compared to Job Lot it’s not worth driving 30 minutes to get what I can get 5 minutes away. We have a Hobby Lobby the next county north an hour away. But the prices aren’t worth the trip. I have never been to the one Chick Fil A we got just before Covid. Not much on fast food or any food I didn’t make. I’ve always been the mind that if I can make it at home with food I already bought and make it better than the only reason to buy food someone else made and served to me is because of the friends and family I get to be with. Or, of course, I’m traveling and have to eat.

@annethompson2212 Жыл бұрын

great video, would be great extra great without the background music

@jonicabeird4657 Жыл бұрын

❤❤❤❤❤❤

@ambermartin5663 Жыл бұрын

You got great deals but we don't have those stores here in Salinas California so basically the only Is Walmart If I can get excellent deals at Safeway and/or lucky They are expensive too so I have to have a really good deal there or I stick to Walmart

@hello-vs4me Жыл бұрын

We have been cooking off stock pile 6 months and then went to food banks got 10 big cans of chicken and cans of vegetables and beans and didn't

@yvonnepalmquist8676 Жыл бұрын

You're welcome! 🤣

@sjr7822 Жыл бұрын

I can hear you better without the background music. I like seeing the children with you, Hands on experience, learning to be thrifty.

@hello-vs4me Жыл бұрын

Got 3 pounds of cutty and 3 pounds orange 🍊 2.99 aldi

@MaritsaDarman Жыл бұрын

What state is this in

@AussieRobyn Жыл бұрын

Where's the bread milk coffee juice....maybe l missing something as to me that's not a complete grocery list and $122....lol not in Australia that would be at least $250

@amieramsey1020 Жыл бұрын

Your kids are so adorable! There at the end I immediately thought of this classic commercial - "He likes it!" (I guess I'm old and had more than a few marketing/advertising classes in college.) kzfaq.info/get/bejne/ebKBY6-LuNSudnk.html